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 August
TOUR: REVOLUTIONARY/CIVIL WAR
5/11/19 - 9/2/19
This tour is for history buffs. Travel in comfortable 10-passenger vehicle with local historian/guide and learn the relevance played by the region during the Revolutionary & Civil War eras. Over 25 point of interest including many on the National Register of Historic places. Route includes covered bridges. Daily 9:30AM - Noon; advance reservations necessary. $35 PP. Call or email to reserve.
TOUR: SHIRES OF VERMONT SAMPLER
5/11/19 - 9/2/19
If you have only a couple of days in the area, this tour is for you. Visit some of the best sights the region offers, learn the interesting stories, facts and history. 10-passenger tour vehicle, local guide, daily from 1-4 PM. Advance reservations necessary; call or email
Earth Sky Time Farm Night Dinners
6/12/19 - 9/4/19
Local, organic, vegetarian dinners served al fresco, (weather permitting). Live music, dancing, artisanal cocktails with spectacular views. Dinner an Lodging packages available. Wednesday nights all summer long.
Arlington Village Farmers Market
7/12/19 - 9/6/19
Arlington's Farmers Market is an event for the whole family. With 34 booths, live music, a POP Club for kids, and special weekly events you can always find something new. Vendors include organic fruits and vegetables, gluten free spatzle, award winning local cheeses, fresh baked breads and pies, hummus, pesto, jams, local honey, Vermont maple syrup, humanely raised meat, farm fresh eggs, cut and potted flowers, lavender, soaps, lotions, homemade candies, crafts, and even treats for your four legged family members. The inn offers small plates on the patio during the market, and the vendors offer plenty of free samples, so come hungry and leave happy. (note to admin, please post every Friday, the market runs each Friday from 4-7 PM now through Sept 6th - thank you! Call with any questions.)
Tubing, Rafting, Kayaking the Battenkill River
7/12/19 - 9/15/19
Call to reserve a date and time to float down the Battenkill river whether by tube, raft, or kayaks. Convenient parking just over the NY border from Vermont where you park your car, we pick you up, and put you in with your equipment and you float back down to your car. Great summer time past time in Vermont.
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