Vermont Couple Keeps 80-Year-Old Baker Working 60 Miles Daily

George Peak drives 60 miles every day to deliver pastries to ten stores across northern Vermont. The 80-year-old businessman operates Top of the Mountain Farm and Bakery from a converted barn in Walden, a location situated up a long dirt road surrounded by state forest.

The couple built the original structure two years ago to house Peak’s tractor. Colleen Willette, who is 69, began using the space for baking after her home kitchen became too small for the volume of orders. The business expanded quickly from that initial setup.

Weekends bring a different crowd to the site. Snowmobilers traveling a trail located just feet from the building stop at the bakery, which operates as a diner during those hours. A popular item is a whoopie pie made with local maple syrup.

Peak handles the daily distribution route. He descends the hill to drop off goods at the ten retail locations. Willette noted that her husband maintains a strict routine, including a nap after his lunch break to rest for the drive back.

The pair has been married for 30 years and continue working despite their retirement age. Willette said friends often ask why they do not simply relax. She stated that she is enjoying herself and that the busy schedule leaves little time for disagreement.

Peak added that the rural setting suits their lifestyle. He said he would not want to be anywhere else, despite the isolation of the property.