For forty-six years, the Quechee Balloon Festival has set the summer skies above the Quechee Village Green ablaze with color. This beloved Vermont tradition features balloon launches, tethered balloon rides, a twilight Balloon Glow, live music and entertainment, e-bike tours, sunrise yoga, and local handcrafts, food, and drink. QBF 2026 takes flight June 19–21. Learn more at quecheeballoonfestival.com
Read their article on page 6
President and Publisher
Jordan Brechenser jbrechenser@reformer.com
Editor
Ahmad Yassir ayassir@benningtonbanner.com
Designer
Cicely M. Eastman cicelyeastman@gmail.com
Windham County
Sales Manager
Lylah Wright lwright@reformer.com
Account Executives
Richard Lolatte rlolatte@reformer.com
Richard Battista rbattista@reformer.com
Bennington County
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Susan Plaisance splaisance@benningtonbanner.com
Account Executives
Michael Bednar mbednar@manchesterjournal.com
Vermont Country
Photo by Margaret Marion “Balloon Launch at Quechee Balloon Festival 2025.
A FATHER’S DAY TRADITION: QUECHEE BALLOON FESTIVAL READY
By Bob Audette, Vermont Country Magazine
Just after dawn in Quechee, when the river valley is still holding the last of the night’s cool air, the first balloon burners crack open with a sound like a giant exhaling. The village green — quiet for most of the year except for dog walkers and the occasional pickup game — becomes a small, temporary city of wicker baskets, nylon envelopes, coffee steam, and people craning their necks toward the sky.
Every Father’s Day weekend, the Quechee Balloon Festi‑ val transforms this patch of Upper Valley grass into one of Vermont’s most recognizable summer scenes. Now in its 46th year, the festival has become a ritual as familiar as the season itself: the early‑morning glow of propane, the slow rise of color over the treetops, the way strangers fall into easy conversation while waiting for the next launch.
“It’s more than just the balloons — but it’s definitely the balloons,” said Nathan Gardner, outreach coordinator for the Hartford Area Chamber of Commerce, watching crews unfurl fabric across the dew‑wet field. Over the years, he said, the festival has grown into something broader.
“An amusement, music, and craft festival,” he said. “It’s a lot.”
But the heart of it remains the same: people gathering to watch the sky change.
This year’s festival arrives with a quiet passing of the burn‑ er. After 22 years as Balloonmeister — and nearly 40 years as a pilot — Bill Whitten is stepping back. Whitten, who is settling into retirement in Florida, has
been one of the festival’s most recognizable figures.
“All the balloonists are looking for that beautiful place to get flying,” he said, remembering his early years in Quechee. “When I first started up there, there was only about 8 or 10 of them. Everything worked out that first time, I decided it was something to put on the agenda … that just became part of the routine that we had each year.”
What kept him coming back wasn’t just the flying though, it was the people.
“Basically, the people we ran into were so great,” he said. “I’m one of these southern boys, I’d been bal‑ looning about 15 years. We had good weather, they had everything cleared off, so everything was good.”
Over time, the festival grew into one of the North‑ east’s most respected ballooning events.
“It’s a very well‑respected event, and I think part of
that is the chamber, the way they came in and started operating it,” Whitten said. “To me, that made it one of the better events in the Northeast.”
When it came time to find someone to take over for him, Whitten chose his successor with care.
“Paul Cena is one of the most capable balloonists I’ve known.”
Cena will be in charge as balloons launch twice a day — 6 a.m. and 6 p.m. — though the schedule ultimately belongs to the wind.
“Our pilots want people to be safe, so if the winds are high, they don’t go off,” Gardner said.
Pilots come from across the continental U.S., some with inter‑ national experience, and they navigate Quechee’s patchwork of fields, river bends, and back roads with a mix of skill and improvi‑ sation.
“It’s wherever the wind takes them,” Gardner said.
Between launches, the green fills with the hum of a small fair: kids racing toward the bouncy castle, the smell of kettle corn drifting across the field, artisans setting out their wares, and musicians tuning up under the tent. VINS returns with its raptor program,
drawing crowds of children who lean in close to see the owls and hawks. Sunrise yoga has become a quiet favorite.
“6 a.m. yoga while you watch the balloons launch,” Gardner said, a moment of calm before the day’s bustle.
And then there’s the Balloon Glow, held Friday and Saturday at 8 p.m., when the field darkens and the balloons light up like lanterns. “It’s the thing I always think needs more attention,” Gardner said.
Pilots fire their burners in time with a custom soundtrack, guided by radio cues from the MC — a choreography of flame and color against the river‑ bank.
The festival occupies roughly half of the Quechee Green, with vendors, volunteers, and even some pilots camping on site. Hotels in the region “tend to sell out early, some people book the moment last year’s festi‑ val ends,” Gardner said.
This year, visitors should also expect traffic delays due to nearby bridge construction.
Still, the weekend has a way of feeling spacious. The river keeps its slow pace. The hills hold the sound of the burners. And when the balloons rise one by one, then all at once, the whole valley seems to lift with them.
