By Ahmad Yassir, Vermont Country Magazine.
Some gifts are enjoyed for a moment, then tucked away. Others are savored, shared and remembered. Few things deliver that pleasure quite like handmade chocolates. In Bennington and East Arlington, the Monte family has a tradition of turning chocolate and confections into thoughtful gifts, with handmade treats and customizable baskets.
The Monte Family sells chocolate at two locations, The Village Chocolate Shoppe, 471 Main Street in downtown Bennington and The Village Peddler, 261 Old Mill Road in E. Arlington. Their motto is simple: “If it begins with chocolate…It ends with a smile.”The shops feature an extensive selection of handmade chocolates, truffles, fudge, buttercrunch, peanut butter-filled treats and other candies, making it a destination for anyone searching for a sweet gift or a little treat for themselves.
In addition to chocolate favorites, there’s homemade gelato and gourmet hot chocolate, along with seasonal creations that bring a warm or playful touch to holiday celebrations. While at the shop a large chocolate turkey (as well as a moose and squirrel) caught my eye and I thought, what a festive addition to a holiday table.
Inside The Village Chocolate Shoppe, visitors can peak over the counter and watch chocolate being made. On some days they may even catch Monte Family patriarch Nick, experimenting with new ideas, adding a behind-the-scenes feel to their visit.
While The Village Chocolate Shoppe and Village Peddler have many different sizes and assortments of boxed chocolates, they also offer curated trays and baskets which can be tailored to the recipient. Customers can choose from established assortments or share an idea and let one of the Monte’s put together a package. A chocolate-lover’s basket might include mugs and hot cocoa, while another arrangement might pair sweet treats with VT-made cheese and jams. Candy towers, themed chocolate pops and seasonal assortments offer even more ways to make a gift stand out.
Chocolate gift giving possibilities extend well beyond family and friends. Businesses can order or send chocolates directly to clients, customers or staff, with nationwide shipping making it possible to share a sweet taste of Southern Vermont almost anywhere. For companies looking for a distinctive holiday thank-you, chocolate offers a personal touch that will be enjoyed and remembered.
The Monte Family sees chocolate as something that can evoke childhood memories, introduce someone to a new flavor or become part of a holiday tradition.
For a fuller chocolate outing, head to the Chocolatorium located inside the Village Peddler. Alongside homemade chocolates, fudge, Vermont products, gifts and souvenirs, the destination features a chocolate exhibit where visitors can explore the history of chocolate, participate in a chocolate tasting or have a Chocolate Experience where they make their own chocolate bar. It’s an opportunity to turn a shopping trip into an experience for chocolate fans of all ages. The site is also home to Cocoa, described as the world’s largest chocolate teddy bear.
Whether you’re shopping for a host, assembling a family gift, planning a corporate order or looking for an activity to share with visiting relatives, both locations offer plenty of inspiration. Have a particular assortment in mind, don’t hesitate to call. The Monte family can help bring the idea together, from choosing the treats to creating a presentation suited to the occasion.
Chocolate has a way of making celebrations feel more luxurious, but it doesn’t need a holiday as an excuse. With customizable gifts and nationwide shipping, a little sweetness from Southern Vermont can travel wherever it’s needed.
Plan Your Visit
Village Chocolate Shoppe
471 Main St., Bennington, VT
802-447-3789
Village Peddler and Chocolatorium
261 Old Mill Road, East Arlington, VT
802-375-6037
Nationwide shipping is available. Call to discuss custom gifts or visit villagepeddlervt.com for ordering information.
Check the website and social media for holiday hours and the Chocolatorium’s schedule.
