Shopping

Need proof that tea isn’t just for drinking? Get it at Vermont Liberty Tea Company (1 Derby Ln., 802/244-6102, www.vermontlibertytea.com [1], 10 a.m.–5 p.m. Mon.–Sat.), a panoply of exotic herbal infusions all under one roof. Find bath sets and catnip toys, accessories like tea strainers and caddies, plus teas you actually do drink—rare black tea blends and chamomiles, and fruit teas from apple to blackberry.

Nestled among patches of wildflowers, Cabot Annex (2657 Rte. 100, 802/244-6334, www.cabotcheese.com/annex.html [2], 9 a.m.–6 p.m. daily) is as cute as cheddar houses come. Stop in to sample Cabot [3] cheeses and pick up a hunk of cheddar for the road. The shop also sells local crafts, microbrews, and wines.

Watch the goods get made right before your eyes at Ziemke Glassblowing Studio (3033 Waterbury-Stowe Rd., 802/244-6126, www.zglassblowing.com [4], 10 a.m.–6 p.m. daily), then buy the cups, vases, and jewelry that result.