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
Hullabaloo Outside – For Ages 4 – 6
6/17/21 - 10/15/21
Instructor: Alexandra Langstaff
Date: Each Thursday starting June 17, 2021
Time: 9 – 9:45 a.m.
Cost: SVAC Member: $10; Non-member: $15
Ages: 4 – 6
Outdoor Hullabaloo is here on Thursday mornings from 9-9:45, weather permitting, beginning June 17th. Explore and develop physical intelligence and imagination through exciting movement, energetic activities and calming exercises! These classes provide opportunities for body and brain integration through music, movement and props. (Wow, sounds sort of dry….don’t be fooled, it’s a rollicking good time!)
Registration and class fee should be paid to Alexandra at the beginning of class. COVID-19 protocols will be in place. For more information contact Erin Kaufman at ekaufman@svac.org or 802-367-1306.
Alexandra is a certified educator who encourages creative movement and yoga. Exploration and investigation inspires thoughtful, joyful living! Learn more about Alexandra at hullabaloodanceshop.com.
Laughing Wild by Christopher Durang
7/9/21 - 7/31/21
In this hilarious blast-from-the-1980s comedy, two characters are overwhelmed by the things happening in the world around them. Desperate for connection in a sea of provocative pitfalls, they seek sanctuary in asylums, clinics and, during the course of the play, a theater. A timely and edgy look back to a time not so long ago, Laughing Wild will leave you screaming with laughter - or maybe just screaming!
Starring Dan Butler (Frasier), who starred in the Festival’s 2019 hit Slow Food, and five-time Festival performer and 2020 Drama Desk Award-winner Mary Bacon.
Laughing Wild is produced by Dorset Theatre Festival.
*Contains adult language and content
*90 minutes with no intermission
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