A weekend getaway plus the flavor of Vermont equals a winning combination. We were interested in a trip with limited car time which led us to Bennington, located in the southwest corner between the Taconic and Green Mountains. The drive from Connecticut was just slightly over two hours, through the Berkshire Mountains and Williamstown (home of Williams College) and the scenery certainly qualifies for a picture-postcard.

Attractions
Bennington is steeped in history dating back to the Revolutionary War. The famed Battle of Bennington took place in 1777, when local and mostly untrained Yankee militia defeated the superior British forces. The Bennington Battle Monument commemorates this victory and you can’t miss Vermont’s tallest structure at more than 306 feet. It is located on Monument Circle surrounded by many beautiful antique homes. From mid-April through October you can go up to the observation floor for 360-degree views. (802) 447-0550

Be sure to visit the Bennington Museum which has the largest collection of works by Grandma Moses. Bennington College, which counts actress Carol Channing and author Bret Easton Ellis as alumni, is nestled in the hills, and the five covered bridges in the area link the past with the present (there is even a Covered Bridge Museum). In nearby Shaftsbury, the Robert Frost Stone House Museum is a big attraction for poets and American literature buffs, and the kids will delight in Adams Family Farm in Wilmington, where Vermont country traditions such as agricultural activities, cooking, and crafts, are a delight for the whole family.

Food and Lodging
Pangaea, located in North Bennington, is a great find. There is a restaurant and a lounge in separate buildings but we ate at the Pangaea Lounge, a lot less pricey than the restaurant, and had a terrific meal in an old Vermont, yet new funky setting. The lounge was den-like—cozy and comfortable and the food was excellent. We’d go back anytime. (802) 442-7171.

We stayed at the Hampton Inn, located next to a shopping center. It may sound uneventful but before you jump to any conclusions, read on! When we first pulled into the parking lot, I must admit I was underwhelmed. With a Toyota dealer and Home Depot across the street and Chili’s next door, I kept scratching my head thinking, ‘Weren’t we supposed to be in Vermont?”

The Hampton Inn in Bennington had so many advantages beginning with the fact that it was brand new, spanking clean, and the service was perfect. The indoor pool and whirlpool, sauna and exercise facility were the right solution to less-than-great ski conditions due to limited snow and cold temperatures. The business center is ideal for the working traveler and the complimentary breakfast is a terrific set-up. In fact, many guests used the dining area for après-ski and brought in dinner (nearby pizza and Chinese take-out) and sat around the fireplaces eating with friends and family. It was casual, clean, family friendly and offered reasonable rates--a great weekend getaway and a welcome cure for the winter doldrums. (www.HamptonInnBennington.com)

What to Do
Perhaps the best benefit of the Hampton Inn, interestingly enough, was the location. With at least three nearby mountains, in the winter months guests could ski Stratton one day, Mount Snow the next, and Bromley, which are all within a 30-40 minute drive of Bennington. In the better weather, Bromley Mountain becomes the “Thrill Zone”, Vermont’s largest fun park complete with water slides. (www.bromley.com). Après thrill, shop ‘til you drop at the Manchester outlets—are just a six-mile shush down the road.

Fishing, camping and golf add to the complexion of southern Vermont. There are two major fishing areas—the Walloomsac River in Bennington and the internationally known Battenkill River, noted for excellent trout fishing, just fifteen miles north of town. Hike Long Trail which continues to the Appalachian Trail and set up your tents at Camping on the Battenkill, Greenwood Lodge Campsites, Pine Hollow Campground , or Wood ford State Park which is ten miles away. Golfers can tee off at the Mount Anthony Country Club, which is open to the public. It’s a hilly course, but very popular.