One of my all-time favorite bookstores!…read more As you're walking along the street, you may notice a sandwich board with a pointer finger directing you upstairs in a building in downtown Bennington. This is your best indicator that they're open. Otherwise you might not notice this hidden gem because it's upstairs in an office building. But as soon as you make it through the door, you won't regret having come! It's clear to see that these guys have a good time with their shop. There are labels for sections and parts of the store that could only grow out of fondness, like "The Cave" for the small little room that sits next to the check-out desk, where the psychology and sci-fi books are housed. Love the combo. Or "The Treasure Chest" for overflow books, so varied and ever changing, that you never know what you might find. They have an ever-changing new arrivals section, displaying some of the more popular current novels, which is a great place to look for recommendations. They also have a great children's section, with old readers from quite a while back. Their foreign language section is pretty limited, but that's the case with most bookstores. There were some beautiful old books in German last time I was there. They have a great new england and Vermont section, though I can't admit to having browsed it very thoroughly. Amazingly, they also order books for you if they don't have something. A very kind service. It's worth a visit to this wonderful used bookstore. It's surprisingly large, and full of a huge variety of books.

Stopped here on my way home from Manchester to CT and the door was locked although by the hours…read moreposted on the website they we're suppose to open. Called the phone number and got a non-descript answering machine. Too bad, was looking forward to making some new discoveries. Not sure when I'll be back in the area, but based on what the previous reviewer had to say, I image this one star review will be revised to a 4 or 5 star.

Really enjoyed my visit to this bookshop. They have an excellent, small but well curated selection…read moreof nature books. I purchased a book about mushroom foraging by an Appalachian author called "Go Forth and Forage" and by fiancé purchased a helpful guidebook about identifying trees, which is essential to foraging. I read the mushroom book cover to cover and absolutely loved it! The store is very clean, well lit and well organized, although small. I did find the service a bit standoffish and when I purchased the book the woman checking me out just handed it to me with the receipt tucked in, without even asking if I wanted a bag. I guess I this area most people don't want a bag because they charge for them, but like could you let me know that and at least offer one? Seemed odd. Otherwise nice spot and I look forward to returning here next time I am in town.

It's the first bright, beautiful Saturday of the year here in Bennington, and I decided to kill…read moretime this morning before the library opened by browsing with an open mind to buying one or more books here. I walked in and said hello to the lone employee behind the counter, who seemed annoyed that anyone would speak to her. There was also a group of about four teenagers who were talking about the books, laughing and being normal kids. From what I could tell as someone who also used to work in a bookstore, they weren't being disruptive at all and sounded like they were talking about school assignments, among other things. A few minutes into my visit, the lone employee, an older woman, curtly told the group of kids to leave. I left soon after, and as I later said to one of the co-owners over the phone, that's how five potential customers turns to zero. What's the point of running/working in any business if you're put out by any and every customer? Is this the secret to small business success in a town where every other storefront is shuttered?

People with negative reviews have serious issues. Knapps is the friendliest place that is. Duffy,…read morethe owner, is a great guy always ready to help. I brought my guitar looking for some help and he sat with me for a long time giving advice and even told me where to go and what to look for. Never pushed me into buying anything. We need more places like this and more people to go to Knapps and support this business.

The wall of guitars, many of which are quite reasonably priced, is an obvious draw to the musicians…read moreamong us. And if you're like me, where you're more musically inclined to play the stereo, there's a selection of vinyl - LPs and 45s - in the back to peruse (plus that cool display of 45s hanging from the ceiling in the guitar room). And if that's not enough, there's all the hobby supplies in the rest of the store. This is definitely a place to check out.

They carry products from back home, which makes me happy quality is fresh staff is friendlyread more

