Dear Fellow Vermonter,

Last week, I asked you to tell me about your favorite country store. I could not believe the overwhelming response we received. Many of these comments were very moving, and reaffirmed to me how much country stores mean to Vermonters and our sense of community.  There were just too many responses to print them all, but I thought you would enjoy reading some of them:

“The Lake Elmore Country Store is a community hub - for mail, news and connection. The Connection aspect has been so important these last several years of the Covid  19 Era - even with restrictions  - it has been a God send to many local people. Besides the Identity factor - It is also an economic driver in this small community. The post office is especially important as is the store itself. The State of Vermont et al should be keen to make sure the Country Store remains a viable business for our towns and community. Without them, we become a soulless and non viable people. We can do better.” – from Morrisville

“Thanks, Bernie and Crew. My husband and I live a mile from the Elmore Store in Lake Elmore (though we are actually in Wolcott). I try to buy everything I can from this wonderful store in order to support our community - financially and in other ways. I'm all for small town stores!” – from Wolcott

“The Belmont Country Store is an absolutely wonderful feature of living in or visiting Belmont, Vermont.  Since I can remember (I'm 57), it has been the backbone of the town for me, as a sometime visitor. Our family house there has changed hands now, but I'll always remember "The Store"!!!” – from Rutland

“Dudley’s in East Montpelier is a great old time traditional country store that is the life line for rural area that is just too far to a large grocery store for a quick something.  They are kind, the store runs the gammet from hardware to fishing licenses to beer and wine to deli and hunting supplies” – from Northfield 

“My favorite store is the Bridgewater Corners Country Store. This store has been part of my life for as long as I have had memories. I remember going there as a little kid, picking out penny candies. As a teenager my Mom worked there, and she was the creator of what is still their signature sandwich, the Belly Burner! It has had many names over the years including the Junction Country Store, but it has always been a wonderful place to stop for gas, food, drinks, and to interact with locals. My 5 kids have all grown up with it as well, and feel the same way I do about it!! I hope it will be there for many more generations to enjoy!!” – from Woodstock

“The Alburgh deli market was my favorite place to get food products and services. In the Town of Alburgh Vermont. Now it's permanently closed for good we desperately need more local businesses within the Town of Alburgh Vermont in grand isle county because everybody benefits from a local economy within the town borders but we need help with adding more business opportunities and Workforce opportunities within the town because we are all one big  community of Vermont and we as from honors no when economic engines work together everybody wins Vermont economy wins society wins children wins the planet for the future generation to come.” – from Alburgh

“My local country store is The West River Country Market. It’s a non-profit, community based market. The small building also houses our post office, a thrift store and a commercial kitchen available to the community. They’re known for their year round Friday wood fired pizza night. That also have a Sunday afternoon roots music jam open to all. When I moved from Ct to Vermont 4 years ago, this little gem sealed the deal. Keep fighting the good fight and promoting our great little state.” –  from West Townshend

“I live about a hundred yards from Kamuda's General Store in Pittsford. It’s a family owned store that has served the community for decades. I think of it as my "pantry" and make use of its fresh local produce and deli meals regularly. I try to reserve my chain store grocery store shopping to once or twice a month. I love knowing the people I buy food from and supporting local food producers. A few months ago, a Dollar General opened just a hundred yards up the road the other way. I really do not know who was supporting this endeavor. I have been in it once just to see what it had. The prices are probably lower but I have no intention of shopping there.” – from Pittsford

“Smitty's Market in Chester.  I love the old creaky wooden floor, the meat and deli department and a great wine selection in the back.  Bottles of wine from $5 - $75.  A little something for everyone, which in my case is the $5 bottle of wine!” – from Springfield 

“H.N. Williams Store in Dorset has been run by the same family generation after generation since 1840. Yes! 1840!  Truly a Vermont treasure!” – from Pawlet

“BG's in Hartland. It's the heart and soul of the town. The owner, Bill Gaucher, inherited it from his father and lives above the store. He works nearly every day but has a wonderful friendly staff. They are known for having a great meat section and will carry special things customers request. They highlight local produce such as McClellan Farms corn in the summer, McNamara milk and cream & cards from local artists.” – from Hartland

