We always describe the uniquely odd (in a good way) Brattleboro culture, but Twice Upon a Time makes the case more so than any other store. It’s not just merchandise, but keepsakes, antique furniture, jewelry, dishware, decor, clothes and “stuff” with a story, many of which came from the characters living here in southern Vermont. Vendors stalls line the isles with pieces from 1 to 100 years old. I can’t think of a better place to get a Halloween costume or a store that has such an incredible selection, anywhere, much less in downtown Brattleboro. Twice Upon A Time has giant hats for Sunday brunch (feel free to bring yours) and Fiesta Ware to match. The shelves are stocked with books, cowboy boots, kimonos, vintage ashtrays – a tough find even at the flea market.

We moved to Brattleboro to buy our inn, 40 Putney Road, after months of looking for a fun and interesting place to live. Twice Upon a Time says it all. Brattleboro’s eclectic culture can be seen all over downtown in the people, the home goods, the clothes, the shopping, the food, the books and the art and architecture. Twice Upon A Time is one of our favorite consignment shops…. in the lower 48!  Stop by downtown Brattleboro and see for yourself.

In downtown Brattleboro, it all starts with the storefront. Regardless of the season, plants and home furnishings sit playfully on the sidewalk calling my name every time I walk by. (Tim thinks I may have a problem.) Inside sits an eclectic mix of quirky garden supplies, jewelry, fashion accents pieces, books, umbrellas for a rainy day, stationary, home decor and unique gifts for your favorite ladies back at home. Some of my favorites are the showers curtains and scarves, many of which have a bright, springy, vintage feel. And the wall clocks ……. I LOVE the wall clocks! They hang nicely lit on the side wall in orange, yellow, sea green, red and blue and make a great, unique gift for anyone who likes to mix the old and the new. The clocks are must see, but the garden section also has a flavor hard to find at your typical decor store. Not only is the presentation great, the prices are modest and the staff are friendly and helpful.

Verde’s eclectic feel fits right in with the shopping in downtown Brattleboro and the culture in southern Vermont. Whether you’re passing through or staying at our inn, drop by Verde and see for yourself. And don’t forget about the clocks!!

In addition to the basics, Sam’s Outdoor Store also carries what we like to call “survival gear”.  This isn’t just outdoor gear.  And who doesn’t need gear, right? Sam’s carries everything you need for outdoor adventures to hikingthe Green Mountains (and getting lost for a month) or climb Mount Everest. Thinking of living off the land as many enjoy doing here in Vermont? Sam’s carries fishing poles and Vermont fishinglicenses; anything guns and ammo; -40 degree sleeping bags; the strongest tick and mosquito repellent on the market; tents; anything fire; raincoats; and…. need we say more? Sounds like a manly shopping paradise all in one store.

On one occasion, “John”, a staff member here in the Brattleboro store, spent over 40 minutes seeking out a jacket for a customer to find they didn’t make the specific style they were looking for. The next day John called them directly to say they found an almost identical match. John went above and beyond and for that, we like to keep it local.

Shopping in Brattleboro isn’t just for the girls and even appeals to kids with their free popcorn.  As a side note, Sam’s has some of the best popcorn in Brattleboro (although the Latchis is a close second).  Popcorn and Patagonia fit perfect together at Sam’s. Check out Sam’s Outdoor Store in downtown Brattleboro just a short walk from our inn and check out their website for deals and steals!

The Vermont Country Store is a popular attraction in Southern Vermont with stores in Weston, VT and Rockingham, VT, both just a short drive from Forty Putney Road and Brattleboro.  Many of you may already be familiar with the Vermont Country Store through their catalog and Internet sales.  But to fully appreciate this piece of Vermont’s history you really need to go to one of their stores.

The Vermont Country Store was founded in 1945, yes over 60 years ago, by Vrest and Ellen Orton.  Vrest and Ellen created a 12 page catalog with 36 high quality and practical items in it and mail it out to everyone on their Christmas list.  Word began to spread and In just one year they had a booming mail order business.  In 1946 they opened their first store in Weston, VT which is still open today for your shopping needs.  Today both stores are owned by 3rd and 4th generation Orton’s…Lyman, Eliot, Gardner and Cabot.

The Vermont Country Store is still stocked with high quality and practical items.  All of the best Vermont Cheeses, preserves, Vermont Maple Syrup, penny candy, warm cloths, hats, etc.   This new generation of Orton’s have taken things one step further by finding unique and nostalgic products.  Eliot Orton says it best “We still find products that aren’t sold any where else.”

Unique would certainly define the “Attitude Adjuster” or perhaps one of several models of moose hats.  But its the nostalgic toys from my childhood that really brought me back.  They sell real easy bake ovens (that’s right with the 25 watt light bulb to cook your sweets).  Rockem Sockem Robots, Monkey’s in a barrel, the rubix cube just to name a few.  There are also the products that have fallen out of products and the Orton family has purchased the patent and began producing it themselves.  My favorite example is Lifeboy Soap.  You may remember this soap from the popular Christmas movie, A Christmas Story.  This is the brand of soap Ralphy’s mother used to wash out his mouth when she thought she caught him using inappropriate language.   Pick some up and relive the moment (we picked some up for our brother in law, who recently had his first child and loooves the Christmas Story movie!).

During your next visit to our inn be sure to take the 30 minute drive to The Vermont Store in Rockingham, VT or the slightly longer drive to the original store in Weston, VT.  No matter which one you choose you are sure to discover something you have never seen before, and something you haven’t seen in forever…

The Vermont Country Store directions and details can be found on their website.

For the kids and animal lovers of all ages out there you enjoy the Retreat Petting farm which is located just out front.  This is a must stop if you are visiting or driving through Brattleboro.  Conviniently located just around the corner from our Vermont Bed and Breakfast, on Route 30 opposite the Retreat Meadow.