We continue our local supports local project with Wayside Country Store, an Arlington institution. Started in 1850, the Tschorn family has owned the business since 1984 and is in its third generation. We spoke with Chelsea Tschorn (pictured above) about her family, the store, and their community.
“My favorite part about working here is being a service to the community. It’s what keeps us here. Having a general store is vital to the Arlington community. You develop relationships with people you wouldn’t otherwise get to know. I love being able to provide food for and give back to our community when we can.
When our local dairy went out of business last September, we knew we needed to find another local choice. We looked into commercial milks, and they couldn’t compete on a price or quality level. Initially we only carried glass in quarts, but we had customers that were really into getting the glass half gallons, so we started carrying that option as well. We didn’t anticipate that need, but it’s pretty cool to see.
We love having local goods here. We were the first wholesale location for Vermont Spätzle. We have greens from Camden Creek Farm, local meats and fermented goods as well. It’s important to have that variety available here.”
