Founded nearly two decades ago and rooted in the spirit of local craftsmanship, Vermont’s Own Gifts and Goods has become one of Middlebury’s most cherished stops for anyone searching for the true flavor and creativity of the state. What began as a small shop dedicated entirely to Vermont-made goods eventually found its current owner, someone who first worked behind the counter, fell in love with the mission, and returned five years later to buy the business in the middle of a global pandemic. Unusual timing, sure, but perfect for a store built on community and resilience.
Located right downtown, Vermont’s Own blends the warmth of a classic general store with the charm of a space where everything on the shelves tells a story. With more than 100 local vendors contributing everything from cookie cutters to handmade soaps to dangerously addictive maple treats, the shop is constantly in motion. Customers see displays; behind the scenes it’s a nonstop rotation of inventory, problem-solving, and the owner doing everything from fixing the printer at 9 to reorganizing the floor at 2.
What makes the store shine is the genuine connection it creates. Out-of-towners wander year-round, but during the holidays locals fill the place, especially during the beloved Midnight Strolls. Every year someone walks in saying, “Wait… this store has been here for HOW long?”
Middlebury shapes the business. A mix of long-timers, new residents, tourists, and college families keeps the shop buzzing. And though not every local knows the store exists, the town’s growing downtown scene brings new faces through the door.
Vermont’s Own quietly gives back through fundraisers, festivals, raffles, and local causes. Online sales have grown, the website has expanded, and the store now embraces tap-to-pay with the same warmth as maple syrup on the shelves.
At its heart, Vermont’s Own Gifts and Goods is a place where people feel welcome, remembered, and appreciated. A little nostalgic, a little quirky, and always sincere, it remains a small but mighty piece of Vermont itself.