MAKE IT
MEANINGFUL
SHOPPING LOCAL FOR THE HOLIDAYS
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No one personifies Vermont’s resilient, free-thinking, creative spirit better than a maker. And in no place is that spirit more vibrant than in Burlington.
Just go into one of the many shops in and around Church Street, or visit the farmers and artists markets from May to October. You’ll taste the crafted food, hold the pottery and glass, view the fabric, jewelry, and wooden objects for sale and meet the people who make it all right here in this state. Want to see maker-ingenuity in action? Take a stroll down Pine Street from the Soda Plant on down, where scores of artisans and craftspeople work daily in incubator spaces and studios. Drive a few more miles south and you’ll hit one of the largest displays of American Folk Art in the country at the Shelburne Museum. Rest assured, handicraft is alive and well in this neck of the woods, and moreover, it's beloved.
So, who is a maker? A maker is a problem solver—someone who understands the value of hard work, who cherishes raw materials, their tools and workshops. Makers respect art and science and will often join the two. They want to make life better, tastier, more functional and beautiful for their friends, families and neighbors. And in turn, makers depend on their community to support and value what they do. And in Burlington, we do. We really do.
Here are just a few of those makers who share that distinct Vermont spirit.
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We’re a haven for all sorts of little treasures. Did you want that wagon wheel to prop up on your porch? How about that adorable vintage bike with a basket to overflow with flowers from your garden, painted a beautiful bright yellow? And, of course, don’t forget the red plaid, 70s-era Johnson Woolen Mills hunting jacket with your name on it. You always have to search a bit for good vintage shopping, but the retailers highlighted here make it easy for you.
Options for shopping go beyond Burlington proper. The famous Church Street Marketplace is a must if you’re downtown, but we also have outlet stores and shopping centers in neighboring towns for you to enjoy. The University Mall, the Essex Experience, and Maple Tree Place all offer a variety of retailers to help you find just what you’re looking for.
Whether for yourself or a friend, there’s no way you can visit Vermont without bringing a little piece of our state home for your friends and family. Our gift shops are filled with locally made products. From syrups and cheeses to beer and wine to beautiful handmade crafts, you’ll find something for everyone. Or, you’ll find way too much for yourself!