This issue’s cover photo comes courtesy of The Uncommon Robin Pottery Studio, featuring a playful goat alongside a handcrafted mug by artist and founder Erin Robinson. The image celebrates Wilmington, Vermont’s creative spirit and pays homage to the incredible artisans whose Vermont-made products reflect the heart and character of our communities.
President and Publisher
Jordan Brechenser jbrechenser@reformer.com
Editor
Ahmad Yassir ayassir@benningtonbanner.com
Designer
Cicely M. Eastman ceastman@reformer.com
Windham County
Sales Manager
Lylah Wright lwright@reformer.com
Account Executives
Richard Lolatte rlolatte@reformer.com
Richard Battista rbattista@reformer.com
Bennington County
Sales Manager
Susan Plaisance splaisance@benningtonbanner.com
Account Executives
Kelly Palecek kpalecek@benningtonbanner.com Vermont Country
Foliage Without the Fuss: Slow Down This Fall With A Trip to Wilmington, Vermont
By Gabriel Schatz, Vermont Country correspondent.
Located in South-Central Vermont’s Deerfield Valley, Wilmington is a small historic village close to much of Southern Vermont’s best outdoor recreation, including Harriman Reservoir and Mount Snow. Located where Routes 9 and 100 meet, it’s a popular stop for fall travelers thanks to its mountain views, walkable downtown, and local shops, restaurants, and inns.
Just 2.5 hours from Boston and about 4 hours from New York City, Wilmington is easy to reach but hard to forget. The village has a long history, with many of its buildings dating back to the 1800s. The well-preserved historic downtown district feels like a snapshot of small town New English life in the 19th century, albeit with more cars.
With recommendations for places to stay, eat, and shop, this guide has everything you need to experience Vermont’s famous foliage in Wilmington this fall.
Lodging
The Nutmeg Vermont
Located in a rustic red colonial across the street from the Deerfield River, The Nutmeg Vermont offers visitors an elegant country retreat. With 14 guest rooms, a seasonal saltwater pool, yoga studio, full breakfast service, and riverside setting, you’ll never want to check out.
"We pride ourselves on thoughtful service," says co-owner Shelley. "From remembering how you like your eggs to sharing the best local hikes, we
want every guest to feel cared for."
With mountains rising up a stone’s throw away and downtown Wilmington just a few minutes down the road, The Nutmeg is the perfect mix of retreat and access.
Visit: www.thenutmegvermont.com
Instagram: @thenutmegvermont
Location: 153 W Main St., Wilmington, VT 05363
The Wilmington Inn
Built in 1894, the beautifully restored Wilmington Inn is a prime example of the town’s commitment to historical preservation. Originally a private residence, the building now serves as a top choice for guests visiting the village.
"Our mission is to create a home-away-from-home experience for guests," says owner Charlie Foster. "We love sharing this historic space and being part of the town's revival."
Ranked #1 on TripAdvisor for lodging in the area, The Wilmington Inn is the perfect place to start and end your fall adventures. Guests enjoy a full breakfast to keep them exploring all day, a bar on-site for when they return in the evening, and a walkable location just steps away from downtown.
Visit: www.thewilmingtoninn.com
Instagram: @thewilmingtoninn
Location: 41 W Main St, Wilmington, VT 05363
Shopping
Arthouse Vermont
Near the center of downtown Wilmington stands a 195-year-old Greek revival church turned art sanctuary. Step inside Arthouse Vermont, a relatively new business in Wilmington that has focused on showcasing and supporting local creatives. Since opening in early 2024, this cooperative gallery has become a hub for more than 40 local artists. From pottery and woodworking to oil paintings and mixed media, every piece is reflective of the immense talent and imagination growing here in the Green Mountain State.
"Our goal is to make art approachable while supporting local artists," says owner and curator Jenevieve Penk. "We invite guests to explore, sip wine, and even build their own charcuterie board."
Open every day except Wednesdays, Arthouse offers classes, events, and a cozy wine bar that encourages connection between visitors. Whether you're picking out a one-of-a-kind gift or attending an evening art workshop, Arthouse is a stellar addition to Wilmington’s cultural scene.
Visit: www.arthousevt.com
Instagram: @arthousevt
Location: 12 S Main St, Wilmington, VT 05363
Bartleby’s Books
Every community needs a good bookstore, and Bartleby’s has been a cornerstone of Wilmington since 1989. With a selection of bestsellers, indie titles, regional reads, cookbooks, kid’s books, and more, Bartleby’s has something for everyone.
In the tradition of the best smalltown bookstores, Bartleby’s makes up for a smaller physical catalogue by thoughtfully curating its offerings. A good mix of popular contemporary titles, classics, and more niche recommendations from the staff make it easy to find familiar favorites, exciting new reads, or personalized recommendations for gifting.
"We try to have something for everyone," says owner Lisa Sullivan. "Our staff can always help you find the perfect book, for yourself or as a gift."
With online ordering, gift wrapping, and delivery available, Bartleby’s is a welcoming stop for readers and a key part of Wilmington's cultural heartbeat.
Visit: www.myvermontbookstore.com
Instagram: @bartlebysbooks
Location: 17 W Main St, Wilmington, VT 05363
Pickwell’s Barn
A staple of Wilmington’s shopping scene since 1995, Pickwell’s Barn is housed in a historic 1836 barn that’s almost as much of a draw as the treasures inside. Offering a curated mix of home accents, jewelry, accessories, and clothing, the shop has become a go-to destination for visitors seeking stylish, fun, and above all, comfortable, fashion.
Owner Andrea Berg wants to create a memorable experience for every guest. “Our goal is always to make shopping fun,” she says. “We love helping people put together looks they feel great in. My goal is to make sure people enjoy their time in the store, as well as promoting the town.”
With a welcoming atmosphere and a friendly, fashion-savvy staff, Pickwell’s is a reminder that shopping can—and should—be something that makes you feel good.
Instagram & Facebook: @pickwellsbarn
Location: 22B W Main Street, Wilmington, VT 05363
hunters alike with curated clothing, home goods, menswear, and even pet items. The ever-changing selection means regular visitors are rewarded: "People travel just to visit our store," says co-owner Kathie Costello. "Our repeat customers come back every season for something new and special."
The Fashion Plate
This isn’t your everyday consignment shop; The Fashion Plate is a destination, luring fashion lovers and treasure
Eye-catching outdoor displays show off the shop’s offerings to passersby on Main St, drawing in pedestrians and causing drivers to start looking for the nearest parking spot. Whether you’re building your next concert outfit or just trying to find a new piece for daily wear, a visit to The Fashion Plate could be just what you need.
Location: 29 W Main Street, Wilmington, VT 05363
The Uncommon Robin
Opening October 1st just outside of downtown Wilmington, The Uncommon Robin is a new pottery studio from local artist Erin Robinson. A former massage therapist who fell in love with pottery during the pandemic, Erin is turning her passion into a full-time pursuit while helping others discover the joy of working with clay.
All of The Uncommon Robin’s pieces are handmade by Erin right here in Vermont, including mugs, bowls, tumblers, and 420-friendly accessories. Her work is currently available at Ratu’s Cannabis Supply in Wilmington and Dutton’s Farm Stand locations in Newfane and Manchester.
In addition to retail offerings, Erin will be hosting both wheel and slab building pottery classes, as well as paint-and-sip sessions where visitors can customize handmade pottery.
Experience a taste of the Alps in New England at Alpenglow Bistro. Founded by Susan Motyl and family-run since 2021, this alpine-inspired restaurant offers a hearty, creative menu and cozy ambiance that feels like it was handcrafted to pair with a crisp autumn evening.
"Our inspiration comes from the Alps, but our hospitality is pure Vermont," says Motyl. "Our chef, Manny Rueda, prepares everything from scratch, and our cocktails and menus reflect the seasonal produce we get here."
The menu at Alpenglow features dishes inspired by the alpine regions of France, Germany, and Switzerland. Vermont’s seasonal produce, wide varieties of small-batch cheeses, and excellent availability of cured, smoked, and fresh meats lends itself exceptionally well to alpine cuisine, making Alpenglow an experience that is both authentically European and uniquely Vermont.
With birch wallpaper, antler sconces, and a fireplace-lit private dining room upstairs, Alpenglow is ideal for intimate gatherings or a special night out. Don’t miss the fondue or the handcrafted desserts made by in-house artist-chef Nessa Kennedy.
Visit: www.alpenglowbistrovt.com
Instagram: @alpenglow_vt
Location: 9 W Main Street, Wilmington, VT 05363
Butter Mountain Bakery
What started at a farmers market table in 2015 is now one of Wilmington’s most beloved spots for fresh, scratchmade baked goods. Founded by classically trained pastry chef Hannah Small, Butter Mountain Bakery operates out of the Old School Enrichment Center, where online orders are baked and picked up weekly by loyal locals and in-the-know visitors.
Hannah, who honed her craft in Michelin-starred kitchens before moving to Wilmington, bakes everything with high-quality ingredients, and lots of butter. Sourdough, bagels, cakes, cookies, pies, and custom wedding desserts all come out of her kitchen looking almost too good to eat, with an emphasis on almost.
While there’s no traditional storefront, the weekly pre-order model makes it easy to get your baked goods fix. Follow along on Instagram or Facebook to see the latest menu and place your order.
Visit: www.buttermountainbakery.com
Ratu’s Liquor and Market
Ratu's understands that a business like a liquor store needs to set itself apart from the crowd. With reggae music floating through the air and colorful displays of Vermont spirits, craft beers, and wine, Ratu’s delivers a good-vibes-only experience that does just that.
"We want everyone who walks in to feel like family," says owner Jennifer Betit-Engel. "We remember your favorite drink, your name, your story."
No one champions shopping local like Vermonters do, and Ratu’s is no exception; the Vermont Domestic Market is a dedicated space that features items from local vendors and gives 100% of proceeds back to the artists.
Ratu’s also offers 8 beers on tap and personalized orders to suit your needs.
Visit: Instagram @ratus_wilmington13 and Facebook @ratusliquor
Location: 34 W Main St, Wilmington, VT 05363
Starfire
Bakery and Roaster
Starfire Bakery & Roastery brings house-roasted coffee and handmade baked goods to Wilmington. Their fresh sourdough, challah, focaccia, pastries, and espresso drinks fuel locals and travelers alike.
"We merged our two businesses this spring to offer a true full-service cafe experience," says co-owner Chrystal Holt. "It’s one of the few places where you can get house-roasted coffee and small-batch babka in one stop."
