We feel so blessed to live in a place where farm stands are plentiful and filled with locally grown produce, raw milk, and grass-fed beef. Most of our shopping centers around food, so this list is arguably very food focused. But you’ll find a few good gift shops listed as well! Did you discover a place to shop that’s not on this list? Let us know in the comments!
Within each category, the lists are in no particular order—except for Charlotte locations first! Enjoy!!!
Farm Stands
These farm stands are only open spring through fall (check their websites!).
Fresh Sourdough Bread (4360 Greenbush Road, Charlotte). Just south of us on Greenbush Road is the best sourdough bread ever. I don’t know the baker personally, but I can’t get enough of her bread. You’ll find it in a white cart at the end of their driveway. They take exact change or Venmo. Availability is hit or miss so check in often!
Sweet Roots (Route 7, Charlotte). Just around the corner from us on Rt. 7, this sweet farm stand has some really amazing fresh produce and local foods. The owner Jane and her team are lovely. Open spring, summer, and fall (usually 11am-6pm).
Head Over Fields (Route 7, Charlotte). A little farther south from us on Rt. 7, this is another sweet farm stand with more really amazing fresh produce and local foods. More recently, I noticed they have a little thrift shop with clothing, home goods, and dried flowers. I grabbed an amazing piece of marble, a gorgeous antique pitcher, and beautiful dried flowers recently. Open spring, summer, and fall. It’s not always open so check their site for hours.
Fat Cow Farm (Bingham Brook Road, Charlotte). The best local place to buy pasture-raised beef!
Golden Apple Family Farm (Whalley Road, Charlotte). Owned by Charlotte friends, this is the best place to buy local chicken, and they have a sweet little farm stand with the most beautiful eggs you’ve ever seen!
Philo Ridge (Mount Philo Road, Charlotte). This incredible farm just opened a new farm stand! It has had different iterations of a market, bakery, and restaurant. Whatever they do is always top notch! This farm stand is its latest incarnation.
Shelburne Orchards (Orchard Road, Shelburne). Just over the Charlotte line, this orchard is pure joy. Walk out to the orchard or take a wagon ride to pick your own peaches in late summer and apples in the fall. The farm stand sells apple cider, cider donuts, and bags of apples. You might found a food truck like as All-Star Tacos for lunch and kids will have fun playing on their play structures. The crown jewel of this oasis are the views.
Shelburne Farmer’s Market (Church Street, Shelburne). This is an adorable outdoor farmer’s market—only open on Saturday mornings in the warm months! Look for amazing pretzels (try the cinnamon one!), Twisted Halo Donuts (they sell out often—they just told me 9:45am is a good time to go), and so many local farmers and artisans!
Trillium Hill Farm (Hinesburg). Located right next to Lantman’s Market, you’ll love this farm stand. Owned and operated by family friends and open in the summer, they have fresh produce, beef, and maple syrup (wood fired and produced at their magical sugarbush on family property behind their farm; incidentally, wood fired syrup is the only syrup to buy).
Groceries
Old Brick Store (corner of Greenbush Road and Ferry Road, Charlotte). Besides serving amazing food and coffee, this gem of a general store has some basic groceries, wine, and liquor, as well as many things you didn’t know you needed! Stop in to see what owner Jolene has in her shop for you!
Shelburne Market (Shelburne). This is the closest traditional market for us. It’s a small market and by no means fancy. Some of the staff are unfriendly, but some are lovely. I’m very picky about my food and like mostly organic. They have almost everything I need. And depending on the day, they have a variety of locally made breads. Want really good bread? Look for O Bakery’s chili cheese ciabatta; it’s so good. Our favorite regular ciabatta is made by Slowfire Bakery (in a brown bag with a black stamp with their logo); they have a good country bread which I normally find, but the harder-to-find ciabatta is the best.
Lantman’s Market (Hinesburg). Almost the same distance as Shelburne Market, this is just in the other direction. Another local, traditional supermarket, it’s a bit bigger than Shelburne Market. People love shopping there and I can see why. Although I’m probably just used to Shelburne Market but I personally don’t find as much as I need at Lantman’s, but most people do. And it’s somehow affiliated with Hannafords, so I think the prices are the same as Hannafords.
