Imagine a place where time slows down, nostalgia reigns supreme, and you can find everything from penny candy to nightgowns your grandmother would approve of.
Welcome to the Vermont Country Store in Weston, Vermont.
Nestled in the heart of the Green Mountain State, the Vermont Country Store stands as a beacon of Americana, a living museum of bygone days, and a treasure trove of hard-to-find goodies.
This isn’t just any old country store.
It’s THE country store – the kind that makes you want to pull up a rocking chair, sip some sassafras tea, and watch the world go by at a pace that would make a snail look like Usain Bolt.
As you approach the store, you’re greeted by a sight that could’ve been plucked straight from a Norman Rockwell painting.
The iconic red building, complete with white trim and a wraparound porch, stands proudly on Main Street, looking like it’s been there since Paul Revere was just a twinkle in his father’s eye.
American flags flutter in the breeze, and rocking chairs beckon you to take a load off before you even step inside.
It’s the kind of place that makes you want to trade in your smartphone for a rotary dial and your skinny jeans for some good ol’ fashioned overalls.
Now, I know what you’re thinking: “Is this some kind of time machine disguised as a general store?”
Well, my friends, in a way, it is.
Step through those doors, and you’ll find yourself transported to a simpler era – one where customer service wasn’t an oxymoron and you could buy a week’s worth of groceries without needing a second mortgage.
The moment you cross the threshold, your senses are assaulted (in the nicest possible way) by a cornucopia of sights, smells, and sounds that’ll have you feeling like you’ve stumbled into your great-aunt Mildred’s attic – if your great-aunt Mildred had impeccable taste and a penchant for organizing.
The wooden floors creak underfoot, telling tales of countless visitors who’ve wandered these aisles before you.
Overhead, sturdy wooden beams support a ceiling that’s seen more history than a high school textbook.
And everywhere you look, there’s something to catch your eye, tickle your fancy, or make you exclaim, “Well, I’ll be a monkey’s uncle!”
Let’s start with the candy section, shall we?
Because if there’s one thing the Vermont Country Store knows how to do, it’s how to satisfy your sweet tooth with a blast from the past.
Remember those candies you used to beg your parents for at the checkout counter?
They’re all here, lined up like sugary soldiers ready to march straight into your shopping basket.
From Bit-O-Honey to Necco Wafers, from Atomic Fireballs to those weird wax bottles filled with colored sugar water – it’s all here, waiting to give your dentist a run for their money.
And let’s not forget the penny candy.
Sure, it might cost a bit more than a penny these days (thanks, inflation), but the thrill of scooping your own mix of sweets into a paper bag is timeless.
It’s like being a kid in a candy store – because, well, you literally are.
Moving on from the sugar rush, you’ll find yourself in what can only be described as a fashionista’s fever dream – if that fashionista were your grandmother.
Racks upon racks of clothing line the walls, featuring styles that haven’t been en vogue since Eisenhower was in office.
But here’s the kicker – they’re not costumes or reproductions.
These are honest-to-goodness, brand-new versions of classic styles that have stood the test of time.
Want a flannel nightgown that’ll keep you toasty on even the coldest Vermont night?
They’ve got you covered – literally.
Looking for a pair of socks that’ll actually stay up without cutting off your circulation?
You’ve come to the right place.
And don’t even get me started on the underwear section.
Let’s just say that if you’re in the market for bloomers that could double as a parachute in an emergency, you’re in luck.
But the Vermont Country Store isn’t just about clothing that would make your great-grandparents nod in approval.
Oh no, my friends, this place is a veritable emporium of the eclectic, the eccentric, and the downright useful.
Need a gadget to remove corn kernels from the cob with the efficiency of a NASCAR pit crew?
They’ve got it.
How about a clock that not only tells time but also predicts the weather with the accuracy of a psychic octopus?
Yep, that’s here too.
And let’s not forget the kitchen section, where you’ll find more cast iron than a weightlifter’s gym bag and enough cookie cutters to recreate the entire animal kingdom in dough form.
It’s like someone took every “As Seen on TV” product from the last 70 years, gave them a vintage makeover, and crammed them all into one glorious, slightly overwhelming space.
Now, I know what you’re thinking: “This all sounds great, but what about the food?”
