The Village Peddler & Chocolatorium
The Monte Family welcomes you to visit the home of Vermont’s most mouthwatering chocolates, fudge, truffles, and buttercrunch. Indulge in delectable treats, explore unique gifts and experience the magic of chocolate that will leave a lasting impression. Housed in a renovated old wagon shed, The Village Peddler is not just a chocolate shop but also a gift store featuring teddy bears & plush, Vermont specialty foods, maple syrup, cheddar cheese, preserves, honey, hot chocolate, homemade gelato and an array of delightful goodies. The chocolates are made in small batches at our Bennington store, The Village Chocolate Shoppe and are sure to delight your taste buds. Shop our vast assortment of chocolates, fudge, gift baskets and chocolate themed items.
Discover Cocoa, the world’s largest chocolate teddy bear. Visit the Chocolatorium & explore the world of chocolate. There you will learn the origins & art of chocolate making as well as the history of cacao.
Group Policies & Rates: The Chocolate Tasting Program (Program 2) requires a minimum of 90 minutes for the visit which includes the tasting and some time for shopping. Some groups plan for additional shopping time. Rates for 2026 are $10 per person. There is no charge for the Tour Guide and Bus Driver. Pricing and time required varies for Chocolate Craft or chocolate bar. Please call us for further information.
Dates of Operation: Open year-round, hours vary by season
Highlighted Group Experience: New this year: Chocolate craft making or make your own chocolate bar. This is a popular activity around the holidays. Past guests have decorated a chocolate wreath, made their own chocolate bar, decorated a hot chocolate bomb, or made a chocolate Christmas tree. Possibilities are endless. After the activity guests can explore the exhibit and browse through all the delicious offerings in our gift shop. This activity is ideal for groups 35 or smaller. We are happy to talk to you about what activity would be right for your group.
Group Amenities: We offer several different programs at the Chocolatorium. Program 1-Visit to the Village Peddler and Chocolatorium. While here guests can view a short film about how cacao is grown and harvested and how chocolate is made. After the film, explore the exhibit and spend time shopping in our gift shop for delicious homemade chocolates, fudge, VT foods and gifts. Program 2- Chocolate Tasting Program- This popular program includes a short film about how cacao is grown and harvested as well as how chocolate is made. Following the film, guests are led through a focused chocolate tasting which includes 7 different kinds of chocolate. After the chocolate tasting, guests have time to explore the exhibit and visit our gift shop where the chocolates they have just tasted and many other varieties are available for purchase. Whichever option you choose, If it begins with chocolate…it ends with a smile!
