Vermont Country Store in Weston: Founded in 1946

Poking around in country stores was a highlight of our recent trip through Vermont, and my husband and I found the granddaddy of them all in tiny Weston — the Vermont Country Store, established in 1946.

Operated by the same family for four generations, its roots actually date back to 1827, when the town's first general store was established.

This emporium is crammed full of everything from antiques and rarities to everyday necessities. If you work up an appetite, you can sample dips… jams… maple syrup… crackers… and cheese. Don't miss the old-fashioned dill pickle jar or their incredible array of candy, some of it hard to find anywhere else. You can even play checkers near a potbellied stove.

Weston is on State Highway 100, about 28 miles southeast of Rutland, which is where U.S. Highways 4 and 7 meet. The store (657 Main St.) is open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Saturday; it closes an hour later from July through October. For more information, call the store at 1-802-824-3184.