Stepping through the creaking wooden doors of the Vermont Country Store is like stepping into a time capsule, a fragrant haven where the scent of maple syrup mingles with the comforting aroma of aged cheddar. Sunlight streams through the windows, illuminating shelves overflowing with colorful candies, jars of homemade jams, and stacks of checkered flannel shirts. The gentle murmur of conversation, punctuated by the occasional clanging of a cash register, creates a symphony of nostalgia. More than just a store, it’s an experience, a journey back to a simpler time when quality and tradition reigned supreme. The Vermont Country Store is a culinary treasure trove, offering a unique selection of nostalgic and high-quality foods that celebrate Vermont’s agricultural heritage and provide a comforting taste of the past.
The Classics: A Culinary Journey Through Memories
A visit to the Vermont Country Store is often a pilgrimage for those seeking a taste of their childhood, or a connection to a bygone era. The store boasts a carefully curated selection of classic foods, items that have stood the test of time and continue to delight generations.
Perhaps the most iconic of all is the pure Vermont maple syrup. The lifeblood of the state’s culinary identity, maple syrup comes in various grades, each offering a unique flavor profile. From the delicate golden color with its subtle butterscotch notes, to the robust dark amber syrup with its intense caramel undertones, the Vermont Country Store offers a syrup for every palate. And it’s not just syrup; you’ll find maple candy shaped like maple leaves, creamy maple butter perfect for spreading on warm toast, and even maple-infused nuts for a satisfying crunch. Their commitment is to the real thing. No artificial flavorings or additives – just pure Vermont goodness straight from the sugar bush.
No trip to the Vermont Country Store is complete without indulging in the cheese selection. Vermont is renowned for its dairy farms, and the store proudly showcases the state’s best cheeses. Sharp cheddar, a cornerstone of Vermont cuisine, takes center stage. From mild and creamy to aged and intensely flavorful, the cheddar offerings are diverse and satisfying. Alongside the cheddar, you’ll discover other local cheeses, from creamy goat cheese to tangy blue cheese, each representing the unique terroir of its origin. Don’t forget the cheese spreads, perfect for entertaining or a simple snack.
To complement the cheeses, a vast array of crackers and jams beckon. Stone-ground wheat crackers, sourdough crisps, and buttery water crackers provide the perfect canvas for the rich flavors of Vermont cheeses. Jams and preserves, made with locally sourced fruits, add a touch of sweetness and complexity. Wild blueberry jam, made with tiny, intensely flavored berries hand-picked from Vermont’s forests, is a particular standout. Rhubarb jam, with its tart and tangy flavor, provides a refreshing counterpoint to the richness of the cheese.
And then there are the candies and sweets. The Vermont Country Store is a paradise for those with a sweet tooth, offering a dizzying array of nostalgic treats. Penny candy, the kind that used to cost a single cent, lines the shelves in colorful jars. Fudge, made with rich chocolate and creamy butter, melts in your mouth. Brittle, a crunchy confection studded with peanuts or pecans, provides a satisfying snap. These sweets evoke memories of childhood summers, county fairs, and simpler times.
Rounding out the classics are the smoked meats. The Vermont Country Store offers a selection of bacon, ham, and sausage, all carefully smoked using traditional methods. The smoky aroma permeates the store, drawing you in and tempting your taste buds. These meats are a testament to Vermont’s agricultural heritage, a reminder of the days when families cured their own meats to preserve them through the long winter months.
Vermont’s Bounty: A Celebration of Local Flavor
The Vermont Country Store is more than just a purveyor of classic foods; it’s a champion of local producers and a showcase for Vermont’s agricultural bounty. The store actively seeks out small-batch producers and artisan food makers, providing them with a platform to share their creations with a wider audience.
Look for the “Made in Vermont” label – a sign of quality and authenticity. You’ll find buttermilk pancake mix, made with locally milled flour, perfect for creating fluffy pancakes with a hint of tang. Local honey, gathered from Vermont’s wildflowers, offers a taste of the state’s natural beauty. Apple butter, slow-cooked with cinnamon and spices, captures the essence of autumn in a jar.
