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 December
Introduction To Lightroom – Online
12/7/22 - 12/28/22
INSTRUCTOR: THOM WILLIAMS
WEDNESDAYS, DECEMBER 7 – DECEMBER 28, 2022
(MEETS EVERY WEDNESDAY FOR 4 WEEKS)
6 – 7:30 P.M.
SVAC Member: $70; Non-member: $85
Ages: 16+
An introduction to the #1 software package used by photographers around the world. This will give an overview of all modules with additional attention given to the library module and develop module to help you get the most out of every image in your catalog. Please have Lightroom Classic CC installed on your computer.
Black & White Photography – Online
12/8/22 - 12/29/22
INSTRUCTOR: THOM WILLIAMS
THURSDAYS, DECEMBER 8 – DECEMBER 29, 2022
(MEETS EVERY THURSDAY FOR 4 WEEKS)
6- 7:30 P.M.
SVAC Member: $70; Non-member: $85
Ages: 16+
In the beginning there was B&W photography, and to this day many purists believe this is the only TRUE form of photography. Learn what makes a great B&W image and how to start seeing opportunities to create images in B&W. This will be an opportunity to shoot in B&W to explore how it differs–NOT just to convert color images to B&W.
Chris Pureka at The Coffee Bar
12/16/22 - 12/16/22
It’s rare for an artist to bridge the divide between critical acclaim and dedicated fan engagement. Chris Pureka is a Portland-based singer-songwriter whose body of work has resonated deeply with these seemingly disparate milieus. Her music has straddled the folk, Americana and indie rock genres over the course of her 20-year career, and over that time, her bold vulnerability in processing the intimacies of life in song has struck a chord with those listeners who crave authenticity and depth.
Bennington Farmers' Market
12/17/22 - 12/17/22
The holidays are upon us, snow is in the air, why not welcome this beautiful season and stop by Park McCullough Historic Governor's Mansion for our holiday market! The Bennington Farmers' Market will be in full swing with many vendors offering food, drinks and crafts.
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