I don’t have to tell you what makes these Vermont country stores so special. You can feel their old-timey allure the moment you walk through the door. Each were established with the same goal: to be a one-stop-shop for provisions, household items and necessities, as well as a centralized gathering spot for the community. Some of these Vermont country stores remain more practical, and others have become popular destinations drawing visitors to the quaint towns where they stand. From the echos of historic brick and mortar, come robust online shopping experiences and national catalogs to boot. Most stores on this list are rooted in the 19th century, the oldest being the Putney General Store, which first opened in 1796 and has been rebuilt twice following two devastating fires.
While traveling through the region or looking to have a bit of the state’s finest delivered to your doorstep, listed below are several of the best country stores in Vermont to check off your bucket list.
Putney General Store, a.k.a. The Phoenix | Putney
Claimed to be the Vermont’s oldest country store, dating back to 1796, you can’t miss stopping here! The Putney General store offers groceries and an array of local Vermont products and gifts. From the deli you can order sandwiches prepared meals, pizza, burritos, and baked goods. Putney General Store is known as The Phoenix having been rebuilt twice following two separate fires. You can read more about the Putney General Store’s incredible history here, and better yet, pay it a visit!
MKT | Grafton
MKT is a nearly 200-year-old general store located on Main Street in the quaint town of Grafton, Vermont. At MKT you can shop for groceries, local goods, prepared foods, or order from the café. Call on MKT to cater your next event, or take a picnic basket to go. Want to shop but can’t make it to town? You can order from the MKT Grafton website.
1836 Country Store – Wilmington
If history and Vermont cheese and chocolate are your thing, you won’t want to miss this one. 1836 Country Store is housed in a building listed on the National Registry of Historic Places. The specialty here is Vermont food products, as well as a treasure trove of gifts, souvenirs, clothing, and more.
The Vermont Country Store | Weston & Rockingham
Enjoy the wonderful Vermont goodness of this family-owned store in two separate locations. The original Vermont Country Store was opened in 1946 in Weston by Vrest and Mildred Ellen Orton. The second location is located in Rockingham. The offerings at these stores are too numerous to list! Sign up to receive their catalog and shop online. For the full experience, make a plan to visit their Weston or Rockingham store.
J.J. Hapgood General Store and Eatery – Peru
The origin of the J.J. Hapgood General Store and Eatery dates back to 1827, when it was originally founded as a potash business by Hapgood himself. You can shop their website, and order meals online for pick-up. Inside is a medley of quality provisions, Vermont gifts and food products, beer and wine, hot eats, penny candy and more.
Dorset Union Store – Dorset
The Dorset Union Store offers a medley of items including local Vermont products and gifts, a deli, prepared meals, groceries, wine and beer. It first opened in 1816 and is loaded with elevated country charm.
H.N. Williams Store – Dorset
The H.N. Williams Store is family owned and operated since since 1840. It’s more than a country store, it’s a destination where customers can find clothing, groceries, household, items, toys, pet supplies and more. If you can’t make it to the store, you can shop their website.
F.H. Gillingham & Sons | Woodstock
This charming general store originated in 1886, and has been family owned ever since. Originally opened by Frank Henry Gillingham, and now run by great grandsons, Frank and Jireh Billings. Inside you can find a medley of local items, gifts, toys, food, and more. You can shop in-person and online on their website.
South Woodstock Country Store | South Woodstock
Dating back 200 years, the locally owned and operated South Woodstock Country store is a must-visit destination on this list while you are passing through the quaint town of South Woodstock. Enjoy a bite to eat at their café and fill up your tote with local products, gifts, and goodies for the road.
Teago General Store | Pomfret
A quaint general store nestled in Pomfret where you can grab a bite to eat from their deli and shop for groceries, wine, and beer.
Barnard General Store – Barnard
The Barnard General Store is situated on Silver Lake, and dates back to 1832. Its cozy, welcoming atmosphere draws customers to shop for groceries, beer and wine, meat and seafood, and to enjoy a bite from the deli. Ice cream is offered during in the warm weather months.
Bridgewater Corners Country Store | Bridgewater
Bridgewater Corners Country Store is a quintessential local market that has a good blend of the necessities and country charm, including maple syrup, creemees, sandwiches, and groceries. It’s a popular stop for skiers and vacationers, conveniently located on Route 4 between Woodstock and Killington.
Pierce’s Store – Shrewsbury
Pierce’s Store is as much a staple of the community as it is an effort of the local community. Pierce’s Store opened in 1865, and was family operated from 1918 onward. After shuttering its doors in 1993, the last member of the Pierce family, Marjorie, passed away in 2001 and left it to the Preservation Trust of Vermont. In 2009 it was re-opened by community members who formed The Shrewsbury Cooperative. The store offers groceries, wine and beer, local products, baked goods and prepared food, and a consignment area where local Shrewsbury artisans sell their crafts.
Original General Store | Pittsfield
The Original General Store is located in a building dating back to 1888 in Pittsfield. It boasts locally-sourced and crafted prepared foods and goods, as well as a selection of wine and beer. It’s the perfect stop along your journey or after your next great outdoor adventure.
Ripton Country Store – Ripton
The Ripton Country Store is as charming as the town itself, chalk-full of nostalgic Vermont vibes, serving the dual purpose of the local post office. When passing through the Middlebury Gap, this is a must-stop location to grab a snack and fill up the tank. It first opened in 1879.
Newbury Village Store | Newbury
You can find this village store in the idyllic small town of Newbury full of classic Vermont essence. The store dates back to 1840 and offers local products and sundries, as well as wonderful eats from its deli and bakery. I enjoyed an oversized maple cream puff at my last visit! In the warmer months, at the Newbury Village Store you can rent kayaks and enjoy ice cream from Phoenix Scoops.
Chapman’s General | Fairlee
Priding itself as a modern take on a Vermont general store, Chapman’s offers a mix of local art and goods, food, beer & wine, gifts, a toy shop, and more. It was first opened in 1807.
Dan & Whit’s | Norwich
Dan & Whit’s in Norwich is as authentic a country store as it gets, offering a bit of everything for all who set foot in the store, along with rural charm. It’s part gift store, part grocery store, a deli, and the entire front facade serves as a community bulletin board. One can keep up with local happenings and services, while picking up dinner. It opened in 1891, and was purchased by Dan Fraser & Whit Hicks in 1955 after years of previous employment at the store.
Shelburne Country Store – Shelburne
The Shelburne Country Store is a destination grown from its quaint origin in the 1830s. Give plenty of time for your visit to peruse all there is to see here, or shop at the website. Inside is stocked full of Vermont goods, gifts, sweets, penny candy, and oodles of country charm.
Shaw’s General Store – Stowe
Shaw’s General Store is family owned and operated in Stowe since 1895. Enjoy a peek into the history of this store, as it has maintained the original counter and floors. Choose from Vermont gifts and maple products, toys, clothes, and more. You can purchase products on their website, but be sure to stop in next time you are in town.
Is there a Vermont country store missing from this list? Tell us about it in the comments below!
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