The transformational journey at The Sparkle Barn started with damaged paint. When Stacy Harshman peeled off a Christmas decal in her Wallingford barn and took the wall paint with it, she faced a choice: repaint or get creative. She chose mosaics. Then added glitter. Then opened up an entire upstairs space. What began as covering paint damage evolved into The Bloom Room - an immersive retail art installation within The Sparkle Barn that's drawing visitors from hundreds of miles away to this unique Vermont destination.
Stacy moved to Vermont from flat Illinois cornfields with a mission that sounds almost impossible: create "unrelenting beauty everywhere." When she emails herself project goals, that's literally what she writes - unrelenting beauty everywhere. It's the kind of artistic manifesto that could mistakenly sound pretentious, except when you experience what she's built, you understand she means it authentically and completely.
After selling her paintings on Facebook gained traction in 2016, she found this 1800s barn through a simple Google search and opened The Sparkle Barn six months later. The retail space came first - a curated collection that reflects her unique artistic eye. "I want it to be fun, colorful, surprising, humorous," she explains about her merchandising philosophy. "Everything has to tickle my funny bone or make me happy."
But the real transformation happened when that Christmas decal damaged her upstairs wall.
Step through stained glass windows from an 1880 French bakery and you're immediately inside a retail space that would be impressive on its own merits. This converted 1800s barn creates an atmosphere of cozy exploration - exposed beams overhead, thoughtfully lit displays, and that indefinable sense of discovery that only comes from spaces with genuine history and character.
The barn's natural architecture provides the perfect canvas for Stacy's vision. Themed rooms flow organically - a "crow room" installation filled with crystals and mystical treasures, woodland creature sections, aquatic displays, and carefully curated collections that feel more like gallery exhibitions than traditional retail. Even without what's upstairs, this would rank among Vermont's most engaging shops.
But then, you notice the stairs to your left.
Climb those stairs and prepare for sensory transformation. The Bloom Room hits you like stepping into a living dream - visitors regularly pause at the top of the stairs, mouths slightly open, absorbing what their eyes can't quite process. Multiple groups emerge with the same reaction: "Whoa. This is something special."
This is immersive in ways photographs can't capture. Breathing flower sculptures pulse with hidden motors. Massive crepe paper chandeliers - installed using engine jacks and pulley systems - frame intimate seating areas draped in fabric that creates an all-encompassing embrace. The space simultaneously overwhelms and calms, like forest bathing but with a side of retail therapy.
What makes Stacy's vision so extraordinary is how she balances sensory abundance with deep tranquility. "I want to make it as beautiful as possible to wow myself," she explains, "because I want to have fun." This isn't art for art's sake - it's designed specifically to transform how you feel. One guest book entry captured it perfectly: "I'm a 93-year-old child who finally found her wonderland."
The space and concept draw inspiration from Meow Wolf's immersive installations, but Stacy has created something uniquely Vermont - intimate, handcrafted, and focused on joy rather than spectacle. Every detail serves the mission of transformation, from the 35 historical stained glass windows, each representing a different artist's vision, to the carefully positioned seating that invites lingering.
Here's what sets this apart from any other attraction: you don't observe the art, you inhabit it.
The downstairs barn space showcases why Stacy's artistic sensibility transforms everything she touches. This isn't your standard gift shop filled with generic tourist items - it's a carefully orchestrated shopping experience that would be destination-worthy even without the upstairs installation.
The historic barn's natural charm provides the foundation: original exposed beams, generous spaces that invite browsing, and that sense of stepping into Vermont's authentic past. But Stacy's curation elevates it into something unprecedented. Every piece gets selected through her artistic filter - everything must be "fun, colorful, surprising, humorous, and beautiful."
Dig deeper and you'll find fair trade companies in Colombia employing women with disabilities, Thai artisans representing 20 master metalsmiths and two villages, and hand-illustrated cards from England that showcase craftsmanship you can't find anywhere else.
Amy, Stacy's partner in retail magic, handles merchandising with an artist's touch, creating what feels like "an art installation of its own," as Stacy puts it.