From delightfully crispy ham and cheese croissants to traditional sourdough loaves, the quality at Starfire always speaks for itself. Old-standbys like apple fritters and blueberry muffins share the shelves with lesser known but equally delicious offerings like kouign-amann, giving the bakery a selection that will have you wishing for a second stomach.
Sit in the cozy cafe space or grab a box to enjoy your treat along the scenic drive through the valley.
Visit: Facebook@starfirebakery
Location: 129 Rte 9E, Wilmington, VT 05363
Valley Craft Ales
Overlooking the Deerfield River, Valley Craft Ales is a four-season destination for craft beer lovers, music fans, foodies, and travelers seeking true Northern hospitality. With a constantly rotating selection of house-made beers, a calendar full of live music and events, and New Haven-style ‘Apizza’ that locals swear by, there’s always something happening at Valley.
The spacious 10,000-square-foot venue hosts everything from public concerts to private events, and upstairs, Valley Stays offers comfortable, convenient lodging just a staircase away from the taproom. Whether you're in town for a quick pint, a slice of their soppressata apizza with hot honey, or a weekend getaway, Valley Craft Ales is here to deliver.
Visit: www.valleybeer.io
Instagram: @valleycraftales
Location: 18 N Main St, Wilmington, VT 05363
Wahoo’s Eatery
A roadside staple since 2000, Wahoo’s Eatery started as a simple trailer and quickly grew into a local institution. Set just off of VT9as it passes through Wilmington, this casual spot draws travelers, weekenders, and locals alike with a stacked menu and laid-back outdoor vibe.
Wahoo’s is best known for hand-pattied burgers, seasoned fries, wraps, and soft-serve ice-cream, all served up fast and fresh by a hard-working, friendly team. With an extensive menu featuring everything from chicken tenders to Korean pork tacos and veggie rice bowls, there’s something for everyone. The large lot and outdoor seating make it a great stop to stretch your legs, admire the scenery, and fill up on comfort food before continuing your adventure.
Visit: www.wahooseatery.com
Facebook: @Wahoo’s Eatery
Location: 2 Whites Rd, Wilmington, VT 05363
Tranquility is the standard at Bent Apple Farm
By Bob Audette, Vermont Country Magazine
LONDONDERRY — Whether you're looking to spend a night or two or longer in a "lover's treehouse," or in a little hideaway in the woods, Bent Apple Farm on Under the Mountain Road in Londonderry just might have the right accommodation for you.
"I wanted to save this property," said Ben Sargent, who grew up in Cambridge, Mass., but spent his summers in Vermont. "And this is the way to do it."
The Bent Apple Farm House was built on an old apple orchard by Sargent’s mom, his stepdad and award winning architect Deborah Wasman in 1993.
Ben’s mom, Claudia, started a farm for breeding and raising Morgan horses on the property but died in 2000, when her son inherited the land, the farmhouse, its outbuildings, and all the responsibilities of the property, including the taxes.
"My mom wanted this to be a healing and
nurturing place," said Sargent, who could have sold the property or carved it up into separate lots and put them on the market. But Sargent couldn't let it go and decided there had to be another way.
Sargent, a chef who was known as the "Brooklyn Chowder Surfer" because of his chowders and lobster rolls, was the host of Cooking Channel’s "Hook, Line & Dinner" and the host of the radio show "Catch It, Cook it & Eat It" on The Heritage Radio Network. Sargent was also the host of "Backyard Goldmines" and "Unique Sleeps" from the HGTV and DYI Network.
In order to save the farm, he came up with the idea of converting animal structures to human structures, blending rustic and country design with comfort and functionality, and renting them on the short-term rental market.
Sargent's buildings are perfect for a romantic rendezvous or a relaxing remote getaway, and have names that include the Honey Pond Treehouse, River Bend Treehouse, Kloki, the
Sargent and his wife, Loana, are raising their children, Luna and Sol, and Simon, their black lab, with the help of Loana's nona, who has been known to cook up succulent Peruvian meals for special guests.
Bent Apple Farm boasts a 5-star rating on Airbnb and is situated on a quiet, residential farm road.
Fall Events in Southern Vermont
The properties sit on acres of rolling hills, in one of the most beautiful parts of Vermont, with paths winding their way through meadows and forests.
"Our sunsets are truly remarkable," said Sargent. "And it is a bountiful place. There are apples, berries, flowers, and plenty of foraging to be found."
In the winter, said Sargent, there are miles and miles of some of the best private cross country ski and hiking trails in the area.
"Tranquility is the standard; our properties are very private," he said.
Small Field Barn, and the Twin Brace Barn.
Ben. Sol. Luna and their black Lab at Bent Apple Farm in Londonderry.
Speaking from beyond the grave
By Danielle M. Crosier
Vermont
Country Magazine
BENNINGTON — Inside of the Bennington Museum, rests the weathered gravestone of Jedediah Dewey – first reverend to the small community of Benning Wentworth’s “Bennington.” The headstone, an original, is stained and worn and cracked – from either some long ago impact, or the simple result of a naturally occurring fracture – and it represents much.
To museum curator Jamie Franklin, director of collections and exhibitions at the establishment, the gravestone represents a very important piece of early Vermont history. To him, the stone was the impetus for a personal quest, sparking a decades-long interest in learning about the man who carved it – and his contemporaries.
“I kind of dove deep into the early gravestone carvers that were working here,” said Franklin, detailing how his initial inquiry ignited what became a passion. Franklin now hosts cemetery crawls – at least one, if not two, guided annual two-hour tours through the historic 18th and 19th century stones of the Bennington Centre Cemetery, which was established in 1762.
Together with his friend and colleague – historian and preservationist William Hosley of Connecticut, who recently passed away – Franklin spent years learning about the techniques, lives, and styles of Vermont’s first gravestone carvers.
“[Hosley] was a museum curator, and he loved early New England gravestones,” explained Franklin of his former compatriot. “When I first started getting into this,
he would say that New England cemeteries are like open air museums. If you're talking about material culture from the 18th century, gravestones probably have the highest survival rate of any objects that were created and used – and they're the most public because they are literally out in the public and anybody can walk through the cemetery and look at them. I love the idea of these early gravestones and cemeteries being these open air museums.”
The Bennington Centre Cemetery site hosts the graves of at least 75 soldiers who fought in the Battle of Bennington in 1777.
The Bennington Centre Cemetery – also known as the Old Bennington Cemetery – is Vermont’s oldest official cemetery and sits atop the hill on which the museum resides.
It is just one of many old graveyards in the county to hold significant historical information within the gravemarkers alone.
The Bennington Centre Cemetery site hosts the graves of at least 75 soldiers who fought in the Battle of Bennington in 1777; the author of Vermont’s Declaration of Independence and later Constitution, Jonas Fay; five Vermont governors; the poet Robert Frost; and scores of 18th century graves with headstones carved by notables like Zerubbabel Collins and his son James, brothers William and Peter Buckland, Gershom Bartlett, Josiah Manning and his sons Rockwell and Frederick, Ebenezer Soule, Roger Booth, and Samuel Dwight.
In West Sandgate, “old timer” Jane Eisenhart rummaged through her closet to unearth about a dozen or more long scrolls. Unfurling them each in turn, Eisenhart reminisced about her pastime of grave rubbing, which
took place over two decades in the 1990s and 2000s. Similarly to Franklin and Hosley, Eisenhart succumbed to the allure of the Soul in Flight effigies – present on the majority of latter 18th century gravestones in the area.
Carefully tacking each rubbing to the front door to better see it in natural light, Eisenhart shed light on what attracted her to the pastime – it was just a calling, “I don’t remember why I got interested in them, but I did a lot of them – mostly in Sandgate, but some further away. And, I saved them. And, here they all are. I’ve got a lot of them, and I just did them because they were so beautiful – and they’re such fun,” said Eisenhart, rummaging through
the selection to find the notes that she took on the back of each of the rubbings. “And who knows what I was up to in those days. I don’t remember.”
“This one is from October 27, 1994, from West Sandgate. And this one is from Center Cambridge, October 26 1995. This is North Bennington October 1994. This one is Center Shaftsbury. Huh, October,” mused Eisenhart, examining the rubbing of yet another Soul in Flight gravestone. It seemed they were nearly all rubbed in the month of October, but with varying years. And, all were Souls in Flight.
The soul of one had a torso attached, and little skinny arms with tiny hands. At the
top, it read, “O! Relentless Death.” Below that, it read, “In memory of Grace Nichols, the amiable consort of Mr. Nathaniel Nichols who died February the 26th AD 1796 in the 26th year of her age. In virtue old, in years but young.” The “th” was written atop the word “year,” and there was no space between “her” and “age.”
Another inscription Eisenhart noted was more along the same lines, but elaborated, “In virtue old, in years but young, was the corpse that here doth lie. In her both sense and beauty shown, alas that she must die. Her last distress with patience bore, severely was she try’d. The saints sustained her grief and pain, but still the woman died.”
"This one ... The spelling and script included errors, miscaluclations in spacing..."
Jane Eisenhart
“This one,” laughed Eisenhart, unfurling another. “In memory of Mrs. Lucretia Beardslee wife of Mr. Levi Beardslee who died November the 30th AD 1801 aged 42 years. Depart my friends dry up your Tears Here I muft lie till crift Appears.” The spelling and script included errors, miscalculations in spacing, and the “long s” in numerous places, but not consistently. The AD had a uniquely unconventional flourish to it.
“In MEMORY of Mr. John McCool who died Dec.r 23rd 1798. In the 83rd Year of his Age,” read Eisenhart, continuing, “All you that read, With little care. Who walk away, and leave me here. Muft not forget, that you muft die And be Intomb’d as well as I.”
Again, the wording, lettering, and Soul in Flight seemed oddly unplanned, childlike, and a bit whimsical. Another held a backwards upper case N, other odd spellings and punctuation, superscript and subscript letters, letters added atop other words, and a forgotten letter added with an arrow to indicate its correct placement. One spoke of love, another of the death of a young boy “with the Small-Pox.”
“And, this one – ‘MOMENTO MORI In Memory of Cap’t Nathaniel Jones of Sandgate who died February the 6th Annoquedomini 1794 aged 49 years old. Yet never let our hearts divide.’ Ooooo,” said Eisenhart, pointing out what she called “little chicken legs” on the Soul in Flight, as well as a tiny heart and the odd spelling of Anno Domini. She also saw two pitchforks with little flowers on the ends. She mused, laughing, “Interesting, these people – and their doggerel poetry.”
Photos by Danielle M Crosier – Vermont Country
Many of the oldest gravestones in the state can be found in the Southern Vermont area, such as in the Saint James Cemetery of Arlington, which was founded by Jehiel Hawley in the late 1700's.
