This Is Vermont - The Guide to the Shires of Vermont Fall/Winter 2011 by This Is Vermont

This is

VERMONT

Bennington – Manchester

! e e r F GUIDE TO Fall/Winter 2011

Manchester 7 Bennington 9

EVENT LISTINGS • REGIONAL MAP • TOWN MAPS

Discover Vermont’s Newest Byway

Guide to Shopping, Dining, Lodging, Attractions, Events, Outdoor Recreation & Local Lore

see story page 2

Events at the Museum story pg. 3

Pullman Car at Hildene story pg. 3

Covered Bridge Guide story pg. 14

Robert Frost Stone House story pg. 12

Bennington . . . . . . . . . .pg. 4 Downtown Bennington .pg. 6 North Bennington . . . . .pg. 7 Shaftsbury . . . . . . . . .pg. 14 Arlington . . . . . . . . . .pg. 14 Sunderland . . . . . . . . .pg. 14 Manchester . . . . . . . . .pg. 18

Towns - Town Maps

A culinary exploration of some of our region’s favorite dining establishments. See story page 8

Sample Itineraries . .pg. 16 Event Listings . . . . . .pg. 9 Published by Spectrum Design www.thisisvermont.com Fall/Winter 2011 Our 28th year! For advertising information contact Jonah Spivak 802-447-1778 or email thisisvermont@gmail.com 262 North Street Bennington, VT 05201

Cover photo by Greg Nesbit

Taste of The Shires of Vermont

Centerfold . . . . . . .pg. 10-11

Regional & Recreation Map

VISIT US ON THE INTERNET AT www.thisisvermont.com

Discover Vermont’s Newest Byway

7A B a t en Kill t Si d

ermont’s southwest corner’s geographical designation may be Bennington County but in recent years residents and visitors have branded this beautiful region nestled between the Taconic and Green Mountains as The Shires of Vermont. It has the singular distinction of having two shire towns, Manchester and Bennington, historically referred to as county seats and includes 15 Vermont towns and villages. Surrounded by mountains and enriched by the waters of the famous Battenkill that runs through the valley, The Shires has historically been a popular four season destination for those seeking the authentic Vermont experience. It is within a 4 hour drive from New York City, Hartford, Boston, Northern New Jersey and Canada and is just across the border from the neighboring Berkshires.

Sunderland Hill/ Hill Farm Loop

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The Shires boast a proud agricultural heritage and a robust entrepreneurial spirit. The region is set against the backdrop of Vermont’s famous pastoral landscape, complete with red covered bridges, barns and sugarhouses, corn rows, apple orchards and farmer’s markets in season. Its many scenic towns and villages are both vibrant and engaging. Quite simply they are quintessential Vermont. Those in pursuit of history will discover The Museums of The Shires, seven cultural heritage sites that cover periods of American History from pre-Revolutionary War to present day. For outdoor enthusiasts recreational opportunities abound, from alpine and Nordic skiing, snowshoeing and snowmobiling to hiking, biking, fishing, kayaking and golf. Some of the nation’s best professional theater can be found here as well as regional music festivals and wonderful fine art museums and galleries. And if shopping is one’s passion, there’s antiquing, exquisite handcrafts, specialty shops and fashion designer outlets aplenty. The people of The Shires invite you to visit their region soon. It is... So Vermont. So near!

STAMFORD

POWNAL 1

2Miles

Win a Spring Get-Away to The Shires of Vermont!

Enter to win a two-night stay at a fine local Inn for two. Includes two dinners and two breakfasts, plus tickets to local attractions and map to see local maple sugar makers as they boil sap into syrup. Available during sugaring season, on March 24 and 25th, 2012. This prize is transferable, so go ahead and enter and give it as a gift if you can’t attend! Drawing Jan. 15, 2012.

To enter: email us at thisisvermont@gmail.com with “Getaway” in your subject line. Or mail us a postcard to The Shires, P.O. Box 2413 Manchester Ctr, VT, 05255

www.eShiresOfVermont.com Page 2

County Regional Commiss

Byway Access Loop

Special thanks to the Benning ton

Covered Bridge Loop

Kelley Stand Side Trip

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ARLINGTON

ion and Mark Anders for this

313

For more information about Vermont Byways, visit www.vermont-byways.us

What are The Shires?

Bennington Area Chamber of Commerce), and business leaders from each of the eight communities along the byway route. The Shires of Vermont Byway winds its way from south to north through the towns of Pownal, Bennington, North Bennington Village, Shaftsbury, Arlington, Sunderland, Manchester Village and Manchester Center for approximately 75 miles including side trips. The people of The Shires of Vermont Byway’s region are grateful to live in and share with others the abundant recreational resources, proud agricultural heritage, rich arts and culture community and robust entrepreneurial spirit evident there. The same region that the likes of Green Mountain Boys leader, Ethan Allen; presidential son, Robert Todd Lincoln; writer, Dorothy Canfield Fisher; illustrator, Norman Rockwell; poet, Robert Frost, and Olympic Nordic sprinter, Andy Newell called home, now beckons to byway travelers to discover for themselves why.

CH MANCHESTER NC MANC

he Shires of Vermont Byway is named for the scenic region it passes through from Vermont’s southern border with Massachusetts to its northern point where it intersects with the Stone Valley Byway in the heart of Manchester. This ribbon of road, US Route 7 from Pownal to Bennington, and VT Historic Route 7A from Bennington to Manchester, is the historic stretch that has connected the communities of the north shire and south shire for centuries. Historically, a “shire town” was a county seat otherwise known as the governmental center of the county. (See story below.) The new Shires of Vermont Byway now links the existing Molly Start Byway (Route 9, in the Southshire) and the Stone Valley Byway (Route 30, in the Northshire), to afford travelers a complete route through our region and is part of an almost complete circuit of byways across the entire state. The designation of the byway was the result of a year long grass-roots effort of individuals, groups (including the Manchester and the Mountains Chamber of Commerce and the

SANDGATE

Stone Valley 30 Byway

This Is Vermont: Guide to The Shires of Vermont – www.thisisvermont.com – Fall/Winter 2011

Restored Pullman Car Sunbeam at Hildene

Photo by Stephen Husser

he 72 foot long restored wooden luxury Pullman car, Sunbeam, is the finest example of such a rail car in existence. It opened to the public in August 2011 at Hildene, the estate of captain of industry, Robert Lincoln, son of President Abraham Lincoln. The family’s Vermont residence for 70 years and three generations of Lincoln’s descendants was built by Robert and wife Mary in 1905 and is a fitting home for Sunbeam. Making the Pullman connection at Hildene not only advances the family’s legacy but it symbolically links the lives of the father, Abraham, and the son, Robert, and their shared belief in the importance of the railroad. A celebratory parade through Manchester Village on June 4 marked the culmination of a 2 year nationwide search for the right car, a three year restoration project and a 1,000 mile journey from the restoration site in Lancaster, South Carolina to the 412 acre Lincoln estate. Sunbeam came off the line in 1903 during Robert Lincoln’s tenure as president of the Pullman Company, the largest manufacturing corporation in the world at the turn of the 20th century. Visitors who board the car will experience the same interior as those who would have traveled in this comfortable accommodation more than 100 years ago. The floor plan includes a galley, crew quarters, dining salon area, public bathroom, two staterooms, observation room and enough sleeping berths and convertible bench seats to sleep 18

passengers and 2 crew members. In addition they will see the magnificent wood carving and finish on everything from ceilings to sleeping berths, richly upholstered furniture, stained glass windows and gilding that were commonplace in the days of these “hotel rooms on wheels.” Adding to the allure of this particular car is the fact that in its various configurations Sunbeam was directly connected to two U.S. presidents: William McKinley and Theodore Roosevelt and possibly a third, Franklin Delano Roosevelt. In keeping with Hildene’s commitment to education, Sunbeam will provide the cultural institution and popular attraction a platform to interpret not only this important chapter in Robert Lincoln’s life but that of the country during the Gilded Age. The in-

terpretation will focus on; the corporation: the Pullman Company; the society; the Gilded Age and the workers: the Pullman porters. The Pullman car, Sunbeam, is one of the many choices visitors have at Hildene. They can also tour the Lincoln family’s home, stroll through the formal and cutting and kitchen gardens, visit with the goats in residence at Hildene Farm, view the cheesemaking operation at the Rowland Agricultural Center, enjoy the introductory video at the Welcome Center and shop in The Museum Store. Many find that an hour of discovery can quickly turn into several at this special place. Hildene is open daily, year round, 9:30 to 4:30. To learn more, visit www.hildene.org or find us on Facebook.

present a Community Created Exhibit of Uniquely Designed and Decorated Holiday Trees each in a beautifully created vignette. This exhibit showcases the creativity of local businesses, non-profit, service organizations, and individuals in Bennington and surrounding communities. Each vignette highlights specific themes which last year included “Jungle Bells”, “Nifty Fifties Cool Christmas”, “Mrs. Claus’ Workshop” and others. Over 20 trees will be on exhibit for the entire family to enjoy. In addition to the wonderful exhibit, traditionally decorated trees are on view throughout the museum. Hours: Thursday through Tuesday, 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. On November 26, the Bennington Museum celebrates with Family and Children’s Holiday Shopping Day. Admission is free so bring the entire family to the museum for a special day of celebration, and be among the first to tour the Holiday Exhibit. For the children - ages 4 to 12 – the Children’s Shopping Boutique offers unusual gifts for all people on their gift list. Prices range from $1 to $7 and include gift wrapping. “Shop-

pers’ Helpers” are on hand to assist the young people making their selection, so the grown-ups can enjoy a cup of coffee or tea in the café or do their own shopping at the Holiday Boutique or the Museum Gift Shop while waiting. While at the museum, don’t forget to visit with Santa from 12:00 noon to 3:00 pm. Enjoy the holiday festivities including games, crafts, and snacks. Visit the Grandma Moses Schoolhouse to view the “Children’s Forest” a display featuring tabletop trees decorated by area elementary school classes. On December 3, Bennington Museum hosts its 15th Annual Festival of Trees Gala held from 7:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m. Don your gay apparel and come out to enjoy great food, drink, live music, spirited auctions both live and silent, and the beauty found in all the decorated galleries of the museum. Tickets for the Gala can be purchased by calling the museum at 802-447-1571. Reservations are suggested and should be made by November 18. The museum wraps up the season with Holiday Club Muse on Friday, December 16. Join your friends, enjoy themed holiday cocktails from the cash bar, and get on the floor to dance at the Club Muse Holiday Dance Party. Be with us when the “Best of the Fest” awards for the public’s favorite tree vignettes are announced. Open from 8:00 pm to 11:00 pm, the cover charge is $5 at the door. The Bennington Museum is located at 75 Main Street (Route 9), open daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. in September and October. Visit the museum’s website www.benningtonmuseum.org or call 802-447-1571 for more information.

