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 the Village Peddler and Chocolatorium in Arlington!
Ladies and gentlemen, boys and girls, chocoholics of all ages – prepare yourselves for a journey into the sweet, sweet heart of Vermont.
We’re about to embark on a chocolatey adventure that would make Willy Wonka himself green with envy.
Our destination?
The Village Peddler and Chocolatorium in Arlington, Vermont – a place where dreams are made of cocoa, sugar, and a whole lot of imagination.
Now, I know what you’re thinking.
“Another chocolate shop? Been there, done that, bought the T-shirt (and probably ate it if it was made of chocolate).”
But hold onto your sweet tooth, because this isn’t just any chocolate shop.
This is the Chocolatorium – a name that sounds like it was conjured up by a mad scientist with a serious cocoa addiction.
As you approach the Village Peddler and Chocolatorium, you might think you’ve stumbled upon a quaint country store.
The white clapboard exterior with its inviting porch looks like it could be selling anything from antiques to artisanal cheeses.
But don’t let that fool you – behind those doors lies a world of chocolatey wonder.
Step inside, and you’re immediately enveloped in the rich, intoxicating aroma of chocolate.
It’s like being hugged by a giant chocolate bar, minus the sticky aftermath.
The interior is a delightful mishmash of old-world charm and candy shop whimsy.
Wooden shelves line the walls, filled to the brim with jars, boxes, and bags of every conceivable chocolate treat.
But wait, there’s more!
(I’ve always wanted to say that.)
The Village Peddler isn’t just about chocolate.
Oh no, they’ve gone and added a whole other dimension to this sweet experience.
Alongside the chocolate goodies, you’ll find an eclectic array of Vermont-made products.
It’s like they’ve taken the essence of Vermont and distilled it into a store.
Maple syrup?
Check.
Artisanal cheeses?
You bet.
Handcrafted wooden toys that will make you wish you were a kid again?
Absolutely.
Now, let’s talk about the star of the show – the chocolate.
The Chocolatorium doesn’t just sell chocolate; they create it right there on the premises.
It’s like watching a magic show, except instead of pulling rabbits out of hats, they’re pulling truffles out of… well, wherever truffles come from.
The chocolate-making process is on full display, allowing visitors to watch as liquid chocolate is transformed into delectable treats.
It’s mesmerizing, really.
I found myself staring at the chocolate-making equipment for so long, I’m pretty sure I hypnotized myself into thinking I was a cocoa bean.
But the real magic happens when you taste their creations.
The Chocolatorium offers a wide range of chocolates, from classic milk chocolate bars to exotic truffles with flavors that’ll make your taste buds do a happy dance.
Ever tried a maple cream truffle?
It’s like Vermont decided to hug your mouth.
Or how about their dark chocolate with sea salt?
It’s so good, it should be illegal.
(Note to self: Check Vermont laws on criminally delicious chocolate.)
One of the things that sets the Chocolatorium apart is their commitment to using local ingredients whenever possible.
It’s not just chocolate – it’s chocolate with a Vermont accent.
You half expect the truffles to start talking about the weather and complaining about tourists.
But the Village Peddler and Chocolatorium isn’t just about stuffing your face with chocolate (although that’s certainly a valid life goal).
They also offer chocolate-making classes where you can learn the art of creating your own sweet masterpieces.
I attended one of these classes, and let me tell you, it was an eye-opening experience.
Did you know that tempering chocolate is an actual skill?
I always thought it just meant yelling at your chocolate until it behaved.
During the class, I learned about the different types of chocolate, the importance of cocoa percentages, and how to properly mold chocolate.
I also learned that I have the patience of a sugar-high toddler when it comes to waiting for chocolate to set.
But the best part?
You get to take home your creations.
I left with a box of slightly misshapen but utterly delicious truffles, feeling like a chocolate-making prodigy.
Move over, Willy Wonka – there’s a new chocolatier in town!
(Okay, maybe not, but a guy can dream, right?)
Now, I know what you’re thinking.
“All this chocolate talk is making me thirsty!”
Well, fear not, my cocoa-crazed comrades.
The Village Peddler has you covered there too.
Their hot chocolate is the stuff of legends.
Rich, creamy, and so thick you could practically stand a spoon up in it.
It’s like drinking a warm hug on a cold Vermont day.
And for those who prefer their chocolate cold (you monsters), they also offer chocolate milkshakes that are so good, they should come with a warning label.
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“Caution: May cause spontaneous happiness and uncontrollable smiling.”
But the Village Peddler and Chocolatorium isn’t just about indulgence.
