Imagine a place where chocolate dreams come true, nestled in the heart of Vermont.
No, you’re not hallucinating from a sugar rush – it’s real, and it’s called the Village Peddler and Chocolatorium.
In a world where finding joy can sometimes feel like searching for a needle in a haystack, I’ve stumbled upon a veritable treasure trove of happiness in Arlington, Vermont.
It’s a place where the air is thick with the intoxicating aroma of cocoa, and the shelves are lined with enough sweet treats to make Willy Wonka himself green with envy.
Welcome to the Village Peddler and Chocolatorium, a charming establishment that’s part country store, part chocolate wonderland, and entirely delightful.
As I approached the quaint building, I couldn’t help but feel like I was stepping into a storybook.
The white clapboard exterior, adorned with colorful flower boxes, exudes a warmth that’s as inviting as a freshly baked chocolate chip cookie.
A wooden sign proudly proclaims “The Chocolatorium” above the entrance, and I half expected to see Oompa Loompas scurrying about.
Spoiler alert: There were no Oompa Loompas, but what I found inside was even better.
Crossing the threshold, I was immediately enveloped in a cocoa-scented embrace that made me want to close my eyes and inhale deeply.
But I resisted, because there was too much to see.
The interior of the Village Peddler and Chocolatorium is a feast for the senses, a delightful hodgepodge of old-world charm and modern confectionery magic.
Wooden shelves and display cases line the walls, each one overflowing with an assortment of treats that would make even the most disciplined dieter weak at the knees.
It’s like someone took the concept of a candy store, injected it with steroids, and then sprinkled it with a healthy dose of Vermont charm.
As I wandered through the store, my eyes darting from one delectable display to another, I couldn’t help but feel like a kid again.
Remember that feeling of pure, unadulterated joy when you’d walk into a candy shop as a child?
Well, multiply that by about a thousand, add a dash of adult appreciation for fine craftsmanship, and you’ll have an idea of what it’s like to explore the Chocolatorium.
The star of the show, of course, is the chocolate.
And oh, what a star it is.
The Village Peddler and Chocolatorium offers an impressive array of handcrafted chocolates that would make even the most discerning chocoholic swoon.
From classic truffles to innovative flavor combinations, each piece is a work of art that just happens to be edible.
I found myself standing in front of the chocolate counter, mouth agape, trying to decide which delectable morsel to try first.
It was like being asked to choose your favorite child – if your children were made of chocolate and came in flavors like sea salt caramel and raspberry dark chocolate.
But the Chocolatorium isn’t just about satisfying your sweet tooth (although it does that spectacularly well).
It’s also a celebration of Vermont’s rich culinary heritage.
Alongside the chocolates, you’ll find an impressive selection of locally made jams, jellies, and other preserves.
It’s like a farmers market and a chocolate shop had a baby, and that baby grew up to be the coolest kid in town.
As I perused the shelves, I couldn’t help but marvel at the variety of products on offer.
There were maple syrups in every conceivable form – from traditional bottles to maple candy that looked almost too pretty to eat.
Almost.
I spotted jars of wildflower honey that practically glowed in the soft light of the store, and an array of artisanal cheeses that made my taste buds stand up and salute.
It was a veritable smorgasbord of Vermont’s finest, all under one roof.
But wait, there’s more!
Because apparently, the folks at the Village Peddler and Chocolatorium decided that merely being an amazing chocolate shop and local goods emporium wasn’t enough.
No, they had to go and add a selection of unique gifts and crafts to the mix, just to keep things interesting.
As I wandered deeper into the store, I found myself in a treasure trove of handcrafted items that screamed “Vermont” louder than a moose during mating season.
There were hand-knit sweaters so cozy-looking I was tempted to curl up in them right there on the spot.
Wooden toys that harked back to a simpler time, before screens dominated our lives and “viral” referred to something you didn’t want to catch.
And let’s not forget the array of locally made soaps and candles that filled the air with scents so heavenly, I briefly considered giving up chocolate in favor of becoming a professional sniffer.
(Don’t worry, that moment of insanity passed quickly.)
As I meandered through this wonderland of local craftsmanship, I couldn’t help but feel a sense of connection to the community.
Each item on the shelves told a story – of skilled artisans pouring their hearts into their work, of traditions passed down through generations, of a place that values quality and authenticity over mass production.
It was like holding a piece of Vermont in my hands, minus the cow manure and occasional black fly.
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But let’s circle back to the main event, shall we?
