3 Best Shopping in Southern Vermont, Vermont

Dating to 1816, this 200-year-old general store is the oldest continuously operating country store in Vermont. Under the reins of co-owners Cindy Laudenslager and Gretchen Schmidt, it has great prepared dinners, a full deli, delicious homemade baked goods, and a big wine selection. It also sells interesting gifts, and houses its own soft-serve ice-cream machine.

Started in 1840 by William Williams, this trilevel country store has been run by the same family for six generations. This is one of those places where you can buy maple syrup and ammo, while catching up on posted town announcements. There's a deli on-site for sandwiches; a farmers' market is held outside on Sunday in summer.

This store opened in 1946 and is still run by the Orton family, though it has become something of an empire, with a large catalog and online business. One room is set aside for Vermont Common Crackers and bins of fudge and copious candy. In others you'll find nearly forgotten items such as Lilac Vegetol aftershave, as well as practical items like sturdy outdoor clothing. Nostalgia-evoking implements dangle from the rafters. The associated Mildred's Grill restaurant next door serves casual meals and, if you can’t get enough, there’s a second store on Route 103 in Rockingham.