ITINERARY FOR RAINY DAY WANDERINGS IN THE SHIRES OF VERMONT
When the clouds roll in and the mist drapes the mountains, the Shires of Vermont offer their own kind of magic— cozy, cultural, and full of unexpected treasures. Rainy days are perfect for slowing down and exploring the indoor gems that make this region shine.
INDOOR FUN Start your morning with a hot coffee in hand and head to Pastime Pinball in Manchester. This retro arcade-turned-art-piece has dozens of vintage and modern machines, and it’ s fun for all ages. If you’ d rather tee off indoors, the Golf Simulator at the Mt. Anthony Country Club lets you play world-famous courses without ever getting your shoes wet.
HISTORICAL ADVENTURES A bit of culture calls next. Dive into the past at the Park-McCullough Historic Governor’ s Mansion or Bennington Museum, where regional history meets Grandma Moses’ s legendary folk art. The Dollhouse and Toy Museum offers a whimsical peek into childhoods of the past, while the Robert Frost Stone House Museum brings the poet’ s world to life. Don’ t miss the Bennington Monument— you can still climb its 306 steps, rain or shine, and nearby, the Old First Church is a beautifully preserved piece of Vermont’ s early religious heritage. Stop in to Hildene, The Lincoln Family Home. Even under a gray sky, the estate’ s history, beauty, and views are timeless.
If the rain’ s still falling by lunch, it’ s the perfect excuse to linger over a warm meal in downtown Bennington or Manchester before an afternoon of shopping at the Manchester Designer Outlets. From name brands to local boutiques, it’ s retail therapy with mountain views.
ART & ENTERTAINMENT Other indoor options visit the Monument Arts Center, or a guided tour of the Orvis Fly-Fishing Museum— a blend of craftsmanship and history. Catch a matinee at the Bennington Cinemas, or if you’ re in the mood for live performance, check the schedule at Bennington Theater or Dorset Playhouse, where the show always goes on, rain or shine.
So don’ t let a little rain dampen your plans. In the Shires, a rainy day is just another invitation— to slow down, step inside, and discover something new.
Top: Photo courtesy of Mt Anthony Country Club Left: Shopping in Manchester; Photo by Lorianna Weathers Photography
COME EXPLORETHESHIRES. COM 15 FOR INFO CALL 802.447.2456