Oh no, they’re also educational.
(See? You can totally justify that third truffle as a learning experience.)
Throughout the store, you’ll find informative displays about the history of chocolate, from its origins as a bitter Mayan drink to the sweet treat we know and love today.
It’s like a museum, except you can eat the exhibits.
(Note: Please don’t actually eat the displays. That’s frowned upon.)
One particularly fascinating exhibit details the chocolate-making process, from bean to bar.
Did you know that chocolate comes from a fruit?
That’s right, chocolate is basically a salad.
You’re welcome, dieters of the world.
The Village Peddler and Chocolatorium also takes pride in their commitment to ethical sourcing.
They use fair trade chocolate, ensuring that the farmers who grow the cocoa beans are paid fairly for their work.
It’s chocolate you can feel good about eating.
(As if we needed another excuse.)
But wait, there’s even more!
(I really can’t stop saying that, can I?)
The Village Peddler isn’t just about chocolate.
They also offer a wide range of other sweet treats.
Their fudge selection is enough to make your dentist weep.
From classic vanilla to wild flavors like peanut butter swirl and maple walnut, there’s a fudge for every taste.
I’m pretty sure I saw someone trying to use a slab of fudge as a pillow.
(Note: Not recommended, but understandable.)
And let’s not forget about their selection of old-fashioned candies.
Remember those sweets your grandparents used to talk about?
Chances are, you’ll find them here.
It’s like a time machine for your taste buds.
But the Village Peddler and Chocolatorium isn’t just a store – it’s a community hub.
The friendly staff are always happy to chat, share stories, and offer recommendations.
It’s the kind of place where you walk in as a customer and leave as a friend.
(A friend with a significantly higher blood sugar level, but a friend nonetheless.)
During my visit, I overheard a staff member patiently explaining the difference between milk and dark chocolate to a young child.
The look of wonder on the kid’s face as he learned about cocoa percentages was priceless.
It was like watching the birth of a future chocolatier.
The Village Peddler and Chocolatorium also hosts special events throughout the year.
From chocolate and wine pairings (because why should cheese have all the fun?) to seasonal truffle-making workshops, there’s always something exciting happening.
I was lucky enough to attend their annual Chocolate Festival.
Picture this: an entire day dedicated to all things chocolate.
Tastings, demonstrations, chocolate sculpture contests – it was like Charlie and the Chocolate Factory come to life, minus the slightly terrifying Oompa Loompas.
During the festival, I witnessed a chocolate sculpture contest that left me in awe.
Who knew chocolate could be used to create intricate works of art?
I saw everything from a detailed Vermont landscape to a life-sized bust of Ben & Jerry.
(Okay, I made that last one up, but wouldn’t it be awesome?)
But perhaps the most impressive thing about the Village Peddler and Chocolatorium is how it manages to be both a tourist attraction and a beloved local institution.
It’s the kind of place where out-of-towners rub elbows with Arlington residents, all united in their love of chocolate.
I chatted with a local who told me she’s been coming to the Village Peddler every week for years.
“It’s not just about the chocolate,” she said.
“It’s about the experience, the atmosphere, the community. Plus, their hot chocolate has gotten me through more Vermont winters than I care to count.”
As I prepared to leave the Village Peddler and Chocolatorium, arms laden with more chocolate than any reasonable person should consume in a lifetime (challenge accepted), I couldn’t help but reflect on what makes this place so special.
It’s not just the high-quality chocolate, although that certainly doesn’t hurt.
It’s not just the charming atmosphere or the friendly staff.
It’s the way all these elements come together to create something truly magical.
The Village Peddler and Chocolatorium is more than just a store – it’s a celebration of chocolate, of Vermont, and of the simple joy that comes from indulging in life’s sweet pleasures.
So, whether you’re a chocolate connoisseur, a casual sweet tooth, or someone who thinks “milk chocolate” is just a fancy way of saying “brown cow juice,” the Village Peddler and Chocolatorium has something for you.
Just remember to bring your sweet tooth, your sense of wonder, and possibly a pair of stretchy pants.
Trust me, you’ll thank me later.
For more information about this chocolatey wonderland, be sure to check out their website and Facebook page.
And when you’re ready to embark on your own sweet adventure, use this map to guide your way to chocolate nirvana.
Where: 261 Old Mill Rd, Arlington, VT 05250
In the end, the Village Peddler and Chocolatorium isn’t just a destination – it’s a journey.
A journey into the heart of chocolate, into the soul of Vermont, and quite possibly into a sugar-induced coma.
But oh, what a delicious journey it is.