southern vermont
from the Berkshires to the Greens
From Left: The Elm Street Market, Robert Frost Stone House Museum.
Known as “the ‘Shires,” southern Vermont extends from the Massachusetts-Vermont state line in Pownal to Manchester, which was once a summer retreat but is now a four-season leisure and shopping destination. The central hub is Bennington, with its walkable downtown filled with shops, restaurants, galleries, and historic architecture (and oldfashioned streetlights). But its location within the depths of the Green Mountain Forest Reserve makes this area an outdoor recreational paradise—hiking, biking, swimming, kayaking, fishing, you name it. Oh, and did we mention there are covered bridges?
EAT/DRINK Calling all locavores: Southern Vermont is crawling with small, family farms and restaurants that proudly herald the provenance of the foods on their seasonal menus. There are plenty of places to slake your thirst in bustling Bennington (it is a college town). After a major downtown redevelopment, a new brewpub, Farm Road Brewing, now occupies one of the corners of the town’s central crossroads, joining Madison Brewing Company, The Dutchman’s Tavern, 421 Craft Bar & Kitchen, and The Miller’s Toll Dinner Club & Lounge in serving up craft beer and cocktails, plus tasty vittles in handsome settings. For “eclectic Italian,” head to Allegro. The Blue Benn Diner has reopened under new owners: this classic 1940s railcar diner is great for breakfast and lunch and has a menu for all tastes. The Elm Street Market is the place for “serious sandwiches, salads, and more.” For lunch, Sunday brunch, or dinner, the Mt. Anthony Country Club offers locally sourced seasonal dishes and beautiful views. More views (and steakhouse fare) can be had from The Publyk House. At the bottom of the hill in the village of North Bennington, The Roasted Bean is a haven for a good cup of coffee and, next door, The Pangaea Lounge offers terrace dining overlooking a millpond. Or rub elbows with locals at Kevin’s Sports Pub & Restaurant. In Manchester, a range of restaurants cater to visitors and locals , from the tavern-style Firefly (choice of locals) to
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tonier establishments like Social House on Depot Road Street; Mistral’s, located at the last (or first, depending on which direction you are traveling) toll gate in Vermont; and the Copper Grous, inside the Taconic Hotel.
SHOP In the 19th century, Bennington emerged as an important and innovative industrial center, a heritage it still proudly continues. Timber frames, airplane components, snowshoes, craft beer, jewelry, and stoneware from famous Bennington Potters are among the many products manufactured here. The Potters’ funky-elegant retail store is located right next to where its wares are made. The physical store is closed at present, but the online shop is open. Other local faves include Catamount Glass (check out their glass popcorn poppers!) and Fiddlehead at Four Corners (artisanal wares). Fine Vermont jewelry and crafts are for sale at Hawkins House on North Street in Bennington. Catamount Glass on County Street is a glass factory with a retail shop (and an on-site restaurant called Tap House). Downtown Bennington has its own bragging rights: Jay’s Art Shop is the largest independently owned art supply store in the state; the recently relocated Bennington Bookstore is the oldest independent bookstore. Quilters will not want to pass up The Scarlet Creation for supplies and classes. W. Collective is a relatively new boutique selling gifts and home goods. Bringing You Vermont is stocked with all things Green Mountain State (think maple syrup). Antiques are for sale at Main Street Antiques, The Owl’s Nest, and Monument Vintage. Got a sweet tooth? There’s The Village Chocolate Shop or Vermont Confectionery, both on Main Street. In North Bennington, stop by The Alpaca Shack for handknit apparel and accessories—and meet the cute critters that produce the yarn. Or drive south on Route 7 to Apple Barn & Country Bake Shop for a bakery and farm stand—and you-pick blueberries come July. up-to-date events listings at BerkshiresCalendar.com