Whether you come for the sunrise ascensions, the evening glow, or simply the excuse to spend a June weekend outdoors, the Quechee Balloon Festival remains one of Vermont’s most en‑ during rites of summer: a celebration of color, community, and the simple joy of watching something beautiful rise into the sky
For Whitten, the festival’s meaning lives in the relationships built along the way. He recalled a girl who began crewing for him when she was eight or nine.
“She would actually help us out,” he said. “And this year … she’s getting married, 31 years old, and asked us if we would please
come to the wedding. And I’m thinking this goes back 23 years.”
Moments like that, he said, were the heart of the festival.
Quechee Balloon Festival Returns for Year 46 | June 19–21, 2026 | Quechee Village Green, Quechee, VT
THE EVENT Three-day outdoor family festival featuring hot air balloon ascensions, live music and entertainment, local food and craft vendors, a bouncy castle, e-bike rides, and sunrise yoga. Free to attend for Windsor County school students; low-cost admission for all others. One of Vermont's longest-running summer traditions.
THE NUMBERS
• 46 years running (founded 1979; held every year except 2020)
• 10,000+ attendees in 2025
• ~200 passengers sent aloft last year
• 16+ licensed pilots in 2025
• ~80 volunteers power the event annually
ADMISSION
• Adult Weekend Ticket: $25
• Children 4–12: $5 | Under 4: Free
• Windsor County school students: Free (Dorothy Byrne Foundation)
• Balloon rides from $425; online raffle available
WHO RUNS IT Hartford Area Chamber of Commerce Executive Director: Havah Armstrong Walther
The Park-McCullough: Celebrating 160 Years of History, Community, and Connection with Free Admission for All
By Ahmad Yassir, Vermont Country Magazine
The Park McCullough in North Bennington has long been a jewel of Southern Vermont. The house, completed at the end of 1865 and now a museum open to the public, is one of New England’s most significant and best preserved Gilded Age mansions. Yet, as the organi‑ zation’s Museum Director, Polly Raine, and Director of Philanthropy, Mike Rice, explain, celebrating the 160th season at the Park McCullough is about past, present, and future.
“This year we’re opening the house to everyone, offering free admission for all,” Rice said. “We invite local resi‑ dents and visitors alike to come explore this special place, view new exhibits, and become a part of this cornerstone of Southern Vermont community life.” The museum will be open and free to visit from May 22 ‑ October 19, Friday Monday, 10:00 AM 4:00 PM.
A Collaboration Brings a New Exhibition and a Fresh Look at History
The 2026 season brings a new collaboration with Ben‑ nington College Professor Tilly Grimes and the students in two courses, in historical dress and exhibition design, offered during this spring semester. The students have been working onsite at the Park McCullough to research and archive 19th century garments from the museum’s collection, and a new exhibit designed in collaboration with the students and centered around the museum’s collection of handwork and stitched craft, will be on view throughout the 2026 season.
Digital Access and Interactive Experiences
2026 also marks a digital evolution for the Park Mc‑ Cullough. The museum is going virtual with a robust
presence on Bloomberg Connects, an app that offers audio tours and interactive content. “It’s great, because it offers both an enhanced experience when you’re visiting the house and grounds, with stories and audio recordings detailing specific rooms, artifacts, and outdoor features, and it also makes it possible to interact with the house, grounds, and collections virtually from anywhere,” Raine said.
A Unique Setting for Private Events
The Park McCullough continues to serve as a unique setting for weddings, memorials, anniversaries, corpo‑ rate events, and other gatherings, with both indoor and outdoor spaces available. “It’s meaningful for people to celebrate these moments in a place steeped in history and beauty,” Raine notes. Spaces available for private events include the mansion and its expansive veranda, formal gardens, serene grounds, and historic carriage barn which has been thoughtfully updated to include a modern catering kitchen, restrooms, heat, and air condi‑ tioning.
The Front Porch for the Community
For decades, the Park‑McCullough has been a gathering place, but this year the mansion is truly embracing this identity as the “Front Porch for the Community.” The effort formalizes initiatives like the Community Archives, which collects memories, photographs, stories, and doc‑ uments from locals with ties to the property.
“We’re trying to capture experiences, whether it’s from neighbors, descendants, people who worked the land, or folks who have attended events here, and then share them back with the community to ensure the stories we tell capture as many perspectives as possible,” Raine said.
Provided photo
The Park-McCullough mansion and carriage barn.
Provided photos Above, Visitors get an inside tour. Below, the crowd on Park-McCullough's front lawn enjoys a performance of 'As You Like It'.
The Park McCullough supports and invites the community to engage with the house and grounds in many ways. From the croquet league and yoga classes on the lawn during the summer, to the lineup of concerts, theater performances, and readings hosted in collaboration with community part‑ ners, there is always something happening at the Park Mc‑ Cullough.
Making History Relevant
For Raine and Rice, the 160th season is a balancing act: honoring the rich past of this special place while making it relevant for the present, and sustainable for the future. “We’re constantly thinking about how to connect people to this space,” Rice said. “Through free admission, digital con‑ tent, new exhibitions, inclusive storytelling, and community partnerships, we hope the Park McCullough continues to feel alive, not just as a relic of the past but as an integral part of our Southern Vermont community.”
