Imagine a place where Paul Revere’s midnight ride meets a gourmet deli counter.
Welcome to Hero’s Welcome, the quirkiest general store this side of Lake Champlain!
Nestled in the heart of North Hero, Hero’s Welcome is not your average country store.
It’s a time machine, a culinary adventure, and a treasure trove of oddities all rolled into one charming white clapboard building.
As you approach, you might wonder if you’ve stumbled onto a movie set for a quintessential New England scene.
The American flag flutters proudly above the entrance, while the store’s name is emblazoned across the facade in a font that screams “colonial chic.”
But don’t let the quaint exterior fool you.
Step inside, and you’ll find yourself in a wonderland that would make even the most seasoned shopkeeper’s head spin.
The interior is a delightful hodgepodge of old-world charm and modern convenience.
Wooden shelves line the walls, groaning under the weight of everything from artisanal jams to quirky postcards.
The ceiling is adorned with an eclectic array of hanging items – is that a canoe?
A stuffed fish?
A chandelier made of antlers?
Yes, yes, and probably.
But let’s get to the real reason we’re here: the sandwiches.
Oh, the sandwiches!
These aren’t your run-of-the-mill, slapped-together-in-a-hurry kind of affairs.
No, sir.
These are culinary masterpieces that would make a Parisian chef weep with joy.
The deli menu is a work of art in itself, featuring sandwiches named after historical figures and local legends.
It’s like eating your way through a particularly delicious history book.
Take The TJ for example.
Named after none other than Thomas Jefferson himself, this sandwich is a testament to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness between two slices of bread.
Piled high with roast turkey, Vermont cheddar cheese, and cranberry mayonnaise, it’s a flavor combination that would have the Founding Fathers drafting a new amendment just to protect its recipe.
Or how about The Ethan Allen?
This sandwich is as bold and audacious as its namesake.
Packed with roast beef, cheddar cheese, and horseradish sauce, it’s a taste sensation that’ll have you declaring your independence from boring lunches forever.
But the true pièce de résistance has to be The Benedict Arnold.
Now, you might think naming a sandwich after America’s most famous traitor is a bit risky.
But trust me, one bite of this corned beef and Swiss cheese masterpiece, and you’ll be ready to betray your diet in a heartbeat.
The beauty of Hero’s Welcome isn’t just in its sandwiches, though.
It’s in the experience of being there.
As you wait for your order, you can peruse the aisles, each one a treasure trove of the weird and wonderful.
Need a rubber chicken?
They’ve got it.
Artisanal maple syrup?
By the gallon.
A book on the mating habits of Vermont’s native wildlife?
Well, why not?
The store’s shelves are a testament to the eclectic tastes of its owners and the local community.
It’s like someone took a regular general store and injected it with a healthy dose of whimsy and a dash of “why not?”
But let’s circle back to those sandwiches for a moment.
Because, let’s face it, that’s what we’re really here for.
Each one is crafted with the care and precision usually reserved for fine art or neurosurgery.
The bread?
Freshly baked and perfectly toasted.
The meats?
Sliced to perfection.
The cheese?
Well, it’s Vermont, so you know it’s good.
And don’t even get me started on the condiments.
These aren’t your standard squirt-bottle affairs.
Oh no.
We’re talking small-batch, artisanal spreads that’ll make your taste buds do a happy dance.
But Hero’s Welcome isn’t just about the food.
It’s about the atmosphere, the community, the sense of stepping into a place where time moves a little slower and smiles come a little easier.
The staff here aren’t just employees; they’re local characters, each with their own story to tell.
Don’t be surprised if you come in for a sandwich and leave with a new friend and a funny anecdote about the time a moose wandered into the parking lot.
Speaking of parking lots, Hero’s Welcome boasts a view that’ll make you forget all about your vehicle.
Situated right on the shores of Lake Champlain, you can enjoy your sandwich with a side of breathtaking scenery.
On a clear day, you can see clearly across to New York State.
It’s enough to make you wonder if the sandwich you’re eating is actually that good, or if it’s just the view making everything taste better.
Now, I know what you’re thinking.
“Sure, the sandwiches sound great, but what about dessert?”
Well, fear not, sweet-toothed friends.
Hero’s Welcome has got you covered.