A Busy Season at the Bennington Museum

he Bennington Museum’s Fifth Annual Southern Vermont Home Brew Festival. Last year record crowds descended on the Bennington Brush Company to sample wonderful home brews, enjoy great food, listen to live music, watch brewing demonstrations, get brewing tips, and so much more. Don't miss the fun when the Fifth Annual Southern Vermont Homebrew Festival takes place on September 24 from noon to 5:00 p.m. at the Bennington Brush Company on North Street in Downtown Bennington. From September 6 through October 16 the quilt that inspires quilters all over the world will be on its yearly display at the Bennington Museum. Brought to the museum over 60 years ago, the Jane Stickle Quilt is only shown for a short time each year due to the fragility of the fabric; Quilters from around the country and world plan trips to the region during that time to see the 1863 quilt. The craftsmanship of the quilt has been mentioned in numerous quilting books, and is the topic of Dear Jane, The Two Hundred Twenty-Five Patterns from the 1863 Jane A. Stickle Quilt, by Brenda Papadakis. The Sixth Annual Bridal Fair will be held on October 23 from 1:00 to 4:30 p.m. in the Paul Paresky Court of the Bennington Museum. Available for rehearsal dinners, bridal showers, brunches and intimate weddings, this beautiful space is the ideal location for this event. Admission is $5. It is beginning to look a lot like the holidays at Bennington Museum as the 15th annual Festival of Trees gets underway. From November 26 through December 31 the museum is pleased to

www.eShiresOfVermont.com This Is Vermont: Guide to The Shires of Vermont – www.thisisvermont.com – Fall/Winter 2011

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Plus the villages of North Bennington Old Benningtons, Shaftsbury & Pownal

Bennington ~ Incorporated 1749 • Population 15,473 ~

Bennington Area Chamber of Commerce - 802-447-3311 • www.bennington.com Bennington Town Office - 802-442-1037 • www.bennington.com/town Map not to scale. Not all roads shown.

SEE PAGE 7

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Vermont’s first town, named after Benning Wentworth, the New Hampshire Governor who chartered the town despite the fact that the area in question was also claimed by New York. The Green Mountain Boys of Revolutionary fame started as settlers defending their claims from New York officials.

HISTORIC ROUTE

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Vermont started with Bennington!

Lake Paran

Benmont Avenue

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1541 West Road (Rt. 9) • Bennington, VT • 802-447-2610

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vermontcandy.com • open year round

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Jelly Belly Jelly Beans

Dewey Street

Vermont Ice Cream

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Old Fashioned Shakes & Malts

67 ROUTE

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Did you know?

Pownal was the site of Vermont’s only witch trial... the Widow Kriegger was dumped in the Hoosic River on the theory that if she was innocent she would sink, and if she floated it was due to the support of the Devil and would be guilty. Legend has it that the Widow Kriegger sank like a stone, and it was with difficulty that she was fished back out to enjoy her aquittal.

To Williamstown, MA

This Is Vermont: Guide to The Shires of Vermont – www.thisisvermont.com – Fall/Winter 2011

Your Hosts Sonny & Mary Lou Monroe Lisa Laflamme

Blue Benn Diner

340 North St, Rt 7, Bennington, VT â&#x20AC;˘ 802-442-2861 Monday through Saturday 9am to 9pm, Sunday 9am to 5pm 37 Years of Quality Service â&#x20AC;˘ 1/2 Mile North of Rtes 7 & 9

Blue Benn

Largest Selection of Wine in SW Vermont!

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Breakfast Served All Day

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Route 7 â&#x20AC;˘ Bennington, Vermont â&#x20AC;˘ 802-442-5140

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14 Bennington, VT 05201 â&#x20AC;˘ (802) 442-3333 332 North Street (Rt 7 north),

â&#x20AC;˘ Lottery Tickets â&#x20AC;˘ VT Souvenirs â&#x20AC;˘ Magazines â&#x20AC;˘ Tobacco â&#x20AC;˘ Cigarettes

Bennington Center for the Arts and Museum of the Covered Bridge

SECOND HAND ROSE

Family Style Restaurant Celebrating 50 Years

Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner 7 Days 7:00 a.m. - 8:00 p.m. Bus Tours Welcome â&#x20AC;˘ Beer - Wine To-Go Orders Welcomed

Over 500 Unusual Beers! â&#x20AC;˘ Keg Beer â&#x20AC;˘ Home Brew Supplies â&#x20AC;˘ Pint Glasses

Discover 7 galleries of fine art Wildlife, Native American, champion bird carvings, Eric Sloane and Images of New England, plus dynamic wind sculptures.

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303 Depot Street â&#x20AC;˘ Bennington, Vermont 05201 Open 7 days a week Located across î&#x2C6;&#x2021;om Tractor Supply Co.

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Rt. 9 West â&#x20AC;˘ Bennington,Vermont 802-442-7158 www.benningtoncenterforthearts.org

Bennington Museum

Celebrating Vermontâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Heritage Come and Explore! History, Fine Art, Special Exhibitions & Events September 24 - Fifth Annual Southern Vermont Homebrew Festival November 26 through December 31 Festival of Trees Celebration 75 Main Street, Bennington, VT 05201

802-447-1571

www.benningtonmuseum.org Stroll through our 25,000 sq. ft. country barn complex

Good design from our hands to yours â&#x20AC;&#x201D; come see it made!

The Antique Center

Over 140 Dealers

HOPS A S E H T

Visit shopsatcamelotvillage.com and take a four minute virtual tour.

Artisan Gallery

Over 150 Artisans

making pottery locally for 63 years 16 Traditional | Art Deco | Contemporary

01&/ &7&3: %": t DPVOUZ TU CFOOJOHUPO WU CFOOJOHUPOQPUUFST DPN t

Occasional Flowers

A shop with everything: Gifts, Cards, Yankee Candles, Chamila, Vera Bradley, and more.

Open Seven Days 9:30 - 5:30 â&#x20AC;˘ 802-447-0039 â&#x20AC;˘ email: camelot1@sover.net â&#x20AC;˘ Route 9 West, Bennington, VT 05201 (GPS location 66 Colgate Heights) Located 3/4 mile west of the Bennington Museum on VT Rt. 9

This Is Vermont: Guide to The Shires of Vermont â&#x20AC;&#x201C; www.thisisvermont.com â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Fall/Winter 2011

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Shops & Galleries • Restaurants • Free Parking • Bakeries & Cafés • Walking Tours

Union Street

Library

Elm St

The Bennington Bookshop 34

467 Main Street Bennington, VT 05201 802-442-5059 The Hottest Spot in Town! Whether you want breakfast, or lunch, or just something YUMMY GOOD!

Coffee, Tea, Espresso Breakfast, Lunch & Dessert Open 7 Days • Free Wi-Fi 105 South Street, Bennington, VT 05201

802-447-2433

24 Visit Us Soon! You will be sure to ﬁnd the perfect gi for anyone, or even something for yourself!

802-442-4688

Vermont’s Largest Art Supply Store Art Gallery/Prints • Fine Custom Framing Vermont Products, T-Shirts and Sweatshirts Gis • Collectibles • Cards e area’s largest selection of

Find us on Facebook! 113-115 South Street • Downtown Bennington, VT • Open Daily 802 -447-2342 • www.jaysartshop.com

Restaurant and Lounge

“Where Friends & Family Meet”

Lunch & Dinner 7 Days 421 Main Street, Downtown Bennington

See our menu at... www.carmody’sirishpub.com

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• SEWING/KNITTING SUPPLIES • CROCHET, KNITTING, SEWING CLASSES • CHILDREN’S CLASSES • CRAFTERS & GROUP SPACE • ALTERATIONS

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514 Main Street | Bennington, VT 05201 P | 802.379.1471 E |evergreenalterations@live.com W | www.evergreenalterations.com

Featuring Organic Light Fare & Baked Goods 802.447.9790 512 Main Street •

•

Vermont 05201

ALWAYS A SALE

•

• PEWTER •

Home of Molly and Benny our Chocolate Moose — Combined Weight over 150 lbs.

The Village Chocolate Shoppe Fine chocolates made in our own candy kitchen! 471 Main St. Bennington, Vermont • 802-447-3789 www.villagepeddlervt.com

•

604 Main Street Bennington, VT 05201

(802) 447-2246

Open Monday-Saturday 9:30-5:30

TILE

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•

MIRRORS

POTTERY

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Featuring Our Award Winning

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•

35 Vermont Maple Walnut Buttercrunch.

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The largest selection of chocolates, truffles, fudge & candies in the area.

•

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•

This Is Vermont: Guide to The Shires of Vermont – www.thisisvermont.com – Fall/Winter 2011

434 Main Street Open Seven Days 802-442-6326

www.bennington.com/evansnews

OFF

MADISON

OFFER EXPIRES 12/31/11

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Mention this ad at time of purchase and receive $25 off any purchase of $150 or more on Pendleton or Johnson Woolen Mills products

Serving Lunch & Dinner • Open 7 Days 8 Brews on Tap • Outdoor Dining (Weather Permitting)

(802) 442-2521 • 475 Main Street, Bennington, VT 05201

Our Daddy’s Pizza is #

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33 • Party Games & Board Games

For over 30 years!

i.e. Warhammer, Flames of War

430 Main Street, Downtown Bennington, Vermont

802.447.1717

North Bennington ~ Incorporated 1866 • Population 1,324 ~

Bennington Town Office - 802-442-1037 • www.bennington.com/town HISTORIC ROUTE

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HISTORIC ROUTE

Lake Shaftsbury

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One Park Street P.O. Box 388 North Bennington, VT 05257 802-442-5441 www.parkmccullough.org

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◆ Two-night accommodation

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Moccasins handmade at our Pownal location. Featuring a Barbers Pond made in deer-skin, elk and cowhide. Also variety of styles a full line of Minnetonka Moccasins. Mail orders taken. Include style, size or footprint. Custom made-to-order. 6 miles south of Bennington on Rt. 7.

