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 September
Balkan Bash w/ Cocek Brass Band and Max's New Hat
9/22/19 - 9/22/19
Live music - WOOD-FIRED PIZZA, HOMEGROWN SALAD, BEER AND WINE AVAILABLE
ADMISSION $15 (STUDENTS, FARMERS $10) KIDS FREE
The 2020 Presidential Election: Assessing the Democratic Field
9/24/19 - 9/24/19
Green Mountain Academy for Lifelong Learning (GMALL) welcomes Middlebury College Professor Matthew Dickinson to talk about the crowded field of Democrats vying for their party's nomination. The race is in full swing, featuring the largest candidate field in modern history. With voting still five months away, what can political science, and history, tell us regarding who is likely to win the nomination, and why? Registration is $18 in advance or $22 at the door. For more information or to register, please call our office at 802-867-0111 or visit www.greenmtnacademy.org.
TOUR: FALL FOLIAGE SAMPLER
9/27/19 - 10/28/19
Discover the best places to view the foliage for any given day. See mountain/valley vistas and up close cascades of color. Many stops along the way; learn the interesting facts, stories and history of the area. 10-passenger tour vehicle. Daily tours, Advance reservations necessary, $35 pp. Call or email to reserve.
SPECIAL EVENT: A View from Down Under
9/28/19 - 9/28/19
Join Green Mountain Academy for Lifelong Learning (GMALL) for an inspiring evening with Ruth Richardson, the former Finance Minister of New Zealand as our special guest. Ruth has a well-known profile both nationally and internationally and she will be talking to us, drawing on her extensive personal and business experience.
While in office Ruth was instrumental in bringing the Fiscal Responsibility Act into being which requires New Zealand to balance its budget and is now widely regarded as setting international best practice.
Registration is $18 in advance or $22 at the door. For more information or to register, please call our office at 802-867-0111 or visit www.greenmtnacademy.org.
2019 Peru Fair
9/28/19 - 9/28/19
Fabulous Pig Roast, Music & Family Entertainment, Vermont Crafts, Cloggers, Antiques & Art Exhibits, Vermont Artisans Demos, Clowns & Magicians, Pony Rides, Food & Vermont Fare, Baked Goods, & Fun for Everyone!
The Pig Roast starts at 11am, sponsored by the Peru Volunteer Fire Department: The Pig Roast costs $15 and includes: pork, BBQ sauce, apple sauce, cole slaw, beans, and a roll. Roast corn is $2 extra.
Please no dogs allowed. No rain date. No early entry.
All parking at Bromley Mountain: Free shuttle to and from the fair 8am - 5pm.
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