Thanksgiving weekend is not only the unofficial start of ski season in Vermont, but it is also the start of holiday shopping season. Coincidence? Maybe not. Combining a ski getaway to Vermont with an opportunity to get some holiday shopping done at unique shops you will never find at the mall is the perfect way to start your winter. Even if you’re not overly fond of holiday shopping, we guarantee shopping “Vermont style” will amaze and delight you.
Vermont is a state that seems to inspire artisans of all kinds. You will find wonderful pottery, unique glassworks, wooden bowls and boards, handmade jewelry, and paintings, prints and photos. Some artists sell straight from their studio. Others rely on retail shops devoted to handcrafted goods. If you’re lucky, you might even find a local, Christmas fair offering unique treasures at reasonable prices.
In Vermont, we also take our food very, very seriously. You will run across all kinds of small-batch foods from jams to flavored oils to pure maple syrup to artisanal cheeses just perfect to gift to someone special. Shop the local specialty stores or visit the year-round farmer’s markets that abound in Vermont.
We don’t have to tell you, it gets cold in Vermont in winter. That means, you can find some wonderful cold weather clothing here. Whether you shop the outdoor outfitters, the ski shops, or local retail, you will find the warmest socks, hats, and outerwear.
Surely there are some children on your holiday list. We’ve got you covered there too. You can find hand-crafted wooden toys, marvelous books, teddy bears, and handmade chocolates and sweets sure to please.
We know we have you interested now. But save some time for the slopes, too. And for eating out at wonderful restaurants offering farm-to-table dining experiences. And for visiting a craft brewery or two because Vermont makes some wonderful beers. And for trying something new like snow mobiling or cross country skiing. Well, you get it. There is so much to do in Vermont, you might just have to make more than one visit!
For some shopping suggestions, check out Vermont.com’s regional shopping guides:
Burlington Shopping Guide
Killington Shopping Guide
Manchester Shopping Guide
Stowe Shopping Guide
Don’t forget about “giving back“.