If you want a snapshot of historic Northeast Kingdom Vermont then take a drive through Craftsbury Commons, in Orleans County. If you want to also leave with a trunk full of antiques and Vermont hand-made “uniquities” then go when the Annual Antiques & Uniques Festival is going on.

The festival, in part to support Vermont Children’s Aid Society, offers all the antiques and crafts you can shake a turn-of-the-century stick at, but also live music, great food, and activities for the kids makes this a fantastic Northeast Kingdom day trip. You want to get there early so that you don’t miss out on great deals. We made this an afternoon trip and were a little bummed that we didn’t get to spend more time there. The people were really nice while we were still rummaging through their stands while they were trying to pack, and everyone was really friendly.

Craftsbury is such a unique town that you just might want to make a weekend trip out of it. Enjoy the tranquil beauty of this Vermont gem by staying right on the common at The Inn on the Common, 1162 North Craftsbury Road Craftsbury Common, VT 802-586-9619

Remember to bring cash!