Raine adds, “Our programming is designed to bring people together, whether it’s through history, theater, art, nature, a celebratory gathering or a peaceful walk on the grounds. This is a living place, an incredible opportunity for visitors to learn about the history of our region, and a part of the community fabric. 2026 is about celebrating all of that.”
Visitors can experience the mansion in person at 1 Park St., North Bennington, VT, or explore upcoming programming and events online at www.parkmccullough.org.
The Park McCullough is a museum open to all at no charge, a classroom, a community front porch, a virtual portal, and a gathering place, welcoming everyone to share in 160 years of history, community, and connection.
Park McCullough
Historic Governor’s Mansion
1 Park Street North Bennington, Vermont info@parkmccullough.org 802-442-5441 parkmccullough.org
special exhibits music . art . theater recreation . workshops social gatherings private events
museum tours
Fridays - Mondays May 22 - October 19, 2026
FREE ADMISSION FOR THE 2026 SEASON!
grounds & gardens visit year-round, dawn to dusk
The Gift Garden Marks 50 Years of Flowers, Gifts, and Community in Bennington
By Anne Archer Vermont Country correspondent
Businesses can change a lot in 50 years, but for The Gift Garden in Bennington, after surviving five de‑ cades and a pandemic, it is still going strong. Three things have remained constant: sensational service, quality product, and community support.
The Gift Garden, formerly known as Flower’s by Lorna, owned by Lorna Cole, was established on February 9, 1976, by, at the time, Bette Marcotte, later known as Bettte Gershaneck. Located in the former Winslow building at 343 West Main Street in the Historic Hotel Putnam Block, The Gift Garden made its home there for 40 years as downtown Ben‑ nington’s full service florist.
Starting at The Gift Garden in 1989 and working for Bette for 27 years, Beth gained a great deal of knowl‑ edge and experience in the floral industry, from designing and pur‑ chasing products to marketing the product and gift lines. Beth’s hus‑ band, Dwain, also worked for Bette, doing daily deliveries and processing cut flowers and plants when received.
In January of 2015, the Wilwols pur‑ chased The Gift Garden from Bette and remained at the 343 Main Street location for a year. At that time, the Putnam Redevelopment project was going to begin. The Wilwols searched for a new home for The Gift Garden and, with much luck, found its present home at 431 Main Street, just seven doors away from its
original home.
“When we first looked at the space, we thought, wow, this place is huge, with 900 more square feet of retail space than the original location, but it really didn’t take long to fill it,” Beth said. “We expanded our flower line, plant line, and gift line.”
The Gift Garden has an extensive fresh floral line, with deliveries available every day of the week except Sundays. Fresh flowers are the number one seller of any item in the store. We purchase fresh prod‑ ucts from local Vermont farms when available, and we also buy from farms all over the world, including Canada, Holland, California, Florida, and South America, to name a few.
Learning from a mixture of school‑ ing, design, reading, and hands on experience, the Wilwols create festive and lush floral arrangements with an extensive variety of florals for every occasion.
By listening to their customers’ wish‑ es, Beth and Dwain are able to add personal touches like an heirloom vase, a special ribbon, or a mylar bal‑ loon, or some trinket that may have been handed down for generations, each piece creating beauty, elegance, and meaning.
Delivery is always available. We de‑ liver as far north as Manchester, west as Wilmington, east as Raymertown, NY, and south as Williamstown, MA, but to get the full experience of The Gift Garden, you must stop in and take a look around—you don’t know what you are missing.
Inside, customers are greeted by a bouquet of fragrance. There is a re‑ freshing scent around every corner.
The Gift Garden has an extensive line of gifts, from soaps and lotions, soft plush animals, children’s cloth‑ ing, plants, home decor, and locally handmade chocolates from The Village Chocolate Shoppe, to gifts for new homeowners, birthdays, and baby and bridal showers in all shapes and sizes, all at a reasonable price point.
While the husband and wife team work long hours at the store design‑ ing floral arrangements, delivering flowers, purchasing products, and
merchandising the inventory, they always find time to give back to the Bennington community.
The Wilwols have participated in Wreaths Across America, delivering over 100 wreaths for veterans’ graves at Saratoga National Cemetery.
Every November, the Wilwols hold a Thanksgiving Cash and Carry fund‑ raiser where a portion of The Gift Garden sales are donated to a local nonprofit. Past recipients include School of Sacred Heart Saint Francis de Sales, Bennington Cancer Center Community Crusaders, The Fallen Outdoors Team Vermont, and Ver‑ mont Paws & Boots, to name a few.
We have also partnered with South‑ western Vermont Medical Center and donated to the expansion of the cancer center.
During the past 50 years, The Gift Garden has seen many changes, but the floral and gift shop has remained committed to quality service and community, and will continue to do so for many years to come.
