7 Towns in Vermont With Thriving Local Businesses
The beautiful and picturesque state of Vermont is part of the United States and boasts stunning New England architecture, as well as grassy mountain ranges known as the Green Mountains. Here, you can let your wild spirit run wild, all while enjoying the adorable small towns speckled throughout. You can find adorable cafes, boutiques, markets, restaurants, and bars throughout these towns, many of which are locally owned. When supporting locals, you can feel confident in the fact that you'll be treated like family and that your money is going towards something great.
Stowe
If you're craving coffee, check out Black Cap Coffee and Bakery, with its stylish wood and black interior, fresh daily pastries and sandwiches, and a small gift shop. Trapp Kaffeehaus is an Austrian-inspired cafe and is a part of the Trapp Family Lodge located near town. Green Goddess Cafe serves breakfast and lunch, with plenty of vegan options, and offers lots of seating.
Get your shopping done at stores like Coco Goose Boutique, which sells beautiful, high-end women's clothing. Tangerine and Olive stocks its shelves with adorable gifts, cards, and Vermont maple syrup. The Butchery is your one-stop charcuterie shop, with tons of meats, sauces, and other additions to make the perfect board.
For even more groceries, check out Commodities Natural Market, which has aisles full of organic produce, wines, and non-perishables. Mac's Market is a down-to-earth grocery store with a well-stocked wine selection and a coffee bar for that quick pick-me-up.
Grab some dinner at Harrisons, where you can enjoy delectable dishes at your cozy padded booth or right near the fireplace. The plate serves up gourmet dishes in a low-key atmosphere, and Grants has that cheery farmhouse vibe, with an outdoor wrap-around patio and easy access to the Stowe Village Inn.
Finally, settle down with a drink at Burt's Irish Pub, which has a laid-back UK vibe and is close to resorts. For some late-night fun, check out Rimrock's Mountain Tavern, and enjoy the heated patio and arcade games.
Montpelier
At Capitol Grounds, you can grab a delicious cold brew and sandwich or grab some take-home coffee bags. Filibuster Cafe has cozy seating, beautiful wall murals, and fantastic omelets. Birchgrove Baking specializes in homemade pastries and even has shelves with cute mugs and dishware for purchase.
Shop your heart out at Altheas Attic Boutique, where you can find stunning, European-inspired outfits. Delish Sweet Shop satisfies your sweet tooth with truffles, candy jars, and a massive Jelly Belly dispenser. The Getup Vintage is great for finding your new favorite retro jacket, hat, or a pair of boots.
Grab the basics at Hunger Mountain Co-Op, which has produce, bulk foods, and natural products. For more unique options, check out Capital City Farmer's Market, which has booths selling baked goods, organic produce, cheeses, meats, eggs, and raw milk.
Dinner is easy at Sarduccis, a riverside restaurant with beautifully crafted dishes and charming Italian decor. Royal Orchid, with a back-end patio and quaint interior, cooks up great Thai food. In the morning, grab breakfast at The Skinny Pancake, which also serves crepes and paninis for lunch.
When the sun sets, enjoy craft beer on the summer patio at Three Penny Taproom or at Langdon Street Tavern, which also has pool tables, TVs perfect for watching sports, and a fun, riverside location.
Woodstock
At Mon Vert Cafe, smell the flowers on their adorable patio, and treat yourself to an organically sourced lunch. Soulfully Good Cafe serves hearty soups, massive pastries, waffles, croissants, and omelets. Splendid Bakes is perfect for lunch, with paninis ready to go, as well as adorable cupcakes. They also make ready-to-order cakes for any event.
At Unicorn Gift Shop, you can pick up the perfect birthday present with their selection of cards, jewelry, toys, and clothing. Yankee Bookshop has your new favorite read, with fiction, nonfiction, and children's sections. The Vermont Eclectic Company is a funky little shop with tons of shirts, hats, and knickknacks.
Groceries are a snap with the Village Butcher Shop, which sells wine, jam, maple syrup, cheese, and deli meats. F.H. Gillingham and Sons have a massive selection, including wine, artisanal goods, cookware, clothing, beer, and a deli.
Try something new at Melaza Bistro, which serves delectable Caribean cuisine and has a front and back patio. The Prince and the Pauper has been around for 49 years and counting and creates fantastic fine dining dishes and drinks. Red Rooster is a chill spot with yummy New England food made with fresh, local ingredients.
Grab a drink at Richardson's Tavern, which stocks craft beers and spirits and has seating either inside by a fireplace or outside on the porch. Feeling fancy? Try out Au Comptoir, where you can get a finely crafted cocktail or glass of organic wine.
Manchester
If you're looking for a coffee alongside some delicious breakfast, check out Little Rooster Cafe and try one of their crepes, french toast plates, or sandwiches. Bonnet and Main Cafe/Colburn Cafe is inside an adorable bookstore where they craft their drinks with local coffee beans. Dina's Bakery Cafe stocks both gluten-free and vegan options and baked items like cookies and cakes.
Zippy Chicks is a wonderful consignment store that sells men's and women's outfits as well as authentic luxury items. Above All, Vermont is a New England-inspired shop that sells maple syrup, food, toys, and an apothecary. Marketplace on Main St sells cute decor, local jams, jewelry, and fun novelty gifts.