Rt. 7, Pownal Vermont • 802-823-5294

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5% OFF with this Coupon

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Pownal Town Office - 802-823-7757

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MUSEUM OF BLACK WWII HISTORY The only one of its kind in the U.S.

During WWII, 1.1 Million Blacks served in the American Military.

This devoted and impressive service has been mostly ignored. Visit the Museum and learn the hidden history you were never told about before.

Open 10 to 5 Thursday thru Monday. Closed Thanksgiving day thru New Years Day. $5 Adults, $3 Seniors/Veterans.

179 Oak Hill School Road, Pownal, VT 05261 802-823-5519 www.blackww2museum.org

Taste of the Shires

A culinary exploration of some of our region’s favorite dining establishments.

e are very fortunate here in The Shires to have an excellent selection of restaurants, diners, and bakeries. Ranging from fine French cooking to homestyle comfort food, you are sure to find a visit to The Shires a “tasteful” experience! Here are just a few examples to start your culinary explorations…

The GRILLE at Mt. Anthony Country Club (open to the public) offers refined American cuisine in a warm and casual ambiance provided by Chef Jerry St. Pierre and his talented culinary staff. Jerry and his team provide a delicious seasonal menu with some Spanish and Mediterranean influences prepared with care, using great fresh local ingredients. The menu changes with each season but some entrees have become absolute favorites over the years, such as the Scallops Florentine: four jumbo sea scallops pan seared over garlic and herbs, baby spinach and tri-color peppers… or the Turf Sliders; three beef tenderloin medallions cooked to perfection topped with caramelized onions and crumbled blue cheese served with fried green beans and wasabi ranch sauce…or the Chicken a la Greque: Pan seared boneless chicken breast cooked with lemon garlic, Kalamata olives, plum tomatoes and feta cheese. The Grille at Mt. Anthony is a dining destination for the whole family, whether you have planned a romantic evening by the fireplace, a business lunch with clients or a big Sunday family gathering with all the little ones in-tow….The Grille is a warm and welcoming place serving Lunch and dinner daily and Brunch on Sundays. Reservations are always appreciated.

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THE GRILLE at Mt. Anthony Coutnry Club: Asian Ginger Tuna, Fresh Ahi tuna in a ginger soy marinade pan-seared and topped with a citrus fruit salsa.

Photo by Greg Nesbit

RESTAURANTS & DINING

The Bennington Station Restaurant can be found in any Vermont guidebook as the original train depot for the town, which explains the soaring stone architecture and certainly makes it a landmark destination even before the food is tasted. Chef Robert Andrew's innovative menu shows that the Station has definitively re-emerged as a hotspot in downtown Bennington life. This is a restaurant for every occasion. Show up in a tie with a date in a dress and heels to sit in a secluded candlelit romantic corner and share a perfectly tender fresh caught lobster paired with the chef’s selection of

mellow and fruity pinot noir, or arrive in jeans for a quick fish and chips and Shipyard (one of the twelve beers on tap) at the bar after work — either way, you will be welcome. The menu is varied within the Americana tradition, which basically is the chef’s way of saying that he can prepare anything you desire and will prepare it well (indicative of his energy, creativity and confidence, all important qualities in a good chef). Surely he has his favorites which are highlighted in the extensive weekly specials menu. Reflecting the season and Chef Robert Andrew's passion for high quality fresh food there is an abundance of choice. For those who can't decide – ask and ye shall receive. My entrée arrived in a meticulously arranged, chic tower, much as you would find in any top notch New York City bistro; the portion perfectly sized and the garnish placed just so. The bottom layer was a succulent, tender round of filet mignon which I had requested rare, as I know the Station beef to be top quality. The steak was overlaid by a thick and juicy portabella mushroom, and crowned with two dainty lobster claws. I knew at once that I would finish my plate and be exquisitely satiated - which I proceeded to do, rudely not thinking of offering a bite to anyone else until far too late. The Station, like many forward thinking eateries, has joined the slow food movement; meaning that where possible the ingredients are sourced locally and purchased fresh. The taste tells the story. Pangaea is a hidden gem that offers fine and casual dining. As described by the New York Times, Pangaea is “A fine dining salve for those used to the flawless choices in Manhattan.” Chef owner William Scully invites you to

This Is Vermont: Guide to The Shires of Vermont – www.thisisvermont.com – Fall/Winter 2011

Continued on page 16

Event Listings Event listings are updated regularly on our website: www.thisisvermont.com

Ongoing

The Walloomsac Farmer's Market will be located beside the Walloomsac River walk at the Bennington Station, on the corner of Depot and River Streets, in downtown Bennington, Vermont. Hours: Every Saturday May 7 - Oct. 29, 10am - 1pm, and every Tuesday May 10 - Oct. 25, 3:30 - 5:30pm www.walloomsac.org

The Manchester Farmer's Market will be located at Adam's Park, next to the Chamber of Commerce on Rt. 7A, Manchester Center. Hours: Thursdays 3pm - 6pm June 3rd - Oct. 7th www.manchestermarket.org The Dorset Farmer's Market will be located at H.N. Williams Store on Route 30 in Dorset. Hours: Sundays from Memorial Day weekend through Columbus Day weekend. www.dorsetfarmersmarket.com

Now - Oct. 30 Bennington - Grandma Moses and the “Primitive” Tradition Bennington Museum, 75 Main St Come see the largest public collection of Ann Mary Robertson Moses. Closed Wednesdays Adults $10 Senior/Student $9 Inder 18 Free 802 447-1571 www.benningtonmuseum.org

Now - Sep. 14 Bennington - Living History Encampment Bennington Battle Monument A living history encampment will take place on the grounds of the Monument. Drill presentations, musket and artillery demonstrations, educational exhibits, and activities for children will be ongoing hourly. Authentic annons will be on display and fired periodically during the day Sat and Sun. The event is free and open to the public.

Now - Dec. 18 Bennington - "Impressions of New England" A nationwide annual exhibition will include immages captured in paint and bronze. Seashores, rolling hills, foliage and New England wildlife will be depicted in over seventy fine works of art. Open Wed - Mon.. Now through Dec. 18, 2011 www.thebennington.org

Now - Dec. 18 Bennington - "The Laumeister Fine Art Competition" Artists from around the country and the world are invited to submit work to be included in our third annual fine art competition, this year juried by master signature member of the Oil Painters of America, Huihan Liu. www.thebennington.org

Now - Dec. 18 Bennington - Bennington Center for the Arts, 44 Gypsy Lane Landscapes and still-lives by regional and national artists Adults $9 Senior/Student $8 Under 12 Free Family $20 802 442-7158 www.benningtoncenterforthearts.org

Sep. 3 - 4 - Bennington - "Southern Vermont Garlic Festival" Top Ten Vermont Event and One of Top Ten Garlic Fests in the World. Smell it, taste it, buy it, cook with it, braid it. Everything Garlic!!! Over 130 Vendors with garlic and herbal remedies, food, treats, garlic martinis at the beer tent, fresh garlic and products like garlic ice cream, plus special activitie Camelot Village Rte. 9 West Sat. & Sun. 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. 802447-3311 www.bennington.com

Sep. 6 - Oct. 15 - Bennington - "Jane Stickle Quilt on View" The 1863 Jane Stickle Quilt is only shown for a short time each year due to the fragility of the fabric; Quilters from around the country and world plan trips to the region during that time to see the 1863 quilt. The Jane Stickle quilt is comprised of 169 five-inch blocks, each in different patterns, containing a remarkable total of 5,602 pieces surrounded by a unique scalloped border. www.benningtonmuseum.org

Sep. 6 - 11 - North Bennington - "North Bennington Plein Air Competition 2011" 6-Day Jurored plein air painting competition A "plein air" competition challenges artists to focus their efforts on whatever is around them as they paint: sights and sounds, temperature and weather, and then to channel their observations in paint on paper or canvas. Tuesday, Sep. 6 through Sunday, Sep. 11, 2011. The Village of North Bennington Main Street 7 AM-6 PM Everyday 802-447-3434 www.pleinairnorthbennington.com Sep. 10 - Manchester - The Maple Leaf Half Marathon & 5K Run - 9:00am The Equinox Financial Advisors Maple Leaf Half Marathon and 5K Run and Fun Walk is off to a good start this year. You can register online at active.com Reserve your spot at the Runners Dinner at The Perfect Wife on Friday, Sept 9th (view the menu). Check out all the race details, visit www.manchestervtmapleleaf.com/

Sep. 10 - Manchester - Manchester Artist’s Studio Open House 12:pm Join us on Saturday at the Hay Madeira Studios for a day of art. You can gather around art, make art, have discussions about art and connect with other artists. For more information please call Robin at 802-362-1405 or www.svac.org/

Sep. 16 - Bennington - Bill Staines 8pm - 10pm Meetinghouse Cafe at the Unitarian Universalist Fellowship, 108 Union St, Bennington. For nearly 40 years, Bill has traveled back and forth across North America singing his songs and delighting audiences at festivals, folksong societies, colleges, concerts, clubs and coffeehouses. $15 www.uubennington.org

Sep. 16 - 18 - Bennington "Bennington Car Show" Back to the future!!! Bennington's Car Show is Returning to Willow Park in Bennington. All new and revised. Come back to Willow Park in Bennington to enjoy the Car Show. Friday we host the Flea Market Only. Show Vehicles are on the fields Saturday and Sunday with judging both days. Tractor Pull, adjacent Craft Fair, Quilt Festival Willow Park East Road Fri., Sat., Sun. 9a.m. - 4p.m. 802-447-3311 X14 ww.bennington.com

Sep. 17 - Bennington - "Bennington Car Show Cruise-In" Watch the antique and classic cars cruise up and down Main St while you enjoy live music, dancing, and cash bar! The Bennington Car show is moving back to Willow Park and we're celebrating with the popular Car Show Cruise-In for the fourth year. Join us on Main St. for the party at Market Square while the spectacular cars cruise and the Main Streeet Market Square in Downtown Bennington. Saturday 6p.m.-8p.m. 802442-5758 www.betterbennington.com

Sep. 17 - 18 - Bennington - "18th Annual Bennington Quiltfest" Quiet Valley Quilters Guild Quiltfest Featured Quilters are Anne Gallo & Susan Raban who have been published in magazines. Lecture on both days at 1 PM. 2011 Raffle quilt is at queen Mount Anthony Union Middle School 747 East Road Sat. 9:00-5:00 & Sun. 9:00-4:00 802-823-4631 www.benningtonquiltfest.com

