The Church Street Marketplace and Vermont Teddy Bear Company have been attracting locals and out-of-town guests for decades, but did you know that these two popular VT hotspots share a "beary" warm and fuzzy story? They do! The Vermont Teddy Bear Company, now situated on a 55-acre campus in Shelburne, started quite a lot smaller...as a push-cart located on the quaint cobblestone stretch called Church Street. As the story goes, VTB's founder started selling the handmade Vermont bears at the Marketplace in the early 80s. Sales were slow (it took them a year to sell 200 bears), but everything changed when a tourist asked if she could have her bear shipped home. The "Bear-Gram" was born and the business took off! The Marketplace has seen a lot of growth too, and is now home to hundreds of locally-owned shops and restaurants. Both attractions are must-dos when in Vermont, and since they're so close in proximity they make a very easy day trip or add-on to an extended stay.
A fun- and fur-filled destination that's become famous for giving out the warmest bear hugs around
Get behind-the-scenes with an entertaining and educational tour of the working teddy bear factory, where you'll see firsthand how these premium bears are created - from cutting and stitching to stuffing and sewing
You can also make your very own teddy bear in the Bear Shop, as well as shop for souvenirs and other Vermont-made products
Named one of the Great Public Spaces in America for its historic buildings, thriving retail trade, and carefully maintained streets and walkways
Have fun collecting souvenirs at the many locally owned shops, as well as popular favorites like LL Bean, Macy's, Starbucks, and more. The Burlington Town Center shopping mall is here too!
Enjoy a pint a one of the local pubs, a slice at one of the pizza places, or a treat at one of the candy stores. You can even cool down with a shake or cone at the neighborhood Ben & Jerry's Scoop Shop
You'll get a taste of the local art scene and one-of-a-kind culture too, as murals and sculptures line the street and commemorative bricks under foot prove just how special this place really is