The Sparkle Barn has evolved into something unprecedented - a retail space that's also a community hub. Their monthly "Singo" musical bingo events sell out immediately, packing 40 to 45 people upstairs for sing-along bingo. Their recent 8th anniversary party drew 500 to 600 attendees, complete with cake and celebrations that spilled throughout the property.
Events range from sound baths with crystal bowls to comedy shows, from short plays to educational "Sparkle Shorts" on topics like biomimicry. The space hosted everything from improv to bands before COVID, and they're ramping back up with carefully curated experiences that match the magical atmosphere.
Before venturing inside, explore the front property's Magical Garden - an outdoor wonderland featuring the star attractions that helped start this whole journey. When families began showing up after COVID with their children dressed in their "sparkliest outfits," Stacy realized she wanted to offer more than just retail. "I want to give them more than just a store," she decided.
The garden features life-sized dragons and unicorns that create Instagram moments and spark pure childhood joy. But there's substance behind the whimsy - a thoughtfully designed space where "what brings happiness to kids" guided every decision. Dragons, unicorns, mermaids - Stacy tapped into timeless sources of wonder and made them tangible.
The Dragon Story Walk winds through this magical landscape, featuring a collaborative tale written by four people (including a Dungeons & Dragons master). Follow the path with blow-up dragons marking each chapter, reading along or listening to the audio tour. The journey culminates in a discovery box and honorary membership cards for the "Land of Sparkle Dragons" - interactive storytelling that extends the indoor magic into Vermont's natural beauty.
The Sparkle Barn operates year-round except Tuesdays, with each season bringing fresh energy and new discoveries. Summer has been particularly buzzing since Yankee Magazine featured the Bloom Room as editor's choice for top 10 things to do in Vermont this summer with a full-page spread.
Pro tip: children often arrive in their "sparkliest outfits," so encourage kids to dress the part. The space welcomes families but appeals equally to adults seeking beauty and wonder. "We have a lot of people say it's calming," Stacy notes. "We have a lot of people who come up here, they don't buy anything and I'm fine with that. For it to be people's happy place to get away from this mad world - it makes me feel good."
Stacy's not stopping with the barn. She's 70% complete on converting a 26-foot moving van into a "bloom room party truck" featuring custom restaurant booths and, naturally, unrelenting beauty everywhere. The bright pink wrapped truck will serve as a mobile version of the experience, potentially for weddings, events, or simply spreading joy throughout Vermont.
Even bigger dreams include expanding bloom rooms to children's hospitals and creating festival spaces on their 17-acre property. When asked about her ultimate goal, Stacy lights up: "I really want to figure out a way to take bloom rooms to children's hospitals or places where people need uplifting." We have absolutely no doubt that she will succeed in this pursuit - the vision extends beyond retail into community healing and joy creation.
Location: 1509 US Route 7 South Wallingford, VT (~20 minutes north of Manchester)
Hours: Year-round except Tuesdays - call for exact hours.
What to bring: Sense of wonder, camera for magical photos, patience for browsing unique treasures
Best for: Families, art lovers, couples, individuals, anyone seeking Instagram-worthy experiences, rainy day activities.
The Sparkle Barn proves that the most magical experiences often begin accidentally - with damaged paint, creative solutions, and an artist's willingness to follow inspiration wherever it leads. In a world of corporate retail and manufactured experiences, this feels authentically transformative.
Reserve time for both levels, bring your sense of play, and prepare to see retail reimagined as art installation. Just don't blame us when you start planning your return visit before you've even left.
Visit The Sparkle Barn and discover why visitors travel hours for this one-of-a-kind experience.
This wellness guide is brought to you in partnership with the Manchester Business Association, connecting you with the businesses and experiences that make Manchester, Vermont, a premier destination.
The jewelry catches your eye first. Sharon Herman's handcrafted silver pieces glint under the warm lighting at Aunt Bonnie's, drawing both locals and tourists deeper into what might be Manchester's most unexpectedly essential stop. What starts as casual browsing for an artisan bracelet often turns into something entirely different - a conversation about sleep, stress, or that anxious dog waiting back at the hotel or rental.
