Vermonters love to track their visits to landmarks around the state: all 252 towns, every covered bridge, that tall filing cabinet in Burlington’s South End.
But Marcie Gallagher and Betsy McGavisk are on a different quest. They’re trying to visit every country store in the state by bike and are documenting their journey on Instagram under the handle @caniuseyourbathroomvt — a question they usually ask when they arrive at one of the stores.
“Every place we have gone has been wonderful, goofy, full of character, extremely hospitable and just a great place to take a break after riding a bike,” McGavisk said.
The duo defines a country store as a place that serves a variety of community needs and is independently owned.
“Most often, what makes a store a country store is that it’s a place where the community gathers,” Gallagher said.
The cyclists, who live in Burlington, have visited 53 stores so far. They make a point of purchasing at least one item, such as pickled eggs, zucchini or sparklers.
They also stop at farmstands, co-ops and any other Vermonty store that catches their eye. On one weekend tour in Rutland County, they biked more than 100 miles, hitting six stores on the first day and seven the next.
Gallagher said Jericho Country Store had the best food, Maple Corner Community Store in Calais had the best vibe and Ellie’s Farm Market in Berlin was home to the cutest dog.
The pair has yet to reach Essex, Orleans and Windham counties. An upcoming trip involves riding a train to Brattleboro and biking home to Burlington. They’ll visit plenty of country stores along the way.
“The way a general store supports the local economy is really unique,” Gallagher said. Artists can sell their creations; local farmers, their food. Customers’ money stays in town rather than being siphoned by a faraway corporation. “It’s different in every community, but at its most basic, they’re a way to make rural communities more sustainable and affordable to live in,” Gallagher said.
This article appears in Aug 27 – Sep 2 2025.
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