The Bennington Centre Cemetery is the oldest in the state, and was established in 1762. It is not affiliated with the Old First Church, which stands nearby.
“And, you know, it’s unusual that the carver puts his name on the stone,” said Eisenhart, rolling up the scrolls and storing them neatly back in their box. “That is rare. There’s just one or two in Shaftsbury that I know have somebody’s name on them –but you practically never see that.”
If the names Zerubbabel, Gershom, and Ebenezer Soule don’t speak to the unique character of these 18th century gravestone carvers, perhaps their stones will bear the weight.
All of the aforementioned gravestone carvers worked in the area, carving some of the earliest gravestones in the state. All worked during the period where gravestone styles were rapidly evolving from the the Plain Style, a brief and unadorned, puritanistic description of the facts; to the Death Head Style, with a winged skull symbolizing the looming death that faces all; to the Soul in Flight Style, representing the journey
of the soul to the afterlife that awaits only the righteous; to the later Urn and Weeping Willow Style, representing the remains returning to dust and the sorrow that accompanies loss. Each of these styles symbolized the rapidly and dynamically shifting landscape of the settlement of western New England, and of the fleeting nature of the time period that they served.
...these early Southern Vermont gravestone carvers each developed a distinctive style...
Although all working on similar themes, these early Southern Vermont gravestone carvers each developed a distinctive style, similar to folk artists whose work is often identifiable through the individual techniques present in their craft.
Zerubbabel (pronounced Zarubba-BEL) Collins was one of Franklin’s favorites.
Zerubbabel Collins, son of Connecticut gravestone carver Benjamin Collins, came to the Southern Vermont area in 1778, purchasing a farm in Shaftsbury. From there, he excised white marble slabs from his own quarry, and set up shop. He worked prolifically, producing at least 40 identified gravestones in the Town of Bennington and at least 30 identified gravestones in the Town of Shaftsbury.
In all, Zerubbabel Collins produced over 300 gravestones between Connecticut and Nova Scotia – including the signed gravestone of the Manchester Vampire, Rachel Burton, whose body was exhumed from its resting place at Manchester’s Factory Point Cemetery, just two years after her death. Due to illness in the village, and in a feverish belief that she must be a vampire coming back to haunt her husband and his new wife, the townsfolk removed her heart, liver, and lungs, and burned them in
Danielle M Crosier – Vermont Country
Danielle M Crosier – Vermont Country
The gravemarker of Abel Allish, who died in the 23rd year of his life AD 1776, lies in the Dellwood Cemetery in Manchester with a lengthy inscription and ode. His gravestone is carved and, in an unusual act, is signed by Samuel Dwight, Sculpt. In addition, Dellwood Cemetery was established in 1865, nearly 90 years after Allish's death and, unless back-dated, the marker was carved by Dwight 14 years before he moved to the area.
Lieu. James Breakenridge's 1783 gravestone is located in the Bennington Centre Cemetery. His actions in what later became known as the "Breakenridge Standoff," were instrumental in the founding of the State of Vermont.
Danielle M Crosier – Vermont Country "Sacred to the Memory of Mrs. Samanthe Brush, the amiable consort of Col. Nathaniel Brush, Who departed this life in the Hope of a blessed Immortality February 27th AD 1789 In the 40th Year of her Age." This marker, most likely carved by Zerubbabel Collins has a rather perplexing ode at the bottom, which appears to read, "As springs the flowers that deck the blushing Plain, Perfume too and resign their Charms - and pie. So rife their rest of the female Train. Charm for a MOMENT - and evade the Eye. Ye fair let Virtue's Charms Attend the important Precept - 'Learn to DIE' Secure a Refuge in the Saviour's Arms. Resign your Clay, and soar above the Sky."
Vermont Department of Fish and Wildlife
The original weathered gravestone of Jedediah Dewey, first reverend in the Bennington community, can be found inside of the Bennington Museum. It was originally believed to have been carved by Josiah Manning, but was instead carved by his son Frederick.
the local forge of blacksmith Jacob Mead. Her body was reinterred under the stone carved and signed by, “Z. Collins, Sculp.”
In the graveyards of Southern Vermont, the work of Zerubbabel Collins is characterized by elaborate filigree and floral patterns surrounding the effigy of the Soul in Flight. His souls have rather large and prominent jaws and deeply incised faces. The wings are relatively small in comparison with the wings of some from his contemporaries. Zerubbabel Collins was purported to have an apprentice named Benjamin Dyer – and his son James Collins eventually took over the business, continuing the family profession briefly after his father’s death.
Other notable 18th century gravestone carvers included Gershom Bartlett; Josiah, Rockwell, and Frederick Manning; and Samuel Dwight – all of whom immigrated to or passed through what would become the Southern Vermont area from Connecticut, just as Zerubbabel Collins did. The time period was turbulent. Life was difficult. The Age of Enlightenment and the Revolutionary War were wreaking their havoc, and “Vermont” was only just newly forming its identity.
Gershom Bartlett’s Soul in Flight work was characterized by a bulbous nose and wings that looked like either morel mushrooms or curling wavelike dips. He’s often called the “hook and eye carver,” due to the shape of the eyes and nose of his Soul in Flight carvings. His work often shows a downturned mouth, eyebrows over the eyes, and includes diamonds, a small heart beneath the legend, and four-leafed clovers. From 1773 to 1797, Gershom carved over 350 gravestones, although most can be found in the Windsor, Norwich, Newbury, and East Ryegate areas.
The Manning’s Soul in Flight work was characterized by differing styles based on time period, and who was interred beneath – for children, the wings were curved and sharply down swept; for the time period, the wings evolved from bat-like wings to feathered sweeps. The hair of the soul was often illustrated in a pompadour, or a series of side curls. The Manning brothers, Rockwell and Frederick, both soldiers in the Revolutionary War, developed their own style of carving with the use of Vermont’s white marble. In these, their soul faces and wings often protruded outward from the stones, rather than being etched or carved into them as was the case with many of the other early carvers.
Vermont Department of Fish and Wildlife
The Soul in Flight Style, popular in the late 18th century, represented the journey of the soul to the afterlife that awaits only the righteous.
“Samuel Dwight is another of my favorites,” exclaimed Franklin. “He came up here from Connecticut around 1790. He actually studied at Yale, and he came here as a school teacher. He had a number of different styles that evolved over time. He created these stones very early in his career that I referred to as the ‘stick figure style,’ and some of his earliest work can be seen in the Berkshires. You see a lot of his stones in Shaftsbury and Arlington. He had these little tiny hands that he did, and hearts. He was an interesting, interesting figure.”
... one of Samuel Dwight’s gravestones that is especially poignant is found in the Bennington Centre Cemetery where sisters Laura and Marianne Swift are interred.
Some of Samuel Dwight’s gravestone carvings have long hair with curled bottoms; others have skinny little arms with tiny hands holding flowers, or just splayed out like “jazz hands.” Dwight's lettering is also distinctive, especially his use of an off-kilter ampersand and a distinguishably scripted AD (Anno Domini). His carvings are child-like and whimsical in their style, and one of Samuel Dwight’s gravestones that is especially poignant is found in the Bennington Centre Cemetery where sisters Laura and Marianne Swift are interred. The sisters died just days apart and are buried under a conjoined gravestone of two coffins, side by side. This is Samuel Dwight’s only known gravestone in the Bennington Centre Cemetery.
According to Nancy Jean Melin, contributor to David Watter’s “Markers IV: The Journal of the Association of Gravestone Studies,” Samuel Dwight died alone and penniless in his home in Sunderland, where an 1830 census record indicates that he traded his possessions – “one red cow, one feather bed and bedding” – to the town for continued support. His grave has never been identified, but his charming legacy lives on in his many fanciful works.
“I think early cemeteries and the gravestones therein are one of the best ways to connect with the history and culture of our region's earliest settlers,” explained Franklin. “From the artistry of the carving, and the spirituality and theology of the epitaphs, to the stories inferred – such as the death, days apart, of two young sisters – cemeteries connect us with the past in a tangible way that is almost impossible to experience in any other way.”
With their wealth of historical and cultural inferences, preserved in the form of headstones and monuments, Franklin continues to see the cemeteries of Bennington County as “open air museums.” They offer a unique perspective into the lives of the earliest settlers to this region,
Danielle M Crosier – Vermont Country Jane Eisenhart of West Sandgate spent two decades taking grave rubbings of a number of late 18th century Soul in Flight markers. She seemed especially attracted to the whimsical work of carver Samuel Dwight.
Danielle M Crosier – Vermont Country The grave of Manchester "vampire" Rachel Burton was carved and signed by notorious gravestone carver Zerubbabel Collins. Here, it is marked with a sprig of dried flowers.
and the carvers who lived here – and they detail the evolution of attitudes, beliefs, and values over time. They continue to reveal their secrets, even today.
In the case of the gravestone of Jedediah Dewey, Franklin explained, a surprising plot twist was revealed. When the crack first appeared, a decision was made to replace the historic and important landmark with a duplicate. The old damaged stone was removed from the concrete that it had been sunk in, and more writing was discovered. This writing revealed that the stone had not been carved by Josiah Manning, as originally believed, but was instead carved by his son Frederick. The stone was signed.
“It's Frederick’s,” said Franklin. “The stone carving business was very much based on the kind of medieval apprentice tradition, and so a lot of these stone carver’s sons would apprentice with them. He would have been 21 right around the time that Jedediah Dewey died, so that was probably his ‘masterpiece’ – which is a term taken from the tradition where an apprentice would carve a really important work. And, that's probably why it's signed. He probably signed that piece because it was his way of announcing his mastery of the craft, and going out on his own.”
And, as for the myth of Benjamin Dyer being the apprentice of Zerubbabel Collins, historical documents have uncovered the truth (available in the Walloomsac Review Volume 8 2012). Dyer was simply a currier and tanner, but served as the executor of a will or the purchaser of a tombstone and the misinterpretation of text has forever muddied the waters – with many now convinced that Dyer was one of the great gravestone carvers of Southern Vermont.
Other mysteries remain. Franklin loves to explore the old cemeteries of Bennington County, looking for the telltale signs of each of the 18th century carvers, and delving into historical texts that knit together their stories and the stories of those interred beneath their stones.
The grave of Zerubbabel Collins, often cited as Vermont’s most prolific and important gravestone carver, can be visited in the Shaftsbury
Danielle M Crosier – Vermont Country One of Jane Eisenhart's grave rubbings reads, "MOMENTO MORI In Memory of Cap’t Nathaniel Jones of Sandgate who died February the 6th Annoquedomini 1794 aged 49 years old. Yet never let our hearts divide."