The Gift Garden
431 Main Street, Bennington, VT (802) 447-7222
Mon–Fri 9AM–5PM, Sat 9AM–2PM www.thegiftgardenvt.com
For Christmas year-round, take a short walk down the street to visit The Gift Garden’s sister store, The Gift Garden’s Holiday Cottage. The gift boutique keeps Christmas alive during every season while embracing the holiday of the moment. Valentine’s Day, Easter, Fourth of July, Halloween, whatever the occasion, The Gift Garden’s Holiday Cottage knows how to decorate and celebrate.
The Gift Garden’s Holiday Cottage
101 South Street, Bennington, VT 05201
Thurs & Mon 11AM–4PM, Fri–Sat 11AM–5PM, Sun 12–4PM
Courtesy of Southwestern Vermont Chamber of Commerce and Lorianna Weathers Photography Outdoor dining in Bennington’s walkable downtown at 421 Craft Bar & Kitchen.
Sungrown Values, Vermont Roots: How Sunset Lake Cannabis Brings Affordable, Regenerative Cannabis to Vermont
By Bob Audette, Vermont Country Magazine
In a crowded and fast-evolving cannabis marketplace, it’s not always easy for consumers to know where their products come from — or what values guide the people who grow them.
That’s one reason many shoppers are turning toward farmer-owned, Vermont-grown cannabis brands like Sunset Lake Cannabis, a Champlain Islands cultivator whose sungrown approach is reshaping expectations of quality, sustainability, and affordability.
Sunset Lake Cannabis began not as a cannabis company, but as a dairy farm.
Sunset Lake Farm, based in South Hero and Alburgh, has supplied milk
their
Photos Courtesy Sunset Lake Cannabis The field is healthy and alive at the Sunset Lake farm thanks to
regenerative farming practices.
DRINK & DINE
In late spring, the team at Sunset Lake transplants small cannabis plants which were started from seed in their greenhouses.
Hella Jelly BTV Blunt.jpg: The team at Sunset Lake prefers to use hemp wrappers for their BTV Blunts prerolled joints. These thicker wrappers offer a slower burning joint, similar to a cigar but without the tobacco.
Sam Bellavance
and cream to Ben & Jerry’s for years and is a long-standing member of the Caring Dairy program.
After Vermont legalized hemp in 2018, the farm diversified into CBD production. And when adult-use cannabis became legal in 2021, the same team of farmers launched Sunset Lake Cannabis with a clear mission: grow premium cannabis outdoors, under the Vermont sun, using regenerative practices that protect the land for future generations.
“We grow our plants outdoors under the Vermont sun,” says Sam Bellavance, founder and CEO. “Using natural light reduces our need for costly artificial lighting. Growing indoors under lights is costly to the environment and it increases the end cost for consumers.”
That commitment to sustainability is more than a talking point.
Sunset Lake’s cultivation relies on living soil, cover cropping, crop rotation, and Integrated Pest Management, using beneficial insects instead of chemical pesticides.
The farm partners with a local dairy and a nearby craft brewery to fertilize fields with nutrient-rich manure and spent brewing ingredients, reducing the need for trucked-in fertilizers.
At the end of 2025, the farm earned Sun + Earth Certification, a rigorous standard recognizing regenerative, organic-equivalent cultivation practices.
“We’re not just focused on our plants; we also care a lot about ensuring the sustainability of our local communities,” says Rev Baker,
Director of Marketing. “That's why we support local and national groups like the Vermont Foodbank, the Last Prisoner Project, and Vermont Public.”
For consumers, the benefits of sungrown cannabis go beyond sustainability. Outdoor cultivation produces what winemakers call terroir, or a sense of place shaped by climate, soil, and sun. The Champlain Islands’ unique microclimate gives Sunset Lake’s flower a chemical profile that can’t be replicated indoors.
Research has shown that sungrown cannabis contains a broader range of cannabinoids and terpenes than indoor-grown flower, resulting in richer aromas, fuller flavors, and more robust effects thanks to the “entourage effect.”
Baker says the stigma around outdoor cannabis is outdated.
“There’s still some consumer prejudice against outdoor cannabis that is a hangover from when most illicit outdoor weed came pressed into bricks and was poorly treated. But modern outdoor cannabis really sings the song of where it was grown.”
Sunset Lake’s vertically integrated model, cultivating, harvesting, and manufacturing its own products, also keeps prices accessible.
Their lineup include hand-trimmed flower, pre-ground flower, prerolls, vape cartridges, gummies, drinks, tinctures, topicals, and a line of high-potency products for registered medical cannabis patients.
The company’s retail presence,
Company Contact Info
Website: sunsetlakecannabis.com
Social Media Links: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sunsetlakevermont/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sunsetlakevermont
Lake Effect Vermont, in South Hero, showcases not only Sunset Lake Cannabis and Sunset Lake CBD products but also offerings from other small Vermont cultivators.
The store regularly hosts “Meet the Maker” events and highlights local collaborations, such as High Branch Sparkling Cannabis Cider made with apples from Hackett’s Orchard just down the road.
“High Branch Cider is unique because it's born out of collaboration between two neighboring farms which embody the past, present, and future of Vermont agriculture,” Bellavance says. “We want to weave cannabis into our existing notions of what it means to be a Vermont farm.”
