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 June
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
Noël Coward’s - Private Lives
6/20/19 - 7/6/19
A revival of the beloved 1930 comedy of manners
Elyot and Amanda, once married and now honeymooning with new spouses at the same hotel, meet by chance, reignite the old spark and impulsively elope. After days of being reunited, they again find their fiery romance alternating between passions of love and anger. Their aggrieved spouses appear and a roundelay of affiliations ensues as the women first stick together, then apart, and new partnerships are formed.
Beethoven Two, Tchaikovsky One: A Pre-Concert Talk
6/27/19 - 6/27/19
Green Mountain Academy for Lifelong Learning (GMALL) will host a combination talk and performance of several pieces by Beethoven and Tchaikovsky. First, composer Erik Nielsen will talk about Beethoven’s Opus 13 piano sonata, commonly known as Sonata Pathétique, which was written in 1798, when the composer was 27 years old. It has remained one of his most celebrated compositions. Composer Erik Nielsen will help us explore this piece, along with Beethoven’s Opus 18 #4 string quartet, and Tchaikovsky’s sextet for strings Souvenir de Florence as a prelude to Taconic Music’s June 30th concert. Recorded excerpts from the sonata will be played. In addition, two movements of the Beethoven quartet will be performed by the Indianapolis Quartet, and Ariel Rudiakov (viola) and Thomas Landschoot (cello) will play a movement of Tchaikovsky. Registration is $15 in advance or $20 at the door. For more information or to register, please call our office at 802-867-0111 or visit www.greenmtnacademy.org.
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.jpg "The Shires of Vermont - So Vermont. So Near.")