Sep. 20 - Manchester - "20th Annual Win Hoyt Golf Tournament" Come be part of the 20th Annual Win Hoyt Golf Tournament on Sep. 20th at the Manchester Golf and Country Club . You can sign up as an individual or build a team. Call the Chamber for details at 362-6313 or email bmeachem@manchesterchamber.net www.visitmanchestervt.com

Sep. 23 - Oct. 9 Bennington - Night and Her Stars Oldcastle Theatre Company Performances at the Bennington Center for the Arts, 44 Gypsy Lane at VT Route 9W Thur, Fri, Sat: 8 pm Thurs, Sat, Sun: 2 pm 802 447-0564 www.oldcastletheatre.org

Sep. 24 - Bennington - "Fifth Annual Southern Vermont Home Brew Festival" Held at the Old Bennington Brush Company on North Street in downtown Bennington, features homebrews from throughout New England. This year join us as we present Hair of the Dog - in to rock the house. Pair this with great food from some of the areas best kitchens, brewing demonstrations, commemorative tasting glass with tastings all afternoon and more. If you are interested in submitting a brew, send an e-mail to brewfest@benningtonmuseum.org $35 donation at the door/$10 for designated drivers. ww.benningtonmuseum.org

Sep. 24 - Oct. 23 - Manchester - "Tour: Vermont Fall Foliage Sampler" Editors Choice, Yankee Travel. Discover fall foliage on backroads with local guide. Editors Choice, Yankee Travel Magazine. Discover the majestic beauty of Vermont fall foliage while traveling the backroads with our local guide. You'll visit unique places Tour meets at Adams Park 5080 Main Street Daily from 1-4 PM 802-362-4997 www.backroaddiscovery.com

Sep. 26 - Nov. 6 - Manchester Center - "Tour: Revolutionary War & Fall Foliage" Tour for history buffs and leaf peepers given by local author. This tour is designed for history buffs, given by local bestseller author. Visit over 35 sites between Bennington & Manchester, involved in the Battle of Bennington & Ethan Allen's capture of Fort Ticonderoga, for America's first victory. Tour meets at Adams Park 5080 Main St. Daily 9:30-11:45 AM 802-362-4997

While great effort has been made to ensure accuracy, it is best to call ahead to confirm dates and times for events.

Sep. 30 - Bennington - "Presentation by Brenda Papadakis" Join author Brenda Papadakis at the museum on Friday, Sep. 30 at 6:30 p.m. for a lecture on "Dear Jane®". Hear stories of Brenda’s research on Jane Stickle’s life and times. See quilts made by friends of Jane throughout the world. $7 for nonmembers and $5 for members of the Bennington Museum. Reservations are not required for this event. Doors open at 6:30 p.m.

Sep. 30 - Oct. 2 - Manchester - "19th Annual Hildene Fall Arts Festival" 200 Artists and Artisans sell and exhibit their work under gorgeous Camelot-style tents. Find Fine Art and Craftwork, meet the Artists, enjoy demonstrations. Live music, food, beer, wine and more... Visit our website for details and update Hildene's Meadow 1844 River Road Friday, Saturday, Sunday, 10am-5pm 802-425-3399

Oct. 1 Manchester - Doo Wop Legends 7:30 Southern Vermont Arts Center presents Doo Wop Legends (Jay Siegel’s Tokens & Shirley Alston Reeves of the Shirelles) on Saturday night at the Arkell Pavilion. For tickets and details on the entire Performing Arts Series, please visit www.svac.org/performances

Oct. 1-2 - Bennington - "Quilting Workshops with Brenda Papadakis" Join Papadakis for quilting workshops held in the Ada Paresky Education Center at the Museum. Saturday’s class will challenge you with some of the more difficult blocks from Jane’s quilt. Workshops recommended for those with intermediate skill. Each workshop is independent of the other, and students can enroll in one or both days. Pre-registration is required. Contact Deana Mallory at 802-447-1571 ordmallory@benningtonmuseum.org to register. Both workshops are $50/day for Bennington Museum members and $65/day for non-members. www.benningtonmuseum.org October 15 - Manchester - Pumpkin Carving Festival 800362-4144

Oct. 16 - Bennington - "Vermont and the Civil War" Howard Coffin discusses the Civil War's impact on Vermont. From Cedar Creek to Gettysburg, Vermonters were central to the Union cause. Vermont author and Civil War historian Howard Coffin discusses the Civil War and how it affected Vermont and Vermonters. A Vermont Humanities C Bennington Museum 75 West Main Street 75 West Main Street 802-447-7815 www.benningtonmuseum.org

Oct. 24 - Nov. 22 - Manchester Center - "Tour: Southern Vermont Sampler" Editors Choice, Yankee Magazine. Explore everything unique to our area, in 8 pass. tour vehicle with local guide. Designed for those who have limited time in the area & want to see everything that makes it special & unique. Visit an abandoned marble quarry, an experimental forest preserve, quintes Tour meets at Adams Park 5080 Main Street Daily from 1 - 4 PM 802-362-4997 www.backroaddiscovery.com Oct. 16 - Bennington - "Piano Concert with Frederick Moyer" Concert pianist and recording artist, Frederick Moyer will perform a the Bennington Center for the Arts on Sunday, Oct. 16 at 3:00 p.m. www.thebennington.org

Oct. 23 - Bennington - "Sixth Annual Bridal Fair" The Sixth Annual Bridal Fair will be held in the PaulParesky Court of the Bennington Museum. Available for rehearsal dinners, bridal showers, brunches and intimate weddings, this beautiful space is the ideal location for this event. Come and meet with vendors who can help plan your special day. Speak with bakers, photographers, jewelers, site and tent rentals, musicians, venues and more. Sample wedding cakes, try on wedding bands, and then take a seat and enjoy the beautiful fashion show. If you are a vendor, call Susan Strano at 802-447-1571 to reserve your table. Admission is $5. www.benningtonmuseum.org

Oct. 26 - Nov. 18 - Manchester Center - "Tour: The Surprise Season in Vermont" Late Fall Sampler tours in Southern Vermont. Reservations necessary. Discover the beauty of late fall on the back roads of Vt. The leaves are on the ground, opening magnificent mountain and valley vistas. Our local guide uses an 8 passenger vehicle and will show you places unique to our area. Dis This is a great afternoon filled with beauty, fun, and adventure. Please reserve in advance. Manchester, Vermont & surrounding areas. www.backroaddiscovery.com

Oct. 29 - Bennington - "Fallapalooza!" The season's final outdoor festival! Vendors, Entertainers, Food, Hayrides, Contests, and more!! Join us for the 1st annual Fallapalooza! in downtown Bennington. Store-to-Store trick-or-treating, Hay Rides, dozens of vendors offering one-of-a-kind hand-made holiday gift items, seasonal foods, games and contests, farmer's market. Main Street Downtown Saturday 10am - 4pm 802-4425758 www.betterbennington.com

Nov. 7 - 30 - Manchester Center - "Revolutionary War Tour " Visit Revolutionary War sites in The Shires of VT Your guide will be Dick Smith, author of bestseller book, The Revolutionary War in Bennington County. You will see, via an 8-passenger tour vehicle, more than 25 points of interest including over 15 sites on the National Register Tour meets at Adams Park, Manchester Center, VT. Advance Reservations necessary. 5080 Main St. Daily, 9:30-11:45 AM 802-362-4997 Revolutionary War Tour www.betterbennington.com Nov. 11 - Bennington - "Veterans' Day Parade" Web: www.betterbennington.com

November 26 - Manchester - Manchester Merriment Begins and lasts for 6 weeks

Nov. 26 - Dec. 31 - Bennington - "Festival of Trees Celebration" This exhibit showcases the creativity of local businesses, non-profit, service organizations, and individuals in Bennington and surrounding communities. Each vignette highlights specific themes with over 20 trees on exhibit for the entire family to enjoy. In addition to the wonderful exhibit, traditionally decorated trees are on view throughout the museum. Hours: Thursday through Tuesday, 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. www.benningtonmuseum.org

Nov. 26 - Bennington - "Family and Children’s Holiday Shopping Day" Admission is free. For the children - ages 4 to 12 the Children’s Shopping Boutique offers unusual gifts for all people on their gift list. Prices range from $1 to $7 and include gift wrapping. Shoppers’ Helpers are on hand to assist the young people make their selection, so the grown-ups can enjoy a cup of coffee or tea in the cafe or do their own shopping. Take advantage of the post-Thanksgiving savings, when almost every item is on sale. Visit with Santa from 12:00 noon to 3:00 pm. Enjoy the holiday festivities including games, crafts, and snacks. www.benningtonmuseum.org Dec. 2, Bennington - Woods Tea Company is an acoustic group that performs fiery Celtic tunes, bluegrass, sea shanties, and American folk songs with ease and skill. All three members are fine vocalists and audiences often leave in awe of their wonderful harmonies. 8pm - 10pm $15 www.uubennington.org

Dec. 3 - Bennington - " Dec. 3, Festival of Trees Annual Gala" This fabulous evening offers the magic of the season as it helps launch the holiday celebration at the museum. Don your gay apparel and come out to enjoy great food, drink, live music, spirited auction both live and silent, and the beauty found in all the decorated galleries of the museum. Tickets for the Gala can be purchased by calling the museum at 802-447-1571. Reservations are suggested and should be made by Nov. 18. www.benningtonmuseum.org

Dec. 16 - Bennington - "Festival of Trees Celebration - Club Muse Holiday Dance Party" Join your friends, enjoy themed holiday cocktails from the cash bar, and get on the floor to dance at the Club Muse Holiday Dance Party. Be with us when the Best of the Fest awards for the public’s favorite tree vignettes are announced. Open from 8:00 pm to 11:00 pm, the cover charge is $5 at the door. www.benningtonmuseum.org

Please Recycle This Paper

The Holden-Leonard Mill A Landmark of Commercial Development Since 1865

ermont Mill Properties is located at 160 Benmont Avenue in Bennington, in the former Holden-Leonard Mill. This architectural landmark was built in 1865 and operated as a textile mill until its closure in 1949. In 1985, Southwestern Vermont Developmental Corporation started renovations on the mill. Local businessman and entrepreneur, Jon E. Goodrich, CEO of Vermont Mill Properties, joined the renovation efforts in 1989 and purchased the property in 2000. The Mill was placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1988. In 1990, much of the building was rehabilitated for new uses and renovations are ongoing. Situated on 12.5 acres, the Mill now houses a wide variety of tenants, that range from manufacturing and retail space, professional and medical offices, to artist studios and a racquetball and fitness club as well as offering storage space rentals.

