Bristol Open House
Meet the Faces Behind the Places
Saturday, July 19 | 1:00–3:00 PM | Downtown Bristol, Vermont
On Saturday, July 19, Bristol CORE is inviting community members and visitors alike to celebrate the small businesses that shape the heart of our downtown. The Bristol Open House is a casual, walkable event designed to connect people with the faces behind their favorite storefronts, and introduce a few exciting new ones!
Whether you’ve lived here for decades or are just getting to know Bristol, this is a perfect opportunity to explore shops, chat with owners, sample local offerings, and join a town-wide trivia challenge for a chance to win Bristol Bucks (redeemable at nearly all local businesses in town).
How It Works:
Pick up a trivia sheet at any participating business
Visit shops, learn fun facts, and fill in your answers (trivia answers can be found by asking shop owners or by reading the “Meet the Owner” posters)
Turn in your completed sheet to be entered to win Bristol Bucks prizes
Participating Businesses & What to Expect:
Holy Halvah
Owners: Rebecca & Shaun
A sweet new addition to downtown, Holy Halvah moved into their space at 28 North Street this spring. Known for their organic, maple-sweetened halvah, they’re now serving Kingdom Creamery creemees topped with tahini, maple sugar, and their famous halvah.
During the Open House: Halvah samples + creemees!
Bobcat Café & Brewery
Owners: Christopher & Jon Ruggiero
This beloved restaurant is under new ownership as of February! Expect the same great handcrafted beer and seasonal comfort food, served with fresh energy and a deep love for local.
During the Open House: Good vibes, owner meet & greet, and fun trivia about their brewing setup.
Bristol Suites & Vermont Marketplace
Owner: Justin Sandherr
Justin took over the inn-style suites and marketplace in February and is working to refresh and revitalize one of downtown’s most architecturally significant buildings.
During the Open House: Snacks (chocolates!), music, and historic tidbits about the space.
Farmhouse Chocolates
Owners: Eliza La Rocca & Erlé LaBounty
Crafting truffles and caramels with organic, fair trade chocolate since 1997, Eliza & Erlé are longtime sweethearts of the Bristol business scene.
During the Open House: Chocolate samples, informal tours of their space, and stories from their nearly 10 years in the current location.
Bristol Botanicals
Owners: Megan Walsh & Silas Clark
Having recently taken over the former Pine Tree Gardens, Megan and Silas launched Bristol Botanicals in 2024 with a mission to build community through plants and creativity.
During the Open House: Hibiscus tea, ice cream sandwiches, dad jokes, and info about a fundraiser concert that evening for the new town skatepark!
Recycled Reading of Vermont Books & Instruments
Owner: Melissa R. Hernandez
One of Bristol’s most eclectic and creative shops, Recycled Reading offers new and used books, games, instruments, art supplies, and more.
During the Open House: Live music, sweet treats, and a detailed store map to help you discover every quirky corner.
Art on Main
Manager: Meara Harrison (with a board of artists & supporters)
Art on Main is a non-profit community gallery showcasing work from over 75 Vermont artists.
During the Open House: Snacks, meet the new manager, and explore rotating exhibits of local craft and art.
emeraldrose grows
Owner: Greg Newman
A full-service cannabis dispensary and garden shop offering seeds, grow supplies, and cannabis products, plus lots of growing wisdom.
During the Open House: Stickers, good conversation, and tips for indoor and outdoor growers.
The Plank Rd. Art Stand
Owners: Brenda Myrick & Jim Lienau
This roadside self-serve art gallery is housed in a repurposed horse trailer and features original works, wooden fish, and gifts.
During the Open House: Free mini watercolors by Brenda’s mom, Barbara Lane + a chance to schedule a personal studio tour.
Your Home
Owner: Sheila Collette
This fun and funky shop has been offering used home goods and vintage clothing since 2019, and Sheila is always rotating in new finds.
During the Open House: Possibly snacks…definitely great stories about how she sources her ever-changing inventory!
Main Street Stationer
Owner: Courtney Radford
This soon-to-launch shop is taking over the longtime Kimball Office Supplies storefront. You’ll be among the first to get a sneak peek at what’s coming.
During the Open House: Meet the new owner and learn about the vision for Main Street’s newest shop.
Trivia Challenge Prizes
Fill out your trivia sheet and turn it in for a chance to win Bristol Bucks prizes! Bristol Bucks can be used just like cash at most businesses around town. Trivia sheets can be picked up and dropped off at all participating businesses. They will be available for pick up starting Friday, 7/18 and must be turned in by end of business on Sunday 7/20. Winners will be chosen on Tuesday 7/22.
Why It Matters
Bristol’s small business owners are neighbors, community builders, and passionate stewards of the work they do. Many have poured years into their spaces, while others are just beginning their journey here.
This event is a chance to slow down, meet these people face-to-face, and celebrate the creativity and care that fuels our local economy.
We hope you’ll join us downtown on July 19 to shop, snack, chat, and play!
Stay up to date at discoverbristolvt.com or on Instagram @BristolCOREvt