Located in the heart of Main Street, Aunt Bonnie's has quietly become the place where Manchester visitors and locals find solutions to wellness concerns that might have slipped past their own radar, all without the potential intimidation factor of a traditional dispensary. This isn't about getting high at all - it's about getting help.
"People might just be coming in to browse the shops," explains owner Vallis Goodermote, "and then they see CBD, and they're curious about it. They can get educated in a warm, welcoming environment versus feeling like they're doing something wrong."
The difference is immediately apparent. Rather than the clinical feel of a pharmacy or the uncertainty of a dispensary, Aunt Bonnie's feels like what it is: a health and beauty boutique where wellness can happen to include cannabinoids. The shelves blend skincare, aromatherapy, and jewelry with CBD products, creating an environment where curiosity trumps hesitation.
Goodermote's journey to natural wellness began with a personal wake-up call. "Years ago I had a reaction to a fragranced laundry product - and ever since, synthetic scents and chemical-laden skincare have continued to cause issues," she explains. That moment sparked a deep dive into everyday household items - laundry detergent, dryer sheets, plug-in air fresheners, candles. "It was an eye-opening discovery finding that many products contain synthetic chemicals that can be irritating, hormone-disrupting, or harmful to our long-term health."
This personal experience, combined with becoming more ingredient-conscious during pregnancy, shaped the store's philosophy: prioritizing natural ingredients that are mostly plant-based and scented with pure essential oils, while avoiding phthalates, parabens, and synthetic fragrances.
For travelers, particularly, this matters. Many visitors might never venture into a dispensary, but they'll absolutely wander into a boutique that feels more like a thoughtful gift shop than a medical facility.
The 2 AM Wake-Up Call Here's what Aunt Bonnie's customers know: CBD isn't just about falling asleep - it's about staying asleep. "People will take a CBD gummy to help them stay asleep at nighttime," Goodermote notes. "There are people who wake up 2 a.m., 4 a.m. They wake up two, three times a night."
For travelers dealing with new beds, different time zones, or just the general disruption of being away from home, this becomes invaluable. The store's sleep-focused CBD gummies have become a go-to for visitors who want to actually rest during their Manchester getaway.
The Vacation Dog Dilemma Then there's the challenge every pet owner faces: keeping dogs calm during travel. Aunt Bonnie's pet CBD chews address the specific anxiety triggers that come with vacation - car rides, new environments, being left in hotel rooms or Airbnbs. "The calming CBD helps keep your dog calm while they're on vacation," Goodermote explains. "It helps them be calm and relaxed without sedating them."
This isn't about knocking out an anxious pet; it's about taking the edge off so both dog and owner can actually enjoy the trip.
Post-Adventure Recovery Manchester's hiking trails are irresistible, but they're also demanding. Visitors regularly come into Aunt Bonnie's after tackling Lye Brook Falls or attempting Mount Equinox with aching backs and sore muscles. The CBD pain stick offers a natural alternative to traditional pain relief, helping active travelers recover so they can make the most of their remaining vacation days.
What sets Aunt Bonnie's apart is the emphasis on education over sales. Goodermote, who discovered CBD during the pandemic as a stressed mom of two teenage boys, understands the confusion surrounding the product. "When we started, it was like, 'Oh, I don't want to get high,'" she recalls. "Now people are learning about milligrams and cannabinoids, but there is still some confusion."
The store provides guidance on dosing based on weight and individual needs, explains the difference between CBD and marijuana, and offers completely THC-free options. It's the kind of personalized education that online shopping can't provide.
One thing not to sleep on is the jewelry selection. The jewelry isn't just decoration - it's part of the story. Sharon Herrmann, who's been crafting jewelry for 40 years, represents the local artisan tradition, while the Ed Levin Studios pieces connect to 70 years of Vermont jewelry-making history, starting in Bennington's Hawkins House.
This blend of established craft and modern wellness creates something unique on Main Street. Visitors can leave with a handcrafted bracelet and a natural sleep aid, supporting both traditional Vermont artisans and innovative wellness solutions.