This has been one of the most painful experiences of my career…read more I've been a full-time artist and graphic designer for 22 years. Alongside my professional work, I often take on discounted or pro bono projects to help local businesses get off the ground--because I care deeply about creative collaboration and community growth. In autumn 2023, I was approached by the manager of Silver Therapeutics' Bennington dispensary about becoming a featured local artist. It felt like a meaningful opportunity. I was told my work would be showcased in-store, sold as merchandise, and promoted as part of a long-term collaboration. I was promised fair compensation. Over the following months, I created more than 60 original paintings--pouring thousands of hours into a project I was proud of. I was reassured repeatedly that payment and rollout were coming. I believed them. I waited. And then--nothing. Despite multiple invoices and months of respectful follow-ups, I was never paid. Eventually, I was ghosted entirely. No explanation. No apology. No accountability. This wasn't just financial--it was personal. This project was supposed to support my daughter and help our family through a difficult year. Instead, I was left feeling humiliated and erased. Silver Therapeutics markets itself as a community-minded, ethical business. But no ethical business treats local artists like this--especially not those who show up in good faith, create with care, and uphold their end of the agreement. I've reported this to the Vermont Attorney General and the Better Business Bureau. I'm sharing my story not out of bitterness, but so that other local creators and small businesses can be aware--and protect themselves before investing their time, talent, and trust. In a world where every dollar we spend is a reflection of what we value, I hope my experience gives you something to think about.

I remember when I first went here a few weeks ago with my dad, I got two crystal orbs, and then…read morebecause of my manners the lady at the front desk gave me something special! This place is really good, I recommend it. It had lots of valued customers.

Stopped in, picked up a few items (hard to find pickups, old DJ cart). Small shop, great owners…read more There were a couple guitars I liked as well as some electronic pieces that were interesting. On the way home, will stop in again to Pickup something from the window. Maybe look through the cases again. Yes, if you're a gear head you should take a look.

I spent well over $800 on this order and I think did not receive nearly the quantity that I…read moreshould've. This was for a funeral, and I as well as many guests were disappointed. Quality was ok, but this place is nothing special and they certainly didn't put the effort into the product. I called the voice the concern, but the owner basically told me "too bad".

I called them in September because I needed to put flowers on my mom's grave site. They did not…read moredisappoint me! They sold me great looking flowers at a great price, plus they sent me a photo of the grave site with the flowers. I live in the Bay Area of California, so it was very comforting knowing that good people handled my mom's flowers. Thank you very much - I highly recommend The Gift Garden.

Bought a switch lite for 160$ decided i wanted actually switch called day after purchase to ask if…read morecould return for 160$ but they said id had to wait for store owner to come in and hed be in soon called back again was told store owner would be in at 3 or 330 when i called at 3 no answer called at 345 still wasnt there left my name and number no call back. 7 days later just took 80$ in store credit bc thats all i could get and bought switch out right all screens look bad and smudged one i got is decent but controller doesnt hold charge and the controller locks on side dont lock and sometimes doesnt detect controller 260$ for switch this is an outrage and i will never be purchasing anything there again

I love independent gaming stores like the Gamers Grotto! I wish there were more of them so whenever…read morewe spot one we always have to stop in and see what they have. This is a huge store. It's dedicated to all things gaming and doesn't have graphic novels (which is actually kind of rare for stores like this one but I thought it was great - more room for the hobby and video games). They had tons of older video games at great prices. There was some sort of gaming going on in the backroom that looked like a fun time. My partner ended up buying a Fire Emblem game that he'd been looking for and just waiting for a good opportunity to support a local business and buy. At the register, I spotted a very cool display of leather earrings and ended up buying a cute pair. I'm told they'll have Halloween inspired ones in very soon so you know we'll be back. Definitely worth stopping in and supporting a local game store!

Get your ritual supplies, m agic, spells, candles, oils, incense, clothing, jewelry, brooms and…read moresuch right here with great customer service along the way. Ordered a hand crafted purple broom, medium length from this vendor on line. The ordering process was very easy and to my surprise I wasn't charged a delivery fee. My broom arrived within days and was very well packaged. Besides super speedy and free delivery, the communication along the way was great. Higly recommend checking out this shop for all your 'special' needs.

Wanted to buy many items online, get stocked up. But I didn't. No product information, no size…read moreinformation on the candles. I've been burned once - no pun intended - can't tell the size from looking at an online picture! No ingredients list, so it's impossible to tell if real oils are used or perfume or what. "Scent of rose" what the he** does that mean? Any decent company give you size and ingredients. No chat, no way to ask questions, or contact anyone, always a red flag. I realize it's probably being run by teens and ditzy 20 somethings, but really, with all the money in this type of product, try to be decent, and give buyers info on what the are buying. I know you can do it, because the site goes on and on and on and on and on and on about "magic and witchy" so there is certainly space to give the consumer very basic info on what they are trying to buy. So not impressed with this "company" and won't be buying from them, not that they care.