'Tis the season of gift giving and sharing food, and the discerning shopping, crafter or cook is sure to find the perfect supplies somewhere in the Northeast Kingdom. In addition to our recommendations below, be sure to check out the get NEK'd Holiday Shopping Guide 2024 as well!.
Why Shop Local?
Supporting small businesses offers several benefits to consumers and local communities, particularly in Vermont. Small businesses often provide unique, high-quality products and personalized customer service, which can be hard to find with larger brands or box stores.
Here in Vermont, shopping locally helps boost the local economy by supporting local jobs, fostering community connections, and strengthening our state economy. Additionally, small business owners tend to be more invested in the well-being of their communities, often supporting local causes and providing a sense of identity and pride for residents. By supporting these businesses, shoppers like you help sustain Vermont's small-town economy.
Where to Stop
- In St. Johnsbury, take an afternoon to wander around Eastern Ave and Railroad St to see what the local shop owners have curated for the season. And this year, you might get a gift back after you shop, if you participate in the St. J Sparkles promotion happening November 30 until December 31, 2025. Browse the shopping directory of St. Johnsbury here.
- Along VT Route 15, Hardwick features small shops, some culinary bites, and outdoor opportunities if you or your fellow shopper likes to balance browsing with hiking or walking in nature. Read Seven Day's full feature here.
- Newport provides shopping options, lakeside views and restaurants for the perfect Saturday along Lake Memphremagog. The Pick and Shovel has a little bit of everything, the MAC Center features artists' work from the NEK, and small retailers along Main St. have plenty to browse. Stop off at the Shoppes at the Eastside to snag fresh-baked goodies. Preview some of the shopping options in Newport's Downtown here.
- In between biking and skiing seasons in Burke, you can find a host of goodies and finely crafted wares around town. You can peruse the NEK Country Store, shop for ski-ready essentials at SKIDA, or stop by the local maple syrup makers for Christmas morning pancake toppings! Check out more Burke shops here.
Find New Artists and Crafters
For many artists in the NEK, Facebook provides a great platform for displaying their work and connecting with people like you who are looking to commission something unique or custom. Or perhaps you just want more options than you can see on their Facebook shop!