June usually signals the start of numerous arts and crafts fairs and antique shows in towns and villages in the Bennington area. About 20 minutes north of Bennington is the town of Manchester, and the meadows behind Hildene is the primary site for many fairs that take place throughout the late spring, summer and fall seasons.
Everything from bric-a-brac to quality colonial antiques can be found at these fairs, but don't expect a bargain. Vendors generally know their antiques and crafts here and quality items will put a dent in your wallet, but you'll still do much better here than you would on the Upper East Side of Manhattan.
These art and antique fairs are repeated throughout some of the loveliest villages in New England, including Dorset, Weston, Newfane, and Grafton. Nothing compares to spending a leisurely sunny afternoon mingling amongst a friendly crowd, in beautiful surroundings, and topping it off by finding that special something that goes perfectly in your front room.
Pick up a Friday copy of the Bennington Banner, which generally lists fairs in the area, or check out the Vermont websites for upcoming events. A good one is click here,, which lists activities of all kinds in the Manchester and Bennington area.