Small businesses are the heartbeat of Middlebury.
It’s the warm greetings, the familiar faces, the careful curators of beautiful things. They’re the places where we browse slowly, chat freely, and feel connected to the people who make this town what it is.
This Small Business Weekend, Kelly and I are reminded just how much our community thrives because of these owner-run gems — each one offering something special, thoughtful, and uniquely Middlebury. From the creativity of Beth and her team at Sparrow Art Supply, to the handcrafted pieces at Danforth Pewter, the winter beauty that Peter has created at Toad Hall Flowers, and the hometown spirit inside The Middlebury Shop ( Go Panthers!)  Wander through Sweet Cecily (Nancie ensures gifts at all price points),  find adventure-ready gifts (and that standout Darn Tough sock deal, four pairs for the price of three!) at Green Mountain Adventures, step into Parlour for all things beauty, explore treasures at The Stone Mill, and feel inspired at Edgewater at Home. We browse Middleton, breathe in the buds at Flora, pick up stories at The Vermont Book Shop and Otter Creek Used Books, and finish with something warm and grounding at Stone Leaf Tea House!
Each door we walk through is someone’s dream, someone’s livelihood, someone’s commitment to this town. As we shop, we all keep Middlebury vibrant and alive; we keep it … Middlebury.  Here’s to the unique and carefully crafted small shops that give our town its heart — and to all of you who support them. 💙