When someone says “Vermont,” the Apple Barn might be exactly the image that comes to mind: a bright red barn on the side of a small state highway with the scent of warm cider doughnuts drifting out the doors and picnic tables waiting out front.
Originally opened in 1973 by Harold Albringer as a roadside farm stand for Southern Vermont Orchards, the Apple Barn has remained a favorite stop for travelers and a weekend tradition for locals. Ownership passed through several hands over the decades before landing with Sarah Albright in 2022. Sarah brings a background in farming and food, along with a strong affection for the community she’s serving. The apples still come from the orchard just across the road, and the mission remains the same: supporting the local community by showcasing the incredible range of products—both agricultural and artisan-made—that are grown and crafted right here in Vermont.
Inside the barn, the shelves are lined with Vermont goods: maple syrup, jams, pickles, local cheeses, honey, and more. The bakery turns out fresh apple pies, maple-frosted cookies, and the famous cider doughnuts—made daily, served warm, and paired perfectly with a cup of hot cider or a maple creemee in the warmer months. You’ll also find sweet treats like apple cider donut whoopie pies, candy apples, and homemade fudge.
There’s a casual rhythm to the space that invites you to linger: try a bite, ask about the maple syrup supplier (it’s Armstrong Farm), or assemble a gift box with sharp cheddar, local apples, and a jar of preserves. The Apple Barn also stocks Vermont-made beer and wine, espresso drinks, and gifts ranging from postcards to packaged goods ready to be shipped across the country.
The Apple Barn further sets itself apart with its calendar of events and seasonal happenings.
Spring kicks off with maple season, often celebrated with sugar-on-snow tastings and limited-batch maple treats. In summer, berry picking and shaded picnic tables give way to themed weekends like the Blueberry Festival, with blueberry bake-offs, live music, scavenger hunts, and local vendors.
New this year is the Pickle Festival, planned for September.
It will be a celebration of all things brined and delicious, complete with live music, a homemade pickle competition with a $300 grand prize, tastings, pumpkin painting, and a mini doughnut eating contest (mercifully, the donuts will NOT be pickle flavored). Rumor has it you might even spot a giant pickle costume meandering through the crowd. Other events throughout the year include a food truck rally, craft markets, and, for the daring, what is said to be Vermont’s oldest haunted corn maze.
Autumn, of course, is peak season. The barn is surrounded by pumpkins, chrysanthemums, and the kind of flaming colors you only get during a New England foliage tour. It’s hard to beat the simple pleasure of biting into a soft, steaming cider doughnut while the hills blaze red and gold around you.
The Apple Barn stays open through Christmas, making it a perfect spot to stop in and warm up when frost starts creeping into the air. Pop in for a cup of hot cocoa and leave with your holiday shopping list significantly shortened. Seasonal offerings at the Apple Barn include Christmas trees, wreath-making classes, cookie decorating workshops, and a special indoor holiday market. It’s a festive and meaningful end to the year—a time to celebrate the magic of winter in Vermont with neighbors, friends, and visitors alike.
For those chasing an authentic taste of Vermont, the Apple Barn remains a standout. Find updates and event listings at facebook.com/theapplebarnvt or on Instagram @theapplebarnvt.