The Vermont Country Store also highlights seasonal offerings. In the fall, fresh cider donuts, warm and fragrant with cinnamon and nutmeg, are a must-try. During the summer months, you might find locally grown berries, peaches, or apples, depending on what’s in season. This commitment to seasonality ensures that the store’s offerings are always fresh and flavorful. Supporting local businesses is important, and the Vermont Country Store food section does an amazing job of doing just that.
The emphasis on “Made in Vermont” is more than just a marketing tactic; it’s a reflection of the store’s values. The Vermont Country Store believes in supporting local farmers and artisans, preserving Vermont’s agricultural heritage, and providing customers with the highest quality, locally sourced products.
Beyond the Traditional: Discovering Unique Culinary Treasures
While the Vermont Country Store is known for its classic and local foods, it also offers a selection of more unusual or hard-to-find culinary treasures. These items add to the store’s unique character and appeal to adventurous palates.
One of the store’s specialties is sourcing retro and nostalgic foods. These are the brands and products that you might remember from your childhood, but that are no longer widely available in mainstream grocery stores. Perhaps a specific brand of cookies you haven’t seen in years, a particular type of candy you thought had disappeared forever, or a canned good you remember your grandmother used to make. Finding these forgotten favorites can be a truly special experience.
In addition to nostalgic items, the Vermont Country Store also carries a selection of international specialties. These might include imported cheeses, olives, or spices, adding a touch of global flavor to the store’s Vermont-centric offerings.
For home cooks, the Vermont Country Store is a valuable resource for hard-to-find ingredients. You might discover unusual spices, flours, or other ingredients that are difficult to source elsewhere. These ingredients can help you elevate your cooking and create dishes that are truly unique.
In recent years, the Vermont Country Store has also expanded its offerings to cater to specific dietary needs. You’ll find gluten-free options, organic products, and other specialty diet items, ensuring that there’s something for everyone.
The Vermont Country Store Experience: A Feast for the Senses
Buying food at the Vermont Country Store is more than just a transaction; it’s an experience. The store is designed to engage all of your senses, creating a memorable and enjoyable shopping trip.
One of the highlights of the Vermont Country Store is the opportunity to sample many of the products before you buy them. Cheese samples, maple syrup tastings, and candy samplers are readily available, allowing you to discover new favorites and make informed decisions.
The atmosphere of the store is another key element of the experience. The old-fashioned decor, the creaking floors, and the friendly staff create a welcoming and charming ambiance. You’ll feel like you’ve stepped back in time, to a place where customer service is valued and shopping is a pleasure.
The Vermont Country Store is also known for its exceptional customer service. The staff is knowledgeable, helpful, and always willing to go the extra mile to assist you. Whether you need help finding a specific product, advice on pairing cheeses, or simply a friendly conversation, the staff is there to make your visit a positive one.
For those who can’t visit the store in person, the Vermont Country Store offers a comprehensive mail order and online shopping service. You can browse their extensive selection of food and other items from the comfort of your own home, and have them delivered directly to your door.
The Orton Family: Stewards of a Vermont Tradition
The Vermont Country Store is a family-owned business, and the Orton family has been instrumental in shaping its identity and values. Their commitment to quality, tradition, and customer service has been the driving force behind the store’s success.
The Orton family is dedicated to preserving a slice of Americana, a place where the past is celebrated and the values of simpler times are upheld. Their dedication is reflected in the products they sell, the atmosphere they create, and the way they treat their customers.
In Conclusion: A Culinary Destination Like No Other
The Vermont Country Store offers a unique and nostalgic food experience that is unlike any other. It’s a place where you can discover classic flavors, support local producers, and indulge in a taste of the past. From the iconic maple syrup and sharp cheddar to the hard-to-find retro candies and the friendly customer service, the Vermont Country Store is a culinary destination that celebrates Vermont’s heritage and provides a comforting taste of simpler times. So, whether you’re planning a trip to Vermont or simply looking for a taste of nostalgia, be sure to explore the food offerings at the Vermont Country Store. You might want to start with a taste of their aged cheddar and pure maple syrup – it’s the perfect way to begin your culinary journey. It’s a taste of Vermont you won’t soon forget, and the perfect way to enjoy Vermont Country Store food.