For Vermonters, Sunset Lake Cannabis offers something increasingly rare: a direct connection to the people who grow their products.
“It’s deeply rewarding to talk with customers and learn how our products are improving their lives,” Bellavance says. “It’s an honor and privilege to see how our work here on the farm is having a positive impact on so many people.
Cannabis has not been analyzed or approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). For use by individuals 21 years of age and older or registered qualifying patient only. KEEP THIS PRODUCT AWAY FROM CHILDREN AND PETS. DO NOT USE IF PREGNANT OR BREASTFEEDING.
Possession or use of cannabis may carry significant legal penalties in some jurisdictions and under federal law. It may not be transported outside of the state of Vermont. The effects of
edible cannabis may be delayed by two hours or more. Cannabis may be habit forming and can impair concentration, coordination,and judgment. Persons 25 years and younger may be more likely to experience harm to the developing brain.
It is against the law to drive or operate machinery when under the influence of this product. National Poison Control Center 1-800-222-1222.
The golden hour at the Sunset Lake farm is truly glorious.
From Here to There –Elm Street Market secures a place on the map
By Danielle M. Crosier Vermont Country Magazine
BENNINGTON — Outside, the early spring weather of Southern Vermont is blustery and dreary. Dark clouds have been rolling across the Green Mountain Valley for most of the day –dropping occasional moisture in fits and starts. The sky sputters.
The fickle wind whips and cracks the flags of Bennington's Elm Street Market (ESM), and then goes still. The sun peeks out – and then it is gone once again.
The dim of chatter and laughter fills the air as the door to the ESM opens and a customer exits. He grins as he descends the steps to the sidewalk and rounds the exterior corner. Tucked and cra‑ dled in the crook of one arm is his coveted prize – an ESM deli sandwich. In his hand is a drink. In the other, his car keys and a bag of chips.
The door opens and closes, as another group exits and someone enters. Rain spatters against the large windows of the establishment.
Inside, ESM employee, Jon Taylor, sand‑ wich maker extraordinaire, is giving someone a rundown of the menu.
"He is one of the rare folks who can do every‑ thing here at the Elm Street Market. He's a baris‑ ta, a sandwich maker, and – well, sometimes you're lucky enough to have one of those valu‑ able employees that can do everything. That's
Danielle M. Crosier, Vermont Country "Good food equals good mood," reads the sign outside of Elm Street Market in Bennington and, as owner Ted Cutsumpas likes to say, "We like to stick to what we're good at."
him," explains Elm Street Market owner Ted Cutsumpas, nodding over.
Pausing to take a phone order, hand hovering above the touch screen, Cutsumpas glances up to welcome a customer with a chin tilt and a grin. Elm Street Market is a welcome oasis – and it represents all that the Town of Bennington has to offer.
It is historic. It is iconic. It is quirky, and its staff is hard working. It is stocked with a diverse assortment of Vermont produced products and eclectic gourmet items from every‑ where else. And, it is comfortable.
And for Cutsumpas, ESM is repre‑ sentative of the beating heart of the community.
"We're the Number One Deli in Reader's Choice for 11 years straight," Cutsumpas said, grinning and spread‑ ing his arms out widely. That is a pret‑ ty incredible feat, considering that ESM has only been in business for a total of 15 years.
But Cutsumpas has been modest –ESM has actually been Bennington's Reader's Choice Number One Deli for 12 out of those 15 years. "Not consecutively for that twelfth year, though" Cutsumpas points out hum‑ bly, and laughs.
As many who live in Bennington are, Cutsumpas is a transplant.
"I'm from Danbury, Connecticut, and I married a gal from Bennington –my super talented and beautiful wife Alicia Holden – which brought me here," informs Cutsumpas. "At first, my skills didn't apply here, so I had to find a new niche. I have good custom‑ er service skills and I'm good talking to people and welcoming them. What I didn't have was food skills, so I hired people who knew those things and I bought this building."
"When Elm Street Market first opened, I tried to be more market than deli, but we quickly evolved into being known for our sandwiches – so we pivoted almost entirely to that," explains Cutsumpas. "I mean, we still have market stuff, but people aren't coming here to fill up their refrigerator. They're coming here for lunch and, if they need a bottle of wine or a pre prep dinner for the evening, there it is – or some beer, or some milk, or maybe bacon for the morning."
"And, that's the story," says Cutsump‑ as, smiling. "A little bit of everything."
The deli menu is just as diverse. When asked which freshly made deli item is his favorite, Cutsumpas throws back his head and laughs, "Well – I made them all up, so they're all my favorites!"
The names of the menu items are a nod to a life well lived, descriptive of their intense flavor, and reflective of Cutsumpas's deep understanding of community – they're literally all talking points.
There's the "Mayor Mark," a former employer of Cutsumpas. The "Mayor Mark" offers a nostalgic nod to a longtime former mayor of Danbury Connecticut, with turkey, bacon, lac‑ ey Swiss, smashed avocado, lettuce, tomato, and mayo on toasted white.
