Vermont Travel Notes

As of Jan 1, any clothing purchased in Vermont is no longer subject to sales tax. Vermont is one of the states joining in a new program to make tax laws (but not rates) consistent around the country. It's also in response to the enormous revenues some states were losing to internet retailers. Previously in Vermont, any clothing purchase over $110 was subject to the sales tax. Now there is no limit on the amount of clothing you can purchase tax free.

We have had a number of our inn's guests ask about outlet stores. There are two outlet "malls" in Vermont. One is in Manchester VT in the southwestern part of the state and the other is in Essex Junction VT, just a little outside Burlington in the northern part of the state,

There are 36 stores that make up Manchester Designer Outlets . In my opinion, this is a very nice shopping experience because it's not a mall setup but a grouping of attractive shops in a village setting. The Manchester area is well known as being a "high dollar" destination with luxury lodging and restaurants. These shops are of the same caliber.

The Essex Shoppes is a mall near Burlington with 26 stores, an eight screen cinema, and six restaurants. We recently ate there at the Tiny Thai and enjoyed a very good quality meal at low prices. If you go to the Essex Shoppes website, don't overlook the discount vouchers page under Additional Links at the top right of the Shoppes page.

(c) 2007 Jeff Connor