Have you been to Bennington lately? Filled with history, charm, covered bridges, fantastic restaurants, beautifully curated shops - and all just over an hour from our driveway in Glens Falls. And with a downtown revitalization project just beginning with the historic Putnam Block, it’s sure to become even more vibrant. If you’re looking for a Sunday drive this weekend, read on for some favorites from our recent trip:
EAT + DRINK
Harvest Brewing: Tucked into a brick storefront downtown, we loved the atmosphere at Harvest Brewing both inside and out. On this sunny day, the picnic tables, colorful umbrellas and lights strung up overhead made this a perfect place to enjoy a meal. On the menu for our late lunch? Well, we had to try the coffee and beer, of course (as the sign out front suggests!), as well as fresh and delicious sandwiches and avocado toast. We hear they just started selling cans of their craft beer, too!
The Tap House at Catamount Glass: We’d heard such great things about The Tap House and couldn’t wait to try it ourselves. With a casual and artistic vibe, it was the perfect spot to grab a drink and some delicious comfort food to cap off our day. With a cozy patio surrounded by late summer blooms and lights twinkling overhead, we’re guessing this is a Bennington favorite for warm weather date nights. Inside, we loved the exposed brick, friendly staff, and fun conversation with other guests. Oh, and the fries! :)
The Village Chocolate Shoppe: The smell of chocolate will lure you in and once inside, you’ll want one of everything. We left with a couple of their best sellers, the Death by Chocolate Bars, and we couldn’t resist the maple creams - so good! The perfect place to satisfy your sweet tooth while you’re in town, for sure.
On our list for next time: While we’ve had drinks at Madison Brewing Company, we can’t wait to grab a meal next time, and we’re looking forward to checking out The Miller’s Toll Dinner Club for their cocktails and rotating seasonal menu!
SEE + DO
Stroll Old Bennington: A stretch of beautiful historic homes line the street starting with the photogenic Old First Church and cemetery (and fun fact: Robert Frost is buried here). From there, you can meander up the hill to the Bennington Battle Monument, where you’ll want to take the elevator up to the top for gorgeous views of the hills and valleys of Vermont, New York, and Massachusetts - especially with the colors this time of year!
Covered Bridges: If you’re a covered bridge lover, this is your town - there are five within striking distance of Bennington! Here is a great overview on all five, but you’ll definitely want to pay a visit to our favorite - the Henry Bridge. It’s tucked away on a back road with the perfect perch for a picnic, or just taking in the view.
The Mile-Around Woods: It wouldn’t be a trip to Vermont without finding some open space to roam, and The Mile-Around Woods in North Bennington turned out to be the perfect place for an autumn stroll. Located just past The Park McCullough House (which is worth a visit too, by the way!), the preserve is home to carriage road trails and on this sunny day, a group of gorgeous horses grazing in the lower pasture.
Bennington Museum: With the largest collection of Grandma Moses paintings in the world, it’s easy to see why many visitors make the trip to Bennington for the Museum alone. They also have a fantastic collection representing life in Early Vermont, an amazing Bennington Pottery Gallery, and Tom’s personal favorite - a custom Martin Wasp luxury automobile.
On our list for next time: Hemmings Motor News (they have their headquarters in Bennington complete with a Car Lover’s Store, old fashioned Sunoco station, and vehicle display!).
SHOP
Catbird Studio: A most beautifully curated shop, if you’re looking for a head start on holiday shopping - this is your place. A thoughtful variety of gift items, home decor, stationery and fine papers, we’ve loved popping into Catbird on previous trips to Bennington as well - there’s always something new!
Bennington Potters: One of each, please! We’re sure you’ll be as smitten with Bennington Potters as we were. A gorgeous collection of stoneware pottery, made right onsite in Bennington (don't leave without taking a peek into the studio to see how each piece is made!). With so many glazes and styles to choose from, it’s hard to pick a favorite, but we’ve got our eye on a pitcher in the classic Morning Glory Blue. A must while in Bennington.
Armstrong Farm: The sweetest roadside pumpkin stand, complete with red Radio Flyer wagons - and mini pumpkins that spell out Vermont, no less! If you go, be sure to pop in to the barn for some of their maple syrup, too - and hurry - they close for the season on October 31st!
The Apple Barn: A must, especially in the fall, we couldn’t get enough of their mini-cider donuts. The barn is stocked with all of the season’s essentials - pumpkins, gourds, apples, cider, baked goods, and all of the Vermont maple syrup you could want. If you go, grab two boxes of the mini-cider donuts - they’ll go fast! :)
Fiddlehead: A bank at one time, Fiddlehead is located in a historic marble building downtown with beautifully preserved architecture (and the vault!), we loved browsing the curated gallery at Fiddlehead. With an eclectic mix of paintings, pottery, jewelry (and so much more!), they definitely have something for everyone - and we love that everything is handmade by artisans across North America.
Antiques: What’s a road trip without a stop or two (or three!) to browse an antique shop? Luckily there are three in Bennington, and fair warning - you could probably spend a full day just browsing for treasures! Don’t miss the Antique Center at Camelot Village, Green Mountain Antiques, and Owl’s Nest.
On our list for next time: Bennington Bookshop (who doesn’t love a good independent book store?!) and Bringing you Vermont Country Store (and cafe!).
STAY
Four Chimneys Inn: The most beautiful inn tucked behind an old stone wall, the Four Chimneys is a Bennington gem. With a stately white exterior, the four namesake chimneys, and the expansive lawn and lovely gardens, it’s no wonder it was chosen as this year’s best Vermont Bed and Breakfast by Yankee Magazine. From the lovely innkeepers who make you feel right at home, to the beautifully decorated rooms (each is unique!), to the delicious breakfast in the morning, you’ll definitely want to add the Four Chimneys to your list if you decide to extend your day trip to an overnight.
On our list for next time: The Henry House looks like the perfect place for a group or an event (and you can’t beat that view of a quintessential Vermont covered bridge right across the street!).
This post was brought to you by Vermont Begins Here. Thank you for supporting the organizations and businesses that support Glens Falls Living.
P.S. See more of our Road Trip series here.