The Roots has been a much welcomed and embraced addition to the little village of Middlesex. It's a…read moreplace that's sees a ton of travelers going to and from the Mad River Valley, and surely these well-heeled visitors, along with loyal locals, have been essential to the success and growth of The Roots.
Indeed, if you are exiting off I-89 on your way to the Valley, stop in and stock up for your mountain getaway or ski vacation. Once you pull into your vacation accommodations tired and hungry, you'll be so glad you did.
The prices are a little higher than at Hunger Mountain Co-op in Montpelier, so I use The Roots to help me fill in the gaps between my larger shopping trips. Living close by, I can pop in for my staples, like Dirt Farm organic eggs, Wilcox's Blueberry Crumble ice cream, heirloom tomatoes, or another bag of their luscious salad greens - even a roll of toilet paper - without needing to drive all the way to Montpelier, Waterbury, or Waitsfield.
Most all of the gorgeous, organic vegetables within the market are grown at the owners farm in Williamstown, Bear Roots Farm. If not, they are locally grown and sourced from other area farms. There is an onsite kitchen, out of which the chefs create an array of ready-to-go options, from soups and salads, to their homemade dressings and salsas, wraps and overnight oats, to trays of dinners to take home and bake (the chicken enchilada pie with root veggies is out of the world), and more. It's down right impressive what they keep churning out.
Outside their quaint building (formally a decrepit general store), the bounty of offerings ebb and flow with the changing seasons. In the spring, there is an abundance of farm fresh annuals, colorful hanging plants, veggie starts, and perennials. In the fall, pumpkins and mums explode out of large wooden bins, and in the winter festive balsam wreaths and trees adorn their humble clapboard siding. They've recently expanded their footprint, and now also offer berry bushes, fruit trees, and more.
Inside, there is an extensive selection of artisanal breads and sweets from local bakeries, an impressive selection of cheeses and butters, frozen organic meats and an impressive amount of local ice creams (with nary a pint Ben & Jerry's in sight), a well-stocked wine collection, craft beers and ciders, along with a small but exceedingly well-stocked selection pantry essentials and spices.
In addition, The Roots curates an eclectic and unique collection of gifts and household items, from cards, unique candles, pottery, houseplants, pots, beautiful cloth napkins, herbal tinctures, soaps, earrings, and much more.
They sprinkle in special items from Europe before the holidays, which are delightful to gift. Where else might you find a tin of milk chocolate sardines imported from France?
The staff are lovely, knowledgeable, and helpful.
The owners are committed to the land and their community.
And their loyal customers - like yours truly - love supporting The Roots and hope you will too. Supporting our local food growers and small businesses has never been more important. Or delicious.
