The southwestern corner of Vermont, known as The Shires of Vermont, is defined by the Taconic Mountains on the west and the Green Mountains on the east. This region has the distinction of having two shire towns, or county seats, in Bennington and Manchester.
The Manchester-Bennington region offers a sampling of everything that makes Vermont special - picturesque small towns with village greens, whitewashed steeples, quaint bed & breakfasts, cows at pasture alongside wonderful old hay barns, a multitude of farms providing fresh produce to local restaurants, and picturesque covered bridges. Visit Manchester and choose from historic inns to modern boutique hotels to family-friendly motels. Explore history at Hildene (the Lincoln Family home), shop Manchester Designer Outlets or unique Vermont shops, or enjoy hiking or biking on nearby trails, fishing the Battenkill, or skiing at nearby Stratton or Bromley. For the golfer, choose from a number of different courses offering variety in terrain and challenge.
Or head to Bennington, the other shire town in the region, and take in the panoramic view from the top of the Bennington Battle Monument, the tallest man-made structure in Vermont. Visit the Bennington Museum to see Grandma Moses' fascinating artwork. Home to both Bennington College and Southern Vermont College, Bennington exudes small-town charm with its quaint shops, restaurants, and lodging choices.
Travel through the Shires on the three specially designated scenic byways in the region. You can head north along the Shires of Vermont Byway which begins at Vermont’s southern border and follows Route 7 and 7A to Manchester. Head out of Manchester along Route 30, the Stone Valley Byway, to explore multiple state parks perfect for hiking, mountain biking, and other outdoor pursuits. Or travel the Molly Start Byway between Brattleboro and Bennington along Vermont Route 9 near the southern border of the state. The Shires of Vermont are easily accessible from New York and New England, making the area a popular, year-round tourist destination. The Shires of Vermont. "So Vermont. So near."
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Vermont Events in July
TOUR: REVOLUTIONARY/CIVIL WAR IN BENNINGTON COUNTY
5/10/20 - 11/29/20
This tour is designed for history buffs; given by local bestseller author and presented by Backroad Discovery Tours. Visit over 35 sites between Bennington & Manchester, involved in the Battle of Bennington & Ethan Allen's capture of Fort Ticonderoga, for America's first victory. We also visit sites associated with the Civil War. You will view stunning mountain/valley vistas & quintessential villages while traveling in our comfortable 10 passenger tour vehicle. Advance reservations necessary by email or phone.
TOUR: SOUTHERN VERMONT SAMPLER
6/16/20 - 9/13/20
These guided tours are designed for people who only have a day or two in the area & who wish to explore the region’s best-kept secrets! Tours are given in a comfortable 10-passenger tour vehicle & will present a delightful overview of the area, offer suggestions of other places to visit, things to do & dining options. The tour includes intriguing facts & stories about the area. There are many stops along the way. Visit sweeping mountain/valley vistas, the oldest abandoned marble quarry in the U.S., quintessential Vermont villages. a forest preserve/maple sugar operation and a private alpaca farm. Advance reservations necessary.
Arlington Village Farmers Market (Fridays)
7/10/20 - 9/11/20
Local fresh foods this summer (supporting local agriculture) from your friends and neighbors at a safe, one-stop market location. The market starts at the Arlington Inn on July 10th, and continues each Friday from 4-7PM. A quintessential New England market, the market features fresh fruits and vegetables, local cheeses, organic meats, jams, jellies, and preserves, local honey, homemade crusty breads, baked goods and pastries, take home prepared foods, unique crafts, handmade soap, and, of course, small batch Vermont maple syrup.
Southern Vermont Art, Craft, Food Truck, and Music Festival
7/31/20 - 8/2/20
A wonderful weekend in Bennington, Vermont! Juried Fine Art and Craft Exhibitors line the outdoor paths and fill the soaring white tents with a wide variety of expertly handcrafted creations.
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