Cemetery. Ironically, his gravestone is carved in rather plain fashion with the Urn and Weeping Willow, rather than the elaborate floral
“Always the face with wings. I think it’s the spirit of death. From this, I had my own tombstone carved."
Jane Eisenhart
scroll work and Soul in Flight that he will forever be remembered by. He died in the “64th year of his age,” although the brief text on his stone is now highly worn and weathered – and difficult to decipher.
Eisenhart, a member of the Vermont Old Cemetery Association, worries about the deterioration and degradation that weathering and time have taken on the old stones, “I go to the annual VOCA meetings where they talk about cemeteries and preserving them – and doing this stuff.” She waved a hand at the rubbings.
Her love and appreciation of the oldest stones is clear, “Always the face with wings. I think it’s the spirit of death. From this, I had my own tombstone carved. I found a man who carved tombstones. I went to him, and he bought a slab of Vermont marble, and carved me a tombstone. We designed it; he carved it. It’s in the Wallingford Cemetery, waiting for me.”
Eisenhart’s long term partner, who passed a number of years ago, is also waiting – but, it might be a long while yet before the two lie side to side once more. According to Eisenhart, the text of her gravestone still needs to be filled in with the date of her death, “It says ‘my name, who died in the’ – and then, it’s blank. Somebody’s going to have to put ‘in the 99th year of her life.”
To learn more about the cemetery crawls hosted by the Bennington Museum, visit benningtonmuseum.org/event/2025cemetery-tour.
For a fairly comprehensive list of the over 100 old Bennington County graveyards, visit ldsgenealogy.com/VT/Bennington-County-Cemetery-Records.htm. And, to explore some of the old gravestones of Bennington County for yourself, simply get in your car and go.
Fall in Southern Vermont
Vermont Country file photo. David Livly leads Colleen and Brian baker through North Bennington on an autumn afternoon as they enjoy the foliage and the covered bridges. Colleen and Brian Baker are visiting from Sydney, Australia.
Southern Vermont Fall Foliage Drives
By Ahmad Yassir and Chris Mays
South Vermont Fall Foliage Drives along Route 9
If a Vermont fall foliage road trip is on your bucket list, you are in good company. Thousands of visitors come to Vermont every fall
to witness nature’s majestic transition from summer to winter. Luckily, our tiny state has a full-time population of only 626,299, leaving ample space for us to welcome our leaf-peeping visitors.
Visitors to Bennington, Vermont come from all corners of the United States and across the
Photo courtesy of VermontExplored.com by Tara Schat Meyers Road, North Bennington, Vermont.
globe to wander our winding back roads that are all aglow in foliage reds, yellows and auburns.
Ask any innkeeper, museum docent or shopkeeper: the most common question raised is undoubtedly “when is peak foliage in Vermont?” The fact is, that it varies from the north to the south. It also varies by elevation.
The perfect thing about making Bennington your foliage destination is that a short drive in any direction will surely reveal amazing colors. And let’s face it, one of the coolest things to do during foliage is to wander the back roads and breathe in the beautiful color.
Bennington is nestled in a valley carved out of the Green Mountains. With an elevation of only 815 feet above sea level, we tend to get our color later than the higher elevations. A ten-minute drive up the mountain to Woodford (elevation 2,165 ft) or fifteen-minute drive to Mount Equinox (3,855 ft) and the picture can change significantly. Likewise, color tends to change earlier in the north and make its way down to Southern Ver-
mont. Any way you look at it, Bennington is situated perfectly to be your home base for your October foliage expedition.
Southern Vermont Fall Foliage Drives Near Bennington, Vermont
Whether you have an hour or a full day to explore the back roads of Southern Vermont, you’ll find a gorgeous fall foliage drive with your name on it. Here are some of the most popular back roads for leaf-peeping near Bennington, Vermont.
The Route 7A-Route 100 Loop
Length of drive: 102 miles
Time to complete: 4-5 hours, with stops
Start your day in Bennington. We recommend fueling up on a great breakfast at a delicious Bennington diner or café first.
Head north on Route 7A, also known as the Shires of Vermont Byway.
Stop for fall foliage views and a short hike at Lake Shaftsbury State Park. The
hike around Lake Shaftsbury is easy, and one of our top 5 fall-foliage hikes near Bennington.
Continue north through the town of Arlington and into Manchester. If you have time, visit Hildene, the former home of Robert Todd Lincoln. Hildene is a grand house with sprawling gardens, woodland trails, and a working farm.
Take Route 30 into the Green Mountains, past Bromley to Londonderry, Vermont.
In Londonderry, head south on Route 30, which coincides with Route 100 for a time.
Just before the town of Jamaica, you will see a sign for the federally-owned Ball Mountain Dam. This is a short detour with gorgeous views of Ball Mountain Lake and the surrounding mountains.
As you drive south on Route 100, you will head through several small towns including Jamaica, Wardsboro, and Dover. For more amazing foliage views, head to Mount Snow for a scenic chairlift ride.
Fall Events in Southern
Fall in Southern
Photo by Kristopher Radder, Vermont Country Magazine
in Southern Vermont
Fall Events
In Wilmington, head west on Route 9 back to Bennington, where you can enjoy a relaxing dinner at one of our amazing restaurants, pubs, or breweries.
Kelly Stand Road to Grout Pond
Length of drive: 64.1 miles
Time to complete: 3-4 hours with stops
Kelly Stand Road is a dirt road that is not maintained in the winter. Because this route travels through the mountains, peak foliage happens a little earlier than the surrounding towns. You should start seeing great fall colors in early October.
Grout Pond is in the Green Mountain National Forest is one of the most spectacular spots for fall foliage photography. Although this loop is just under 65 miles, because you are on dirt and gravel most of the time, it will take 2-3 hours to complete.
Begin in Bennington and head north on Route 7.
Get off at exit 3 in Arlington and head west on Route 313.
Take a short detour to the Chiselville Covered Bridge, which is located on Sunderland Hill Road (see map above).
The Chiselville Covered Bridge in Arlington. Photo credit: Tara Schatz
Head back the way you came for a mile and turn left onto Old Mill Road, which turns into Kansas Road.
Turn right onto Kelly Stand Road.
Meander along this dirt road for roughly 11 miles. There are plenty of spots to stop and take in the scenery during your
Turn right onto Grout Pond Road and park in the parking area.
Hike around Grout Pond, or just take in the views from the shore. The Pond Loop is an easy 2.6 miles, with great foliage views. If you have a canoe or kayak, there is a small boat launch right near the parking area.
Drive back the way you came, and turn left on National Forest Road 71.
Forest Road 71 continues for another 10 miles. If you have time, you can detour to Somerset Reservoir, which is another lovely lake surrounded by mountains.
Turn left on Route 9 to head back into Bennington.
Bennington, North Bennington, and Shaftsbury Fall Foliage Loop
Length of drive: 20 miles
Time to complete: 1-2 hours with stops
This short loop includes three covered bridges, a historic mansion, and several beautiful back roads. This is a perfect fall road trip for visitors who don’t have a lot of time.
Begin in Old Bennington and take Silk Road to the Silk Road Covered Bridge. There is an area to park your car and explore the bridge.
Head to Route 67A and turn left.
Take a quick left onto Murphy Road to visit the Paper Mill Covered Bridge.
Continue on Murphy Road Turn to the Burt Henry Covered Bridge. There is a
small picnic area and a park next to the Henry Covered Bridge.
Follow River Road and turn left on Park Street.
Turn left when you see the Park McCullough driveway and park in the parking area. Guided tours of the Park McCullough House are available on the weekends, and the gorgeous grounds and gardens are open year-round.
Follow the map above to loop from North Bennington to White Creek Road, Cross Hill Road, and Meyers Road.
Turn right on Route 7A to head back toward Bennington.
Visit the Robert Frost Stone House Museum on Route 7A in Shaftsbury. Tour the house and explore the grounds for more great foliage views.
Head back into Bennington for lunch or dinner.
Hogback Mountain
Take Route 9 from Bennington to Marlboro. You’ll pass through Woodfood and Searsburg past the Harriman Reservoir in Wilmington and the historic downtown village in Wilmington
At Hogback Mountain is a sight seeing area, a restaurant and gift shop. The site is great for foliage and star gazing. .
Brattleboro
Route 9 will take you from Marlboro to West Brattleboro, showing rural and agricultural landscapes along the way. Once in town, enjoy local coffee shops, stores, restaurants and bars.
Photo courtesy of VermontExplored.com by Tara Schatz Manchester, Vermont during the fall.
Photo courtesy of VermontExplored.com by Tara Schatz Bennington early fall foliage.
Brattleboro is a destination for the arts. Check out street murals, the Brattleboro Museum & Arts and New England Center for Circus Arts.
More Back Road Fall Drives in Southern Vermont
For even more adventuresome leaf-peeping drives around Bennington, click on the links below to go straight to the Google Map. Once you experience fall in Bennington, Vermont, you won’t want to go anywhere else!
Bennington/Pownal loop – This fall foliage drive takes you down some of the most lovely rural roads between Bennington and Pownal.
East Road to Route 313 and River Road, from Bennington to Arlington – This loop brings you through lots of farmland, over the West Arlington Covered Bridge, and alongside the Battenkill River before heading back to Bennington.
Bennington/Berkshires loop – This loop brings you south into the northern Berkshires, where you can drive to the top of the tallest peak in Massachusetts, visit a worldclass art museum, and head north through the Green Mountains before landing back in Bennington.
Halifax and Marlboro – In between Brattleboro and Wilmington are two rural communities with dirt roads to explore. Also check out South Pond in Marlboro.
Portions of the above rides are truly on the backroads, so please note to carry a paper map. The prettier the backroad, the more likely your GPS will misbehave.
Looking for a place to call home during your fall foliage vacation? Check out some of these great hotels, inns, and B&Bs in Bennington. Hope to see you this fall!
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Photo courtesy of VermontExplored.com by Tara Schatz Old First Church Bennington Vermont in fall foliage color.
Fall in Southern Vermont
Autumn at President Calvin Coolidge Historic Site
Enjoy Fall Foliage, Vermont History and Our Fall Festival
Maple trees stand tall throughout the famed hills of Plymouth Notch, Vermont, where fall foliage traditionally reaches peak colors in the first week of October. Fall at the Calvin Coolidge State Historic Site is a time to bask in the natural beauty of crisp autumn days.