"I was a political science major," explains Cutsumpas of his past. "I ran for City Council in Danbury Con‑ necticut, and won. I got to know the mayor and, based on his experience with me on the City Council, he said, 'Ted, come and work for me.' I went and worked for him, and we became friends. Before I left – he wasn't happy that I was leaving – so, before I left, I told him that I'd name a sandwich after him. And, that's it."
There are other nods to references from Cutsumpas's time in Connecti‑ cut, as well, like the "Wild Bill" –named after a favorite uncle – with Buffalo chicken, French fried onions, shredded lettuce, jalapeno pepper sauce, and bleu cheese dressing.
Cutsumpas's uncle, Bill Ratchford, was a Danbury native who served six terms in the Connecticut State Legis‑ lature and three terms in the United States Congress. The reason that he was called "Wild Bill," explains Cutsumpas with a grin, "was because he was the opposite – he was calm and reserved, and just a great person."
There are nods to Bennington's historic past, as well, with the "Monumental," a reference to the Bennington Monument, with roast beef, deluxe ham, green peppers, red onions, lettuce, tomato, deli dressing, and pickle chips.
And, then there's the "Farmer Nick," a chickpea salad with mixed greens and tomato on toasted multigrain; the "Mapleicious," with maple honey ham, maple honey turkey, Vermont cheddar, apples, baby spinach, and maple sriracha mayo on a brioche roll; the "Catamount Melt," with chunk light tuna and mayo, Vermont
A wide selection of wines, ciders, other beverages and snacks, as well as prepared meals, makes the Elm Street Market a one-stop after work shop for those on the run.
Nearly 85% of the sales at Elm Street Market are deli related, as folks grab sandwiches, chips, and drinks for breakfast and lunch.
A crew member carrying sandwiches.
DRINK & DINE
Elm Street Market
Our charcuterie platter.
Danielle M. Crosier, Vermont Country
Danielle M. Crosier – Vermont Country
Elm Street Market
DRINK & DINE
cheddar, and kalamata olives on multigrain; and the "Mount Antonio," with fresh mozzarella, tomato, fresh basil, and balsamic vinaigrette on multigrain.
And then, just because, there's a cross‑ over between Danbury Connecticut and Bennington Vermont – the "Ethan Allen."
"The Ethan Allen is a sort of duel sand‑ wich," laughs Cutsumpas, "because Ethan Allen, of course, with the Green Mountain Boys here in Bennington. But also, Ethan Allen Furniture head‑ quarters are in Danbury."
The "Ethan Allen" is mysterious for other reasons, customers claim, with a curry chicken breast sandwich with chevre goat cheese, baby spinach, and mayo all bundled up in a wrap.
"People will say, 'Oh, where did you come up with that?' I say, 'That was his favorite sandwich,'" laughs Cutsumpas. "Not true. I have no idea." He shrugs, grinning.
And, for those interested in even "more quirky," ESM totally has it. A grilled peanut butter sandwich? Of course they've got it, with the "Forever Young" – peanut butter, Nutella, and Granny Smith apples, grilled between slices of multigrain. The "Mad Hatter?" Sure – similar to a traditional BLT, but on a pretzel roll. A "Southshire Shrimp?" Yup. You can expect whole shrimp tossed in cajun spiced olive oil, with chipotle aioli and lettuce on a pretzel roll – a bit of the Southern United States in the Southshire of Vermont. And, of course, the "People's Choice,"
where if you can dream it, they can build it.
All of this is in addition to the tra‑ ditional menu items like breakfast sandwiches and wraps, avocado toast, various salads and soups, the "ESM RB," the "Classic Reuben," the "Deluxe Italian," and the "Ultimate Grilled Ham and Cheese."
The whimsy extends well beyond the menu – silly stickers, framed quilled art work on the walls, etched drinking glasses and tumblers that only look like they are made of glass, a full espresso and coffee bar, a selection of themed clothing and souvenirs, and a variety of inviting and well marketed market goods.
"I like to have a lot of stuff that's unique," Cutsumpas said, waving a hand toward the market portion of the business. "Like, I have these Reisman's bakery items shipped up – they're a well known bakery in Brooklyn. We're a little eclectic, and try to have stuff that's different."
Cutsumpas clarifies, "We're mostly a deli. People order their sandwiches and get a drink and a bag of chips, and that's a good portion of what our sales are. And, we do a great amount of catering for many of the larger companies in the area like the hospital. We get a lot of tourists, as well, with the bus companies that come in for the [Bennington] Museum and the [Bennington] Monument, and we do deli platters and sandwich platters for catering."
"We're pretty well established," he adds, "and we like to stick to what we're
good at. We have good product. We have good service. And, we want to be good productive members of this community because if this community is a success, we are a success."
The last of the customers are leaving the establishment for the day, and Cut‑ sumpas takes a moment to confer with and thank his crew.
"You guys rock," Cutsumpas acknowl‑ edges, stepping through the daily procedurals. All have been completed. The shelves and coolers are stocked. The deli and kitchen and coffee areas are spotless and gleaming. Staffing and upcoming specials for the week have been discussed. "You guys are awe‑ some," Cutsumpas adds, bidding them farewell. "It was another busy day, thank you."