“Rail City Market in Saint Albans cares about the health and joy of their local community by featuring items that support health and wellness and are hard to find.  They support other small businesses like bakers, growers, and crafters by carrying their products, and provide an especially pleasant shopping experience by stocking the store with lovely items as well as having a warm and supportive staff who go out of their way to be helpful, particularly during this challenging time.  The owner deserves an award!  She has made an invaluable contribution to my own life at a time it is deeply needed.” – from Saint Albans

“My favorite country store, of course, is the general store in my town: Coburn’s General Store in South Strafford Vermont. Besides being a gathering place and indoor town green, like most of our country stores, Coburn’s is also the local food shelf, the place to leave your trades and hand-me-downs for you neighbors to pick up, and where Sue Coburn keeps tabs on new babies, local needs, and what’s up with local politics. Coburn’s became our lifeline during Covid, adapting in amazing ways and showing us that at least our general store is a vital part of our towns resilience and its future!” – from South Strafford

“Beaudry’s store in Huntington . Linda Pecor has been running the store for more than 40 years . It’s the rock of the community and she is a wonderful human being who loves her customers” – from Colchester

“Tallman’s Store in beautiful Belvidere was (unfortunately) the quintessential family country store for many, many years. It, too, was the town hub. You could talk with Myrna (and at times Hugh if he was there) about town happenings and visit with her and our neighbors for hours. It was (again, unfortunately) the place to be to get the news and highlights of ‘town goings ons’.  It was (again, unfortunately) the best of the best.  Unfortunately, it closed a couple years ago. Tallman’s Store could open tomorrow as a museum.  A stop in the store was a step back in time as your eyes gazed upon the huge selection of antiques that donned the upper heights surrounding the interior. I dearly miss Myrna, Hugh and the warmth and friendly conversations. A real gem. It is a real loss in our wonderful Town of Belvidere, Vermont. That store drew people from far and wide mostly because of all of the above special features.” – from Belvidere Center

“Dan and Whits.  The owner, Dan, writes an email to the community every day.  Writes notes to his employees every day complimenting them on something.  Organizes fundraisers for The Haven and other organizations.  It's SO MUCH more than a store.  It really is the heart beat of our community.  I'm sure you've heard of community members answering the call to work there as little or as much as they want due to difficulty finding help right now.  So we have retired professionals trying to figure out how to ring up your order.  All because of devotion to the store.  Also, it's a maze of a country store with things crammed here and there and a large back section and an upstairs I only recently learned of after living here for 8 years.  The motto, "If we don't have it, you don't need it" is almost true.” – from Norwich

“The Craftsbury General Store (aka The Genny) and the C Village Store in Craftsbury do a fantastic job of providing our small town with much needed resources and community loci. Together, they cover the spectrum of Vermonters, from Back-to-the-landers and their new native offspring, to the longest of generational woodchucks. Craftsbury really is a gem, and the active community life is well supported and encouraged by our two (!) country stores.” – from Craftsbury Common

“Bliss village store and deli in Bradford Vermont is a very old and loved village store. Everyone in town stops in for coffee or some other essential, or goes in for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. They are always open and their staff is always so kind and friendly to everyone.  A few staff members, including David and Brennan are always so helpful and do everything they can to brighten people’s day. And they genuinely seem to care about their customers. When I hear those two talking to other customers they always ask about how they and their family are or about what they gave going on and really care about the people.  This is why the store does so well.  Because of people like that who try to bring joy to people's lives even if it’s just for the short interaction they have with us as customers. It’s always a pleasure to go into that store and have the great food that is always consistent and run into other members of my community.” – from Norwich

“Forest Dale Grocery and Deli, fulfills a busy neighborhood in a variety of amazing ways. It’s a place to get dinner, sandwiches after a day at the beach or just stopping by and chatting. It’s a staple to the community- and sadly it is closing. We need your help to keep it open.” – from Brandon

“Dudley’s in East Montpelier; not slick, not fancy, not catering to the tourist trade, not fixed up, not cool. Just regular it is, with great coffee, great sandwiches, a little of this a little of that. OJ, milk, nails, handkerchiefs, friendly staff, work pants, socks, muffins, a porch that needs fixing and most of all walls that can talk.” – from Marlboro 

