Get the pick of the local crops (for a hiking picnic, an edible souvenir, or just as a snack) at Hunger Mountain Co-op (623 Stone Cutters Way, 802/223-8000, www.hungermountain.com, 8 a.m.–8 p.m. daily), a bounty of locally grown organic produce, gourmet cheeses, and vitamins.

Readers searching beyond the bestseller lists can rely on the shelves of Rivendell Books (100 Main St., 802/223-3928, www.rivendellbooksvt.com, 9 a.m.–7 p.m. Mon.–Thurs., 9 a.m.–8 p.m. Fri.–Sat., 10 a.m.–6 p.m. Sun.; winter hours: 9 a.m.–6 p.m. p.m. Mon.–Thurs., 9 a.m.–7 p.m. Fri.–Sat., 11 a.m.–5 p.m. Sun.) for rare, antique, and otherwise collectible books. Or read what all the state’s local authors have to say; Bear Pond Books (77 Main St., 802/229-0774, www.bearpondbooks.com, 9 a.m.–6 p.m. Mon.–Thurs. and Sat.; 9 a.m.–9 p.m. Fri.; 10 a.m.–6 p.m. Sun.) sells a roster of Vermont’s best fiction and nonfiction—plus sponsors regular readings.

Fetch urban clothing in a country setting at the chic Salaam Boutique (40 Main St., 802/223-4300, www.central-vt.com/web/salaam, 10 a.m.–6 p.m. Mon.–Wed.; 10 a.m.–7 p.m. Fri.–Sat.; 12–4 p.m. Sun.), the walls of which are neatly hung with jackets by An Ren, Twill 22, Tulle, and Velvet.

For the most expansive stock of outdoor gear around, step into Onion River Sports (20 Langdon St., 802/229-9409, www.onionriver.com, 9:30 a.m.–6 p.m. Mon.–Thurs.; 9:30 a.m.–8 p.m. Fri.; 9:30 a.m.–5 p.m. Sat.; 11 a.m.–4 p.m. Sun.). The selection of bicycles, cross-country skis, snowshoes, and camping and hiking gear (plus the footwear and clothes appropriate for all of it) is indeed impressive—as is the knowledgeable staff selling it.