Snacks & Souvenirs
Upon arriving in Putney ’ s town center , Route 5 turns into Main Street . Park your car at the intersection of Main Street and Kimball Hill Road , then pop into the Putney General Store to grab a snack , sandwich , or Vermont-made souvenir . The Putney General Store has operated continuously since 1796 and is the oldest still-operating general store in the state of Vermont . After the store was damaged by two separate , back-to-back fires in 2008 and 2009 , the town of Putney came together to help bring it back to its former glory . Thanks to the donations and hard work of local residents , businesses , and foundations , such as the Putney Historical Society , it rose like a proverbial phoenix from the ashes , reclaiming its rightful spot as a longstanding commercial center and meeting point for the town of Putney . The Putney General Store offers a vast assortment of specialty beverages and food items , including Vermont-brewed craft beer , maple syrup , and Vermont Artisan Coffee & Tea . Their house-made sandwiches are delicious , and the staff is friendly , approachable , and happy to share knowledge of the area with visiting guests . Vermont-themed products , such as general store history books , Putney General Store-branded apparel , and maple candies , make wonderful gifts to take home to friends — or to enjoy yourself .
STORY BY BENJAMIN LERNER
PHOTOGRAPHY JIMMY iENNER , Jr . PAINTING BY PETER HUNTOON
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After perusing the Putney General store and emerging with some well-deserved provisions , head south on Main Street and pay a visit to the Putney Food Co-Op . The Co-Op is member-owned and has strong , symbiotic relationships with local farmers and food producers . Building on their founding mission of community betterment through ethical commerce , they work cooperatively with local nonprofit organizations that are dedicated to ensuring the food security of local residents , such as Putney Food Shelf and the Vermont Food Bank . Their selection of foods , produce , and products includes locally-sourced organic produce ;
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