Unearth The Voyage
Vermont is famous for its maple syrup and cheese, but some of the best pastries in the state hide in plain sight. Forget fancy storefronts and flashy signs – these bakeries are tucked along country roads, inside bookstores, and even on someone’s front lawn. If you love flaky croissants, buttery pies, and treats that taste like home, these hidden gems are worth the drive.
1. Poorhouse Pies – Underhill, VT
Along Route 15 in Underhill sits a humble pie shed that doesn’t need a billboard to draw a crowd. Poorhouse Pies runs on trust, local love, and the kind of pies your grandma would be proud of. The selection rotates with the seasons—blueberry in summer, apple in fall—and everything is baked fresh.
Locals know the secret: arrive early or risk missing out. There’s no fancy packaging or online ordering here, just honest-to-goodness pastry in a low-key setting. The fruit pies are the stars, bursting with flavor and wrapped in perfectly flaky crust.
This is Vermont baking at its finest—simple, delicious, and worth every mile.
2. DonnaSue Bakes + Cooks – Grand Isle / Champlain Islands, VT
Picture this: a pie stand on someone’s front lawn, operating on the honor system, selling some of the best whoopie pies and fruit pies in the state. That’s DonnaSue Bakes + Cooks in the Champlain Islands. It’s quirky, it’s trusting, and it’s pure Vermont spirit.
Seasonal berry pies steal the show when they’re available, but the whoopie pies are a year-round favorite. You pick what you want, leave your money, and go—no cashier, no fuss. It feels like stepping back in time.
This bakery may not have a storefront, but it has heart. And that makes all the difference.
3. Red Hen Baking Company – Middlesex, VT
Red Hen Baking Company is known for its incredible bread, but the pastries deserve just as much praise. Tucked away in Middlesex, this artisan bakery uses locally-sourced ingredients and traditional methods to create treats that taste both rustic and refined.
The croissants are buttery and golden, with layers that shatter at first bite. Scones are tender and never too sweet. Everything in the pastry case is made with the same care that goes into their famous sourdough loaves.
It’s not the easiest place to find, but that’s part of the charm. Once you taste what they’re baking, you’ll understand why people keep coming back.
4. Bohemian Bakery – Montpelier, VT
Step into Bohemian Bakery and you might forget you’re in Vermont’s capital. This spot brings European patisserie vibes to Montpelier, with seasonal tarts, buttery quiches, and pastries that look almost too pretty to eat. Almost.
The seasonal tarts are a must-try—think fresh berries in summer or spiced pears in fall, all nestled in delicate pastry shells. Savory options like quiche are perfect for lunch. The atmosphere is cozy without being crowded, and it feels like a local secret even though it’s right downtown.
It’s got flair, but it hasn’t lost its heart. That balance makes it special.
5. Dream Maker Bakers – Killington, VT
Don’t let the modest exterior fool you—Dream Maker Bakers in Killington knows how to make breakfast dreams come true. This no-frills bakery focuses on what matters: fresh pastries, warm croissants, and muffins that melt in your mouth.
Everything is baked in-house each morning, so the smell alone is worth the visit. Croissants are flaky and rich, muffins are moist and loaded with flavor. It’s the kind of place where quality speaks louder than decor.
If you’re exploring the Killington area, this is your mid-morning stop. Simple, delicious, and satisfying—exactly what a great bakery should be.
6. Sandy’s Books & Bakery – Rochester, VT
What’s better than a great pastry? A great pastry paired with a good book. Sandy’s Books & Bakery in Rochester combines two of life’s best pleasures under one roof. It’s not your typical bakery, and that’s exactly why locals love it.
The pastry case features Danish pastries, cinnamon rolls, and other treats that pair perfectly with a cup of coffee. You can grab something sweet, browse the shelves, and settle in for a while. It’s cozy, calm, and refreshingly unique.
This hidden gem offers more than just baked goods—it offers an experience. And that makes it worth seeking out.
