If you’ve spent time around Stowe or Jeffersonville, you may have spotted a truck full of golden retrievers cruising through town. Those are the Butternut Hill Goldens, a pack of dogs that have become local celebrities in northern Vermont.
Despite living in Vermont for more than 20 years, I’d never managed to cross paths with them. So when Golden Dog Farm in Jeffersonville announced its first Golden Retriever Experience in 2023, I booked a ticket for opening day.
I’ve returned with friends and family since, including a September 2025 visit for a puppy experience. And yes, spending an afternoon surrounded by golden retrievers is every bit as entertaining as it sounds!
A Farm Full of Golden Retrievers and Mountain Views
Golden Dog Farm Local favorite: Golden Dog Farm is located on approximately 270 acres in Jeffersonville, Vermont, a few minutes from the village center and Smugglers’ Notch.
The property has beautiful views of Mount Mansfield, with open fields, vineyards and maple trees. It’s also a working farm producing maple syrup and honey.
On my first visit, I took the backroads through Cambridge during peak foliage. The drive was beautiful, with mountainsides covered in color, and the views only got better as I approached the farm.
I arrived around 1:45 p.m. to find visitors gathering near the barn. People had traveled from Boston, Connecticut, New Jersey and even Texas to meet the dogs.
Then Dana arrived with a truck full of golden retrievers, their heads poking out of the back, tongues hanging out and everyone gathering around to greet them.
Meeting the Butternut Hill Goldens
We met Padraig, Ginger, Steve, Amber, Kimba and several other goldens, along with 11-week-old Bauer, who quickly made friends with Golden Dog Farm’s resident golden, Lenny.
After introductions and photos, 13 golden retrievers came charging out of the truck and spread across the grass.
Some were interested in chasing tennis balls, while others preferred sitting beside visitors for attention. One of my favorite moments was watching the entire pack sprint after a tennis ball launched across the field with a tennis racket. Thirteen goldens chasing one ball, ears flying, was hilarious.
We spent the afternoon playing fetch, taking photos and getting to know the dogs. By the end, several had settled down for belly rubs, and I’d taken an embarrassing number of pictures.
During that visit, Dana shared how his tradition of bringing the dogs around Vermont began. Because Butternut Hill is in a relatively remote location, he wanted the puppies to become comfortable around different people and environments.
His solution was to load them into his truck and take them on outings around Stowe and Jeffersonville. Over the years, those trips became a familiar sight in northern Vermont.
I was particularly impressed by how the dogs responded to Dana. They ran together without collars or leashes during our session, returning when he called their names or whistled.
Returning for the Puppy Experience in September 2025
In September 2025, I returned for a puppy experience, which was a change from my previous visits with the adult goldens.
Instead of watching a large pack race around the fields, we spent time interacting with the younger dogs. There were plenty of puppy snuggles, and I loved having the opportunity to meet another generation of Butternut Hill Goldens.
If you’re hoping to meet puppies, make sure you’re booking a puppy-specific event. The standard Golden Retriever Experience doesn’t guarantee puppies, and availability depends on the farm’s schedule.
How Much Does the Golden Retriever Experience Cost?
Golden Dog Farm offers ticketed experiences throughout the year, with different events depending on the season.
As of October 2026, the farm advertised the following prices:
| Experience | Price Per Person |
|---|---|
| Golden Retriever Experience | $99.95 |
| Golden Retriever Experience with Lunch | $129.95 |
Prices include applicable Vermont taxes.
The standard experience lasts approximately 90 minutes, with time to play with the dogs, take photos and enjoy the farm.
Puppy experiences may have different prices and durations, so check the individual event listing before booking.
Tickets are available through the Golden Dog Farm website. The farm’s published terms indicate that reservations are nonrefundable and cannot be rescheduled, although transfers to another person may be possible with advance notice.
I’d book early for foliage weekends and special puppy events, which can fill quickly.
Parking and Visiting Golden Dog Farm
Address: 1039 Pratt Road, Jeffersonville, Vermont.
When you arrive, look for the designated parking area to the right of the Golden Dog Farm sign. From there, ATV transportation takes visitors up to the barn.
A few things to know:
- Seasonal access
- Pratt Road is a rural Vermont road. Allow extra travel time during winter or mud season, and follow the farm’s arrival instructions.
- Children
- Children under 12 must be accompanied by a paying adult, according to the farm’s published rules. Confirm current age and ticket requirements when booking.
- Pets
- Leave your own dog at home. Outside pets aren’t permitted at the experience.
- Accessibility
- Contact the farm before booking if you need assistance with the ATV transfer or navigating uneven ground.
- Weather
- Sessions may move into a heated barn during inclement weather. Confirm arrangements for your event.
Maple Syrup, Honey and the Farm Store
I always make time to browse Golden Dog Farm’s store, which carries farm-produced maple syrup and honey alongside clothing, candles and dog-themed merchandise.
During my first visit, we sampled maple syrup, honey, local apple cider and cider donuts from nearby Stony Grove Orchard.
Golden Dog Farm produces maple syrup from trees in its sugarwoods near Smugglers’ Notch, using traditional wood-fired production methods.
I particularly like the packaging, which makes the syrup a fun gift for anyone who loves Vermont or golden retrievers. I’ve picked up bottles for holiday gifting myself.
Is the Golden Retriever Experience Worth It?
At nearly $100 per person, it’s an expensive afternoon, particularly for families. But I’ve enjoyed bringing friends and family back, and the puppy experience in September 2025 was a fun addition to my visits.
If you love golden retrievers, having a whole pack to play with for 90 minutes is pretty hard to beat.
Have you visited Golden Dog Farm or spotted the Butternut Hill Goldens traveling around Vermont?
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