Even if you're traveling from a distance you can be sure that a trip to William Austin Antiques is worthwhile, not just because of our 15 showrooms, in over 10,000 Sq. Ft unique antique shop and over 600 pieces on hand to choose from, or because we are Vermont's largest privately owned antique store and first class antique emporium, but also because we are located in the heart of quaint and historic town of Chester in the foothills of the lush Green Mountains of Vermont.

Chester prides itself on being the "Vermont you were hoping to find". During the 20th century, as the farms mechanized and trains gave way to trucks, Chester retained its elegance and charm as a Victorian village, with rural countryside that attracts visitors from around the world. Intoxicated by its beauty, many stay and make it their home, or, their home away from home.

Perfectly situated between Okemo Mountain Resort and Bromley & Magic Mountains, it is a skier's paradise. It's only a short scenic drive to the Weston Playhouse or the world famous Vermont Country Store (in both Weston and Rockingham), and 30 miles from Manchester Village as well as Woodstock, VT.

If you are in the market for an antique piece or simply wish to see what we have to offer you to enhance and complete your home and garden decoration, you owe it to yourself to plan a trip to Austin's Antiques today, and make a full day of it. You'll be glad you did!

Come on over and experience the clarity and purity of life that Vermont has to offer both its natives and tourists alike, the 'Vermont Way of Life'. Our first customer from Washington DC came to visit us almost a decade ago and he keeps coming back every year for a shopping spree visit.

You can sped an entire day in Chester, on any of the surrounding campgrounds, visit nearby museums, art galleries, golf courses, wonderful restaurants, take a ride on the Green Mountain Flyer - the old steam locomotive on the antique railroad, and even choose to stay and extra day at any of the warm & inviting Bed and Breakfasts around. We are only 15 minutes away from Okemo Mountain.

You won't find a more perfect place to relax, renew and rejuvenate, as you leave the city and the rat race far behind! Come on over and visit the Vermont you were hoping to find!

This region of Vermont is famous for its FAIRS, FESTIVALS, PARADES, CONCERTS and CHURCH SUPPERS. Search listed events to see what's happening during your vacation at Vacation in Vermont or Virtual Vermont.

The Weston Playhouse Theater Company>
As Vermont’s oldest professional theater, The Weston Playhouse is built on a long tradition of quality entertainment and community.

Fletcher Farm School for the Arts and Crafts
For those with handicrafts in mind, the Fletcher Farm School offers classes in painting and quilting.

Frog Hollow - Vermont State Craft Center
In the folksy spirit of Vermont, Frog Hollow features various galleries exhibiting a unique collection of traditional and contemporary arts and crafts.

Gallery at the VAULT
A non profit art gallery that offers juried art work from several hundred local and regional artists and artisans from New England. Workshops and lectures offered year round, as well as exciting special exhibits. Please check the calendar of events often.

Vermont Symphony Orchestra
A state-supported nonprofit symphony encouraging the appreciation of music in all its forms, with an emphasis on orchestral, choral and chamber music. The VSO performs 50 concerts in more than 20 communities across Vermont.

SHOPPING
The Green is a haven of stores for the serious shopper. Find your treasures here!

• Baba Louie's Bakery
  Bread and rolls made daily, great lunches, and wonderful desserts
• Beach Tree Gallery
  Fine art from creative hands
• Chester Drug Store
  Available for all your pharmacy needs
• Chester Music Shoppe
  Musical instruments, CDs, unique gifts and more – a must-see shop in Chester, Vt.
• Cottage Teapot ShopLarge display of unique teapots
• Country TreasuresOne of the premier quilt shops in New England
• Cream of the Crop Vintage ClothingWell-known for classic vintage apparel
• Crocked ShuttersVermont gifts, included cheeses and maple syrup
• Fantastic FindsUnique furnishings and consignment items
• Forlie-BalouA boutique shop for women
• Hugging Bear Gift ShoppeLargest collectable bear shop in the area
• Northeast Irish Too ShopIrish knit sweaters, mugs, ties and much more
• Misty Valley BooksSells a variety of interesting books, including an excellent selection by Vermont authors
• Mountain Leather DesignLeather fashions, jewelry and more
• Rose Arbor Gift ShopUnique gifts in a lovely setting
• Stone House Antique and CollectablesOver 100 dealers for the antiquing enthusiast

AREA EVENTS
Scheduled local (and surrounding area) activities include, besides many free concerts:

• Chester Fall Craft Fair 2006Chester weekend of 9/23-9/24 2006
• 21st Annual An Overture to Christmas Fair 2006Chester weekends of 12/2 and 12/9 2006
• 48th Annual Weston Antiques Show 2006www.westonantiquesshow.orgWeston weekend of 9/28-10/1 2006
• Weston Crafts Show 2006www.westoncraftsshow.org Weston weekend of 10/6th, 7th and 8th 2006

VERMONT STATE PARKS
The beautiful and geographically diverse state of Vermont has many state parks for an abundance of outdoor activities, such as fishing, golfing, hiking, caving, biking, motorcycle riding, swimming, canoeing, kayaking, white water rafting/canoeing, hang gliding, entertainment, education.

FOLIAGE IN VERMONT
During the course of each year Nature signals the change of seasons in numerous subtle and some very obvious ways. None is more obvious than fall foliage especially here in Vermont. Vermont is one of only a few places in the world that has just the right combination of climate, soils and tree species to produce the spectacular array of colors that is fall foliage. Colors in Central Vermont generally turn the last 10 days of September and remain colorful through mid-October.

VERMONT SKIING & SNOWBOARDING
Located just minutes away from several Vermont Ski Vacation destinations,you can easily find here something for everyone. William Austin Antiques is centrally located to the snow-covered slopes of Ascutney, Okemo, Mt. Snow, Magic, Killington, Bromley, Stratton and Pico Mountains, which offer a variety of slopes; catering to both beginners and pros - boasting the East's most beautiful and challenging ski areas. You will find here the most exciting Vermont ski and snowmobile opportunities for your ultimate Vermont winter vacation.