Oh, my dear reader, prepare your taste buds for a journey through time and flavor.
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The Vermont Country Store doesn’t just sell any old vittles – they specialize in the kind of foods that make you say, “I haven’t tasted that since I was in short pants!”
Their cheese selection alone is enough to make a Frenchman weep with joy.
From sharp cheddars that could cut glass to creamy goudas that melt in your mouth, it’s a dairy lover’s paradise.
And don’t even get me started on the maple syrup.
This isn’t your run-of-the-mill, watered-down pancake topper.
No sir, this is the real deal – liquid gold tapped straight from Vermont’s finest maple trees.
One taste, and you’ll wonder how you ever settled for the imitation stuff.
But the true gems of the food section are the hard-to-find treats that have all but disappeared from modern supermarket shelves.
Remember those weird little wax bottles filled with flavored sugar water?
They’ve got ’em.
How about those oddly satisfying chocolate-covered cherry cordials that your grandma always had in a dish on her coffee table?
Yep, they’re here too.
And let’s not forget about the selection of old-fashioned sodas that’ll make you wonder why we ever switched to cola.
Birch beer, anyone?
As you wander through the aisles, marveling at the sheer variety of products that you didn’t even know you needed, you might find yourself wondering, “How on earth did this magical place come to be?”
Well, gather ’round, children, and let me tell you a tale of entrepreneurial spirit, family values, and good old-fashioned Vermont ingenuity.
The Vermont Country Store was founded back in 1946 by Vrest and Mildred Orton.
Now, Vrest was a man who knew the value of a good, old-fashioned general store.
He grew up working in his father’s store in North Calais, Vermont, where he learned the ins and outs of running a business that was more than just a place to buy goods – it was a community hub.
When Vrest and Mildred decided to open their own store, they didn’t just want to sell products – they wanted to preserve a way of life.
They set out to create a place that would harken back to the golden age of the general store, when customer service wasn’t just a buzzword and quality meant something.
And boy, did they succeed.
The store started small, operating out of a converted schoolhouse in Weston.
But word spread quickly about this charming little shop that seemed to have stepped out of a time machine.
People came from far and wide to experience the nostalgia, the quality products, and the warm Vermont welcome.
Before long, the Vermont Country Store had become more than just a local curiosity – it was a destination.
Fast forward to today, and the store is still family-owned and operated, now in its third generation of Ortons.
They’ve expanded, sure – there’s now a second location in Rockingham, and a booming catalog and online business.
But the heart and soul of the Vermont Country Store remains unchanged.
It’s still a place where you can find products that have stood the test of time, where quality and customer service aren’t just slogans, but a way of life.
As you make your way through the store, you’ll notice something else – the people.
Not just the friendly staff, always ready with a smile and a helping hand, but your fellow shoppers.
There’s a camaraderie here, a shared sense of wonder and nostalgia that brings people together.
You might find yourself swapping stories with a stranger about the candy you both loved as kids, or getting recipe tips from a local on the best way to use that maple syrup you just bought.
It’s the kind of place where “excuse me” turns into a 10-minute conversation, and where you might just make a new friend over a shared love of vintage soda pop.
As your visit draws to a close, and you find yourself at the checkout counter with a basket full of goodies you never knew you needed (but now can’t imagine living without), you’ll realize something.
The Vermont Country Store isn’t just a store – it’s an experience.
It’s a journey back in time, a celebration of quality and craftsmanship, and a reminder of the simple joys in life.
It’s a place where the past isn’t just remembered – it’s alive and well, and available for purchase.
So, whether you’re a Vermont local looking for a dose of nostalgia, or a visitor seeking a unique experience, make sure to add the Vermont Country Store to your must-visit list.
Just be prepared – you might go in for a jar of pickles and come out with a lifetime supply of sock garters and enough maple candy to put you in a sugar coma.
But trust me, it’ll be worth it.
For more information about this charming slice of Americana, be sure to visit the Vermont Country Store’s website or Facebook page.
And when you’re ready to embark on your own nostalgic adventure, use this map to find your way to this treasure trove of yesteryear.
Where: 657 Main St, Weston, VT 05161
Remember, in a world of fast food and faster technology, sometimes it’s nice to take a step back and savor the simple things.
And there’s no better place to do that than at the Vermont Country Store.