Suddenly, the interior of the market is sadly empty. And, just as suddenly, it is lit with brilliant light, as the elusive af‑ ternoon sun winks through the cloudy spring sky.
Looking around the interior of the market, to the racks of locally sourced wine and ciders; cold beverages in the coolers; artfully crafted grab and go prepared meals; a table of maple themed food goods; and a fresh stock of cheeses, meats, vegetables, dairy products, and more, the overall theme seems to be Vermont, and then –boom – everything else.
Cutsumpas ambles out the door of the ESM, and around the corner to what could perhaps be the business's most notorious feature – and what has become a true local landmark – the "From Here to There Mural."
Elm Street Market
Family eating at picnic table.
"Bennington is so fortunate. We're right at that crossroads – right next to Massachusetts, right next to New York. And, we get a lot of travelers," explains Cutsumpas, looking up at the com‑ pass themed destination mural.
"When I was younger, my folks used to take the family and vaca‑ tion on Nantucket – and on Nantucket is this compass rose mural with all these places, and I would always look at it and just be in wonder about these very cool places – Bermuda, Cape Town, Moscow – and the distance they were from Nantucket," explains Cutsumpas, adding that he was walking by the side of the Elm Street Market building one day and he just new what it needed. "I had this big unappealing blank wall, and it popped into my head. I didn't copy this, but I emulated it with love because it had always brought joy to me – and I know it brings joy to people that visit Nantucket. I wanted something similar for Bennington."
Cutsumpas takes a step back and examines the "From Here to There Mural," designed by his wife Alicia Holden, with its Ben‑ nington Monument, Bennington Flag, and the Vermont motto, "Freedom and Unity" at the center of it.
"People come in and ask about it all the time. I'll tell that story, and people love looking at it. And I love when I see people taking pictures with it," he says, "And, I love Bennington – one, because I live here and I chose to live here and I've raised my kids here; two, it's historic; and three, it's beautiful."
"We have great leaders, an amazing newspaper, a lot of small businesses, the museum, the monument, the hospital – we have so many things going for us," Cutsumpas moved his hand to indicate the center of the "From Here to There Mural," with Bennington Vermont at its beating heart and with the worldly destinations radiating out from its center.
"Why live anywhere else?"
DRINK & DINE
Bennington’s Outdoor Farmers Market Returns
DRINK & DINE
By Anne Archer, Vermont Country correspondent
Regardless of weather, May is springtime in Vermont and that means local farmers markets are moving from inside to outside.
On May 2, Bennington Community Market hosts its first al fresco Bennington Community Farmers Market of the season.
Every Saturday until October, local and regional agricultural producers, food producers, and artisans gather in front of the Bennington Community Market to celebrate their bounty while local bands and musicians entertain the crowd with music ranging from country to ‘70s classics.
In May, shoppers can find local fresh produce grown by an astounding number of dedicated, community focused farmers in the area. Items to look for include asparagus, microgreens, radishes, rhubarb, scallions, spinach, last season’s apples and parsnips, and farm fresh eggs.
June brings a continuation of May crops along with new tasty treats like strawberries, chard, peas, and lettuces.
For vendors unable to join the festivities, Bennington Com‑ munity Market staff come to them, collecting local vegetables and selling them at the Farmers Market. It’s a great way to promote more farms and to bring in more items for shoppers like fresh cut flowers, pickled vegetables, and local honey.
The Market’s atmosphere is inclusive and welcoming – every‑ one from musicians, storytellers, and comedians are invited to participate in “Wide Open Mic” hosted by Patty Keough –and there’s always a delicious meal sizzling on the grill.
Favorite grill specials include Middle Eastern Kababs, Jamai‑ can Chicken with mango salsa, Georgian shashlik with fresh herbs and pomegranates, American fare favorites like hot dogs and hamburgers, all washed down with fresh squeezed lemonade.
“We use local produce for specials, whatever’s coming in, whatever is on hand will show up on that grill,” said Natasha Garder Littrell, Bennington Community Market’s general manager.
Homemade sandwiches, soups, salads, specials, and breakfasts (served all day) are available in the Market during Saturday Farmers Markets and throughout the week. Many items on the menu come from Bennington’s Crazy Russian Girls Bak‑ ery recipes, like the Banh Mi with house roasted lemongrass chicken or lemongrass tempeh.
To keep meals reasonably priced, ingredients are a combina‑ tion of locally sourced items and quality items purchased from the Market’s regular vendor.
“We’re always looking for a way to highlight a local farm using their meats, eggs, produce, dairy and try to incorporate that
into the menu,” Garder Littrell said.
“When we have the beautiful slicing tomatoes from True Love Farm, we do an old fashioned tomato sandwich,” Garder Littrell said. “When we can get kale from Mighty Food Farm, we use that. And when we can get The Sole Connection Farm beauti‑ ful mushrooms, we make a mushroom dish with regular white mushrooms mixed in with some of the farms amazing, gorgeous mushrooms.”
