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 March
New Yorker Discussion Group
2/8/20 - 5/30/20
Participants discuss selected articles such as profiles of political and thought leaders, stories on scientific, legal and environmental issues, reviews, humor pieces, and, occasionally, fiction and poetry. The group meets on the 2nd and 4th Saturday of the month through May, 2020. It intends to be a welcoming, thought-provoking and enthusiastic gathering of friends and neighbors where all points of view are respected. To join the group and get reading assignments, go to this URL: http://bit.ly/mclnewyorker. Alex Anvari leads the group. The discussion group is free and open to Library members; Manchester residents are entitled to a free library membership; non-resident fees apply.
French Conversation Group
3/3/20 - 4/7/20
Parlez-vous français? Join French teachers Lizzy Lindenberg and Michelle Emery for some lively conversation en français. The group will meet on Tuesdays, from 5:45 p.m. – 6:45 p.m. for six weeks starting March 3. Drop-ins are welcome. The meetings are free and open to the public and presented by Burr and Burton Academy, Manchester Community Library, and Maple Street School. Each meeting will be theme-based; themes will include musique francophone, video clips, poetry, game night, and fromage. Those with an intermediate to advanced skill level will feel most comfortable; beginners are welcome to listen and absorb until they are able to join the conversation.
National Crayon Day
3/31/20 - 3/31/20
Celebrate National Crayon Day by coloring, crafting and carving with everyone’s favorite medium, crayons!
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