Vermont Magazine Fall 2020 Fall 2020 | Page 60

Mac & Cheese, best paired with their Old 76 Strong English Ale. Italian food and wine lovers will feel at home at Allegro, which features a diverse menu of Italian wines and dishes made using locally sourced seasonal ingredients. A glass of their Pico Maccario Chardonnay pairs nicely with their vegetarian-friendly Pappardelle Pasta with Wild Mushroom Cream Sauce. Those who favor a more robust dish and wine will surely opt for the Braised Beef Short Ribs, which compliments the full-bodied flavor of their Villa Pozzi Nero D’avola. SATURDAY 9AM Rise and greet the day with a trip to the warm and inviting Sunny Side Diner for some homemade breakfast and hot coffee. Located a block west of Four Corners in Downtown Bennington, patrons can enjoy hearty favorites like corned beef hash and fresh-made omelets in a cheery and relaxed setting. There’s no better way to start your day on the sunny side. 11AM Now that you’ve enjoyed an energizing breakfast, it’s time to make the most of your Bennington experience. Seasoned hikers will enjoy a spirited trek up Eastern Bennington’s White Rocks Trail, and will be rewarded with astonishing panoramic mountain views upon reaching the summit. To reach the trail, follow North Street north of Main Street to Kocher Drive and make a right. Follow the road until it turns into 58 VERMONT MAGAZINE North Branch Street and you will find the trailhead on the left past Chapel Road. Sugary snack connoisseurs should head south on South Street from Main Street towards Route 7 to satisfy their sweet tooth at The Apple Barn. Known best for their delicious baked goods, apple cider donuts, and featured local Vermont syrups and cheeses, this Southern Vermont landmark is a favorite of locals and travelling tourists alike. Located south of Bennington on Route 7, the Apple Barn is only 12 Miles from Williamstown, Massachusetts. Adventurous travelers can take advantage of the Apple Barn’s proximity to Northern Massachusetts and continue onward to enjoy a spirited romp through the Berkshire Mountain Region. Vacationers in the mood for a relaxing stroll through Downtown Bennington on Main Street will find a bevy of entertaining and engaging retail options on either side of the street. Specialty shops such as The Gamers Grotto and the Bennington Bookshop offer hobbyist gamers and avid readers a perfect chance to find a new favorite book or game. Gun collectors will marvel at the selection of firearms at the Bennington Armory, and lovers of chocolates and candies will find a sweet surprise in store at the Village Chocolate Shoppe and Vermont Confectionery. Bringing You Vermont is the perfect place to pick up a memorable Vermont-made souvenir. From soaps and wooden toys to jellies and jams, all of the products sold at Bringing You Vermont are proudly made in the Green Mountain State. Avid antique collectors will flock to Main Street Antiques, where local dealers offer a varied selection of unique antiques and collectibles. North of Main Street, Hawkins House Jewelers offers a wide array of highquality artisan handmade jewelry and crafts. Patrons browsing the store will find exquisitely crafted pieces in multiple mediums, including gold and sterling silver. Natural food retailer Spice n’ Nice stocks a comprehensive assortment of holistic medicines, herbal supplements, and fresh produce items. The friendly and knowledgeable staff at Spice n’ Nice are more than happy to answer questions and provide valuable advice about their natural health products to all prospective customers. 1PM The time has come to recharge your batteries with an appetizing lunchtime snack. For mouthwatering fast-casual Mexican fare made with fresh ingredients, head to The Avocado Pit on South Street. Sandwich mavens will favor the scrumptious offerings of Your Belly’s Deli at the intersection of Pleasant Street and North Street, and those with a preference for pizza will find a little slice of heaven at Ramunto’s Pizza on Main Street. For a delectably retro casual dining experience, stop by the historic Blue Benn Diner on North Street for a taste of mid-20th century nostalgia. The restaurant is housed in a unique metallic railcar-style frame that was designed by the Paterson