Plymouth Notch is the hometown of the 30th US President, Calvin Coolidge, and the state historic site portrays the president’s idyllic youth in this rural Vermont community. It’s the perfect place for families to learn about 1920s American history while enjoying warm sunny rays before inevitable snow drives them indoors. Set against the backdrop of vibrant orange and red maple leaves, the historic village, comprised of a schoolhouse, church, store, barns, and several homes, are also a photographer’s paradise.
A special Fall Festival will occur at the Coolidge site on Sat-
urday, October 4 from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Visitors are invited to witness cider pressings, sample a variety of heritage apples, take a wagon ride, play croquet, and pet sheep. These family-friendly activities are included in a general admission ticket ($12 for adults or $30 for a family pass). When lunch time rolls around, the Plymouth Fire Department will be serving Chicken BBQ diners for their annual fundraiser.
PresidentCalvinCoolidge
President Calvin Coolidge Historic Site
Bennington’s 4th Annual Harvest Fest: A Celebration of Fall in the Heart of Vermont
Saturday, October 18, 2025 | 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Downtown Bennington, VT
By Ahmad Yassir, Vermont Country Magazine
Whenautumn sweeps across Vermont, Downtown Bennington wears the season like a crown. Golden foliage arching over historic brick sidewalks, the air cool and fragrant with apples, and Main Street alive with the hum of neighbors and visitors mingling.
On Saturday, October 18, 2025, from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM, that magic will take center stage as the 4th Annual Harvest Fest transforms downtown into a lively celebration of crafts, flavors, music, and community spirit.
“It’s my favorite time of year,” says Jeanne Mintrone, Executive Director of the Better Bennington Corporation and producer of the event. “The fall foliage, the crisper air, the smell of apples, it’s just so inviting. Harvest Fest captures the very heart of the season.”
A Feast for the Senses
With more than 100 vendors lining Main Street, Harvest Fest offers something for every taste and treasure hunter. Visitors can browse everything from artisan crafts and handmade gifts to seasonal foods that highlight Vermont’s bounty.
This year, guests can look forward to new maple vendors, an alpaca farm with cozy goods perfect for chilly days, and a new bakery making its festival debut with fresh breads and pastries. And for those craving something savory, don’t miss
the crowd-favorite Bavarian pretzel stand, twisting up golden, salty knots right on the street.
All the while, the comforting aroma of mulled cider will drift from the information booth, adding one more layer to the day’s sensory charm.
Entertainment for All Ages
Live music is woven throughout the event, bringing an upbeat soundtrack to the day. The BBC presents performances on the main stage at Lucky’s, including headliner Tina’s Cantina, as well as music at Nichol’s. Meanwhile, Knapp’s Trailer will host its own lineup organized by Knapp’s Music Shop.
Festival traditions also return, like the crowd-pleasing medieval fighters, who bring history to life with fall-themed reenactments, and the always-anticipated dancing witches flash mob that sweeps through the streets with a burst of costumed fun.
Family Fun in the Kids Zone
From 11:00 AM to 3:00 PM, Merchants Park Kids Zone, sponsored by The Bank of Bennington, is a lively hub where children and families can learn, play, and create together.
Throughout the afternoon, visitors can catch three live raptor shows, each lasting 30 minutes and spaced out between 11:00 AM and 3:00 PM, giving everyone multiple chances to see
Fall Events in Southern Vermont
Fall Events in Southern Vermont
these incredible birds of prey up close. Presented by experts from the natural history museum, the shows combine awe-inspiring demonstrations with fascinating educational facts about Vermont’s wildlife.
The fun doesn’t stop there; The Vermont Museum of Natural History will also be on display in the park, inviting kids (and curious adults) to explore Vermont’s nature, animals, and the environment.
For those feeling creative, pumpkin decorating stations will be stocked and ready, while balloon twisting adds splashes of color and joy throughout the day. With so much to do in one spot, the Kids Zone is truly a place where families can linger, laugh, and make lasting memories.
A Community in Celebration
Harvest Fest is as much about supporting the community as it is about celebrating the season. Raffles throughout the day offer prizes like mums, Downtown Dollars, gift cards from local businesses, and original art from the Better Bennington Corporation, with proceeds helping to keep downtown vibrant year-round.
The Scarecrow Contest invites visitors to vote for their favorite creations, adding a playful and colorful touch to the streetscape. Storefronts will be dressed in seasonal décor, and downtown businesses will join the festivities with specials, giveaways, and warm welcomes for festival-goers.
Stay and Explore
While you’re here, take time to enjoy Downtown Bennington’s historic charm, a walkable district filled with locally owned shops, cafés, restaurants, and breweries. All parking downtown is free, making it easy to explore at your own pace. For those making a weekend of it, stay at a local inn or motel and discover even more of what Southern Vermont has to offer.
Mark Your Calendar
As the sun sets on Harvest Fest, visitors leave with more than just bags of baked goods and handcrafted treasures. They carry the memory of Main Street at its most vibrant, the warmth of shared community, and the unmistakable feeling of having experienced fall in Vermont at its very best.
The 4th Annual Harvest Fest is a day to savor the colors, flavors, and spirit of the season, right in the heart of Downtown Bennington.
Event Details:
Date: Saturday, October 18, 2025
Time: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM, Kids Zone: 11:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Location: Main Street, Downtown Bennington, VT
Admission: Free | Raffle tickets available for purchase
For more information, please visit BetterBennington.com
Fall Events in Southern Vermont
TAAN: A Sensory Escape to Thailand in Downtown Bennington
By Ahmad Yassir Vermont Country Magazine
Step through the doors of TAAN in downtown Bennington, and the Green Mountains fade into the background as the scents of lemongrass, coconut, and fresh herbs carry you halfway across the world. This isn’t just dinner, it’s a vibrant journey into the heart of Thailand, guided by chef and founder Jariya Wannapat, whose mastery blends authentic flavors, seasonal Vermont ingredients, and an unforgettable sense of hospitality.
Upcoming Exclusive
Dinner Parties –Mark Your Calendar
TAAN isn’t just a restaurant, it’s also a stage for intimate, themed, and exclusive dinner parties, perfect for individuals, couples, and small groups. The next one is scheduled for September 12. These evenings weave together live pianist Rob Ellis, curated menus, and immersive décor. Past highlights include unforgettable Mother’s Day soirées and uniquely heartfelt celebrations of Thanksgiving and Christmas. To stay on top of future
events, be sure to follow TAAN on social media, these magical evenings often sell out quickly.
Authentic Thai Cuisine, Locally Rooted
Under the guidance of founder and chef Jariya Wannapat, TAAN crafts authentic Thai dishes with an unwavering devotion to seasonal, locally sourced ingredients. Jariya works closely with Vermont and regional farms to cultivate produce such as tomatoes, peppers, and string beans— bringing freshness and community spirit into every bite.
Photos by Maxwell Ward, provided by TAAN.
A Home-Style Elegance
The charm of TAAN lies in its rare duality: visually refined and sophisticated, yet unpretentious and warmly inviting in its approach. While plates are beautifully presented, generously portioned, and flavor-forward, guests delight in the homestyle ethos. With the prix fixe menu, additional rice bowls and tea are offered at no extra charge, reflecting Jariya’s philosophy that hospitality should never feel transactional.
A Feast for the Senses
Dining at TAAN is an experience that awakens all your senses. Every setting is meticulously styled, from the elegant table settings to the subtle, herbal aromas wafting from the kitchen. Add in Jariya’s graceful presence—often adorned in exquisite traditional attire—and the evening becomes not just a meal, but a cultural embrace.
Menu Highlights
• TAAN offers both prix fixe and à la carte menus that evolve with the seasons. Highlights include:
• GOONG HOM SABAI – Deep-fried prawns wrapped in delicate egg noodles
• TOM KHA GAI – Coconut chicken soup
• LAAB GAI – Minced chicken salad with mint, shallots, rice powder, chili-lime dressing
• KAPROW (Tofu / Gai / Nue) –Choice of tofu, chicken, or beef stir-fried with garlic, chili, and holy basil
• GAENG GARI GAI / NUE – Yellow curry in coconut milk with potato, tomato, carrot
• PAD PAK RUAM (V, G) – Stir-fry of mixed vegetables & tofu in light brown sauce
• MASSAMUN GAI / NUE – Mildly spicy massaman curry with onion and potato
• CHOO CHI PLA – Grilled salmon in red curry sauce
• PLA SAM ROD – Fried fish fillet with sweet-and-sour chili topping
• GAENG HUNGLAY NUA – Beef Tenderloin in tangy sweet northern curry with shallots, garlic, and ginger
• GOONG PAD PREW WAN – Prawns sautéed in house sweet-and-sour sauce with bell pepper, onion, pineapple & cashews
• FRIED BANANA WITH HONEY
– Deep-fried banana roll drizzled with honey and sesame
• KHAO NEEO MAMUANG – Sweet Sticky Rice Mango
Note from the writer: Guests can always request modifications to their dishes. Jariya works with fresh ingredients and is always happy to accommodate dietary needs—or even the preferences of picky eaters.
Voices from the Table
TAAN’s warmth and culinary finesse consistently earn glowing praise. One reviewer shared:
“We left feeling like honored guests in
Jariya’s beautiful home. The care, attention to detail and commitment to quality shone through in every aspect of the dining experience.”
Another declared:
“This is the BEST THAI MEAL I HAVE EVER HAD. Food was simple, clean, bright with flavor. Not too sweet or spicy. Impeccable.”
These reflections capture the rare balance TAAN strikes between authenticity, generosity, and artistry.
Why TAAN Shines as a Vermont Travel Destination
TAAN is the kind of hidden treasure Vermont travel writers dream about. It elevates downtown Bennington’s culinary scene, offering a sensory-rich journey that is both rooted in community and transports you across the globe.
For food and travel enthusiasts, TAAN delivers:
The authentic flavors and elegance of Thailand, woven together with Vermont seasonality.
A homestyle warmth that makes every guest truly feel at home.
Immersive dinner parties that transform a meal into a memory.
Visit TAAN on a regular night, or better yet, experience one of their themed dinners, and treat yourself to a journey in flavor, hospitality, and tradition, right in the Green Mountain State.
Leaf Peeping in Style: The Reluctant Panther Experience
Art isanC uisine
As autumn settles across Southern Vermont, The Reluctant Panther Inn & Restaurant in Manchester becomes a fall retreat that feels straight out of a storybook. Nestled in the heart of Manchester Village, this boutique inn boasts 20 luxuriously appointed rooms and suites across three buildings- all featuring antique furnishings, cozy fireplaces, and marble baths with Frette robes and premium bath products. Each room delivers warmth and sophistication- perfect for curling up after a long day of leaf peeping.
