We found Sugar Bob's Finest Kind while driving across Vermont, and since we LOVE maple, we had to…read morestop. WOW -- what a find! This place is a maple lover's dream. The shop is packed with incredible maple products: a wide range of syrups, candies, nuts, snacks, and all kinds of creative maple treats. They also have a full‑service café, which was a great surprise. But the real showstopper was the Maple Creemee with Maple Crunchies -- a maple custard soft‑serve topped with maple sugar candy bits. This was easily among the best ice creams we've ever had... honestly, maybe the best. We were talking about it for the rest of the day. The staff was super friendly and helpful, guiding us through the products, offering suggestions, and even giving us a few samples. They knew once we tried the creemee we'd be hooked -- and they were right. We'll absolutely stop here again on our way back, and we'd go out of our way to visit in the future. This was a highlight of our trip for sure.

We all had smoked turkey sandwiches and creamee which were exceptional. Great stories and an…read moreadorable store. Loved the staff and maple option. Highly recommend.

This place was not at all on my radar when I planned our trip. We had driven up to Windsor to see…read moreanother museum, and the lady who sold the tickets there talked to us about our plans and recommended this place as very worthwhile. So, after lunch, we crossed a semi-narrow wooden bridge and drove a mile or two to this site. You park in a small lot (there was a sign for overflow parking too) and either pay there (if a ranger is on duty) or proceed to the visitors' center (where you can also pay). Augustus Saint-Gaudens was an American sculptor in the late 1800s and into the very early 1900s. I was not specifically familiar with him, but his work and that of those who trained with him was featured on a lot of U.S. coins at the time. It seems like a lot of the older coinage (before the models used now) was related to him. He also designed the Shaw Memorial on Boston Commons (related to the 54th Massacusetts regiment of black troops - see the film 'Glory' for background). From the visitors' center, there are several other areas to see. The ground slopes down towards the Connecticut River in the distance. Facing that, there is a small gallery and courtyard featuring some sculptures to your right. There is also a large sculpture of Lincoln. As you proceed towards the river, there are some works housed in spaces bordered by high hedges (including a copy of the Shaw Memorial). These end at the border to Saint-Gauden's original house, which is sometimes open for tours. When we visited, the sign just said 'wait for docent to open the door'. We later learned that this only happens between 2 - 4 p.m., which would be helpful to add to the sign. A bit below that is the studio building, which has examples of the sculptor's work and exhibits on the process of creating some. Maybe 300 yards further down is a memorial (sort of a small Greek temple) where the Saint-Gaudens' ashes (and those of several family members) are buried. It was a pretty site especially if the weather is nice. The sculptures, especially those which are outdoors, make for good photos. They also offer periodic ranger-led tours. We tagged along for part of one, but had already seen some of the areas, so we broke off and continued on our own. If you are in this area and have any interest in sculpture, this is very worthwhile.

Beautiful grounds and entertaining story about artist and a local artist colony. It's only about an…read morehour to 90 minutes to enjoy it. So not really worth making a big detour for-But it is a lovely stop if you're traveling through New Hampshire or Vermont.

Cute gift store in downtown Ludlow. It's packed full of accessories, many of which are local to the…read moreVT area but also more generic gifts. I got a lovely set of earrings for a friend here, and we also got an ornament for a Christmas tree. Definitely worth stopping in. You can definitely find a gift for someone on your list here or a little memento for yourself.

The best place in town! Lovely gifts- it's only March and I already got some Christmas shopping…read moredone there :)

Loved their wood furniture and ceramics. I especially loved…read morethe wood table with the gold inlaid Enjoyed seeing the woodworking tools. The woman that works there is very knowledgeable and will share with you Shakleton's history, when he got started, etc.

I'll admit that sometimes I fall into the rut of online shopping for the cheapest thing, but there…read morewas something sort of magical about walking into ShackletonThomas and being reacquainted with beautiful, handmade things that honor the tradition of their craft. In fact, just exploring the space made me feel more present, as if time slows down when you stop to appreciate well-made things. Moreover, the customer service was excellent: not only was everyone I interacted with extremely kind and helpful, but I even learned a few things (for example: how to tell what kind of material a mug is made out of by holding it in against the light). I went home with the most beautiful robin egg blue Miranda Thomas Pottery mug, but I wish I had picked up a few more things. I will definitely be returning to the store in the future.