This Is Vermont: Guide to The Shires of Vermont – www.thisisvermont.com – Fall/Winter 2011

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Sporting three covered bridges, this is a very scenic river with good trout fishing to boot. For canoes, put in at the Henry Bridge to avoid dams.

Walloomsac River

August 16, 1777. This Revolutionary War battle was an American victory that led to the defeat of the British at Saratoga by reducing British forces, preventing the capture of needed supplies, and galvanizing the American forces. Located 10 miles west of it’s namesake Bennington, VT, in the town of Walloomsac. Park at bottom and hike up if gate is closed. Easy 1⁄2 mile to top.

Battle of Bennington

“Kill” is Dutch for “river.” Famous for fly fishing, the river is also popular for canoeing and tubing. Best for paddling in spring or after a rain as it can get low during drier months.

Batten Kill

Red Mountain 2846’

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Skyline Drive to top of Mt. Equinox

Mount Equinox 3852’

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Merck Forest

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Norman Rockwell moved to Arlington in 1939 where he began to paint pictures that "grew out of the everyday life of my neighbors," and painted some of his best known works including “The Four Freedoms” and “Saying Grace” using local people for models.

Rockwell Country

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Local favorite swimming hole. Former quarry, with deep cold water and tall cliffs. Not for small children.

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Pick your own, on Route 7A at the top of Harwood Hill (just north of Bennington). Blueberry picking follow signs at Houghton Lane, late July early August. Apple picking is right on the corner of Historic Route 7A and Houghton Lane at Terry’s Orchard Starting September to

Apple Picking, Berry Picking

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Lovely day hike from the Kelly Stand 3.7 miles each way. Moderate hike.

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Bennington Museum ..............................pg. 5 Mt Anthony Country Club Golf Course ..pg. 4 Mt Anthony Country Club Restaurant ....pg. 5 Bennington Station, The ..........................pg. 5 Mahican Moccasin..................................pg. 8 Hillside House ........................................pg. 8 Pownal View Barn ..................................pg. 8 Apple Barn, The ....................................pg. 20 Mountain Frills......................................pg. 20

4. 5. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 10.

Carmody’s Restaurant ............................pg. 6 Evan’s News VT Country Store ................pg. 6 K.F. Armstrong Jewelers ..........................pg. 6 Gamer’s Grotto ......................................pg. 7 Bennington Bookshop, The ....................pg. 6

30. 31. 32. 33. 34.

37.

36.

Evergreen Alterations..............................pg. 6

Nova Mae Café ......................................pg. 6

Village Chocolate Shoppe ......................pg. 6

Bennington Pizza House ........................pg. 7

29.

35.

Madison Brewing Company ....................pg. 7

Jay’s Cards & Gifts ..................................pg. 6

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26.

South Street Café ....................................pg. 6 23.

Crazy Russian Girls Bakery ....................pg. 6

Lil’ Britain ..............................................pg. 7

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VT Mill Properties ..................................pg. 9

Bennington Potters ................................pg. 5 17.

16.

Beverage Den & Smokeshop, The............pg. 5

Jensen’s Restaurant ................................pg. 5

14. 15.

Hawkins House Craftsmarket ..............pg. 20

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Second Hand Rose..................................pg. 5

Covered Bridge Museum ........................pg. 5

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Bennington Center for the Arts ..............pg. 5

Blue Benn Diner ....................................pg. 5

Camelot Village ......................................pg. 5

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Vermont Confectionery ..........................pg. 4

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Hoosick Falls

North Petersburg

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Hoosick

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This Is Vermont: Guide to The Shires Of Vermont – www.thisisvermont.com – Summer 2011

Traffic Light

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The iconic mountain viewable from everywhere in Bennington.

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Good canoe access, mostly surrounded by houses, but good fishing for bass and overall a pretty pond. Barbers Pond Largest crayfish I’ve seen and pretty tasty.

Barbers Pond

This extended marsh and pond is quite weedy but lots of Stream Pond wildlife and good canoe South (duck reserve) access. Fish between the lilly pads for nice pickerel and bass. Mostly pristine shoreline.

South Stream Pond / Duck Reserve

Grandview St.

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Weeks St.

Elm St.

Located on the north side of Route 346, shortly before the village of North Pownal. Owned by the RT Nature Conservancy, it is home to rare species of plants & flowers. 346 It is also popular as a rappelling / climbing area and has cliffs from 30’ to 90’. Poison ivy is also abundant here, so take care! Hard to find, no signage. Cliffs visible as you approach from east, just past road cut.

Pownal Quarry

Kocher Drive

Per formance

Willow Park

Main entrance off East Rd.

October. Pick your own berries at the Apple Barn on US 7 south (ad on back cover). See fruit icons on map!

15 ? Deer Park 14 12 11

en tA ve n

Deer ticks are common in the Shires, and can carry Lyme Disease. Protect yourself by using regular bug repellant, and checking for ticks after being outdoors. Removing any ticks within 48 hours prevents the transmission of Lyme Disease. Note: the deer tick nymphs are even smaller than adults, not much bigger than a speck, and have six legs instead of eight. You will sometimes notice the itchiness around the tick before you actually see it.

Elm S treet

Old First Church

Open to the public

SE RV ICE S

Golf Course

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So. Vermont College

OLD BENNINGTON

Mount Anthony

Tick Warning:

Map Key

Recreation Ctr.

Picnic Area

Blinking Light ? Information Library

H Hospital

Post Office

Enlarged to show detail. Note dime for scale.

Bennington College

Lake Paran

Molly Stark By

Mt. Anthony Rd.

Paper Mill Bridge

67A

ROUTE

Walloomsac R d

Vail Rd.

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Henry Bridge

Mile Around Woods n R d.

Austin Hill Rd

School St

West S t.

Park St.

TURN RIGHT at blinking yellow light to avoid 279 and follow VT RT. 9 for Bennington, North Bennington, Pownal, Wilmington and Mount Snow.

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Houran Rd.

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Depot Street

Washintgton Av e

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North Street

South Street

Wal l o o m sac R iver

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Silver Street

The Shires of VT Byway

Valentine St.

Red Mill Pond

A short but challenging 1.8 mile hike. Start at Route 9. Very steep first quarter mile, then mostly VT State a ridge walk with Fish Hatchery some up and down. Great views over Bennington.

Harmon Hill

Woodford State Park

Molly Stark Byway

Running the length of the Shires, you can access the trail at Route 9 in Bennington, the Kelly Stand in Arlington, or Route 11/30 in Manchester. The stretch from Route 9 to the Kelly Stand is the longest roadless section of the entire Appalachian Trail. AT/LT are white blazes. Other trails are blue.

Appalachian Trail / Long Trail

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Page 11

Battenkill Stitchery ..............................pg. 15 Skyline Drive ........................................pg. 15

59. 60.

Wilburton Inn, The................................pg. 19 Fall Art & Craft Festival ........................pg. 17 Mother Myricks Confectionery ............pg. 18 Northshire Bookstore ..........................pg. 18 McWayne Jewelers ..............................pg. 18 Mountain Goat, The ..............................pg. 18 Lighting Place, The ................................pg. 19 Heinel’s Clothier ..................................pg. 19 Manchester Hot Glass ..........................pg. 18

64. 65. 70. 73. 74. 76. 78. 80. 81.

Tell our advertisers you found them using the Guide to the Shires! —Thank you!

Hildene, Lincoln Family Home ............pg. 18

62.

Equinox Valley Nursery ........................pg. 18

Christmas Days ....................................pg. 15

58.

61.

Cheese House, The................................pg. 15

57.

Sugar Shack, The ..................................pg. 15

Battenkill Canoe ..................................pg. 14

55. 56.

The Chocolatorium ..............................pg. 15

Arlington Inn ........................................pg. 15

52. 54.

Chauncey’s Restaurant..........................pg. 14

Kevin’s Restaurant and Sports Pub ..........pg. 7

47.

51.

Powers Market ........................................pg. 7

45.

West Mountain Inn ..............................pg. 15

Pangaea Restaurant ................................pg. 7

44.

50.

Historic Park McCullough ......................pg. 7

42.

The Chocolate Barn ..............................pg. 14

Eddington House Spa Package ................pg. 7

41.

49.

Gimme Pizza ..........................................pg. 4

40.

Robert Frost Stone House ....................pg. 14

Mexican Connection, The ......................pg. 6

39.

48.

Shaffe’s Mens Shop ..................................p. 7

38.

On a Road ‘less-traveled’ with Robert Frost

hat better way to celebrate the season we call the Fall than to drive through Vermont with a book of Robert Frost’s poems, or better yet a CD with the poet saying his poems to you as you drive along the byways of Vermont enjoying the foliage, the town greens and paraphrasing Frost, the white of here a birch, and there a clump of houses with a church. Robert Frost spent the second half of his life in Vermont. He came to live in South Shaftsbury, Vermont in 1920, “where if we have any money left after repairing the roof, I mean to plant a thousand apple trees of some ‘unforbidden’ variety.” He called his home “The Stone House,” today called the Robert Frost Stone House Museum located on VT Route 7A that was lately designated the Shires of Vermont Byway, perhaps a road less traveled but sure to make a difference to visitors to Vermont. The house is one of the oldest in Shaftsbury built in 1769 of native stone, which is a geologic mixture of limestone and marble. It is rough hewn as Frost described, “pretty much the way it flaked off out of the quarry.” The house was used as a tavern during the American Revolution. The stone is almost two feet thick and the wide pine plank floors are original to the house. Frost wrote “Stopping by Woods on a Snowy Evening” in the dining room of the house on a hot June morning in 1922. He brought out several books of poetry while living in Shaftsbury and won three of his four Pulitzer Prizes. His biographer called it “The Years of Triumph.” Along with the triumphs also came tragedy. Frost’s daughter Marjorie died in 1934 of childbirth and his beloved wife Elinor died in 1938 of a heart attack. Frost wrote to a friend, “She has

FABULOUS HAPPENINGS All Fall Long across the Manchester Region September 10 Maple Leaf Half Marathon

The Stone House in autumn courtesy of Friends of Robert Frost

been the unspoken half of everything I ever wrote.” The Robert Frost Stone House is arranged with educational exhibits that make you feel as if you met the poet. The story of his life and poetry is displayed along with some of his family furnishings. “It’s a house of literature, not furniture,” says director and founder Carole Thompson. “The most interesting things about Frost are his ideas and the poetry. He lived very simply.” The dining room where he wrote “Stopping by Woods,” is completely devoted to the poem: the story of how it was written, a facsimile of the original manuscript, analysis of the rhyme and meter, a controversial comma, what the critics said and what Frost said. You can find more about Robert Frost and the Stone House Museum at www.frostfriends.org. In September the museum is open 6 days a week, Tuesdays through Sundays, closed on Monday. In October the museum is open 7 days a week. Hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Admission is charged. The museum has a small bookshop that sells books, posters, CDs and other Frostiana. Phone: (802) 447-6200.

