Day One

Begin your trip in the historical city of Bennington, and spend some time exploring the downtown area of Vermont’s third largest city. It was the site of the Revolutionary War’s Battle of Bennington, which is remembered by a memorial resembling the Washington monument. The city is also home to Bennington College. Vermont son, Robert Frost, is buried in the First Congregational Church cemetery.

 

Depart Bennington, heading north on route 7a (not route 7, the faster highway). This meandering road is full of antique stores, farm stands, and historic buildings. Enjoy stopping along the way as you make your way north.

 

Arlington, Manchester, and Dorset are a cluster of towns just off the rolling hills of the Green Mountains. Stop by Arlington to view the Norman Rockwell Exhibit. Then head to Manchester, which was a resort town for the well-to-do back in the day. Full of stately Federal architecture, Manchester is home to Hildene, the 24-room Georgian Revival mansion built by Robert Todd Lincoln (son of Abraham and Mary Todd Lincoln). Enjoy the tour and follow it with lunch at Little Rooster Café, near the outlet center.

 

Spend the afternoon doing a little retail therapy at the Manchester Center outlets. Head back to the downtown area to stay the night. In terms of lodging, Manchester boasts two of Vermont’s best choices: the 1811 House and The Equinox. A more reasonably priced option in Manchester is the Barnstead Inn, where the rooms are located in a 1830s hay barn. For your evening meal consider Chantecleer for one of New England’s finest dinner offerings. Mistral’s at Toll Gate is wonderful for authentic French fare.