A Leap Off the Itinerary – Visiting Lemon Fair Sculpture Park

Soon after Kendra and I got engaged, we spent six weeks living and traveling in Europe. Though we never voiced our concerns, we knew it was one of those experiences that would make or break us. It was a relief to realize we are awesome travel buddies. What makes us so compatible is our willingness to leap off the itinerary when we stumble upon a hidden treasure.

Our kids are picking up on our adventurous natures – rarely do we get complaints when we suddenly veer off the road to explore. Case in point – the other day we went strawberry picking. On the way home, we spied sculptures dotting a quintessential Vermont farm. Kendra pulled to the side of the road into the parking lot for Lemon Fair Sculpture Park in Shoreham, Vermont. Owned by Frank and Elaine Ittleman, the Lemon Fair Sculpture Park features 41 sculptures.

After parking, we coated ourselves in bug spray, grabbed a printed guide, and set out for our adventure on the farm.

The kids loved the towering sculptures as much as Kendra and I did. They danced, smelled flowers, and giggled as we meandered down the path.

Although the kiddos are all really awesome museum visitors, there was something freeing about being able to run in the field chasing Monarch and Swallowtail butterflies fluttering about, all while surrounded by beautiful art.

Along the one-mile loop, there are plenty of great spots to stop for a rest and a snack, including the beautiful house that will serve as Frank and Elaine’s retirement home, and a bench across from three horses each sculpted from different materials.

As we closed the loop back to the parking lot, Evan spotted an old horseshoe half-hidden in the tractor tracks. He was thrilled. Seemed fitting for our lucky boy.

Just as we were finishing our explorations, we bumped into Frank heading to the fields in a tractor. He gave us a little history behind the Lemon Fair Sculpture Park. He and his wife, who both work in the medical field, wanted to share their love of art with the local community. Many of the featured sculptures are for sale, and they are always on the lookout for new work to add to the park.

Once again, our willingness to leap off the itinerary into an adventure paid off – the Lemon Fair Sculpture Park is an awesome place for kids and adults alike!

Know Before You Go

Address: 4547 Route 74 EAST, Shoreham , Vermont

Entrance Fees: The Lemon Fair Sculpture Park is free and open to the public.

Hours: Weekends 9am to 4pm, May through November

There are no bathrooms on site. Also, make sure you bring sunscreen, bug spray, water, and snacks.