This business is on a back road just off of a major commercial strip in West Lebanon New Hampshire…read more I've driven past it many times, but never had the need to stop in. Yesterday I did. With a simple need for a cover for an indoor seedling tray, I was happy to find broad selection and get great help by the owner. I have written a few reviews on businesses over the years,mostly restaurants. This business is worth the five stars for a number of reasons. Among them, really great service. One of the owners, Jonathan, was very helpful even though I wasn't there to spend a lot of money. I got the feeling that he treats everyone that way. Also, the big local garden shop nearby, did not have nearly as good of a selection when I went there later to get some outdoor materials. Another reason I like this business is because it is truly locally owned, fully stocked, and totally focused on indoor gardening. I'll go back soon to grow my new hobby. Whether you're new to indoor gardening or have gone all-in, they seem to serve all levels. It is the kind of business local economies need and run by people who deliver what local customers deserve.

This is one of my favorite stores to drop into when I am visiting Vermont!!…read moreThey always have an interesting selection of local artisan pieces, jewlery, locally made wood pieces. The store feels like it used to be a cozy home, with small rooms through out. Perfect for setting up a rustic little store that specializes in "Artful Living" - a description that I would normally roll my eyes at, but in the case of DaVilla Gallery, it is exactly right. It is located in a small shopping area in down town Chester. There are several wonderful stores in this area, but hands down, this gallery is my favorite of all of them. There is a nice combination of price point, so wether you are a local or tourist, you will probably find something delightful for yourself, or even better, a really special, unusual gift. I have been in several times, always finding interesting things through out. I have noticed the store has a larger inventory before the holiday season, for obvious reasons. An awesome little area of stores, definitely worth checking out!

I like the ambience. I always find something distinctive for gifts or for my home--well priced, too.read more

I stumbled upon this children's boutique last weekend when killing time in Ludlow while my husband…read moreand kids were skiing. It is such a gem!! The owner, Alison, is lovely...helpful, knowledgeable, friendly and not pushy. She has curated a great assortment of tasteful clothing, toys, accessories and gifts for babies and children up to age 8. I was shopping for my almost 4 year old daughter and had a hard time not buying half the store! If you have young children or need a gift for one, you must visit this store...you will not be disappointed.

This children's boutique is sooo freakin ADORABLE! It's a kids and mama dream store!!! The owner,…read moreAlison is incredible, so friendly, and sweet!!!! This stores not only for newborns / infants but also has clothes, pjs for boys/girls that are older which is amazing as I'm a mama to a 6yrs old and love that I have a place to shop for some of the best quality and valve pieces for incredible prices!!! The pieces selected are so precious, they even have specialty Vermont / ski moments. Some of the softest pjs available. If you are a mama or daddy looking to get some gifts or clothing for your kiddo this store the only place to go without question!!!! You won't be disappointed that is for sure!!!!! A new MUST STOP in Okemo!!!

First I will say that I have no issue with the craftsmanship of the bowls I received. The carving…read morewas flawless. What I want everyone to know before they give up significant cash for these bowls is, the bowl you receive will look significantly different from the bowls they picture. Their website has beautifully stained bowls, but you will receive raw wood. You can compare the two in the picture I have provided. They were to be a gift, but the raw wood covered with prominent markings from wood imperfections is not gift material. When I asked why the bowls shipped were so different from their pictures, Mia said, "The pictures from the website are of 'Mature' bowls, that develop that color over time." If it is not obvious to you, this is false- other than wood exposed to sun and weather, wood does not change its color over time. Wood certainly doesn't change to a lustrous stained look by itself! These can be pricey to ship, and they only refund the value of the bowls. I am out $77 in shipping both ways due to their deception. I cannot stain the bowls and have them cure of the VOC's before Christmas, so I had few options. I will pursue getting that money back. Finally, they boast that these bowls have 100% 5 star ratings. They use Judge.me for their reviews, which allows them to remove any reviews they don't like. I posted a two star review, showing these pictures, and it was removed. Just one more of their deceptions.

Beautiful, wood bowls, salad tongs, cutting boards pieces of art!…read moreAll of their pieces are offered in cherry and walnut. These are high end pieces, with high prices to match. A medium sized bowl is $300 +