Southern Vermont
Visitors to the smallest region of the state will
find a celebrated way of life with boundless
activities interwoven amidst a very diverse landscape.
Water flows and frames the region, from the
Connecticut River on the eastern border to the
Battenkill River on the western edge of the state so
swimming, boating and world renowned fly-fishing
are all readily accessible. The West River cuts a
centerline through the region, flowing southeast,
and routinely challenges white-water rafters for
cherished heart-pounding adventures, particularly in
the late spring/early summer following a bountiful
snow season.
Day-tripping escapes may take you along Route
100 as it travels up the center of the region, offering
colorful “peak” views that visually stun during the
fall foliage season (mid-October). Mount Snow,
Stratton, and Bromley Mountain resorts encourage
visitors to explore on foot, via mountain bike, atop
a chairlift and/or gondola, or even ‘seated’ in an
alpine slide or zip line. Or remain behind the wheel
and take in the scenery of the surrounding Green
Mountains, New York’s Adirondacks to the west
and the Berkshires to the south as you climb Mount
Equinox’s auto toll road to the summit.
Quaint and often quiet villages abound and
trigger thoughts of a bygone era. Discover old-time
country stores like the Vermont Country Store in
Weston with gadgets and gizmos, quirky antiques
and penny candy, or pop into a local crafts fair. Visit
the makers of handcrafted artisanal aged cheddar
cheese in Grafton village and pair your selections
with fresh bread, Vermont products and a bottle of
wine for an impromptu picnic. Attend a performance
at a summer playhouse, or tour museums such as
Hildene, the Lincoln Family 24-room Georgian Revival Mansion in
Manchester, and historic sites such as the Bennington Battle Monument
where in 1777 General John Stark, aided by the Green Mountain Boys,
defeated the King of England’s troops.
Got a shopaholic to appease? Manchester is a town filled with
dozens of outlet stores, sure to appeal to any bargain-hunter and
dedicated shopper. Golfing enthusiasts will not have to look far to
find a golf course that fits them to a ‘tee.’ Cyclists can travel the many
back roads to quietly enjoy the countryside or tackle the challenge of
mountain trails at a host of ski resorts, some with lift-served access to
the summit for heart-racing descents.
From the very rustic “back country hike in/hike out” sites to full
service RV parks, there’s no reason not to explore this region of Vermont.
Bromley is your destination for summer adventure fun, with one of the longest alpine slides in the world, a rock climbing wall, mini golf, Adrenaline Zip Line, Big Splash water slide, Space Bikes, the Giant Swing, and the Aerial Adventure Park featuring the Sun Mountain Flyer, New England’s newest and longest ZipRider!
Since opening their lifts to mountain biking 26 years ago, Mount Snow has been putting smiles on dirt covered faces every summer. The terrain and trail system is legendary and has been host to dozens of major events including national championship races. Berms, ladders, manmade surfaces and dirt jumps are just some of the features you will find in this progressive all-mountain bike park.
There is no better way to enjoy the splendor of the Vermont and the surrounding areas of New England than from the summit of Mount Equinox and the Skyline Drive. At 3,848 feet above sea level, the summit offers breathtaking sunsets and panoramic views of the Green, White, Adirondack, Berkshire and Taconic mountain ranges. There is so much natural beauty to the drive that the summit is but half the experience!
His father was born in a log cabin and called from the humblest rank in life to preside over our nation during the most momentous period of its history. One generation later, Robert Todd Lincoln, the only child of Abraham and Mary Todd Lincoln to survive to adulthood, built this Georgian Revival mansion in 1905 in the scenic village of Manchester. It became home to only Lincoln descendants until 1975.
The Brattleboro Museum and Art Center is a non-collecting museum located in the former Union Station in downtown Brattleboro. New exhibits by regional and international artists are shown each season. The aim of BMAC is to present art and ideas in ways that inspire, educate and engage people of all ages. The museum also functions as a community center.
The Bennington Battle Monument is 306 feet 4 and 1/2 inches tall and was completed and dedicated in 1891. The Monument was built to commemorate the Battle of Bennington which occurred on August 16, 1777, and is considered to be the turning point in the Revolutionary War. A number of events are scheduled at the Monument each year, and the public is welcome.
The Southern Vermont Natural History Museum endeavors to foster an interest in nature, the environment and the natural sciences. The museum displays one of New England's largest collections of native species along with live animal exhibits, ecology, geology and natural history exhibits. With nearby access to over 600 protected acres of hiking trails, the family fun and adventure can continue outside.
Northshire Bookstore is a family-owned, independent bookstore located in Manchester Center, Vermont. Northshire works hard to enrich our community and strives to thrive in the dynamic world of bookselling. Northshire Bookstore hosts many author events every month. Check the website for latest schedule of events.
Any time of year is a wonderful time to visit the Bennington Museum. From the museum’s permanent collection, items such as Bennington Pottery, the 1924 Wasp Touring Car, Fine Art, Vermont Furniture, and the Bennington Flag – one of America’s oldest flags - are always on view. Throughout each year, temporary exhibits change. In addition to the exhibits, there are events and classes for children and adults throughout the year.