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Bennington Journals

Historic Bennington

Best of IgoUgo

A January 2001 trip to Bennington by unorthodox traveler

Woodford State Park Photo - Woodford State Park, Bennington, Vermont More Photos
Quote: Bennington is one of my favorite places in Vermont...it has a nice blend of history, which I appreciate...great cross-country skiing and hiking,interesting restaurants, and a friendly community. This journal will share a winter wonderland of experiences.
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Historic Bennington Best of IgoUgo

Overview

Quote:
In the winter, a number of very good-cross country ski areas,neat restaurants, inexpensive places to stay, and plenty of history. Bennington is rich in history...The Battle of Bennington, which occurred on August 16,1777 is commemorated by the 304 foot Bennington Battle Monument that was completed in 1891. For our most memorable event during this stay, cross-country skiing in ideal snow conditions would take first prize. After years of poor snow conditions, Vermont is being blessed with frequent snowfalls.Quick Tips: Read my additional journals for good places to eat, stay, and explore.Best Way To Get Around: You do need a car to get around...the ski areas are outside of town. ...Read More

Apple Valley Inn & Cafe Best of IgoUgo

Hotel | "Apple Valley"

Apple Valley Motel Photo - Apple Valley Inn & Cafe, Bennington, Vermont
Quote:
This was a pleasant place to stay. Our room cost $42 with two double beds,pleasant interior with cable TV and HBO. The owners are very pleasant people who enjoy engaging their guests in conversations ranging from local politics, to the frustrations of local building/improvement codes. (They had a minor fire...really minor...causing virtually no damage and ended up paying $40,000 for required building code upgrading,etc.

In this motel is a pleasant dining room and bar. Breakfast is served at reasonable prices and there is free coffee in the morning.

Member Rating 4 out of 5 on January 19, 2001

Apple Valley Inn & Cafe
Route 7
Bennington, Vermont 05201
(802) 442-6588

Madison Brewing Company Best of IgoUgo

Restaurant | "Madison Brewing Co."

Madison Brewing Co. Photo - Madison Brewing Company, Bennington, Vermont
Quote:
This place serves delicious meals such as Roast Turkey,Chicken Teriyaki,Fried Shrimp,Linguini with Brie and many other items. They also serve what they call "pub grub" which includes eggplant provencal,marinated chicken sandwiches,fish-n-chips and open-faced sandwiches. But what stands out here is that they make their own brew... such as Benny's Brew Pale Ale, brewed with Yakima Valley Cascade Hops, a Vermont Special Porter which is a dry hopped chocolate with hallertau hops(dark),A Stark Hose #1 Raspberry, a traditional English ale complimented by natural fruit flavors,a Old 76 Strong Ale, a rich English Yorkshire ale with fruity undertones and a smooth finish...just to name a few. ...Read More

Member Rating 4 out of 5 on January 19, 2001

Madison Brewing Company
428 Main Street
Bennington, Vermont 05201
(802) 442-7397

Bennington Potters Best of IgoUgo

Attraction

Bennington Potters Photo - Bennington Potters, Bennington, Vermont
Quote:
Bennington Potters is a large hands-on craft pottery...owner and designer David Gill believes art should be available to everyone at reasonable and economical prices. The pottery here is crafted in Vermont only, with a collectable handstamp. Many early pieces from the Bennington Potters are now collector items. As you walk around this store, which is visually attractive with antiques, you will have before your eyes hundreds of items such as cups, plates,ironware,all quite unique. Part of this building is an antique School House designed to demonstrate beautiful table settings, blending Bennington Pottery, linens, and decorative accessories. There is also a Gristm...Read More

Member Rating 4 out of 5 on January 19, 2001

Bennington Potters
324 County Street
Bennington, Vermont
(800) 205-8033

The Bennington Museum Best of IgoUgo

Attraction

Bennington Museum Photo - The Bennington Museum, Bennington, Vermont
Quote:
The Bennington Museum is one of the most interesting history and art museums in New England. You can experience the history of Vermont through the many objects and works of art made and used by the early Vermont settlers. On display is a model of the Battle of Bennington, and a large collection of pottery, glass, and furniture. The largest public collection of paintings by Granma Moses, the beloved folk artist,is here in this museum. Outside the museum is the Grandma Moses Schoolhouse which she attended as a child...moved to the museum from Eagle Bridge NY. Inside you can see many of her personal belongings. If you have an interest in military history, you will lo...Read More

Member Rating 4 out of 5 on January 19, 2001

The Bennington Museum
75 Main Street
Bennington, Vermont 05201
(802) 447-1571

Battle of Bennington and the Monument Best of IgoUgo

Attraction

Bennington Monument Photo - Battle of Bennington and the Monument, Bennington, Vermont
Quote:
The Battle of Bennington occurred on August 16, 1777. Brigadier general John Stark and his American forces, aided by Seth Warner and the Green Mountain Boys, defeated the detachments of British General John Burgoyne's invading army as they attempted to take the arsenal depot located in Bennington. This British defeat, and subsequent lack of supplies, was a major factor in Burgoyne's surrender of his 8,000 troops at Stillwater,NY following the Battle of Saratoga on October 17, 1777...a turning point on the American Revolution. The 304 foot Bennington Monument, built in 1891,commemorates this important event. There is parking around the Monument. We chose to walk from town to apprecia...Read More

Member Rating 4 out of 5 on January 19, 2001

Battle of Bennington and the Monument
15 Monument Circle
Bennington, Vermont 05201
(802) 447-0550

Woodford State Park Best of IgoUgo

Attraction

Woodford Park Photo - Woodford State Park, Bennington, Vermont
Quote:
This Vermont State Park, which is closed in the winter, is an ideal place to cross-country ski if you are looking for solitude and few other skiers. Our favorite trail is a loop around a lake...this trail is narrow but lovely...you ski among a forest of pine, hemlock, and spruce trees. As mentioned, this place is closed during the winter so there are no facilities available. The advantage is that skiing is free. If you are seeking a place with ski rentals,refreshments,etc. There is a place just a few miles closer to the Town of Bennington on Route 9...they have groomed trails and you pay a daily use fee. Although we have not stayed at this park during the summer, ...Read More

Member Rating 4 out of 5 on January 19, 2001

Woodford State Park
Woodford, Route 9
Bennington, Vermont 05201
(802) 447-7169

Blue Benn Diner Best of IgoUgo

Story/Tip

Bennington's Photo - Bennington, Vermont
Quote:
The Blue Benn Diner is an institution...mentioned in such prestigious publications as the "Christian Science Monitor", "Yankee Magazine" and "Classic Diners of the Northeast". This place is a family run business since 1974. Owner Sonny and wife Marylou, and daughter Lisa, take great pride in serving delicious food at a price anybody can afford. The unusual thing about the food here is that wholesome,veggie meals are on the menu such as veggie chili,veggie lasagna,Blue Benn Veggie Burger,Marinated Portabello Mushrooms,Shiitake Mushroom and Broccoli,veggie meat loaf,Syrian Roll-Ups,Veggie Burrito,Veggie Enchilada,and Eggplant Almond Enchilada...to name only a few of the items on the menu...Read More

About the Writer

unorthodox traveler

unorthodox traveler
Norway, Maine

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Blue Benn Diner

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