With views of Mt. Equinox right in the backyard, guests can relax and enjoy the view from the inn or drive two minutes up the road to the Equinox Preservation Trust trailhead for a hike or longer walk to enjoy the foliage.
The on-site restaurant serves gourmet, locally sourced cuisine in an elegant, yet relaxed setting. The seasonal patio, open as long as the warmer weather permits, offers al fresco dining nestled among the mountains.
Fall in Vermont is synonymous with foliage, regional culture and outdoor activities- and all of these are right at your doorstep. From nearby hiking, biking and leaf-peeping, to shopping and spa treatments, the inn serves as a welcoming basecamp for every autumn adven- ture.
All told, The Reluctant Panther balances luxury, location and genuine Vermont charm- making it an ideal escape when fall paints the Green Mountains in gold and crimson.
The Inn at Mount Snow is all about location, luxury, comfort
By Chris Mays
Vermont Country Magazine
The Inn at Mount Snow, off Route 100, offers beautiful views and easy access to the ski resort.
"The property is located right at the foot of Mount Snow, overlooking Snow Lake," said Julie Carani, inn co-owner. "The back patio is a great place to sit out and have coffee and enjoy nature and look up at the mountain, any season of the year. It's super peaceful."
The Moover provides transportation from the inn to the ski resort. Two top-notch golf courses also are nearby.
In May 2024, a group of partners purchased The Inn at Mount Snow after it had been closed for several years. Following significant renovations, the inn reopened in late December 2024. The inn’s recent revival preserves its classic New England charm while introducing contemporary comforts. Guests are welcomed by cozy common areas featuring fireplaces and curated artwork, while the guest rooms have plush bedding, updated bathrooms and panoramic views of the
surrounding mountains.
The owners are looking forward to continuing the long history of hospitality offered at the inn since it first started hosting travelers, skiers and Vermont enthusiasts in 1964.
Carani said the 20-room property is "perfect for small groups."
"It's nice and intimate," she said, and includes a living room, bar area and game room.
A projector, sound system and high-quality wi-fi network are available.
When Carani and the other owners acquired the inn, they brought in the Wisconsin-based interior design company Stonewood Bay Company to help.
The redesign emphasizes relaxation and connectivity, creating an ideal setting for corporate retreats, family reunions or a weekend getaway with friends. After multiple requests, a couple of pet-friendly rooms have been added.
"That has been very well received, which is no surprise," Carani said. "I think a lot of people drive to vacation in Dover."
Five rooms were added to the existing 15. All of the rooms, especially those facing the mountain, are designed to be very spacious with sitting areas, balconies, and fireplaces. They’re comfy and quiet, with king size beds and brand-new bathrooms.
Additional upgrades included air conditioning, improved climate controls and high-tech televisions that allow guests to cast content from their hand-held devices.
"We take the client experience so seriously," she said. "We want to make sure everyone has a fabulous experience."
So far, reviews have been very positive; exclusively 5-star reviews since reopening last winter.
Breakfasts are offered for free with products sourced from the local area. Carani said the inn owners want to support their neighbors and the community.
At the time of the interview, the inn was receiving several inquiries for weddings next spring. People also are beginning to think about the winter. The owners are looking forward to a very robust ski season and crossing their fingers for lots of snow.
Welcome to the Franklyn Farm Inn!
Built in the late 1700s as a stagecoach rest stop and tavern, Franklyn Farm Inn in Chester, Vermont, continues to charm visitors with its historic ambiance and idyllic countryside setting. This picturesque inn offers a unique glimpse into Vermont's past while providing modern comforts and serene surroundings. Discover the rich history and rustic beauty of Franklyn Farm Inn, a top destination for travelers seeking a peaceful retreat in Vermont.
Our eight spacious guest rooms and suites, each with a private bathroom, are named after the local trees that grace our picturesque surroundings.
Guest Reviews
"We had a perfectly lovely time. The hosts were so gracious and hospitable! Great room and service. The breakfast was awesome- loved the spinach mushroom quiche and cinnamon rolls! Beautiful scenery and peace and quiet! What more could you ask for! Thank you, Nate, Theresa and Mom!"
Amenities at Franklyn Farm Inn include:
Special breakfast served daily. Enjoy homemade treats and freshly baked goods.
35 acres of land to explore and hike.Spring-Fed Pond
Relax at our spring-fed pond. Additional the best of hospitalit with houselpeeing, and Free high speed internet.
Things to do at Franklyn Farm Inn & Surrounding Area include:
Go swimming at the Rainbow Rock! Located in front of the Inn.
Stay warm outside and enjoy some s'mores at one of our fire pits.
Take a seat and relax by the pond! Take a hike on our property or take a drive to hiking trails near by such as the Okemo State Forest, featuring scenic views and waterfalls.
BEST PLACES TO STAY IN THE FALL
Brattleboro
Vermont Artisan Designs
106 Main Street, Brattleboro, VT 05301
Vermont Artisan Designs is a fine art and contemporary American craft gallery which – for more than 50 years -- has celebrated a wide variety of artists and artisans primarily from Vermont and other parts of New England. You’ll find both functional and decorative work from well-established and emerging artisans: paintings, ranging from landscapes to still life to abstract; sculpture in bronze, wood, paper, wire, mixed media, stone and steel; colorful and clear brown glass; a great selection of pottery; beautiful hand-painted silk scarves; carefully turned salad bowls; exquisitely finished furniture including a rocker
Thrifting New England
55 Marlboro Road, Brattleboro, VT 05301
603-359-0220
thriftingnewengland@gmail.com
Find them on Facebook!!
802-246-7245
Vtartisan2@gmail.com
Vtart.com
Voted Best Art Gallery in the 2025 Brattleboro Reformer’s Reader’s Choice Awards
that you will swear was made just for you; a great selection of Judaica featuring a wonderful collection of menorahs; entrancing kaleidoscopes; subtle sounding chimes; photographs that capture the essence of Vermont; lamps to accent your home or office; and other wonderful items for you to discover.
They are open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Saturday and noon to 5 p.m. Sundays. Make sure to check them out on Facebook! And, don’t forget our sister stores, Kitchen Sync and the Tuxedo Gallery.
Discover unique finds at Thrifting New England, Brattleboro’s curated resale destination. From clothing and collectibles to quality tools and home goods as well as a premium selection on eBay. Their ever-changing inventory offers sustainable style
The Shore Tree has been family owned and operated since 1990 and they are located in the historic Hooker-Dunham building in beautiful downtown Brattleboro. The store occupies the space of the original Dunham Brothers shoe store.
Their goal it so to help find you fashionable and comfortable footwear to match your lifestyle! They carry brands like
with character. Shop local, shop secondhand, and support a community-driven business where every item has a story, and every trip is an adventure!
Monday-Saturday 9:30am-5:00pm
Sunday 11:00am-4:00pm
At The Shoe Tree, you will find fashionable, comfort footwear for men and women who value their feet!
Dansko, UGG, Ecco, Arcopedico, Birkenstock, Taos, Lowa, Haflinger, Wolky, Blundstone, Naot, Olukai, Topo, Rieker, Teva, Taos and many more! They also have a great selection of socks, from K.Bell, Ozone, Darn Tough, OS1st and Smartwool! Handbags from Baggllini and Travelon. Stop in today to find the perfect fit for you and make sure to follow them on Facebook and Instagram!
Hawkins House –
Bennington, VT
When Ron and Inga Spivak opened Hawkins House in 1977, it was a small shop with a big dream: to provide the community with exceptional handcrafted jewelry, unique gifts, and attentive service. Nearly five decades later, that vision still shines under the leadership of second-generation owners Elizabeth and Jonah Spivak, who continue to grow the family business while staying true to its roots.
Today, Hawkins House is known as “the place to shop for jewelry” in Southern Vermont. Their extensive selection includes gold and silver earrings, necklaces, pendants, bracelets, and chains, plus religious jewelry and handcrafted designs by regional and international artisans. They’re also the exclusive local source for Ed Levin jewelry, whose studio was originally housed in the North Street home of Hawkins House.
But Hawkins House is far more than a jewelry store. With more than 3,200 square feet of retail space spread across two historic buildings and a modern expansion, the shop has evolved into a true marketplace. Shoppers will find blown glass, pottery, books, journals, scarves, handbags, candles, toys, games, and woodenware. Their Retrendz section even features an exquisite collection of new and gently used clothing, giving the store a fresh and ever-changing feel.
What sets Hawkins House apart isn’t just its size or selection, but the experience. Elizabeth describes it best: “We’re a fun place to shop—filled with beau-
in Southern Vermont Shop Bennington
tiful things to amuse you, delight the senses, adorn you, and pamper you.” Customers appreciate thoughtful touches like free gift-wrapping, a Preferred Buyer Program that rewards loyal shoppers, and the warm, welcoming atmosphere that makes browsing feel like a treat.
For 47 years, Hawkins House has been a cornerstone of Bennington shopping and a destination “well worth the trip.” Located at 262 North Street, it remains a beloved family-run business that celebrates craftsmanship, community, and the joy of finding something made by hand.
262 North Street, Bennington, VT
802-447-0488
Hours: Monday-Saturday 10:00 am - 5:30 pm
Sunday 11:00 am - 4:00 pm
www.hawkinshouse.net
Discover The Local & Co. — Bennington’s Boutique with Heart
Nestled in the heart of downtown Bennington, The Local & Co. is a charming, imaginative boutique bursting with warm inspiration. This summer, Ashley Reherman became the sole owner, infusing the shop with her passion for brands with a cause and her knack for curating thoughtful, whimsical, and beautiful treasures.
From gorgeous regional jewelry to vintage- and folk-inspired treasures, watercolors that brighten any space, and vintage-style cocktail glasses paired with local non-alcoholic mixers, Ashley curates a collection that surprises at every turn. Her shelves are brimming with tea towels, charming dishes, skincare for men and women, old-timey shaving essentials, body
sprays and lip balms, and yes—the funniest, most unexpected cards you’ll ever find. Every piece in the “etc.” has a story or a smile tucked inside.
Ashley loves bringing special requests to life—whether that’s Jellycats or something else that makes your heart sing. Every visit feels personal, playful, and warm. The Local & Co. isn’t just aboutique—it’s a space where neighbors connect, and shopping feels special.
Visit 434 Main Street, Bennington, VT, and explore the magic Ashley has gathered from local makers and thoughtful brands near and far. Whether you’re shopping for a unique gift, or just stopping in for a moment of delight, The Local & Co. is a place where every detail inspires joy.
