Some stores exist to sell you things. The 1836 Country Store exists to make you feel like you’ve stepped back in time – and also to sell you some very good fudge.
A Barn Full of Vermont
The 1836 Country Store occupies a historic barn at 28 West Main Street in downtown Wilmington, listed on the National Register of Historic Sites. The building dates to 1836 (hence the name), and the owners have leaned into that heritage with creaky wooden floors, rustic shelving, and a layout that rewards wandering.
The store is part general store, part candy shop, part Vermont souvenir destination. It manages to be charming without being cheesy – a balance that plenty of tourist-town shops fail to strike.
What You’ll Find
The handmade fudge is the flagship. Made on premises with real Vermont butter, the selection rotates but typically includes Chocolate Butterfinger, Chocolate Heath Bar, Chocolate Mint Swirl, and Chocolate Walnut. At about $5 a piece, it’s the kind of impulse buy that nobody regrets.
Beyond the fudge, the store stocks a curated selection of Vermont products and old-fashioned goods:
🍁 Vermont maple syrup in all four grades – Golden, Amber, Dark, and Very Dark
🧀 Wheels of Vermont cheddar and smoked cheddar
🍬 Retro candy you haven’t seen since childhood – Candy Buttons, Cherry Bites, Old Fashioned Lemon Drops, and jars of gumballs
🎁 Vermont-branded souvenirs, kitchen items, handmade gifts, and U.S. flags
🍫 Homemade chocolates including their “famous” peanut butter cups
They also carry one of the largest cookie cutter collections visitors report ever seeing – which is either a niche draw or a delightful surprise, depending on your enthusiasm for baking.
Pricing and What to Budget
Most items at the 1836 Country Store are reasonably priced for a specialty gift shop. Fudge runs about $5 per piece or $18–20 per pound. Maple syrup starts around $10 for a small bottle and goes up from there depending on size and grade. The retro candy is sold by weight or in pre-packaged bags, usually $3–8 per bag. Vermont cheddar wheels range from $8–15 depending on size. Plan to spend $15–40 for a mix of gifts and snacks – or more if you get serious about the cookie cutter collection.
Good to Know
📍 28 West Main Street, Wilmington, VT 05363
🕐 Open daily 10am-5pm (hours may extend during peak ski season and holidays)
📞 (802) 464-5102
🅿️ Free street parking along West Main Street, plus a small municipal lot within a one-minute walk
The store is right in the middle of Wilmington’s walkable downtown strip, next to Bartleby’s Books and a short stroll from Village Roost Cafe. It’s about 12-15 minutes from Valley View Villa and fits naturally into a Wilmington shopping trip.
If you’re looking for a place to grab Vermont maple syrup, local cheese, or a gift that says “we went somewhere interesting,” this is the stop. Guests staying at Valley View Villa often pair a fudge run here with breakfast at Village Roost or browsing at Bartleby’s – all within a two-block stretch. And the fudge is reason enough on its own.
Is the 1836 Country Store Worth Visiting?
For a quick stop during a Wilmington day, absolutely. The handmade fudge alone justifies the detour, and the retro candy and Vermont goods make it easy to find gifts for people back home. It’s not a place you’ll spend two hours, but 20–30 minutes of browsing is time well spent.
What’s the Best Fudge Flavor at 1836 Country Store?
The Chocolate Walnut and Chocolate Mint Swirl are the most popular, but the seasonal flavors rotate. Ask the staff what’s fresh that day – they make fudge in small batches and are happy to let you sample before buying.
Can You Buy Vermont Maple Syrup at 1836 Country Store?
Yes. They carry all four official Vermont grades – Golden (Delicate Taste), Amber (Rich Taste), Dark (Robust Taste), and Very Dark (Strong Taste). Prices start around $10 for a small bottle. The staff can explain the differences between grades if you’re not sure which to choose.
Is There Parking Near the 1836 Country Store?
Free street parking is available along West Main Street in both directions. A small municipal lot sits about a one-minute walk east of the store. During busy weekends and holidays, spots fill up by mid-morning, so arriving before 11am gives you the best selection.