Their selection of locally made ice creams is enough to make Ben and Jerry jealous.
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And we’re not talking about your run-of-the-mill vanilla and chocolate here.
These flavors are as Vermont as flannel shirts and maple syrup.
Ever tried Maple Creemee?
It’s like someone distilled the essence of a Vermont autumn and churned it into frozen deliciousness.
Or how about Wild Blueberry?
It’s packed with so many berries that you might mistake your ice cream cone for a fruit basket.
And for the adventurous souls, there’s even a Maple Bacon flavor.
Yes, you read that right.
Bacon.
In ice cream.
It’s the kind of combination that makes you question everything you thought you knew about dessert, in the best possible way.
And if you’re feeling particularly indulgent, why not try one of their homemade pies?
Just be prepared for a slice big enough to use as a flotation device on Lake Champlain.
But Hero’s Welcome isn’t just a summer destination.
Oh no, this place is a year-round wonderland.
In the fall, it’s the perfect spot to fuel up before a day of leaf peeping.
In winter, it’s a cozy haven where you can warm up with a hot cocoa after a day of skiing or ice fishing.
And let’s not forget about their selection of hand warmers and wool socks – practically a necessity in Vermont winters.
Spring brings a whole new energy to the store, with seeds for sale and gardening tools aplenty.
It’s like they’re saying, “Here, take this trowel and go create something beautiful.”
But no matter what time of year you visit, one thing remains constant: the sense of community.
Hero’s Welcome isn’t just a store; it’s a gathering place.
It’s where locals come to catch up on gossip, where tourists come to get a taste of authentic Vermont life, and where everyone comes for a darn good sandwich.
You might come in as a stranger, but you’ll leave feeling like part of the family.
A slightly quirky, sandwich-obsessed family, but a family nonetheless.
Now, I know I’ve been raving about the sandwiches (and rightfully so), but let’s not overlook the other culinary delights Hero’s Welcome has to offer.
Their coffee, for instance, is the kind of brew that makes you question why you ever settled for that chain store stuff.
It’s rich, it’s bold, and it’s the perfect accompaniment to a crisp Vermont morning.
And don’t even get me started on their selection of local cheeses.
It’s enough to make a mouse renounce its city life and move to the country.
From sharp cheddars that’ll make your taste buds stand at attention, to creamy bries that spread like a dream, it’s a veritable United Nations of cheese.
But perhaps the most charming thing about Hero’s Welcome is its ability to surprise you.
Just when you think you’ve seen everything, you’ll turn a corner and find something new.
Maybe it’s a display of hand-knitted mittens made by a local artisan.
Or a collection of vintage postcards that’ll have you snorting with laughter.
Or perhaps it’s a jar of pickle-flavored cotton candy.
It’s this constant sense of discovery that keeps people coming back to Hero’s Welcome time and time again.
Well, that and the sandwiches.
Did I mention the sandwiches?
But beyond the food, beyond the quirky products, beyond even the stunning lake views, what really sets Hero’s Welcome apart is its heart.
This isn’t just a business; it’s a labor of love.
You can feel it in every interaction, see it in every carefully curated display, and taste it in every bite of those legendary sandwiches.
It’s a place that celebrates the unique character of Vermont – its history, its natural beauty, its sense of humor, and yes, its food.
In a world of cookie-cutter convenience stores and soulless chains, Hero’s Welcome stands as a beacon of individuality.
It’s a reminder that sometimes, the best things in life are a little off the beaten path.
So the next time you find yourself in North Hero, Vermont – whether by design or by happy accident – do yourself a favor and stop by Hero’s Welcome.
Order a sandwich (may I recommend The Benedict Arnold?), grab a quirky souvenir, and take a moment to soak in the view.
Who knows?
You might just find yourself planning your next trip to Vermont before you’ve even finished your meal.
Because once you’ve experienced Hero’s Welcome, everywhere else just seems a little… well, unwelcoming.
For more information about this quirky gem, including their latest sandwich specials and events, check out Hero’s Welcome’s website and Facebook page.
And don’t forget to use this map to find your way to sandwich paradise!
Where: 3537 US-2, North Hero, VT 05474
In the end, Hero’s Welcome isn’t just a store – it’s an experience.
So come for the sandwiches, stay for the charm, and leave with a full belly and a happy heart.