A Summer Night at Hildene

About

Dates:
Thursday, June 25, 2026
Thursday, July 23, 2026
Thursday, August 20, 2026

Attire: Vermont Elegant (Comfortable footwear recommended for farm paths)

Experience the storied elegance of the Lincoln family legacy during an intimate, after-hours journey through the breathtaking 412-acre estate of Hildene. We invite you to step back in time for a curated evening of historical grandeur, agricultural wonder and refined flavors.

Your adventure begins at Hildene Farm in the dene. Nestled in the valley, this working landscape offers a firsthand look at Hildene’s commitment to conservation: the sustainable management, protection and restoration of natural and agricultural resources. As you tour the vibrant rows of the kitchen garden and the bustling farmyard, you will enjoy a freshly prepared appetizer - featuring ingredients harvested mere feet from where you stand—a true expression of Vermont’s seasonal bounty.

From the farm, you will be transported to the state-of-the-art Goat Dairy to meet the award-winning herd of Nubian goats and discover the solar-powered facility and creamery that defines Hildene’s artisanal spirit. While touring, guests will sample a bespoke charcuterie spread, highlighting the rich, velvety textures of signature Vermont goat cheeses’

Your next steps take you back in time as you approach “Sunbeam,” Hildene’s restored 1903 Pullman Railcar. Your entrance into the polished mahogany and brass of this "mansion on wheels" will be accompanied by the sophisticated sounds of live ragtime piano music. Savor a hand-crafted, refreshing mocktail as you enjoy the elegant ambience of luxurious train travel at the turn of the 20th century and learn the dynamic story of the Pullman Porters whose work facilitated the comforts and conveniences experienced by the passengers and who changed the course of American history. 

To conclude this memorable evening, we return to the terraces of the Lincoln home. In the blooming Formal Garden, with the majestic Battenkill Valley stretching out beneath the sunset, you will enjoy hors d'oeuvres and a final cocktail hour with complimentary beer and wine, cash bar for spirits. It will be a moment to remember, to reflect on the significant legacy of history, community, and the enduring beauty of the Southern Vermont landscape.

* Upon arrival, please use Hildene's main entrance on route 7A, and proceed to the parking lot adjacent to The Welcome Center. 

* Transportation will be provided to each location throughout the event.