Once upon a time life was slower and people had time to visit neighbors and chat or browse in a store when they took a trip into town. Today with busy schedules - especially if you have kids - it hardly seems as if we have time to stop at the supermarket for groceries, let alone take a break to visit and call on neighbors. A passing nod and a rushed “how are you?” without even waiting for a response is the best most of us can muster these days.

So it’s easy to believe the time and places I described in the opening sentence no longer exist - but they do.

They’re alive and well in rural Vermont, and are the essence of the country stores throughout the state. These range in operation from a small corner store selling groceries to the front store of one of the most popular mail order catalog businesses in America.

What they have in common is an invitation to browse as long as you want through a potpourri of stuff, and a chance to take a piece of Vermont home with you.

Here then are seven Vermont Country Stores for you to discover on your next trip or vacation:

The 1836 Country Store, Wilmington, Southern Vermont

Located on Route 9 between Bennington and Brattleboro in Wilmington is the 1836 Country Store. Two stores in one with the integration of The River Edge Farm which sells organic produce. The country store is listed on the National Register of Historic Sites so you truly are browsing around in history. The store carries Vermont traditional products, gifts, table top linen and unique merchandise, and of course farm produce. They also have a strong online presence at their web site here

The Newfane Country Store, Newfane, Southern Vermont

The town of Newfane in southern Vermont is considered one of the most beautiful villages in New England and reason enough to visit but let me give you another - The Newfane Country Store. If you’re a quilt or fudge fan then this place is for you. A collection of handmade quilts from local crafters as well as Amish quilters around the U.S. is on display and available for purchase. And don’t leave without taking home some freshly made fudge. More details on products sold here

Taftsville Country Store, Taftsville, Central Vermont

The Taftsville Country Store is located between historic Woodstock with its village green and covered bridge and Quechee where the famous scenic gorge is located. So there’s plenty of attractions already in the area but now you can add the country store to your place to stop. The focus in this store is on food with an assortment of Vermont cheeses and gourmet foods along with maple syrup, gift baskets and smoked bacon and ham, and much more. The red brick building dates back to 1840 and is located in the Taftsville historic district which includes one of the oldest and longest covered bridges in Vermont - all-in-all a place worth visiting. Find out more information on the store here

The Vermont Country Store, Weston, Central Vermont

The most famous of all the country stores is the Vermont Country Store, well-known nationally for its mail-order business it still operates out of its original location at Weston and added another in Rockingham. This place is best described as selling just about everything to sustain a rural farm in Vermont - however it seems there’s a little Vermont Farm in each of us judging by its popularity. If you can’t get to one of its stores then shop online or sign-up for a catalogue and experience Vermont from your armchair - or mouse. Web site located here

Dan and Whit’s Vermont Country Store, Norwich, Central Vermont

There’s been a store of one form or another on the location of Dan & Whit’s Country Store since 1891. This is a general store that focuses on serving the community and “to provide the daily necessities of our customers,” so it stocks everything from seasonal items to groceries to hardware and Vermont products. There have been a number of additions to the original building which makes it much larger inside than it appears from the outside. Shop online or learn more about how to visit the place here

Shelburne Country Store, Shelburne, Northern Vermont

Located just a few miles from Burlington and Lake Champlain, Shelburne Country Store offers the browser specialty Vermont foods and home-made products including fudge, handy kitchen items, furnishings, bath and beauty products, and unique gift ideas already boxed and tied with a ribbon - my kind of guy help. The country store is close to popular attractions such as Shelburne Museum and Farms and the original Vermont Teddy Bear store. Find out more by visiting their web site here

Bailey’s & Burkes, East Burke, Northern Vermont

In Vermont’s Northeast Kingdom is the town of East Burke where you’ll find Bailey’s & Burkes - a Vermont traditional country store. Downstairs you’ll find fresh baked breads, pizza, sandwiches and of course home-made fudge. Upstairs is full of nooks and crannies and rooms to explore that meander off to the side and lead to stuff like Vermont woodenware, specialty kitchenware, prints, lithographs, pottery, and Vermont crafts and baskets. This is a place to stop and have a bite to eat and then stay to browse for as long as you want. After all the Northeast Kingdom is for those that want to experience life as it was a century or two ago - so take your time. Learn more about Bailey’s & Burke here

For more ideas and suggestions for things to do and see in Vermont check out my Vermont destinations and attractions page here.

Check back in a few days for another post on a unique New England experience or save time and subscribe to my RSS feed here.

Cliff Calderwood
Editor
Vacations in New England

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