434 Main Street, Bennington, Vermont
J & H Hardware is family owned and operated by the Haskins Family. They have been involved in the community since May 2007 and have a wide variety of products and services to accommodate the needs of their friends and neighbors. Every year they are continuously improving the store to better serve their customers.
In 2008, they more then doubled the size of their store and started selling more products. In 2009, they added a 1,200 square foot rental center. Then in 2010, they added another 2,400 square foot space for s sporting goods department and then in 2011, they expanded the sporting goods department another 1,500 square foot to make room for women’s and kid’s clothing and a variety of boot lines. Now their store is over 12,000 square feet, which is four times the size it was when they purchased it in 2007!
Their goal is to provide the products and services to do the job from start to finish. Come in and enjoy the fresh atmosphere of J & H Hardware in the downtown square of Bellows Falls, VT!
Southern Vermont Bellows Falls/ Westminster
Allen Brothers is family owned since 1956. Vermont's largest deli, pizza by the slice, bakery, coffee island, indoor/outdoor eating areas, ice cream, cheese, craft beer & wine, garden center, farm stand, Irving gas & diesel. Seasonal items include; Spring: Greenhouse, maple syrup, vegetables and strawberries; Summer: local produce and ice cream stand; Fall: Apples! Over 30 varieties. Pumpkins on top of pumpkins; Winter: Christmas trees, wreathes, Thanksgiving pies, Vermont holiday products. Easy on-easy off highway; directly off exit 5 on I-91, at 6023 Rt. 5 Westminster VT.
Chocolate Like You’ve Never Seen, Tasted, or Experienced Before
By Ahmad Yassir, Vermont Country Magazine
Picture a crisp Vermont autumn afternoon: golden leaves swirl outside, while inside, the air is thick with the irresistible aroma of rich cocoa. At the Chocolatorium in East Arlington, you don’t just buy chocolate, you step into its story. This is where Vermont’s craft chocolate heritage meets an immersive, hands-on adventure that will have you smelling, tasting, creating, and smiling your way through every moment.
Your journey begins in a lovingly restored barn, shelves gleaming with handmade truffles, buttercrunch, fudge, and bars, each crafted with care in the candy kitchen.
But the true magic unfolds during the Chocolate Experience.
This private, 45-minute session for up to ten guests takes you deep into the world of chocolate, starting with a short film on its history, followed by making your very own chocolate bar, and finishing with a self-guided tasting flight of decadent flavors.
It’s intimate, tactile, and wonderfully personal. Every bite and every scent feels like a discovery, and each moment is designed to linger in your memory long after the last morsel melts away. Guests rave about it:
“Chocolate treasure! … make our own customized chocolate bar, watch a history movie on chocolate, and … do a tasting with three kinds of chocolate. Our guide … was warm and lovely. My kids adored this.”
in Southern Vermont Arlington
Another happy visitor described it as:
“Family-run store with a passion for chocolate! … A vast array of unique handmade chocolates that satisfy even chocolate aficionados.”
This is more than shopping; it’s an experience woven into the fabric of Vermont’s fall charm. Between leaf-peeping drives and cider tastings, a stop at the Chocolatorium offers a delicious pause, where you’re not just tasting the season, you’re making it your own.
THE BEST OF WINDHAM COUNTY
Brattleboro Area Realty
402 Canal Street
Brattleboro, VT 05301
802-257-1335
realtyvermont.com
Voted Best Real Estate Company in 2025 Brattleboro Reformer's Reader's Choice Awards, 7 years running. Brattleboro Area Realty has been serving the Southern Vermont and Southwestern New Hampshire realestate markets since 1973. Our award-winning agency is the recognized leader in service and client satisfaction. Broker owned, our motivated team is able to give unparalleled personalized attention to each of our clients. We are commended for our dedication which goes above and beyond when navigating our clients through every step of the buying and selling process. We love what we do! Call us today and become another satisfied client.
Bar 580
580 Canal Street
Brattleboro, VT 05301
802-490-2223
bar580.com
hello@bar580.com
Voted Best Bar in the 2025 Brattleboro Reformer’s Reader’s Choice Awards
Bar 580 is located in the Vermont Marketplace building, located at 580 Canal Street in Brattleboro, VT. They are open Monday – Thursday, 12:00pm – 10:00pm, Friday & Saturday, 12:00pm – Midnight and Sunday’s 12:00pm – 10:00pm. At Bar 580, you will find a full bar with over 60 kinds of beer, 2 pool tables, 6 big screen TV’s to watch your favorite sports teams, a large covered patio and touch tune jukebox. They also have live music Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursdays nights!! On top of all of this, they also have wonderful food and a large menu selection! Stop in for lunch, dinner or to watch one of the live bands perform! You can see the list of events on their Facebook page. Also, when you are there, make sure to ask them about their Mug Club!
Vermont Country Deli
436 Western Avenue
Brattleboro, VT 05301
802-257-9254
vermontcountrydeli.com
vtdeli@vermontcountrydeli.com
Voted Best Deli in the 2025 Brattleboro Reformer’s Reader’s Choice Awards
The Vermont Country Deli is a destination location for travelers and locals alike. It is a quick place to stop for gourmet deli food, hand crafted sandwiches, a full scratch bakery and country store experience featuring local, regional and seasonal items. When you step foot into the Vermont Country Deli, enjoy the aroma of fresh baked bread coming from their scratch bakery and enjoy a visual feast for your eyes. Their gourmet-to-go marketplace offers and array of hot and cold prepared goods, overstuffed sandwiches, and an endless variety of baked goods all made on the premises.
At the Vermont Country Deli, they strive for fast friendly service, a healthy dose of humor and above all, a love for food! They believe the best food is made with fresh, high-quality ingredients and they partner with local producers to incorporate seasonal, local produce wherever possible.
Make sure to visit them soon and experience all that Vermont Country Deli has to offer.
Village Square Booksellers
nity with knowledge, care, and a commitment to providing the best possible cannabis experience. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a long-time enthusiast, their team is here to answer all your questions, help you explore new products, and guide you toward the perfect choice for your needs.
32 Square, Bellows Falls, VT 05101
802-463-9404
villagesquarebooks.com
Voted Best Bookstore in the 2025 Brattleboro Reformer’s Reader’s Choice Awards
The Village Square Booksellers was founded in 1992 and under the ownership of The Fowler’s from November 2000 and Myles Mickle starting January 1, 2024. The Village Square Booksellers is a full-service independent general bookstore located in Downtown Bellows Falls. They have an extensive children’s book & toy selection, with books, toys and gifts for all ages. The friendly and knowledgeable staff is happy to help you choose the perfect book, toy or gift!!
Marlboro Road
Brattleboro, VT 05301
802-246-4367 vtbudbarn.com vthempicurean.com
Voted Best Cannabis Company in the 2025 Brattleboro Reformer’s Reader’s Choice Awards
Vermont Hempicurean was established in early 2018 by Scott Sparks. Vermont Hempicurean is dedicated to supporting hemp farmers and the products they produce. They offer CBD oils, CBD gummies, CBD hemp flower, CBD pre-rolls, CBD for pets, CBD topicals, CBD capsules and more.
Vermont Bud Barn was established in 2022, also by Scott Sparks. AT VT Bud Barn, their team is the heart of their dispensary experience. The passionate budtenders are dedicated to serving the local commu-
Cannabis has not been analyzed or approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). For use by individuals 21 years of age and older or registered patient only. KEEP THIS PRODUCT AWAY FROM CHILDREN AND PETS. DO NOT USE IF PREGNANT OR BREASTFEEDING. Possession or use of cannabis may carry significant legal penalties in some jurisdictions and under federal law. It may not be transported outside of the state of Vermont. The effects of edible cannabis may be delayed by two hours or more. Cannabis may be habit forming and can impair concentration, coordination, and judgement. Persons 25 years and younger may be more likely to experience harm to the developing brain.
It is against the law to drive or operate machinery when under the influence of this product. National Poison Control Center 1-800-222-1222.
THE BEST OF WINDHAM COUNTY
THE BEST OF WINDHAM COUNTY
Chris Lewis- Vermont & New Hampshire Broker at
Area Realty
402 Canal Street
Brattleboro, VT 05301
802-257-1335
realtyvermont.com
chris@realtyvermont.com
Voted Best Real Estate Agent in the 2025 Brattleboro Reformer’s Reader’s Choice Awards
Chris Lewis joined Brattleboro Area Realty 35 years ago. When she joined, education and service were her top priorities and she’s passionate about her clients, loves learning new ways to help and loves seeing the smiles when her and her clients find the right house!
Chris believes in our community and she appreciates the outstanding support and recognition the community has given her in this career. Call her today and she will put the 35 years of knowledge, passion and commitment to work for you!
Jasmine Healing Arts
29 High Street & 8 University Way
Brattleboro, VT 05301
info@jasminevt.com
www.jasminevt.com
802-257-0333
Voted Best place for Massage Therapy in the 2025 Brattleboro Reformer’s Reader’s Choice Awards
Jasmine Healing Arts offers a tranquil oasis in Brattleboro, Vermont, in two locations; one downtown and one on the old Famolare Farm just minutes from exit 1. With a variety of services using natural, organic and biodynamic ingredients, their goal is to promote health, beauty and inner harmony through self-care.
Some of the services Jasmine Healing Arts offers are: holistic skin care, massage therapies, ayurvedic bodywork, energy work, body/seasonal treatments, and also spa parties!! They also offer couples massages. You can add hot stones or Thai herbal compresses, a scalp or hand treatment to any service.
Appointments can be made online, over the phone or via email. Gift certificates are also available.
Craig Finnell Roofing
802-257-0841
cmfinnell@comcast.net
Voted Best Roofing Company in the 2025 Brattleboro Reformer’s Reader’s Choice Awards
Finnell Roofing, LLC has been serving Brattleboro, VT; Keene, NH and all of New England for over 30 years. Our full trained service technicians are qualified to do both commercial, residential and industrial roofing, and always work well with other are contractors. We offer year-round installation to meet your needs when they occur.
Luxbrush Painting Company
Manchester Center, VT 05255
www.luxbrush.com
(802) 366-1119
Best of Southern Vermont – 2025 Readers Choice Winner
Thank you to the readers of the Bennington Banner and Manchester Journal for voting for us!
Based in the heart of Southern Vermont, Luxbrush has proudly served homeowners and businesses for over 20 years with expert interior and exterior painting, carpentry, power washing, and wallpaper services. Our professional team brings care, quality, and clean craftsmanship to every project—big or small.