What to Try:
Price Range: Jewelry starts at $18 and goes up to over $1000, CBD products typically around $50, skincare from $20-$80
The Approach: Come in curious, leave educated. The staff prioritizes helping customers understand what they're buying rather than pushing products.
Local Integration: The store features regional makers and small, often female-owned companies, maintaining that Vermont connection to natural, handcrafted quality.
Aunt Bonnie's works best when you have time to browse and ask questions. The staff can explain dosing, discuss specific needs, and help you understand what you're buying. The store also ships for $4.99, so if you discover something that works during your visit, you can easily reorder from home.
What makes Aunt Bonnie's special isn't just the products - it's the approach. In a world where wellness can feel complicated or intimidating, they've created a space where curiosity is welcomed, questions are answered, and solutions are found. For Manchester visitors, it's become the unexpected stop that solves problems they didn't even know they had.
Ready to explore natural wellness solutions? Visit Aunt Bonnie's at 4943 on Main Street, Manchester. For more information and to shop online, visit AuntBonnies.com
This wellness guide is brought to you in partnership with the Manchester Business Association, connecting you with the businesses and experiences that make Manchester, Vermont, a premier destination.
This art and shopping guide is brought to you in partnership with the Manchester Business Association, connecting you with the businesses and experiences that make Manchester, Vermont, a premier adventure destination.
The dark iron ore exterior of Squirrel catches your eye before you even know what you're looking at. The building sits just off Manchester's main drag, its dark facade standing out against the trees like a lighthouse for art lovers. But here's what makes you stop: this isn't another predictable gift shop filled with mass-produced trinkets. Owner Catharine Sullivan has one ironclad rule - if she can find it on Amazon, it doesn't make the cut.
"I honestly search on Amazon now when I find things," Sullivan admits, straightening a piece of original artwork that caught the morning breeze. "If it's there, I don't want it. It's amazing how much ends up there."
The Amazon test wasn't born from marketing strategy - it grew from Sullivan's deep respect for things with genuine provenance. Her background in historic preservation, studying nights at the Boston Architectural College while working downtown, taught her to recognize when something has earned its place in the world.
The building itself proves the point. This late 1800s firehouse was physically moved to its current location, complete with a hose-drying tower that once hung cotton hoses to dry after fires. The tower's cap blew off in a hurricane years ago, leaving it chopped short, but Sullivan dreams of hosting a "capping party" with a crane to restore it to its original glory.
"I'm a bit of a serial renovator," she explains, running her hand along the original wood ceiling of the second floor that she left completely untouched. "I was fascinated by how new buildings talk to old buildings in Boston. When I saw this little firehouse, I knew it needed to go dark and have a different presence."
The Sherwin-Williams Iron Ore paint choice wasn't arbitrary. People ask about that color constantly, drawn to how it stands out while still feeling natural against the trees. Inside, industrial lighting and brick floors honor the building's working past while creating gallery-quality illumination for the art.
Sullivan's curation philosophy goes beyond avoiding Amazon. She sources through buyer shows, artisan fairs, and endless antiquing expeditions, always hunting for pieces that catch her eye in unexpected ways. At one show, she wandered into a tiny showroom that seemed completely outside her usual aesthetic - until she discovered hand-stitched leather pieces with whipstitching and unique detailing that somehow felt perfect for her clientele.
"My belief is there's something awesome in every store, no matter what it is," she says. "I have my own personal filter of things that I like and how I feel things go together."
More than half her featured artists are Vermont or New England based. Kate Longmaidfrom Shelburne captures still life florals with a gentle palette. Ken Russack from Burlington has been painting area locations for years, creating mood and feeling rather than just documentation. George Van Hook, just over the border in Cambridge, New York, with his country roads and fishing scenes embodying quintessential Vermont in ways that feel both timeless and immediate.
Even artists from elsewhere paint Vermont. Eva Cincotta from Massachusetts spends time in Dorset, creating pieces named for specific Vermont locations. Chris Firger making his first foray into a Vermont gallery, brought exclusively Vermont scenes to life with his stunning works.
The "littles" wall upstairs showcases Sullivan's commitment to accessibility. Every piece measures under 12 by 12 inches, creating an entry point for people who lack space or budget for major works. The wall mixes established artists with vintage finds and antique discoveries, all priced to let someone walk out with original art.