Oldcastle Theatre Presents “Night and Her Stars” N IGHT AND HER STARS brings one of the most famous scandals in American history dramatically to life in Richard Greenberg's searing and powerful examination of the fixing of 1950s television quiz shows; the play is the final production of Oldcastle Theatre Company's acclaimed 40th season running September 23rd through October 9th at the Bennington Center for the Arts. From 1955 to 1958, in the midst of television's most dynamic growth as an industry, big-money quiz shows with names like THE $64,000 QUESTION and TWENTY-ONE ruled prime time television. Some 50 million viewers watched as contestants returned week after week to roll up huge winnings on live TV. In the summer of 1958 a young would-be actor came into the office of the Manhatten District Attorney to complain that a minor daytime quiz show was fixed. The probe quickly led to Herb Stempel, the first winner of the big money quiz show 21 and the man who took a dive for the scandal's more famous victor, Charles Van Doren. Orchestrated by 21's producer Dan Enright–a television incarnate, an abstract force of evil who persuades both Stempel and Van Doren to cheat–the theatre audience watches both of the exceptionally gifted contestants fall from grace and

analyze each of their weaknesses. Stempel sells his soul for an attempt to be an actor; Van Doren tries to break away from his life governed by strict rules and expectations from a family with ideals he struggles to meet. Enright’s character, who also serves as the play’s glib, seductive narrator, has the uncanny ability to reveal each of the contestants’ vulnerabilities and manipulate them to a profitable end. You will find the audience siding with him at every scheming turn. In the end the U.S. Congress probed the scandal with televised hearings, careers were lost, and President Dwight Eisenhower signed a new law making cheating on television quiz shows a federal crime. Child actors Patty Duke and Eddie Hodges were contestants on programs that became emeshed in the scandal. Dr. Joyce Brothers who became a tv star as an expert on boxing for a quiz show and composer, conductor Leonard Bernstein's sister, a quiz show producer, were also involved. Americans’ faith in the new medium and in each other was shaken. Books were written, documentaries and commercial films telling the tale of the scandal were made. But none have had the power and sweep of Greenberg's extraordinary play. For information call 802-447-0564 or visit the company's website at www.oldcastletheatre.org.

September 17 & 18 Thrill Fest at Bromley

September 29, 30, October 1, 2 Antiques Weekend in the Manchester Region September 30, October 1 & 2 19th Annual Hildene Fall Arts & Crafts Festival October 1-November 13 55th Annual National Fall Exhibition at SVAC October 7, 8, 9 28th Annual Weston Craft Fair

October 15 6th Annual Pumpkin Carving Festival Equinox Valley Nursery

Other Fabulous Hapenings Weekly Foliage Bike Rides Scenic Drives Holiday Celebrations Begin on Thanksgiving visitmanchestervt.com For Details Manchester and the Mountains Regional Chamber of Commerce 802-362-6313

Civil War Links

at The Lincoln Family Home

ny Lincoln home is sure to have interesting links to Civil War history and The Shires of Vermont home of the president’s son, Robert Lincoln is no exception. Hildene was home to Lincoln descendants for 70 years over three generations. Built in 1905 on 500 Manchester acres by this presidential son and captain of industry the estate welcomes tens of thousands of visitors annually. As a young man, and in spite of his mother Mary Todd Lincoln’s protestations, Robert Lincoln served as a captain on Ulysses S. Grant’s staff for the last months of the Civil War. He was present when Robert E. Lee surrendered to Grant at Appomattox. As a member of General Grant’s staff and the son of President Lincoln, Robert was invited into the room following the official surrender to meet the Confederate general. This moment in Civil War history is captured in Keith Rocco’s painting, “The Surrender at Appomattox,” in which Robert Lincoln is pictured. Hildene, The Lincoln Family Home is open daily, year round from 9:30 to 4:30. To learn more visit www.hildene.org or call 802.362.1788.

www.eShiresOfVermont.com Page 12

This Is Vermont: Guide to The Shires of Vermont – www.thisisvermont.com – Fall/Winter 2011

Writers & Author Fall Events SOUTHERN VERMONT’S COMMERCIAL CENTER

live | work | play

Location

Situated in the southwestern corner of Vermont, The Shires are within 3.5 hours of the major metropolitan cities of New York, Boston, and Hartford. It is within 45 minutes of the Albany tri-city area and the Albany International Airport.

Amenities

The Shires have three colleges, a regional hospital, and is the recognized commercial center for the southwest part of Vermont. Cultural and historical attractions complement picturesque natural beauty and traditional Vermont charm.

• • OHIO

•

Affordable turnkey operations and development ready sites

Direct line of communication Buffalo with state and local government Town Plan, Land Use and Circulation Analysis,PENNSYLVANIA New Business Resources 81 76

WEST VIRGINIA VIRGINIA

Portland Manchester

MASS

Springfield

Cleveland

MAINE

Albany

Economic Development Team

NEW YORK

Columbus

2 H ou rs

•

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Hartford CONN

Boston

90 Providence RI

• October is National Adopt a Shelter Dog month. The Northshire has partnered with Second Chance Animal Shelter to present 4 outstanding authors writing about the cherished bond between humans and animals. Tom Ryan: Following Atticus, Thursday, September 22 at 6:30; Spencer Quinn: The Dog Who Knew Too Much, Saturday, October 1 at 7 pm; Julie Klam: Love at First Bark: How Saving A Dog Can Sometimes Help You Save Yourself, Friday, October 21 at 7 pm; Jon Katz: Going Home: Finding Peace When Pets Die, Sunday, October 16 at 3 pm.

• Tuesday, October 11, time TBA, Senior Fellow at the Post Carbon Institute, journalist, author and educator Richard Heinberg presents The End of Growth.

• The amazing Jodi Picoult explores what it means to be a family with Sing You Home - her 18th novel and what some are calling her greatest to date - on Tuesday, October 18th at 7:00 pm. Admission is $10.00

• Sunday, October 23rd The legendary Judy Collins has thrilled audiences worldwide with her unique blend of interpretative folk songs and contemporary themes. The Northshire Bookstore is proud to welcome her as she presents her children's book When You Wish Upon a Star, her autobiography Sweet Judy Blue Eyes, and her latest album Bohemian. Northshire Bookstore: 4 - 5 pm A free reading and signing of When You Wish Upon a Star. Equinox Resort: Colonnade Ballroom, 8pm Judy Collins in concert. This will be a ticketed event.

New York City

Philadelphia

• Vermont's world famous Bread and Puppet Theatre comes to the Northshire Bookstore for a very special performance Thursday, September 29 at 7:00pm Admission is $5.00, with children under 10 free of charge.

• William Kennedy, one of America’s finest writers, is back with Chango’s Beads and Two-tone Shoes Saturday, October 15 at 5:30 pm.

CANADA

•

State and Local incentives and assistance

Hosted by Northshire Bookstore

NEW JERSEY Bennington

Area Chamber of Commerce (802) 447-3311 • www.bennington.com

DELAWARE Manchester

and the Mountains Chamber of Commerce (802) 362-6313 • www.visitmanchestervt.com MARYLAND

• New York Times bestselling author of Krakatoa, Simon Winchester, tells the breathtaking saga of the magnificent Atlantic Ocean, Saturday, November 5 at 7 pm

• Join us for the holidays! Sunday, December 3 at the Equinox Resort, time to be announced, Peter Yarrow and Noel Paul Stookey, of Peter, Paul, and Mary, in concert.

The “Shires of Vermont” painting by Will Moses

s a fourth generation member of the renowned Grandma Moses family, painting is a natural tradition for Will, who began painting when he was four years old. Today, Will continues to carry on the family tradition. Although his style is reminiscent of that of his celebrated greatgrandmother, it is more complex and sophisticated. Will's painting “The Shires of Vermont” celebrates the historic, cultural, and scenic beauty of our region. Posters of this iconic painting are available at the Northshire Bookstore and the Chamber of Commerce in Manchester, at the Arlington Inn, as well as at the Hawkins House Will Moses signs a copy of his craftsmarket and the Bennington Area poster of The Shires of Vermont. Chamber of Commerce in Bennington.

www.eShiresOfVermont.com This Is Vermont: Guide to The Shires of Vermont – www.thisisvermont.com – Fall/Winter 2011

Page 13

Covered Bridge Guide Paper Mill Village Bridge

Silk Road Bridge

The Paper Mill Village Covered Bridge was built in 1889 and carries Murphy Road, spanning the Walloomsac River. It was originally named for a 1790 paper mill that was one of Vermont’s first; in fact the paper used to draft Vermont’s constitution came from this mill. The mill has provided hydroelectric power for most of the 20th century. The original dam was built at an existing falls in 1784. The present 85’ concrete dam was built in 1889. The site has had hydroelectric power since at least 1907. The hydro electric works generated power for the mill from 1907 until around 1958.

This bridge spans the Wallomsac River and was built about 1840 probably by Benjamin Sears. The original name for this bridge was the Locust Grove Bridge. Located just across from the entrance to Bennington College on Route 67A. Dimensions: 88 feet long, 14.25 feet wide, 10 feet high at truss, 11.9 feet high at center.

Route 67A .5 mile west of the Silk Road Bridge (watch for sign). Dimensions: 125.5 feet long. 14.25 feet wide. 8.67 feet high at truss. 11.17 feet high at center.

Henry Bridge

See our center map and town maps for bridge locations.

West Arlington Bridge

This bridge spans the Battenkill River which is well known by canoeists, kayakers and fly fisherman. The Battenkill is also famous for some great swimming holes. In addition, inner tube rides along the Battenkill are popular during the summer months. The West Arlington Bridge is one of Vermont’s best loved and most photographed covered bridges. The picturesque setting includes views of a local church steeple and the former home of artist Norman Rockwell. Rockwell’s home is now known as the Inn on Covered Bridge Green and operates as a Bed & Breakfast Inn. Take a left off Route 7A in Arlington onto Route 313 west 4.4 miles on left side.