As fall arrives and temperatures drop, now is the perfect time to book your interior painting projects for the fall and winter seasons. Whether you're updating a single room or revitalizing your entire space, we’re here to help bring your vision to life.
Discover why Luxbrush is trusted throughout the region— and thank you again for this incredible honor!
Madison Brewing Company Pub & Restaurant
Lilli West
Owner/Residential & Commercial
REALTOR®/Developer
Voted Best Realtor in Bennington County
Lilli West is truly honored to be voted Best Realtor by the community she loves. Real estate has always been her passion, and she considers it a privilege to serve Bennington County with dedication and care.
As owner and broker of Maple Leaf Realty, Lilli carries on a proud local legacy—helping people buy, sell, and find their place in the region. Beyond her role as a REALTOR®, she is committed to mentoring others and supporting local housing efforts, making her work both impactful and deeply meaningful.
428 Main Street, Bennington VT, 05201 (802) 442-7397
www.madisonbrewingco.com
Madison Brewing Company Pub & Restaurant— winner of Best Cocktail and Best Beer Selection—is a Bennington, VT favorite for craft beer and mouth-watering food. Since converting an old storefront in downtown Bennington into the area’s first brewpub in the early 1990s, the Madisons have maintained deep community ties while serving top-quality brews. Their dedication to patrons is evident in every pint, with a rotating draft lineup that spans New England-style IPAs to traditional Old-World styles. With fresh cans available weekly and expertly crafted cocktails on the menu, Madison Brewing delivers an exceptional experience for beer and cocktail lovers alike.
THE BEST OF BENNINGTON COUNTY
The Bennington Community Market
Open Monday through Saturday, 8 AM - 6 PM
Deli Counter open 8 AM to 2:30 PM. 239 Main Street | Bennington, VT 05201 www.benningtonmarket.com
The Bennington Community Market—winner of Best Vegan/Vegetarian Options—is a vibrant hub offering fresh, made-from-scratch foods with a local and seasonal sensibility. Shoppers can browse produce, meat, dairy, baked goods, and specialty items from area farms and food producers, along with a curated wine and beer selection. In addition to groceries, the bright café space welcomes gatherings and community events, making the market both a place to shop and a place to connect.
Kevin’s Sports Pub & Restaurant
27 Main Street, North Bennington, Vermont 05257 (802) 442-0122
www.kevinssportspubandrestaurant.com
Kevin’s Sports Pub & Restaurant, voted Best Burger in Bennington, is a North Bennington favorite at 27 Main Street. Combining rustic sports-bar energy with the comfort of a homestyle family restaurant, Kevin’s is where locals love to gather. Open daily, it offers a cozy dining room and a lively bar area with multiple TVs to catch the latest games. The menu highlights hearty American classics, including succulent burgers, roast beef and chicken parm sandwiches, flavorful wings, and standout items like French onion soup and onion rings, often paired with daily specials. Generous portions, reasonable prices, and friendly, attentive service make Kevin’s a go-to spot for both casual meals and lively nights out.
Elm Street Market
251 Elm Street, Bennington, VT 05201 802-753-7366
www.esmbennington.com
Elm Street Market, voted Best Deli in Bennington, is a beloved local market known for artisanal sandwiches and warm small-town charm. Located at 251 Elm Street, the deli offers a menu full of specialty sandwiches, daily specials, soups, salads, and an espresso bar perfect for breakfast or a coffee fix.
With high-quality ingredients like Boar’s Head meats and cheeses, plus Vermont-inspired touches such as maple syrup in aiolis and glazes, every sandwich is creative and generous—from the “Maplelicious” turkey, ham, and cheddar with maple sriracha mayo to the “Southshire Shrimp” piled high on a pretzel roll.
Elm Street Market also offers sandwich and box-lunch platters for gatherings, work, or picnics. Guests can enjoy their meals on the porch or in the shaded lawn behind the store, complete with Adirondack chairs and picnic tables, making it a perfect spot to savor both food and Vermont hospitality.
Artesian Gardens
Address: 5038 NY-7, Hoosick, NY 12090
Phone: (518) 205-5555
Artesian Gardens—winner of Best Nursery and Garden Supply, serves Southern Vermont, East New York and beyond with a one-of-a-kind garden center and landscaping supply experience. Known for its expanding emphasis on natural stone, you’ll find flagstone, wall stone, treads, and steps, with plans for an even broader selection in the coming season. Whether you’re enhancing your backyard garden or designing a full landscape project, Artesian Gardens offers the quality materials and expert guidance to bring your vision to life.
Village Garage Distillery
107 Depot St, Bennington, VT 05201
www.villagegarage.com/ info@villagegarage.com
802-447-7663
We started in an old Bennington town garage, swapping wrenches for whiskey barrels, but keeping the same focus: do the work right, and make something worth sharing. This year, you voted us Best Distillery in Southern Vermont, and that means the world to us.
421 Craft Bar & Kitchen
421 Main Street, Bennington, VT www.the421craftbar.com (802) 440-5972
421 Craft Bar & Kitchen in Bennington, VT—winner of Best Atmosphere and home to the Best Bartender—is your go-to neighborhood hangout for elevated comfort food, inventive craft cocktails, and warm, inviting service. Picture plush leather booths, warm wood accents, and a buzzing vibe—perfect for catching up with friends, a cozy date night, or an easy evening out. The menu features Lebanese-inspired specials, wood-fired pizzas, a crave-worthy smash burger, and great pub favorites like their popular homemade pretzel, along with rotating options of hummus or a feta platter. Whether you’re craving sophisticated flavor or just a place to unwind after a long day, 421 delivers quality, charm, and award-winning Vermont hospitality in every bite and sip.
Our bourbon’s smooth, our vodka’s crisp, and our small-batch runs keep things interesting — all made with Vermont-grown grains and pure Green Mountain water. Whether you drop in for a tasting flight, linger over a cocktail, or just swing by to grab a bottle, you’ll find a space that’s as welcoming as it is proud of what’s in the glass.
And now there’s even more reason to stick around: Pearl’s at the Garage, an outpost of Pearl’s BBQ, is serving dinner seven nights a week. Whiskey and brisket? Ribs and a cocktail? We won’t argue.
If you’re local, thanks for making us part of your story. If you’re visiting, we hope you leave with a taste of what makes Southern Vermont special — and maybe a bottle or two for the road.
THE BEST OF BENNINGTON COUNTY
Exclusive: Master Grower
Devereux on Building Kingdom Kind from Legacy Roots
By Anne Archor,GreenMountain Cannabis News correspondent
Devereux, legacy grower, and owner and master grower at Kingdom Kind – a tier 3 cultivator – remembers helicopters from Vermont’s “Marijuana Eradication Resource Team” buzzing overhead in search of illegal cannabis grow operations.
The helicopters were not uncommon during the summers of the 1980s due to the number of out-of-staters who purchased land in Vermont to grow marijuana for the city cannabis market.
“I called them trust fund people,” Devereux said, referring to the out-of-staters. “They were coming up here from the city with a lot of money buying properties. They had these little communes.”
These larger grow operations made it harder for small Vermont legacy cannabis growers.
“It was hard to grow outside because you had to worry about police and helicopters on top of everything else,” Devereux said.
Devereux tried growing in swamps, in the mountains, and in logging cut-offs, planting in clear cut swaths where the trees were shorter and sunlight seeped in. He said the flower was okay – especially given the notso-perfect environment – smelling like pine with a good flavor and it could be smoked all day.
About 25 years ago, Devereux was working
machine, a technique that utilizes carbon dioxide to separate cannabinoids, terpenes, and other valuable compounds from plant material while maintaining the plant’s natural profile. Devereux added a separate unit to the machine that allows the process to occur without ethanol. It’s one-of-a-kind in Vermont, helping Devereux produce clean, high-quality tinctures, oils, and cartridges which he sells in his retail store in Barton.
Kingdom Kind is a vertically integrated cannabis business. Devereux, along with his two sons Camden and Joel, his wife Karen, and a couple crew members who are like family, manage 620 outdoor plants – 14 rows, 260 feet long, one-acre of land – and two, 500 square foot indoor grow spaces with 96 plants.
The crew hand trims everything because Devereux doesn’t cut corners, and he doesn’t go cheap.
in Burlington where he was introduced to Blueberry Bud, an indoor grown cannabis plant. He said it looked different from what he and his friends were growing, and it cost more, too.
“It was really good flower,” Devereux said. “So, I started growing inside.”
Devereux said he grew inside for the next 20 years, yielding four or five crops of stronger cannabis strains.
In 2018, when hemp became legal in Vermont, Devereux was one of the first to grow the crop.
“I used hemp as a steppingstone toward cannabis,” Devereux said, believing if he produced a quality product and followed the state regulations, he’d be one of the first cultivators to receive a cannabis license when it became legal in the state.
“We learned a lot,” Devereux said. “That’s why my (cannabis) rows are closer and tighter.”
Hemp brought Devereux back to planting outside and today, he has ten-foot-tall cannabis plants growing in his one-acre field.
“Our plants are the best I’ve ever seen since we started,” Devereux said, explaining his plants love the humidity. He added that the last couple of years have been wet, and he had to pull some leaves from some of his plants due to septoria.
Devereux invested in a CO₂ extraction
“I believe if I do a good job and I make 100% really good stuff, we’ll make it in this business,” Devereux said, voicing concern about state regulations hurting the cannabis industry.
Devereux has started breeding his own strains like the popular Panhead Punch, a sativa-dominate hybrid strain named after his 1954 Harley-Davidson Panhead motorcycle. It’s bred from Maui Sour and Exaltation. And he recently crossed the 100% indica landrace strain Pakistan Chitral Kush with a 100% Jamaican landrace strain.
“If you want the finest plant, it’s not just putting a seed in the ground, and picking it,” Devereux said when discussing hybrids. “You need to start a bunch of them, and find the sweet ones, the nicest ones.”
When asked what he enjoys the most about his cannabis business, Devereux said he likes it all, starting the plants in the spring, walking through the field in the summer, harvesting in fall.
“It’s seven days a week,” Devereux said. “We’re farmers.”
Devereux, who has always worked hard, plans on giving the business to his boys when he turns 65. During his retirement he will help trim the plants and ride his Panhead along the bucolic backroads of the Northeast Kingdom.
This story previously ran in GreenMountain Cannabis News. Stay updated on Vermont Cannabis News by subscribing to the free weekly newsletter found at GreenMountainCannabisNews.com.
Vermont Country
See our ads on pages 45-47
Photo provided by Brattleboro Area Realty
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