Bennington, VT

[megc]

I'll be up in Bennington starting this Saturday, to work at the Amherst Early Music Festival. I have never been to Vermont, and am really looking forward to it. Are there any good restaurants up there? Pubs? Farmer's markets? Any other places of note? Also, does anyone, on the off-chance, know about the quality of the food on campus? Will Bennington be a good introduction to Vermont for this California girl? Many thanks!

[liamdc]

You should definitely check out the Blue Benn Diner, a classic old-style diner. I've been away too long to recommend much else, unfortunately.

[kitwilliams]

I can second the Blue Benn recommendation (and I'm a California girl too). I remember having a delicious Indian Pudding there. Great breakfast too.

Only other thing I'd recommend there (having only spent a few hours there on two occasions) is to go to Bennington Potters. I'd recommend the section where they sell the seconds. It is very sturdy, heavy pottery (lovely too!) and they'll be happy to ship it home for you!

[sara]

Definitely go to Bennington Potters--really reasonable glassware too!

[Suzanne F]

Get on Route 9 and drive to Wilmington (halfway across the state); turn left at the light onto 100. Go past the entrance to Haystack on the left, past the large farmstand (I forget the name) on the right, and a little way past DeLar Depot (a gun store) to Le Petit Chef. This is one of the best restaurants ANYWHERE. (Just not on Tuesday; it's closed then.) PM me if you want the phone number.

[miahoyhoy]

What type of food are you looking for and how far will you travel from bennington?

30 minutes, 1 hour?

There's a new restaurant in manchester that is getting a good buzz called Grafitti's. Heard they are doing some cool stuff.

[coughy]

Manchester is not a far ride from Bennington. The Chanticleer is one of my favorite restaurants as is Mistral's at Toll Gate. They are both definitely worth checking out. For ribs - Laney's is the best. Manchester has some wonderful restaurants and good shopping too. The last time I was at the Bennington Potter's we had a lovely lunch in their restaurant. I love Vermont and we try to get there every year. Enjoy the beautiful mountains.