Healthy Living (South Burlington). About 30 minutes away, it’s most like a Whole Foods. Owned by a Charlotte family, they sell gorgeous produce and tons of everything else you need. But it’s a bit of a maze how it’s set up, so get ready to ask how to find things often! (Fun fact: there are no Whole Foods in Vermont!)
Trader Joe’s (South Burlington). About 30 minutes away, it’s right across from Healthy Living.
City Market (Burlington). There are two locations, both about 30 minutes away. One is in downtown Burlington while the other is in more residential area. They’re like a Whole Foods or Healthy Living. I always default to Healthy Living because they are the only place that carries my favorite gluten-free flour (if you’re wondering, it’s the Cup4Cup brand).
Gas and Convenience
Spear Store (Spear Street, Charlotte). This is the first gas station you’ll find if you’re traveling east. This store has everything. Gas, milk, bread, snacks, gifts, syrup, and more!
The Jolley (Route 7, Ferrisburgh). If you’re traveling south from our house, this is the first gas station you’ll come to. The gas and convenience store is nothing unique, but for some reason it’s the favorite of Charlotte dads in the morning for coffee.
Jiffy Mart/Citgo (Route 7, Shelburne). Traveling north, this is a bit farther than the others and nothing special, but it’s a pleasant place to get gas and conveniences.
Clothing, Jewelry, and Skin Care
Mysa (Shelburne). Beautiful gift shop owned and operated by two Charlotte moms!
Ellie Parr (Shelburne). Beautiful, handcrafted jewelry. Also owned and operated by two Charlotte moms! Moving to South Burlington soon! (In the Talbots plaza on Route 7.)
Mirror Mirror (Shelburne). Opening soon! Maybe October 2024? This shop will have skin care, makeup, facials, and more! It will share space with the Fig (also opening soon) that will serve cocktails and appetizers.
Books, Gifts, Toys, and More
Old Brick Store (Ferry Road, Charlotte). This store really has everything you need. In addition to sweets and treats and yummy lunches and groceries, they have a variety of great gift ideas!
Shelburne Country Store (Shelburne). A favorite for kids, you’ll find something of everything here. Creemees, candy, gifts, and more!
Flying Pig Bookstore (Shelburne). The sweetest local book shop. If you love books, you’ll love this shop!
Jamie Two Coats (Shelburne). An adorable shop chock full of toys and gorgeous children’s clothing!
Hey June (Richmond). We love this shop. Full of cards, books, gifts, and more. Tell shop owner Maria that we sent you! She specializes in custom letter press cards and invitations.
Antiques
Private Art Dealer Justin Kenney (Charlotte). While he doesn’t have a store front, he has a passion for all things antique art and antique rugs. He’s happy to talk with anyone interested in what he might have in stock! (434) 249-0776
Ardesh (Route 7, Shelburne). This antique shop carries beautiful furniture. It’s on the expensive side but well worth the trip.
Sweet Charity (Vergennes). This is a quaint little shop. They provide a constant source of funding for individuals, families, and organizations who serve the community, as well as local philanthropic projects. You’ll find great deals here AND help those in need by shopping here. The shop is run by volunteers from the area who are as nice as can be!
Stone Block Antiques (Vergennes). I’ve been told that it’s the real deal; “owner knows his stuff.”
Vermont Used Furniture (Salisbury—a little bit south of Middlebury). I’ve been told it’s run by a very nice man with great dogs and that he always has a great selection.
Buggy Man Antiques (Johnson). (Closed as of 12/23/23 due to flooding; do not know if they’ll reopen.)
Barge Canal Market (377 Pine Street, Burlington).
Anjou & the Little Pear (53 Main Street, Burlington).
5 Corners Antiques (11 Maple Street, Essex). They have a huge selection and it’s in the same building as Architectural Salvage Warehouse.
Architectural Salvage Warehouse (Mason Brothers) (Essex Junction). Another huge selection, it’s in the same building as 5 Corners Antiques. Definitely a good place to go.
(Image credit Seven Days.)