Grocery items can be found at Nature's Market, which stocks health foods, organic items, and kombucha. The Italian Market of Manchester imports Italian meats, cheese, wine, and pasta.
Enjoy three different dining experiences at the Crooked Ram, and choose from the Cafe, Dining Room, or Yard. Johnny Seeaws is inside a historic building and serves up New England comfort food. Gringo Jacks offers authentic Mexican dishes, and on warm days, enjoy their large, lit up patio.
Simmer down for the night at Raven's Den and try a craft beer, cocktail, or local wine while enjoying their charming outdoorsy decor. Union Underground offers 24 local beers on tap, gastropub fare, live music, and pool tables perfect for a night out.
Springfield
Black River Coffee Bar is located right on the Black River, inside a historic building built in 1882. Maebellines is great for breakfast and features giant windows that are perfect for getting lost in thought. Enjoy fresh coffee, homemade bread, pies, and local Vermont goods at Heritage Deli and Bakery.
Shop the afternoon away at Woodbury Florist and browse their garden center, or take advantage of their bouquet assembly or delivery services. Look your best with Headquarters for Men, a quaint barbershop with a book selection for passing the time. Shear Beauty Salon covers all your beauty needs and offers services for bridal parties, children, men, and women.
Groceries are easy with JC's Market and Deli, with their produce options, pastries, meat cuts, and to-go meals. Blais Produce Farm Stand is a locally run wooden stand with tons of fresh fruit and veggies.
Enjoy the food and massive bar at the Copper Fox, as well as their beautifully painted murals. Riverside Restaurant offers great views, a salad bar, generous portions, and yummy sundaes for dessert. At Sheri's Place, kick back with some great food near the fireplace and admire the brick interior. Afterwards, finish the night off with Vermont Beer Makers and chill in their outdoor seating area with a craft IPA.
Ludlow
Java Bavas is a chill cafe with delicious sandwiches and homemade, baked daily pastries. TPW Coffee Bar has great outdoor seating under umbrellas, and their menu includes Mocha Joes Coffee and spiked milkshakes. Waffle Cabin is a ski-up cafe open in the winter by the ski hill and keeps you warm with apple cider, coffee, and sugar waffles.
At Wine and Cheese Depot, take advantage of their vast selection and local Vermont cheeses. Tuggart Trading Post sells mountainware, totes, and shoes, perfect for any Vermont weather. Tygart Mountain Sports has your adventures covered with bikes, skis, apparel, and rental options.
Grab some groceries at Singletons General Store, where you can shop produce, outdoor gear, dry foods, deli meats, and self-serve lunches. The Farmer's Market is a great place to shop locally and pick up peppers, berries, and bread.
Lunch and dinner are easy with GameBird, where you can enjoy burgers and fried foods while playing arcade games like skeeball and pinball. Johnny's Kitchen makes fantastic sandwiches with local ingredients and fresh-baked bread. Goodman's American Pie is unique and fun, serving wood-fired pizza. Here, you can sit at a table created from old ski-lift booths and play bar games.
Afterward, enjoy a Guinness at Killarney, an Irish pub with delicious Irish food. The Loft Tavern is another late-night stop, with its quaint barn exterior and laid-back atmosphere.
Waterbury
Get your morning coffee fix at Stowe Street Cafe, where you can also enjoy homemade pastries and brunch. KC's Bagel Cafe sells NY-style bagels and take-home bags and has 13 cream cheeses to choose from. Henders Bake Shop and Cafe features adorable blue decor and serves breakfasts, cakes, and wholesale items.
At Bridgeside Books, you can rent board games for a rainy day activity or buy puzzles and games. They also have a large fiction and nonfiction section. Green Mountain Dry Goods is perfect for finding that authentic New England gift idea, with novelty items, candles, souvenirs, and maple syrup. Lake Champlain Chocolates brings a smile to everyone's face with delicious truffles, gift sets, and hot chocolate.
Groceries can be found at the Village Market of Waterbury, where you can shop produce, baked goods, and liquor and check out their Made in Vermont selection. Sunflower Natural Foods caters to those who prefer organic, with produce, essential oils, alcohol, health, and beauty items.
Fill your stomach at McGillicuddy's Irish Pub, with authentic Irish pub fare, 40 draft beer options, and sports on TV. Zachary's Pizza and Italian House has been operating for over 50 years, so you know they know what they're doing. For breakfast, check out the Old Stagecoach Inn's continental buffet, which is open to the public and full of delicious options like homemade pastries.
For a late-night drink, try The Reservoir, which serves up its house label, Big Tree Brewing, as well as tons of craft beers. It also has a great event space. Crossroads Beverage is a unique spot with a craft wine room, featuring both local and imported wines.
The small towns of beautiful Vermont, as well as surrounding New England, are perfect for supporting locals. From cafes to boutiques, grocery stores, restaurants, and pubs, you might find your new favorite spot in the least expected place. So you'll surely find it in the Green Mountain State if you're looking for authentic Irish food, local Vermont goods like maple syrup, or a bottle of New England wine.