"If you don't have room for a 36 by 48 piece, or you can't afford it, you don't want it, you don't need it, you can come in here and leave with something," Sullivan explains. "Good art always finds a home."
An upcoming dog commission service builds on this philosophy. After testing the waters with a painting of Hazel - the gallery's tail-wagging greeter who's never met a visitor she didn't like - Sullivan plans to offer custom pet portraits, because everyone deserves a visual reminder of why their dog is the best.
Sullivan's retail instincts recognize that Manchester serves different audiences throughout the year. Winter brings Stratton skiers looking for mountain art and interior design pieces for their second homes. Summer residents return from Florida seeking hostess gifts and smaller works that travel well.
"I try to think about what each of those different audiences might want," she says, describing how she rotates skiing art for winter guests, then switches to lighter pieces and gift items for summer entertaining.
The approach extends beyond artwork. Hand-assembled journals and book boxes by a local artisan (who prefers to keep his craft as a hobby) provide unique gift options. Textile taxidermy deer heads covered in Pendleton fabrics offer a modern take on Vermont lodge aesthetics. Even the candle selection rotates constantly, ensuring regular customers always discover something new.
Sullivan originally envisioned a pure gallery but evolved into what she calls having "feet on two lily pads." The merchandise responds to customer demand while maintaining the same curation standards as the art.
"It's a small town," she explains. "You serve your clientele with what people want, and I love both, so it works out."
The result feels authentically Manchester - sophisticated enough for serious collectors, accessible enough for curious browsers, and personal enough that word-of-mouth drives much of the business. People come to "smell some pretty," as Sullivan and her friends put it, and discover pieces they didn't know they needed.
Squirrel sits at 345 Center Hill Road, tucked just behind the main commercial strip, but highly worth seeking out. The building's location means you might miss it from the corner, but that's part of its charm - like a hidden treasure waiting to be discovered.
Summer brings planned "Sip and Shop" events, and weather permitting, occasional pop-up tent sales during busy weekends. Follow their Instagram for surprise events and new arrival announcements.
The real draw isn't any single piece - it's Sullivan's eye for combining contemporary and traditional work in ways that feel both curated and effortless. Whether you're starting an art collection or adding to an established one, whether you need a thoughtful gift or want to treat yourself, Squirrel offers something you genuinely can't find anywhere else.
And that's exactly the point.
Squirrel Gallery
345 Center Hill Road Manchester, VT
Website: squirrelmanchester.com
This art and shopping guide is brought to you in partnership with the Manchester Business Association, connecting you with the businesses and experiences that make Manchester, Vermont, a premier adventure destination.
This shopping adventure guide is brought to you in partnership with the Manchester Business Association, connecting you with the businesses and experiences that make Manchester, Vermont, a premier destination.
Walk into Coco Goose on Depot Street and you'll immediately understand why locals have been spreading the word about this place for years. Natural light pours through dramatic arched windows, illuminating cream-toned walls and polished cement floors that give the space an effortless sophistication. But here's what really sets this apart: the famous denim wall that stretches floor to ceiling, perfectly organized by cut and style, with stylists standing by who can tell at a glance whether you're a mid-rise or high-waist person.
This isn't just another boutique that happened to land in Manchester Vermont. Coco Goose opened here because customers from the area advocated for it, helping owner Mary Lou Baraw find the perfect space and make the right connections. What started as "Green Envy" over 15 years ago has grown into a four-location operation, with the Manchester store serving as their largest and most comprehensive location. Here's what you need to know about the full-service fashion destination that locals know Manchester was missing.
You know what we love most about Coco Goose? They understand that great style starts with the perfect foundation - and that foundation is usually a pair of jeans that fits like it was made for you. Their denim selection spans an entire wall, featuring the best cuts from Citizens of Humanity, Mother, L'Agence, Closed, Agolde, Frame, and AMO.
