The Sparkle Barn Offers Whimsy, Art and Joy in Wallingford

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The Sparkle Barn Magic Garden

Whimsy, Hiking and History in Wallingford

Stacy Harshman needed a change. While living in New York, she Googled words like “nature, mountains and community.” The search brought her to Vermont, where she eventually opened The Sparkle Barn.

The Sparkle Barn is a wildly popular gift shop on Route 7 in Wallingford, complete with an upstairs space called the Bloom Room, an outdoor magic garden and a dragon story walk.

“My guiding mission was, ‘what’s fun for kids? What’s magical?'” says Harshman, 51, who grew up in Illinois and lived in New York City prior to moving to Vermont.

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The Sparkle Barn

Inside The Sparkle Barn in Wallingford. Photo by Owl’s Iris Photography.

Harshman has not only figured out what kids like, but tapped into a certain whimsy that adults also embrace.

On a a typical Saturday, The Sparkle Barn draws more than 200 people browsing and shopping for gifts, art work, garden pieces and kids’ toys.

Seven Years at The Sparkle Barn Sparkle Barn Anniversary

-Hundreds of people attended The Sparkle Barn’s 7th anniversary party in June. 

In June, Harshman hosted a free party on The Sparkle Barn’s lawn featuring kids’ music, balloons and activities to celebrate the store’s seventh anniversary. About 700 people showed up.

Over the years, she’s also hosted book groups, kids activities and other gatherings in the store’s Bloom Room—something she hopes to do more of in the future.

“My grandmother loved to throw events. We would have Pop-tarts on china and have Pinochle play nights,” says Harshman. “I love to have events. It’s my introvert way of being able to get out into the world.”

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While You’re in Wallingford

Wallingford Block

-The Wallingford Block celebrates its 200th anniversary in 2024.

If you’re planning a visit to The Sparkle Barn this weekend, make time to also enjoy the annual Wallingford Day celebration on Saturday, July 20, 2024.

The all-day event will include music, food trucks, games, a town-wide yard sale, bike parade, fireworks and more. This year’s event also celebrates the 200th anniversary of the Wallingford Block.

The three-story local landmark once housed everything from the local post office, markets and apartments to an arcade, community space and hair salon. It used to be owned by the Odd Fellows, an international fraternity consisting of lodges.

Michelle Kenny, who now owns the Wallingford Block, was awarded a $100,00 grant from the Preservation Trust of Vermont to help her re-open a community center on the building’s third story.

Sweet Birch Coffee & Bakery on the first floor of the Wallingford Block is worth a visit while you’re in town. In August, the Wallingford Village Market is expected to open next door to the cafe.

Hiking

White Rocks Sign

-A sign for White Rocks from the Danby-Mount Tabor Road. From Route 140, the trek is much shorter.

From Route 7 near The Sparkle Barn, you’ll see a stunning view to the east of White Rocks Cliffs in the Green Mountains.

During the last Ice Age, glaciers scoured and exposed the Cheshire quartzite that makes up White Rocks Cliffs.

Native Americans quarried stone for tools on the mountain, and European settlers cleared the land for grazing in the 1850s. Today, the White Rocks Cliffs is part of the Robert T. Stafford White Rocks National Recreation Area.

The White Rocks Cliff Trail is a popular route for hiking. Trail access can be found along Route 140 in Wallingford. Find details on the U.S. Forest Service website.

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The Sparkle Barn Wallingford

-The Sparkle Barn in Wallingford draws visitors from near and far.

Stay in Wallingford

Across the street from The Sparkle Barn is Sparkle on the Rocks, an historic lodging property Harshman purchased and lovingly transformed.

Formerly the White Rocks Inn, the 18-acre four-bedroom property—complete with an iconic Vermont barn—is available for overnight stays.

If you’re wondering about why Harshman chose the name “Sparkle” for her shop and lodging property, Harshman sums it up perfectly.

“It’s bold because it’s goofy but also catchy,” she says. “It captures some of my personality. I like to sparkle.”

Listen to the podcast episode

-Main photo courtesy of Stacy Harshman

 

 

Categories:
Green Mountain National Forest, Outdoors, Route 7, Rutland County, shopping, Things To Do, Vermont Podcast, Wallingford
2 Comments
  • Thomas Slatin (She/Her)
    Posted at 12:14h, 16 July Reply

    My wife and I love the unicorn bench and had our picture taken there when we first visited. It is a truly unique hidden gem!

    • Erica
      Posted at 19:28h, 16 July Reply

      It’s such a wonderful place! The bench is such a sweet spot for a photo! Thanks for saying hello. -Erica

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