Lyndon Freighthouse on Track as a First-Rate Restaurant and Gift Shop

Article and photo by Eric H.

When in Vermont, it's always good to feel like you're in Vermont -- that's not always easy, given the growing gentrification of the region.

The Lyndon Freigthouse, in the "Northeast Kingdom" laid-back town of Lyndonville, VT, will bring you right into the heart and soul of traditional Vermont with a restaurant, gift shop, railroad museum, coffee shop, ice cream parlor and information center all set within a historical building. The Freighthouse is one of two buildings left from the 22 built in the area by the Boston and Maine railroad, making it an essential Vermont and New England travel destination for lovers of history.

The Lyndon Freighthouse restaurant reflects Vermont's "green" perspective by tapping into local natural and organic ingredients for its breakfast, lunch and dinner selections. Set in the rustic, slightly worn, former 1878 red freighthouse with a long farmer's porch, and a country store-meets-restaurant-type look inside inside, this is the type of atmosphere that one would expect in a rural, Vermont restaurant. There are Vermont photos and memorabilia all over the walls, a long counter with stools, wooden booths and tables, and very friendly, unassuming service. We recently enjoyed our breakfast of locally made blueberry/raspberry muffins and rye and maple swirl bread, an organic omelet with organic cheddar cheese as well as Starbuck's Coffee (OK, that's not a Vermont staple). We look forward to returning for some lunch, which includes organic grass fed beef and vegetable dishes and even organic french fries -- and of course, some Carmen's Ice Cream, featuring 70 flavors of hard serve, soft serve, yogurt, sugar-free ice cream, and sorbet.

The Lyndon Freighthouse is partnered with the Vermont Fresh Network, an organization that teams local farms with restaurants to provide the freshest local foods at restaurants.

Also on the premises, upstairs, is the Freighthouse Gift Shop, with "Vermont" made merchandise including maple syrup, photographs, paintings, home furnishings, antiques, crafts and souvenirs for sale on two old-fashioned floors. There's also a working model railroad with historical artifacts and information.

The Freighthouse, with its country restaurant and rural country store gift shop atmosphere within a historical building, keeps the "green flame" alive when looking for the "real Vermont." Plus, the food we've tasted so far is terrific -- fresh, local and organic!

The Lyndon Freighthouse
1000 Broad St.
Lyndonville VT
Tel. (802) 626-1400