The L'Agence Scottie jean has become such a Manchester customer favorite that stylists keep it fully stocked year-round. "We believe denim is a foundation to the modern wardrobe and we offer one of the best selections of brands and cuts anywhere," explains Liz Atkins, a virtual stylist now but has been a stylist with the company for 14 years. The Nili Lotan Shon pant is another consistent bestseller - not technically denim, but the kind of elevated essential that forms the backbone of a versatile wardrobe.
What really makes the difference here is the styling expertise. Whether you're a college student looking for your first pair of premium jeans or someone who's been searching for the perfect replacement for a beloved pair that finally wore out, the team takes genuine pride in walking you through the process of finding exactly what works for your body and lifestyle.
The magic extends far beyond the denim wall. Coco Goose carries 150 carefully curated brands, from closet staples like Frank & Eileen's classic button-ups to statement pieces from Ulla Johnson and Veronica Beard. The curation focuses on elevated essentials that work for Manchester's active, accomplished lifestyle - pieces you'll reach for whether you're heading to a work meeting, a summer wedding, or just want to look pulled-together for dinner at The Copper Grouse.
For summer 2025, the team is excited about breezy trousers, wear-anywhere dresses, and those perfect tees that somehow look casual yet ultra-chic. Veronica Beard's dickey jackets remain a go-to for versatile layering, while Ulla Johnson's bohemian dresses with gorgeous prints capture that effortless summer vibe. The younger crowd gravitates toward Aviator Nation sweatsets, while Tom Ford sunglasses provide that finishing touch of luxury for any occasion.
"We like to keep it simple," says Jaki, regional manager of Coco Goose. "Think a great-fitting pair of jeans, a good tee, exceptional accessories, and pieces that take you from day to night without overthinking it."
Here's the thing about Coco Goose: they've created an entirely full-service shopping experience that caters to everyone from hip college students to stylish grandmothers. The spacious dressing rooms with warm lighting actually make you look good (revolutionary concept, right?), and the complimentary personal styling means you never have to guess whether something works.
Long-time Coco Goose stylists bring expertise that goes beyond just picking out clothes - they help you build a wardrobe that actually works for your real life. Both virtual and in-person styling sessions are available, making it easy to get professional guidance whether you're shopping in the store or from home.
The community aspect is genuine here. During horse show season, familiar faces return each summer, creating an atmosphere that feels more like shopping with a well-connected friend than a typical retail transaction. "It's been quite special to be a part of the Manchester community," the team notes. "We've heard again and again how Manchester needed more good shops for women."
Manchester's summer calendar shapes the Coco Goose experience in the best way. The horse show brings an influx of style-conscious visitors who know quality when they see it, while the 4th of July and Labor Day sales have become anticipated events for both locals and seasonal residents.
The MDO sidewalk sale in early August offers a chance to score elevated pieces at better prices - the kind of insider knowledge that makes you feel like you're in on something special. But even beyond the sales, summer is when the store really shines, with that natural light showcasing the carefully curated collection and the relaxed pace allowing for proper styling consultations.
Best times to visit: Weekday mornings for the most personalized attention, or during special events for the social energy and best selection of seasonal pieces.
What to ask for: The L'Agence Scottie jean if you want to understand the denim obsession, or book a virtual styling session with Liz ([email protected]) or Jo-Anne ([email protected]) for a complete wardrobe consultation. For in-person styling in Manchester, Jennifer Leyton is a gem!
Insider tip: Bring family - seriously. The multi-generational shopping experience here is unmatched. Mothers, daughters, sisters, and friends regularly shop together, each finding pieces that work for their individual style and age.
Located at 103 Depot Street, Coco Goose is open Monday through Saturday 10 AM to 6 PM, and Sundays 10 AM to 5 PM. Free shipping on orders over $150 for any online orders, and that complimentary styling consultation is always available, whether you're shopping in person or online.
The best part? You can easily connect your Coco Goose visit with other Manchester experiences - grab lunch nearby, explore the local bookstore, or plan it around one of the town's seasonal events. Because in Manchester, Vermont, good style and good living tend to go hand in hand.
This shopping adventure guide is brought to you in partnership with the Manchester Business Association, connecting you with the businesses and experiences that make Manchester, Vermont, a premier destination.