This bridge received its name from Elnathan Henry who bought the land from James Breckenridge and constructed the Henry House in 1769. The Henry House operates today as a Bed and Breakfast Inn and is located directly across from the bridge. The Henry Bridge spans the Wallomsac River. The original bridge was constructed in 1840. In 1989 a complete restructuring was done by Blow and Cote, Inc.

For over 50 years, the site has languished until restauranteur/visionary William Scully took up the challenge to bring the hydro electric plant back online. Due to his efforts, the old mill is now one of the first hydro electric sites approved to be redeveloped in the state in over 28 years. Once work is completed, the facility will provide electricity to power over 100 homes. This, along with a “brownfields” cleanup of the site, are all slated to start this fall. The public is invited to visit the site which features a small informational kiosk and parking area next to the covered bridge. From there, you can access a short walking trail with views of the bridge, a canoe access, and swimming area.

Located just off Route 67A- turn left on Murphy Road (watch for signs). Dimensions: 117 feet long, 11.8 feet wide, 8.7 feet high at center.

Chiselville Bridge The name Chiselville Bridge comes from a former chisel factory nearby, but the bridge was previously named High Bridge and the Roaring Branch Bridge. The Chiselville Bridge s p a n s t h e Ro a r i n g Branch Brook and was built by Daniel Oatman in 1870. At that time, the cost to build this bridge was $2,307.31 including the builder’s fee. The Chiselville Bridge survived the flood of 1927, which destroyed hundreds of Vermont covered bridges. It appears that the strategic placement of this bridge allowed the flooded Roaring Branch Brook to pass harmlessly underneath. Just off Route 7A in Arlington. Turn right onto East Arlington Road 1.9 miles to bridge. Dimensions 117 feet long, 11.8 feet wide, 8.7 feet high at truss, 10.9 feet high at center.

Covered Bridge Facts You may pass through All Five Bennington County Covered Bridges in a standard size automobile – one lane only. Bridges were covered to keep the wood dry and thereby avoid rot. This became the trend in 1805 when a bridge designed by Timothy Palmer, an architect, proved most durable. Most covered bridges are painted red because iron ochre was an inexpensive pigment. Here is an early recipe for bridge paint: 2 qts skim milk, buttermilk or whey; 8 oz newly slaked lime, 6oz oil from ground flaxseed, 2oz turpentine; 1.5lbs pulverized ochre. The most common type of covered bridge is Town Lattice. All Bennington County Bridges are of this type.

e Shires of Vermont Byway (Historic Route 7A) Shaftsbury • Arlington • Sunderland Shaftsbury Incorporated 1761 • Pop. 3,767 ~ Arlington Incorporated 1761 • Pop. 2,397 ~ Sunderland Incorporated 1761 • Pop. 850

Arlington Recreation Park

The public is invited to use park facilities, without charge (exception: a $5 donation for golf is requested), on a non-reserved basis. Park facilities can be reserved for private functions and special events. Applicatoins available at the park office.

Basketball • Baseball • Canoeing • Cookouts Fishing • Fitness Circuit • 9-Hole Golf ($5 fee) Nature Trail • Playground • Putting Green Soccer • Swimming • Tennis • Tubing • Vollyball 48

Parking located on 313 by bridge, and on 7A just north of the village.

See story on page 12.

tthe e chocolate c oco ate barn ba since 1976

Chef Owned

Chauncey’s FAMILY DINING

Cozy Fireside Tables

Serving Breakfast and Lunch Daily Serving Dinner Thursday, Friday, and Saturday

Serving: St. Louis Ribs, NY Sirloin, Prime Rib (Saturdays) Fresh Seafood, Center Cut Pork Chops, Pastas, Soups & Salads Large Homemade Dessert Selection

Page 14

Rt. 7A • Arlington, VT • 802-375-1222

superior i chocolates h l t famous fudge custom chocolate molding

the big brown barn on historic rt. 7A in shaftsbury 5055 historic route 7a • (802) 375-6928 thechocolatebarn.com

This Is Vermont: Guide to The Shires of Vermont – www.thisisvermont.com – Fall/Winter 2011

î&#x20AC;&#x201A;e Shires of Vermont Byway (Historic Route 7A) Shaftsbury â&#x20AC;˘ Arlington â&#x20AC;˘ Sunderland Shaftsbury Incorporated 1761 â&#x20AC;˘ Pop. 3,767 ~ Arlington Incorporated 1761 â&#x20AC;˘ Pop. 2,397 ~ Sunderland Incorporated 1761 â&#x20AC;˘ Pop. 850 Arlington Town Office - 802-375-2332 â&#x20AC;˘ www.arlingtonVT.org â&#x20AC;˘ Capitol of Vermont 1787 Sunderland Town Office - 802-375-6106 Shaftsbury Town Office - 802-442-4038 60

59 55

58 51 57 56

SUNDERLAND Arlington Recreation Park

313

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Also Enjoy the Sugar Shack Large Selection of Vermont Maple Syrup, Food Products, Tâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s & Sweats

Open daily Only 15 minutes between Manchester & Bennington, or from Cambridge, NY on Historic Route 7A.

Historic Route 7A â&#x20AC;˘ Arlington, Vermont

Equinox Mountain Skyline Drive 60

Buck Hill Rd

Exit 3

Giî&#x2020;? Shop Featuring Rockwell Prints & Collectibles Small admission fee

Lake Shaftsbury

Between Manchester & Arlington on Historic 7A

Exit 2 An unforgettable drive to the summit of Mount Equinox, the highest peak in the Taconic Range. Carthusian Foundation Catholic Giî&#x2020;? Shop 1A Saint Bruno Drive, Arlington, VT 05250

cle r

Stop. Shop.

802-362-1114 or 1115 www.equinoxmountain.com

To Bennington

Br fo ing i Li r $2 n t m O hi it F s a ve 1 p F d hi e

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Hundreds of examples of Rockwellâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s printed works 15 minute ďŹ lm shown continuously

(802) 375-6747 â&#x20AC;˘ sugarshackvt.com

ROUTE

'VIEXMZI 2I[ )RKPERH 'SYRXV] 'YMWMRI ÂŻ *VIWL 0SGEP 3VKERMG %GVIW SJ 8VEMPW +EVHIRW ERH 0E[RW XS )RNS] 7TEGMSYW 6SSQW [MXL *EFYPSYW :MI[W 50

313

7A SHAFTSBURY

Santa Collectibles â&#x20AC;˘ Showcase Dealer for Department 56 Heritage and Snow Villages â&#x20AC;˘ Byers Choice Carolers Willirayeâ&#x20AC;˘ Nativity Sets Old World Glass & Ornaments â&#x20AC;˘ Lynn Haney Historic Rte. 7A Between Arlington and Manchester

~presents~

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HISTORIC ROUTE

Featuring

802-362-2516 â&#x20AC;˘ www.xmasdays.com

ROUTE

Norman Rockwell

Old Mill Rd.

R East

Open Daily & Sunday 9:30-5:30

Large Selection of Unusual Ornaments

in g t o n

Bro ok R

The Spirit of Christmas Year-Round

E. A rl

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Chiselville Bridge

South Rd

ARLINGTON

West Arlington Bridge

The Shires of Verm o nt B yw ay

Battenkill River

ROUTE

Hill Farm Rd

Map not to scale. Not all roads shown.

To Cambridge

10% OFF all Maple Products with this ad!

Rd .

To Manchester

See our center map for recreational information.

And remember to say, CHEESE! Vermont Provisions and Souvenirs ~ Youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll ďŹ nd it all here at the Cheese House, located on Historic Route 7A, Arlington, Vermont î&#x192;Ťe Cheese House is the place to shop for Vermont Cheeses. We oďŹ&#x20AC;er a great selection of Vermont Farmstead Cheeses.

Weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re more than just Cheese! Giî&#x2C6;&#x2C6;s, Vermont Souvenirs, Sweats, Tees and Clothes!

Southern Vermontâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Needlepoint Shop

For all your Needlepoint and Cross Stitch supplies

Be sure to visit Battenkill Stitchery 6350 Historic Route 7A, Sunderland, Vermont 05250 802-362-0654 â&#x20AC;˘ Email: battenkillstitchery@yahoo.com Hours: Open: Wednesday - Saturday 10am - 5pm Sunday 11am - 4pm â&#x20AC;˘ Closed: Monday & Tuesday

www.battenkillstitchery.com

Historic Route 7A Arlington, Vermont

Just South of Manchester www.thevermontcheesehouse.com

Open 7 Days 802-375-9033

This Is Vermont: Guide to The Shires of Vermont â&#x20AC;&#x201C; www.thisisvermont.com â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Fall/Winter 2011

Page 15

All Around The Shires

aving grown up in The Shires, I’ve come to appreciate just how much our region has to offer. It was not always so. Like many kids growing up, I could not wait to move away from my home-town and explore the world. So I traveled around the country and around the world, and in so doing made a surprising discovery… that the place I most loved was right back where I had started. Many agree and our region has long been a destination for travelers to Vermont. Famous for it’s foliage, but not just that, I hope these suggestions will give you some ideas on how you can create your own memories of a lifetime in The Shires.

SUGGESTED ITINERARIES Each of these suggestions represent a full day of activity. For a more relaxed pace, split over two days and include a nights stay at a local motel or bed and breakfast. To include a show, do a half tour and then an early dinner to leave time to see a play at Oldcastle Theater or the Dorset Theater. Arts & Culture Tour #1

• Visit Hildene, The Lincoln Family Home in Manchester • Drive Historic 7A to Bennington • Lunch on Main Street and walk the downtown. • Visit the Bennington Center for the arts • See a play at Oldcastle Theater • Dinner at Pangaea in North Bennington

Arts & Culture Tour #2

• Breakfast at the Rooster Cafe in Manchester • Visit the Southern Vermont Arts Center in Manchester • Lunch on Main Street in Manchester and walk the downtown • Drive Historic Route 7A to Bennington • Visit the Bennington Museum • Dinner at the Bennington Station Restaurant

Historic Figures: Lincoln, Rockwell, Frost

• Breakfast in Manchester at Up for Breakfast on Main Street • Visit Hildene - the Lincoln Family Home • Drive Historic Route 7A • Stop at the Battenkill Gallery in Arlington to see the Norman Rockwell Exhibit • Stop at Robert Frost Stone House Museum in Shaftsbury • Visit the Old First Church just down from the monument to visit Robert Frost's grave. • Dinner in Bennington at Lil' Britain (authentic British Fish & Chips at it’s best!)