The chocolate.
Because while the Village Peddler and Chocolatorium may offer a delightful array of local goods, it’s the cocoa creations that truly set this place apart.
As I stood at the chocolate counter, overwhelmed by choice and drooling slightly (okay, maybe more than slightly), I decided to throw caution to the wind and embark on a chocolate-tasting adventure of epic proportions.
First up was a classic dark chocolate truffle.
As I bit into it, I swear I heard angels sing.
The chocolate was rich and velvety, with a depth of flavor that made my taste buds do a happy dance.
It was the kind of chocolate that makes you close your eyes and savor every moment, forgetting about calories, responsibilities, and the fact that you’re standing in a public place making embarrassingly appreciative noises.
Next, I tried a maple cream-filled chocolate, because when in Vermont, right?
The combination of smooth chocolate and sweet maple was nothing short of divine.
It was like the essence of Vermont distilled into a single bite – minus the flannel and the Bernie Sanders bumper stickers.
As I worked my way through an assortment of flavors – each one more delicious than the last – I couldn’t help but marvel at the skill and creativity on display.
These weren’t just chocolates; they were edible works of art, crafted with care and attention to detail that you can taste in every bite.
But the Village Peddler and Chocolatorium isn’t content to rest on its laurels.
Oh no.
They’re constantly innovating, coming up with new flavors and combinations that push the boundaries of what chocolate can be.
I spotted chocolates infused with local craft beers, truffles made with exotic spices, and even a chocolate bar studded with bits of locally made bacon.
Because apparently, in Vermont, even the pigs are overachievers.
As I reluctantly prepared to leave this chocolate paradise (my wallet considerably lighter and my shopping bag considerably heavier), I realized that the Village Peddler and Chocolatorium is more than just a store.
It’s a celebration of all things Vermont – the flavors, the craftsmanship, the quirky charm that makes this state so special.
It’s a place where tradition meets innovation, where local artisans showcase their skills alongside world-class chocolatiers.
In short, it’s a little slice of heaven tucked away in the Green Mountains.
And let’s be honest, isn’t that what we’re all searching for?
A place that makes us feel like kids again, wide-eyed with wonder and sticky with chocolate?
A spot where we can indulge our sweet tooth while also supporting local businesses and artisans?
A destination that embodies the very best of its community, wrapped up in a delicious, chocolate-coated package?
If your answer to any of these questions is yes (and if it’s not, I’m seriously questioning your life choices), then the Village Peddler and Chocolatorium needs to be at the top of your must-visit list.
It’s the kind of place that reminds you why you fell in love with chocolate in the first place, and why Vermont holds such a special place in the hearts of so many.
As I made my way back to my car, arms laden with chocolates and local goodies, I couldn’t help but feel a sense of gratitude.
Gratitude for places like the Village Peddler and Chocolatorium that keep the spirit of small-town America alive.
Gratitude for the artisans and chocolatiers who pour their hearts into creating these delectable treats.
And most of all, gratitude for the existence of chocolate itself – that magical substance that can turn even the gloomiest day into a celebration.
Because let’s face it, in a world that can sometimes feel overwhelming and chaotic, there’s something profoundly comforting about knowing that there’s a little chocolate shop in Vermont where dreams come true and calories don’t count.
(Okay, that last part might be wishful thinking, but a guy can dream, right?)
So, whether you’re a die-hard chocoholic, a lover of all things Vermont, or just someone in need of a little magic in your life, do yourself a favor and make the pilgrimage to the Village Peddler and Chocolatorium.
Your taste buds will thank you, your Instagram feed will thank you (because trust me, these chocolates are as photogenic as they are delicious), and your soul will thank you for the pure, unadulterated joy that comes from indulging in life’s sweetest pleasures.
Just remember to bring your sweet tooth, your sense of wonder, and maybe a pair of stretchy pants.
Because once you step into this chocolate wonderland, you may never want to leave.
And who could blame you?
After all, in a world full of bitterness, sometimes we all need a little extra sweetness.
At the Village Peddler and Chocolatorium, sweetness is always in abundant supply.
For more information about this chocolate paradise, visit their Facebook page or website.
And don’t forget to use this map to find your way to cocoa heaven!
Where: 261 Old Mill Rd, Arlington, VT 05250
Life’s too short for mediocre chocolate.
Treat yourself to the extraordinary at the Village Peddler and Chocolatorium.
Your taste buds (and your inner child) will thank you.