Charles H. Baldwin & Sons dates back to 1888, even though the family had been making extracts for generations prior to opening the business. They specialize in extracts (especially pure vanilla extract), table syrup, spices, various baking supplies, bloody mary mix, worcestershire sauce, candy, toys, cards, and more. All of the edible offerings are made on site as well. The current building—in West Stockbridge—has been the home of the shop since 1912, and extractions and manufacturing are done inside. The first floor is home to the retail portion of the business, where you can find all of the items they have been crafting for over 100 years. It’s open all year. 

As mentioned, one of the store's most infamous products is the pure vanilla bean extract. Baldwin’s sources the highest-quality, most expensive, and best-tasting vanilla beans—the Bourbon Vanilla Bean out of Madagascar. The barrels used to age the beans are over 100 years old and create richer, delicious, more intense extract that cannot be imitated by larger producers. They also have a pretty popular table syrup that was created as a less expensive version of pure maple syrup—without any preservatives, or artificial ingredients. However, many customers have actually ended up preferring the taste of this over actual maple syrup.

Roughly 5 minutes from Charles H. Baldwin & Sons is Olivia’s Overlook. This location has beautiful scenery and is the trailhead to about 6 miles of hiking (check out Monk’s Pond on Burbank Trail). The trails are not very challenging and have amazing vistas.