“Plainfield Hardware at 4723 US2, in East Montpelier, 802-454-1000.  If you can't find what you came for, you likely don't need it.  This place has great wraps, made to order, great coffee, and great conversation!” – from Shelburne 

“Keeler Bay Variety in South Hero has kept us fed throughout the Pandemic and we are grateful. Even yesterday, as the islands were cut off from vehicle transportation, we could get our groceries as usual. Mark and Gail and Wendy Horne and staff always greet us with a friendly hello.” – from South Hero 

“Pratt's Store in Bridport. They have a little of everything. Great place to get your holiday meats.” – from Vergennes

“Will's Store Chelsea Vermont.  It has real Character! Located at the Base of our North Green. It is a Historic building well maintained and well stocked.  The owner Will Gilman is generous, kind and a well-respected community member. The clerks and helpers greet you upon entry, always willing to assist you and don't mind giving their opinion on the matter at hand. Everyone prefers to visit and pick up what they don't have and need from Will's. We could not exist without it.” – from Vermont 

“The Saxtons River Village Market is the lifeblood of our small village (about 500 people). The owner Averill Larsen has kept it open as other businesses in the village moved or closed.  They stock a wider array of “gourmet” foods than many larger stores. We are very lucky to have it in walking distance!” – from Saxtons River

“Henry's in Bennington is a wonderful grocery. There are fresh vegetables and an amble selection of canned foods. They also smoke their own meats and have a cold case with chicken marinated or not and a fresh cut meats. There is also a selection of food to go, like salads and macaroni and cheese and etc. One of the best things about Henry's is they are downtown!” – from Pownal

“Somebody should do an article about the store known for many years as D&K, in Jamaica, Vermont 05343.  It is now under the management of a young couple who are doing a good job at carrying on the incredible work of Dale and Karen Chapin Ameden, especially Karen, who turned the store into not only a place where you could buy ANYTHING, literally, from high-end skier-type pesto to strapping tape to tools to hot lunches, with a full meat counter and bakery -- from that, into the town center for information exchange and a major supporter of the local food bank plus individual confidential support for community members who were going through typical Vermont hard times. The store is now called West River Provisions.  Thank heavens, it is thriving.” – from Vermont

“Wings Supermarket in Fairlee VT has been in business for over 60 years here in Fairlee. It is the hub of our community. It is still run by the same family. Mary "Wing" Davenport is the hardest working person I know. She could have retired years ago but continues to keep the store open for our community. Please consider recognizing this small grocery store business.” – from Fairlee

“Pruners market, hydeville, Vermont.  Every time you enter they are making something.  Smells like grandma’s.  Always are greeted with a smile, and a thank you for stopping.  They have everything you need in a pinch, or whether you need a week of groceries.  A full service deli, and great meats, and a whole line of Cabot and Vermont maple products.  Just an outstanding store.” – from Bomoseen

“Lisai's Market in Bellows Falls, VT is a long run family Market.  It is crucially important to the local community, not only for the quality meats, produce, deli, and variety of items, but for the friendly service and conversations loyal customers enjoy. Lisai's size fosters community. At a time when huge supermarket chains and big box stores may offer some savings, they remain impersonal and often overwhelming with too many choices, too many isles and difficulty locating and even reaching for the items you need! Small markets, like the general stores of yore, foster friendly communication, better service, and community cohesion.” – from Saxtons River

“Westford Country Store, 26 Common Road, Westford, Vermont 05494. Built new from the ground up and opened a year and a half ago (August 2020), the Westford Country Store is a local gem! We have had a wonderfully engaged community; many of us pined over recent years for just such a magnet in the heart of the village by the beautiful Westford Town Common. The anticipation has been exceeded only by the event. We now enjoy a stellar little market with a terrific deli and bakery. Best thing for Westford in my 20 years here.” – from Westford 

“The Barnard General Store, established in 1832, shut down in 2009 after the owners couldn't make it work. The community rallied together and formed the Barnard Community Trust in 2010, raising enough money to buy the building and lease it to new owners, with the help of Paul Bruhn and the Preservation Trust of Vermont. The business is doing well, employing people of all ages, and the BGS remains the heart of the community on the shore of Silver Lake.” – from Barnard

Thank you to everyone who took the time to tell us about their country store. 

Best,