Shopping

Quechee’s [1] mix of high-end artisanal wares (such as Simon Pearce [2]) and unabashedly kitschy shops (one gargantuan hall is dedicated entirely to Christmas) is an exercise in eclecticism.

Stop into the Quechee Gorge Village (5573 Woodstock Rd., on Rte. 4, 802/295-1550, www.quecheegorge.com [3], 9 a.m.–5 p.m. daily) to find wall after wall of vintage glass, Civil War–era coins, and estate jewelry in the Vermont Antique Mall.

Highland charm pervades at Scotland by the Yard (Rte. 4, 800/295-5351, www.scotlandbytheyard.com [4], 9 a.m.–5 p.m. daily), where high-quality kilts of genuine Scottish worsted wool tartans (plus sporrans and vests to match) can be bought pre-made or custom-ordered. (Kilts are also sold for women and children, too.) Or pick up a few non-wearable Scottish accessories such as crests or pewter.

Beatles fans may enter Fool on the Hill (8 Wood Rd., 802/457-3641) hoping for nostalgia, but they stay to peruse the charming jumble of wooden cows and sheep, rustic baskets, hand-painted wooden chairs, and blocks of maple-smoked cheddar.. Both Scotland by the Yard and Fool on the Hill are easily spotted from the main road.