WEEKEND GETAWAY

Town Profile: Bennington, Vermont

I came across Bennington Vermont while looking for a detour destination to suggest to friends who will be spending the weekend at the Equinox Resort and Spa in Manchester Village which has a spa, off road driving, fly fishing, shooting and serious food options.  But, this post isnt really about Equinox, but about the town of Bennington which, depending on where you’re traveling from, you may very likely drive through on your way into Vermont.

Honestly, I’m drawn to Bennington because of the alpacas - I’d definitely stop off at Shaftsbury, wonder over the alpacas, have some one on one time with the alpaca lady and buy some alpaca products.  And, of course, on the way there, I’d inevitably enjoy the beautiful covered bridges, stop off at farms for fresh baked pastries and fruit, and take a walk through main street.  It is about a three hour drive from NYC and so on the border of NY state and Vermont that you can swing up a bit north even if you’re just hanging in Albany.

check out this site for more

map and directions

Farmers Markets in Vermont

It is a shame she wont be going up in May or after since that is when most of the farmer’s markets are open. I particularly like this one - Brattleboro Farmer’s Market.  Has over 50 vendors and I can just tell I would love it.  Some people take antiquing weekend getaways - I’d rather go for the farmers marketing getaway …  

If you cant justify a trip all the way up there just around a market -  maybe plan around festivals and fairs.  

A friend is planning a weekend trip to Vermont.  I found this site when searching for restaurants and local farmers markets.  The best feature is that you can search by farmers or chefs and by location in Vermont.  A great reference.

click the pic

REI Adventures - Moosalamoo Inn to Inn Hiking

A hiking and inn adventure through Vermont worth taking note of for this Summer and Fall.  Okay, so the level 3 hiking scares me a little too and maybe the price is a little high for a getaway that sounds really awesome but really exhausting - REI has other Northeast weekend getaway ideas.  Its just another great resource.

Brewfest 2009 in Killington, VT

http://shop.killington.com/CORIS/Storefront/Product.aspx?Product=BREWFEST&Group=ACTVGROUP9&BrowserChecked=true

Oktoberfest 2009 in Hunter Mountain, NY

http://www.huntermtn.com/huntermtn/festivals/summer-festivals-oktoberfest.aspx

Looking to make some last minute plans and really really like beer?  Both ‘fests are this weekend.  Brewfest requires tickets and Oktoberfest is free admission.