Shopping and Touring in Wilmington and West Dover

Nestled within the bucolic landscapes of southern Vermont, the towns of Wilmington and West Dover have much to offer. And traveling between them and also to and from other nearby Vermont destinations is half the fun. The drive between Wilmington and West Dover along scenic Route 100 is only about ten minutes (unless you find yourself in a lot of leaf-peeper traffic, which is possible because there’s nothing like New England in the fall). Wilmington and West Dover are equidistant from Bennington and Brattleboro, two other picturesque southern Vermont towns. Those drives take about a half hour or so along Route 100 and Route 9, other scenic roadways.

Let’s face it–most everything in the Green Mountain state ranks high on the scenery meter but most especially in these parts. It’s a land filled with rolling hills, verdant valleys (or snowy vistas, depending on the season), rich farmland, covered bridges, historic buildings and vegetation such as maple, birch, ash, beech, hemlock, spruce and fir, all of which puts on a show every season. Yes, Mount Snow Valley serves up a feast for the senses year round.

Also known as Deerfield Valley, it’s largely due to the Deerfield River and its branches that this valley has remained so fertile throughout the centuries. It’s this richness that has formed much of the character of the land filled with an abundance of family-owned farms punctuated with grazing cows, fertile fields of vegetables and apple orchards. Fortunately you can enjoy these fruits of the earth while here and also pick up some easily-transportable comestibles for home. Signs announcing creameries, ice cream parlors and aged cheddar indicate that the milk from the local cows is being put to good use. Smoked meats, ciders and a variety of other apple-based products help to fill up your picnic basket and suitcase.

Markets such as The Village Roost, Cask & Kiln Kitchen, River Bend Farm Market and Red Fox Shop provide specialty shopping experiences with a down-home feel.

There’s no shortage of farm-to-table restaurants either where dining–both casual and fine–has been elevated in taste and quality in recent years. Indeed, this region ranks supreme for those looking to savor the best that Vermont’s culinary scene has to offer.

Photo: Vermont Tourism

In terms of antiques and arts and crafts, the offerings are as plentiful as the variety of jewel-toned colors that illuminate an autumn day. Keep in mind that many old homes and barns started to be cleared out (don’t worry there are still many beauties that remain) around the mid fifties with the arrival of the Mount Snow Ski Resort. Development has increased since then and the remnants from many of the old attics–as well as entire houses–have found their way to some of the antique dealers in the area, including Chapman’s Antiques and Whitewolf Auctions. The Wilmington Antique & Flea Market, which is open Mid-May through mid-October, is considered to be one of the best sources for “finds” with character and patina in this part of Vermont. Even if you’re not in the market to buy, browsing here is a great source of entertainment. (Yes, even for men, too!)

Photo: Vermont Tourism

You won’t find any big box stores in Wilmington and, in fact, a good part of Main Street is classified a National Historic District. Plan to spend time poking around here and make sure that includes lunch or dinner in one of the many restaurants located on and off Main Street. Haystack Mountain is now a private ski resort, so you can bet that a fair amount of the shopping and dining scene in Wilmington and West Dover caters to a high-brow clientele as well.

Whether you’re shopping for performance adventure wear, maple candies for grandma, all kinds of other unique gift items or browsing for hours within Bartleby’s Books, there’s something for everyone in Mount Snow Valley. The same goes for if you’re staying in a high-end inn or a down-home B & B, taking a walk in the woods or skiing a black diamond, no matter where you go, you are sure to experience the flavor of Vermont throughout.