The Bennington center point is approximately 1 mile east of Bennington Battle Monument and 5 miles west of Prospect Mountain Ski Area.
Bennington is a destination for all seasons. Whether you come to ski, shop, or hide away in a favorite hotel for a romantic weekend, you'll find plenty of activities. But don't count Bennington out for all-weather fun. Summers feel just right, averaging in the low 80s. June and July are the rainiest months of the year in Bennington, so plan accordingly. Spring and fall are just as pleasant, but cooler, in the 40s to the mid-50s. Winters do get frigid in the 30s, with some precipitation.
Bennington Battle Weekend takes place in late August, commemorating the Revolutionary War-era Bennington Battle. The town throws a huge party over a long weekend, complete with barbecues, silent auctions, car cruises, kids' activities, and a 5K Road Race, all leading up to Sunday's living history encampment at the Bennington Battle Monument. Take a guided tour of the grounds, then prepare for a tastier battle: The Battle of the Pies on Main Street. You must sample the apple pie, which is the official pie of the state of Vermont (made with the official fruit!).
The annual Southern Vermont Garlic and Herb Festival has been an August tradition for over 23 years. You can sample garlic-inspired, herb-laden goodies from hundreds of vendors, while you check out local goods and entertainment. It's the perfect family getaway, with activities like face-painting, bounce houses for the kids, and a beer and wine garden for mom and dad.
If you're looking for discounts on your stay, the Hampton Inn Bennington is a great choice, with both AAA and senior citizen discounts. You can enjoy a complimentary hot and cold breakfast to start your day, and stay connected with wired or wireless internet. The Howard Johnson by Wyndham Williamstown is another great option for savvy travelers, with discounts available for seniors, AAA members, and members of the armed forces. This is a great hotel for travelers who like to spend time outdoors — take advantage of the outdoor pool, barbecue grills, and a picnic area.
If you want to be close to all the sites of Bennington for an affordable rate, check out Best Western Bennington. This roadside hotel offers great value, from the guest rooms to the free daily breakfast service. Combination tubs and showers are stocked with free toiletries, and you can leave your hair dryer at home because each guest room comes stocked with one for your convenience.
Relax and unwind, lounging on the bed while watching cable programming on the flat-screen television, or log onto the free wireless internet connection to check your email. Guests also enjoy access to a seasonal outdoor pool and in-room use of a mini-fridge and microwave.
There are plenty of ways to enjoy the outdoors in Bennington, whether you prefer a leisurely stroll or relaxing afternoon birding, or something more adventurous like a zip line experience at Bromley or a mountain biking excursion. Bennington is also known for its network of caves, some of which can be explored by experienced spelunkers with guidance from the Vermont Cavers Association. Then, of course, there's winter skiing, snowboarding, snowmobiling, and skating in the Northshire. Mountain bikers and cyclists will discover some of the best trails in New England in this region, starting with the Bennington Area Trail System.
There's no shortage of natural beauty to enjoy in Bennington. Explore the serene woodland of The Green Mountain National Forest or any of the three local state parks. Set out on the Southern Vermont Arts Center's Boswell Botany Trail, and you'll be treated to three-quarters of a mile filled with beautiful orchids, birches, and ferns, all native to the unique glacial microclimate.
Fishing is a huge draw in The Shires. In fact, the modern fly-fishing reel was invented in Vermont. April is fishing season, and you'll find plenty of trout leaping in the Batten Kill, Walloomsac, and Mettawee Rivers. The Appalachian Trail also owes its origins to Vermont. The Long Trail, which stretches from northern to southern Vermont, inspired the Appalachian Trail. You can hike one of the highlights of both trails near Bennington, and the highest peak in Southern Vermont: Stratton Mountain.
The hiking options are endless, and the vistas you'll enjoy along the way strike visitors with wonder, like the breathtaking Lye Brook Falls (over 125 feet tall). The Taconic Crest Trail, starting in nearby New York, leads hikers to a secret crevice where snow stays frozen, even into early summer. Hikers love to sample the fresh blueberries along the trail as they go.
Even Robert Frost might agree that if you take the road less traveled to Bennington, Vermont, you'll discover it makes all the difference. See the beautiful sites and breathe deeply of the clean, crisp Shires air, and your troubles will soon melt away.
Below are reviews of the city of Bennington, VT from an actual visitor's perspective.
A beautiful, quaint town! We are at Lil Britain and the food was delicious!
Town of Bennington was fine with plenty of places to eat and a good museum.
We were visiting a Vietnam vet. at the Veterans Home there.
Quite and quaint!
Historic Bennington is a grand small city!
Lots of places to eat, drink and shop!
Nice New England town with great scenery.