When you think of Vermont and New Hampshire, what comes to mind? Perhaps your mouth waters as you imagine pure, aromatic maple syrup and fresh sharp cheddar cheese. Or maybe you picture locally made crafts, family-run farms, or handsome New England architecture. Shop the Connecticut River Byway along the Vermont and New Hampshire border, and you’re likely to find all of these treasures and more. Maybe you’ll fall in love with a bewitching hand-turned burl bowl, re-discover an old apothecary brand you trust, or enjoy candy from the world’s longest candy counter. Shop the byway and discover what unique and traditional shopping experiences are in store!
For fresh country charm, stop by one of many farm stands scattered along the sides of the byway. Some sell crisp seasonal produce, while others offer fresh flowers or top-quality meat, dairy, and wool. In your shopping, be sure to watch for locally made crafts, jams, baked goods, cheeses, wines, and maple syrup. Take in views of lush farmland surrounding the Connecticut River as you pick your own produce or enjoy lunch at a cozy adjacent café. Each farm stand has a unique combination of goods, so you’ll want to stop by more than just one! Search for farm stands and other agricultural attractions such as pick-your-own orchards or farmer's markets at New Hampshire's official Travel & Tourism website, visitnh.gov, or visit the Vermont Agency of Agriculture's website, vermontagriculture.com, for an online list, complete with location and driving directions, hours of operation, and typical products on offer.
Stop in Rockingham, VT and uncover classic, hard-to-find merchandise at the Vermont Country Store. Located about 40 miles north from the beginning of the Vermont section of the byway near Highway 103, this store abounds with a myriad of nostalgic novelties. Remember classic candies such as Ice Cubes, Chuckles, Neccos, and licorice caramels? Just one taste, and you’ll find yourself reminiscing about the ‘good old days.’ Perhaps you’ll be reunited with a long-lost apothecary brand you remember and trust, such as century-old Lifebuoy Soap or ‘Frownies.’ You can stack up to 6 records in a Crosley record changer, or reinvent scenes from your childhood with classic Fisher Price toys. Try the Vermont Blueberry Glory Cake, and pick up a jar of Traditional Harvest Pumpkin Soup to take home and serve to your family on a chilly autumn day. It will surely bring back memories of your nostalgic shopping adventure. For further information, visit the Great Falls Regional Chamber of Commerce website, which lists the Vermont Country Store and many other local and distinctive shops on its Shopping pages.
Have you ever heard of a burl? A burl is an abnormal tree growth with unusual wood grain. Visit Dustin Coates Gallery on the Hill, in Etna, NH, about 30 miles northeast on the byway from Rockingham, VT, and you’ll be astonished at what enchanting masterpieces of art can come from an old rotting burl. The artist, known as one of New England’s premier wood turners, hand-turns these burls and forms them into truly one-of-a-kind bowls. Who knew that a work of art created from an old tree could serve as a captivating conversation piece or potential family heirloom?
Travel north on the byway for about 40 miles from Etna to Bath, NH, and you’ll find America’s oldest continuously opened general store, The Brick Store, which dates back to 1790. Pick up a cookbook containing recipes for traditional Yankee specialties, many containing maple syrup. If you fancy maple, you won’t want to miss out on delectable maple brittle, maple drops, maple spread, homemade maple walnut fudge, or your very own bottle of Brick Store maple syrup. For a quick laugh, look for “Patti’s Syrup that Sings” and listen to classic pop and country singer Patti Page sing her "Maple From New England" song every time you remove the cap! You’ll love the rich flavor of on-site smoked meats and cheeses. If you’re feeling more traditional, inspect the old-fashioned rooster weathervanes. If you’re feeling adventurous, check out the firefighter and country doctor weathervanes and imagine the personality one of these whimsical treasures could add to your home.
To finish off your shopping experience, stop at Littleton, NH, about 15 miles northeast from Bath, and be amazed at the world’s longest candy counter, listed as such by the Guinness Book of World Records. Boasting a 112-foot long candy counter and scrumptious homemade fudge, the store offers both yesterday’s favorites and new confectionary novelties. Go ahead and splurge, because the candies really do cost what the signs say. Remember, shopping in New Hampshire is tax-free.
Come shop the Connecticut River Byway to discover and take home a part of priceless New England charm. Don’t hesitate to stock up on distinctive crafts, thoughtful gifts, old-time classics, and tasty treats from the unique combination of shops you'll find along the Connecticut River Byway.
Disclaimer: this story does not serve as an endorsement of any private interest by the Federal Highway Administration.
