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We've compiled the best of the best in Central Vermont - browse our top choices for the top things to see or do during your stay.
More and more of James Zilian's "studio pottery" is showing up in luxury establishments around the country, even earning the Oprah seal of approval. A visit to the home shop just west of Woodstock shows why, with a rustic but elegant range of stoneware pitchers, enamel jars, linen oven mitts, and beehive salt cellars. Visitors can watch the potters in action through large windows into the production room.
This eccentric Victorian house is filled to the rafters with stuffed animals of all shapes, sizes, and colors, as well as folk art, European glass, and Christmas ornaments.
Son of Simon Pearce, Andrew is making a name in his own right with his expertly and elegantly carved wood bowls, cutting boards, furniture, and artwork. Visitors can watch the carvers at work through windows into the production room.
This funky and attractive shop sells local jewelry, glass, pottery, and clothing from numerous local artisans.
The Mad River Taste Place is a grocery store in the same way that Waterbury's Ben & Jerry's Factory is an ice cream shop: you'll find all the Vermont-made food and drink you could want, but a visit is about more than tasting the end product, and you're guaranteed to learn something while you're there. It's the place for local cheese, with more than 100 options representing every producer in the state, all expertly curated and explained by in-the-know staff. A walk-in beer cooler stocks hard-to-find brews and ciders, and the shelves are piled with perfect edible gifts. Meats from on-site 5th Quarter Butchery & Charcuterie are making their way onto high-profile menus, so be sure to grab some from the source.
Take the Taftsville Covered Bridge to this farm, where you can learn how maple syrup is made and sample as much as you'd like. The farm also makes excellent waxed cheeses.
This more-than-a-century-old general store has everything you'd hope to find in tiny but sophisticated Vermont: a nice selection of local beer and wine, cheeses, baked goods, strong coffee, and delicious sandwiches and prepared foods. In summer, grab a quick lunch on the small deck by the water; in winter, warm up at the wood stove. Warm, woolly clothing and accessories can be found upstairs.
The indoor market is a year-round buffet of local produce, fresh fish, and excellent grab-and-go sandwiches and pastries.
