by boat, by car, by foot- get to >> Bennington, VT

By Karen Beaudoin

2007-09-11

Drive time

4 hrs./214.6 miles
After crossing into NH on I-95, take Exit 2 and merge onto NH-101 W toward Manchester. Next find I-93 N toward Concord, before merging onto I-89 N toward Lebanon/White River Junction. Look for Exit 5 (on left) to get on US 202/NH-9 W toward Henniker. Continue on 9 until you find the Franklin Pierce Hwy., which will take you into VT. At the roundabout, take Exit 2 onto Chesterfield Rd., then merge onto I-91 S. Take Exit 2 toward Brattleboro/Bennington, then turn right to Western Ave. After 39 miles, take a left to South St./Ethan Allen Hwy. and end at Bennington.

Touring tips

• You don’t find many filling stations like this anymore. The Hemmings Sunoco Filling Station and Exhibits shows off vintage autos and memorabilia at its full-service business on Main St.
• Just three miles out of town on SR 7A, visit the Robert Frost Stone House Museum, the former home of the Pulitzer Prize- winning poet from 1920-29. It’s open May-December, Tuesday-Sunday from 10-5.
• For an $8 admission charge see the paintings of Grandma Moses at the Bennington Museum. Grandma’s Gallery is part of the Grandma Moses Schoolhouse, an activity center for kids young and old. Also on display are tools, firearms and furniture from the 18th and 19th centuries. (802-447-1571)

Since Bennington creates a natural bridge between Mt. Anthony of the Taconic Range and the famous Green Mountains of Vermont, it’s no wonder that some of the most famous sights in this historic town are covered bridges. Far more quiet than the bustling Burlington, Bennington is a piece of New England perfect for the quiet nature lover and fan of times gone by.

Among the many can’t-miss sights are the Silk Road Bridge, Papermill Village Bridge and Bert Henry Bridge. Access each of them on Murphy Rd. just off SR 67A. And if you enjoy taking in the scenery from behind the wheel, continue on US 7A and SR 9, which both provide scenic drives.

History abounds in the town as well, and maps for both walking and biking tours are readily available. Be sure to check out the Bennington Battle Monument, which was completed in 1891. It’s the tallest structure in the state (306 feet) and symbolizes the victory of American troops over the British on Aug. 16, 1777. Dating back to 1805 is the Old First Church in Old Bennington Village. It’s one of the most striking churches in New England with its restored vaulted ceilings and historic box pews. It’s open July through Columbus Day and donations are accepted.

If you’re hungry, be sure to stop at The Apple Barn & Country Bake Shop, which has been featured on “Good Morning America” and The Food Network’s “$40 A Day.” Find freshly picked apples and freshly baked goods inside and the state’s oldest cornfield maze (225,000 stalks) outside. For weekends around Halloween, the maze turns haunted.

If you’re thirsty, sample some of the offerings at North River Winery at 56 Colgate Heights (www.northriverwinery.com). Take home a bottle of award-winning wine with a personalized label.

And if you need a place to rest after all the country touring, check into Alexandra Bed & Breakfast Inn on SR 7A. Prices range from $95-$169, but it will be well worth it to stay in the farmhouse-style accommodations built on a knoll in 1859.