King Arthur Flour, A Baker’s Paradise (VT)
Article by Sam Dostaler
King Arthur Flour (KAF) in Norwich, Vermont is a baker’s paradise. Sold all around the country, KAF is a popular stop for locals and travelers along I-91 in Vermont.
For many years we had heard about others visiting King Arthur Flour and we had even traveled past its exit on I-91 but until late last year, we had never made the quick detour off the highway to experience this baking mecca. Finally, on the way back to Connecticut from a weekend trip to the White Mountains, we decided to make the stop and now each time we pass by we try not to drain our bank account.
As you turn into the KAF parking lot you quickly realize that this isn’t your typical small-town bakery, the parking lot is jammed full and the bakery looks more like a Vermont ski lodge. However, despite the size, once you walk in you still feel like you are at an intimate bakery along any New England main street.
Opened in 1790 and baking since George Washington was president, KAF is an employee-owned company with a mission, “to be the ultimate resource and inspiration in the kitchen, to inspire connections and community through baking, and to use our business as a force for good.”
As soon as you enter KAF you have a decision to make, do I go straight to the bakery or take a left into the store? We always head straight for the bakery and load up on our favorite treats. A visit isn’t complete without a cinnamon bun, a cinnamon sugar puff muffin, and a loaf of bread (we love the Vermont Country bread!).
If you are in the mood for lunch there is a separate counter to the right of the bakery where you can order sandwiches and soups, before settling into one of the many nearby tables. It makes you smile watching all the families, friends enjoy their delicious meals.
Once you are done at the bakery head over to the store where you will find all of your baking needs, from kitchen tools to ingredients to mixes. For gluten-free visitors, KAF makes sure they don’t miss out on the fun, offering many GF flour and mix options. We can vogue for the quality of their GF products including their muffin and cake mixes.
If getting your hands dirty is more your style then be sure to sign up for one of the many onsite Baking School classes where you can learn first-hand how to make bread, pies, pretzels, and much more.
Once we have our treats we head back to the car to continue our journey back to Connecticut. Only now we have a delicious distraction to keep us busy as we make our way south.