Vermont’s Most Remote Bakery, Operated by 80-Year-Old Couple, Thrives on Maple Syrup Whoopie Pies

George Peak, who just turned 80, and Colleen Willette, 69, live on a little slice of heaven up a long dirt road in Walden, Vt., where they operate Top of the Mountain Farm and Bakery — perhaps the most remote bakery in the state, KTRE reported.

The husband-and-wife team runs the business from a converted barn surrounded by state forest, serving homemade whoopie pies made with local maple syrup and weekend diner meals to snowmobilers on a trail that runs feet from the building.

From Tractor Shed to Bakery

Originally erected to house Peak’s tractor, the barn has served as the bakery ever since Willette outgrew her home kitchen two years ago. “It just took off,” Willette said.

Meet the Couple Running What Might Be the Most Remote Bakery in All of Vermont

Bakery Turns Diner for Snowmobiler Crowds

Willette said that a favorite treat is the homemade whoopie pie made with local maple syrup and “a lot of love.” “It’s quite a treat.” On weekends, the bakery becomes a diner serving as a must-stop for hungry snowmobilers on the trail running just feet from the building.

Sixty Miles a Day to Ten Stores

Peak manages the deliveries, heading down from the hill to bring sweet treats to 10 stores in northern Vermont, driving about 60 miles a day. “He’s holding up pretty good. Yeah, he does well,” said the 69-year-old Willette of her delivery partner. “He has to take a nap after his lunch break.”

This might be the most remote bakery in Vermont

“We Don’t Have Time to Argue”

The couple of 30 years say their friends have questioned their decision to keep working in retirement. “‘It’s crazy,’ my friends will say, ‘What are you doing, you’re retired. Why don’t you just enjoy yourself?’ I’m enjoying myself,” Willette said.

“And the other thing, we don’t have time to argue,” Peak said.

“But I’m always right, so there’s no arguing,” Willette added.

“And I know it,” Peak responded.

“People say we’re crazy for being way up here, but I wouldn’t want to be anywhere else,” Peak said. “How could you not love it up here? You look around and trees are covered.”