History Tour

• Breakfast at the famous Blue Benn Diner in Bennington located on North Street (route 7) • Visit the Bennington Museum - Military Gallery and Regional History • Visit the Bennington Battle Monument • Lunch in Bennington at the Madison Brew Pub on Main Street • Drive Route 7A to Manchester • Visit Museum of American Fly Fishing in the afternoon. • Dinner in Manchester at Ye Olde Tavern on the northern end of Main Street.

Nature Enthusiast (mellow)

• For the Northshire: Fill a lunch basket at Al Ducci's in Manchester and walk the trails at the Equinox Preserve and eat lunch at Equinox Pond. • For the Southshire: fill a lunch basket at Powers Market in North Bennington and walk the trails in the Mile-Around Woods by the Historic Park McCullough Mansion in North Bennington, or at Woodford State Park, on Route 9 east of Bennington.

Page 16

Taste of the Shires

continued from page 8

experience his fresh seasonal menu on CAFÉS AND LIGHTER FARE the town square in North Bennington. If a soup and sandwich are calling you, Offering local, organic ingredients in or you need a strong cup of coffee and season, Pangaea has well earned the baked goods are what you require, we Wine Spectator Award and DiRona have choices for you! Award of Excellence. Restaurant open Nova Mae Café is famous for for dinner 7 days from 5 pm. 442-7171. her cupcakes, but also features organic Lounge open 7 days a week. Reservalight fare, soups and sandwiches, all tions recommended. made fresh. Enjoy indoor or outdoor Sometimes what the body craves is seating and free wifi. The South Street simply comfort food. One place sure to Cafe features coffee, tea, and espresso please is the Blue Benn Diner. Probaand serves breakfast, lunch, and dessert. bly one of the most famous diners in All the baked goods are made on site. the northeast, the Blue Benn has an asEnjoy their free wifi as you relax at tatonishing menu selection that goes well bles indoors or out, or on their cushy A lamb entrée from Pangaea. above and beyond standard diner fare sofas. Need fresh baked bread or deca(including vegetarian dishes). All at dent baked goods? The Crazy Russian reasonable cost, served up in a genuine “Silk City” alu- Girls Bakery has just expanded to include seating. You will minum diner car, and of course, breakfast served all day. A be amused by the names of their baked goods, and then demust-see Bennington landmark. lighted by the taste. Also offering lunch fare, soups and I’d also suggest Jensen’s Restaurant for classic style sandwiches. home cooked comfort food. Chef owner Amy Jensen is a second generation owner, following her father’s tradition DESSERTS & CHOCOLATES of old fashioned quality and great service at very reasonIf you are like me, you can appreciate decadent desserts and able prices. In a rush? They offer take out! Located on yummy goodies! Here are just a few suggestions that will North Street by the Deer Park, open every day serving surely add love (and calories) to your life! breakfast, lunch and dinner. 802-442-3333. Mother Myrick’s Confectionery, a landmark in ManDo you like fish and chips? Lil’ Britain is the REAL chester, Vermont since 1977, is pleased to announce the adDEAL with chef owners Kevin and Sarah serving up clasdition of new products to it’s retail store at 4367 Main St. sic British style fish and chips using their own authentic batOwner Jacki Baker explains “Our new mini Lemon LuLu ter. Also offering meat pies, sausages, and British groceries. cakes, Lemon Lu-Lettes, are the perfect individually sized Eat in, or take out available. dessert. Great for buffets, parties or elegant teas. These LuAnother favorite is Carmody’s on Main Street in BenLettes are a nice compliment to our custom birthday & ocnington. This restaurant also features a full bar and a good casion cakes.” Jacki goes on to say “and now we offer selection of beer. The menu is varied fare including deligluten free desserts too: Almond cherry cake, oat fig bars, cious burgers, pastas, and American fare. A comfortable double chocolate brownies and chocolate espresso torte. and enjoyable atmosphere, “where friends & family meet.” And don’t forget, all our chocolates, fudge & famous butWe are also fortunate to have a fine brew pub in Bentercrunch are all gluten free!” Jacki invites everyone to stop nington. The Madison Brewing Company offers 8 of their in to sample some of these new desserts. Open daily. own beers on tap (including my favorite “Old 76” a Like chocolate? We have THREE chocolate shops to stronger-than-average, full bodied medium dark beer) as choose from! In Bennington, the Vermont Confectionary well as a full bar and a large selection of traditional beers. on West Road (route 9 west) has an extensive selection of If you are a lover of good beer, this is a place you MUST their own chocolates as well as old fashioned candies and visit. The surprise is; not only is the beer good, the food is Vermont ice cream. In downtown Bennington, visit the Vilvery good as well! A selection of standard pub fare, plus lage Chocolate Shoppe featuring their award winning Vervegetarian options, and some really good appetizers means mont Maple Walnut Buttercrunch, and meet “Molly & your food cravings will be as satisfied as you are with the Benny” their 150 lb chocolate moose on display. Another brewing. classic, located on Historic Route 7A in Shaftsbury, is The If you are traveling the newly designated Shires of VerChocolate Barn. Famous for their fudge, they also have a mont Byway (Historic Route 7A), a great family friendly wide selection of chocolates, and offer custom chocolate place to eat in Arlington is Chauncey’s Restaurant. Servmolding. ing breakfast and lunch daily, they are also open for dinner Whatever your culinary preference, we hope you enjoy on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday. Featuring ribs, sirloin finding it in The Shires of Vermont! steak, and prime rib on Saturdays, this is good food at reasonable cost. Homemade desserts too!

Bennington Center for the Arts Explore the Vermont Covered Bridge Museum

ow were they built? Why were they built? Who built them? What tools were used? How many existed in Vermont? Were they used for railroads? Where were they in Vermont? Where are those still standing? Start with a unique 18 minute video theater created from the archives of the national Society For the Preservation of Covered Bridges, then find the answers to all the questions in the exhibits. The museum is a replica of the Henry Bridge in Bennington, but twice as wide to accommodate the exhibits. It is the world’s only museum dedicated to the preservation and history of the covered bridges. There is a computer program where you can build your own bridge design and test it with vintage or modern vehicle loads. If your bridge can’t carry the load it will crash into the river below. The museum also contains paintings and drawings by the famous Artist of Americana, Eric Sloane. In addition the Art Center has an historic collection of Eric Sloane originals.

“Ishi – Last of his Tribe” Portrait Finds New Home

ust 100 years ago this August 29th, a Native American named Ishi of the Yahi tribe was found crouching in a cattle corral in California. He was the last of his tribe, any tribe of Native Peoples, to make contact with the invading white culture. The story of Ishi is amazing and still little known today. What brings it to light now is a gift from Libby and Doug Barnshaw of Springfield, MA to the Bennington Center for the Arts of a portrait of Ishi done by Harley Brown. With the gift, Doug Barnshaw stated “ Ishi’s wise and courageous countenance has given us inspiration for over 35 years. We hope he will continue to do so for many others and for many years.” Ishi may be seen at The Bennington Center for the Arts, 44 Gypsy Lane, Bennington, VT everyday except Tuesday from 10 AM to 5 PM.

This Is Vermont: Guide to The Shires of Vermont – www.thisisvermont.com – Fall/Winter 2011

Page 17

Vermont’s Best BUTTERCRUNCH!

Artisan Chocolates Specialty Cakes & Pastries 802.362.1560 4367 Main Street Manchester www.mothermyricks.com

Fall Foliage Tours FINE JEWELRY

since 1948

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Corner of Main & Bonnet Streets (next to Northshire Bookstore)

Manchester Center, Vermont 802-362-1257 or 1-800-305-8328

Mon–Fri 9:30–5:30 Sat 10–5

Page 18

Jewelers of America The mark of a professional jeweler

This Is Vermont: Guide to The Shires of Vermont – www.thisisvermont.com – Fall/Winter 2011

Manchester ~ Incorporated 1761 • Population 4,285 ~

Manchester & the Mountains Chamber of Commerce - 800-362-4144 • www.manchestervermont.net Manchester Town Office - 802-362-4824 • www.manchester-vt.gov

H Hospital

Post Office

To Rutland To Dorset To Rupert

Map not to scale. Not all roads shown.

Library Picnic Area

Parking

Recreation Center

Traffic Light

Bus Station

Blinking Light ? Information

A view to remember! Drive to the top of Mount Equinox

HISTORIC ROUTE

(see ad and coupon page 11.

Map Key

For hiking trails, swimming holes, and recreation info, see our center map!

MANCHESTER Visitor Ctr.

Stre e

Elm St .

American Museum of Fly Fishing

Exit 4 Road Richville

MANCHESTER VILLAGE

11 30

E. Manches

ter RD

Union Street

tvill

e Rd .

Glen Rd

For additional hiking information see centermap. Lye Brook Falls Trail

HISTORIC ROUTE

To Arlington

7A 64

Dinner by the fireside with a view? Enjoy French country dining at the Wilburton. (See ad and coupon this page.)

ve r

ene

Hild d R oa

Roo

ester Rd

Did you know? Charles F. Orvis began his fly fishing tackle shop in 1856. He created the first “modern” fly reel and began what is now the oldest mail order business in the United States.

h E. Manc

Equinox Preserve Trust Hiking Trails

Spruc e St.

Prospect Rock Trail

HISTORIC ROUTE

nue Factory Point Cemetery

et re St

pot

nd Ave

Highla

West Road

ain

76 80

To Ski Areas

ll R

74 73

To Bondville

Barnumville Road

treet ain S

r nte Ce

So. VT Arts Center

Street Bonnet

Dana L. Thompson Memorial Park Recreation Area

62 Hildene Lincoln Family Home

65 see ad page 17

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By 1879, J.C. Heinel’s Tailor Shop had a devoted clientele. The business grew and the family’s home was expanded to include retail clothing as well. Thus, for over 130 years, Heinel’s Clothiers has been the local supplier of quality New England clothing.

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This Is Vermont: Guide to The Shires of Vermont – www.thisisvermont.com – Fall/Winter 2011

Daily 10-5 • Sunday 1-5

Page 19

american hand-crafted • fair trade • unique & fun jewelry • pottery • glass • wood • clothing • bags • toys

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