Bennington Community Farmers Market is a market with a conscious, participating in Vermont's Farm to Family Program and Crop Cash and Crop Cash Plus Programs administered by Northeast Organic Farming Association of Vermont (NO‑ FA V T). These programs help provide fresh, locally sourced food to all Vermonters.
In October, the Farmers Market will move inside the Bennington Community Market when it is held every other Saturday until the much anticipated April showers will bring us May flowers once again.
Bennington Community Market
Located at 239 Main Street, Bennington Phone (802) 474 2051
Outdoor Farmer’s Market May to October every Saturday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Store hours: Monday through Saturday, 8 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Sundays from 8 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Deli Counter open every day from 8 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.
Online ordering and DoorDash delivery available.
DRINK & DINE
DRINK & DINE
Inside the Vermont Country Deli’s 40 ‑Year Tradition
The Vermont Country Deli opened its doors in 1986 in an old general store on Route 9 in Brattleboro, Vermont. Much care was taken to preserve the old country store post and beam appearance of the hundred plus year old building through its 40 years of business.
Get ready for the welcoming smell of simmering garlic, the warmth of chocolate baking and a visual feast for your eyes. Make sure to bring your appetite, because our gourmet to go marketplace offers an amazing array of prepared foods, over‑ stuffed sandwiches, decadent scratch made desserts, VT beer, wine and cider and so much more. While the Mac & Cheese is still the customer favorite, the deli provides a daily selection of fresh soups, salads and side dishes. Don’t forget to browse through our impressive display of Vermont products, featuring
the best in our region.
The Vermont Country Deli provides a quick stop for all your culinary needs; from breakfast sandwiches and local coffee on your way to work, to a hearty lunch stop on road trip or even a prepared dinner to‑go when you don’t have time to cook. Ca‑ tering services are also available for office luncheons, summer BBQs, weddings and everything in between. With so much to choose from there is a little something special for everyone.
After 40 years of business, the Vermont Country Deli contin‑ ues to be locally owned and operated with a commitment to the Brattleboro community.
Open 8am 6pm, 7 days. Just off Exit 2 on I91 in Brattleboro. 802 257 9254. www.vermontcountrydeli.com.
By Chris Mays
Four Columns Inn provides comfort, charm
Vermont Country Magazine
A long tradition of hospitality and legacy of welcoming every guest like family continues at Four Columns Inn. The inn originally opened in 1969 and the current owners since 2024 maintain that same ethos.
"We strive to create a welcoming, memorable experience where guests feel at home from the moment they arrive," said Denise Downing Foley, general manag‑ er. "Many become like extended family, returning again and again to enjoy both the inn and tavern."
Four Columns Inn enjoys high ratings on Google, Booking.com and Expedia. Nestled at the foot of a beautiful mountain and quiet stream, the inn offers a peaceful escape into the Green Moun‑ tain State.
Many guests say the property feels like a Hallmark movie set or that a walk around the center of Newfane feels like Stars Hollow from the popular tv series "Gilmore Girls." Built in the 19th century, the building's architectural beauty remains much intact.
“One of the best examples of a temple front Greek Revival house in the state of Vermont is the Four Columns Inn, for‑ merly the Kimball Benedict House, in Newfane," buildingsof‑ newengland.com states. "The house was constructed in 1832 for General Pardon T. Kimball (1797 1873), a cattle broker, general of the state militia and later, a state senator. Kimball made a name for himself locally as he donated much of his money to social causes, from a local almshouse to other chari‑ table organizations. Kimball died in 1873 after falling from his carriage."
Located behind the Windham County Courthouse, the website states, "the building's four iconic Greek columns echo those of the famous building across the way. Above the col‑ umns and behind a balustrade is the balcony which was once a flower conservatory."
From 1965 1969, the house and accompanying barn on the property were converted to an inn.
"Since that time," the website states, "it has been known as the Four Columns Inn, so named in honor of the four monumen‑ tal Ionic columns that dominate the house’s facade and tie it to the courthouse across the way.”
Now, the inn and tavern are best known for casual dining, events and lodging. And the charm and history of the center of Newfane is a must see for any New England Traveler.
"Our grounds are beautifully maintained," Downing‑Foley said. "Strolling on the premises down by the stream is serenity."
Guests can enjoy dinner and drinks on the courtyard and deck. The lobby has com fortable seating by the fireplace.
Being about 25 miles from Mount Snow and 35 miles from Stratton Mountain Re sort, the inn is perfect for skiers. Swimming holes, shopping and farms also are nearby.
1832 Tavern seats 80 patrons and features a fireplace. The pub seats 40 patrons and has three big TV screens.
All of the rooms are uniquely decorated with their own quintessential Vermont country charm, with a majority of the rooms featuring a fireplace and a luxury bathroom. Each room has its own char acter and is named after past celebrities who have visited the grounds since its start in 1832.
For staff, guest experience is the highest priority.
"We pride ourselves on a cozy home like atmosphere at the inn and restaurant that feels inviting," Downing Foley said. "From the moment you arrive, our team thoughtfully attends every detail, ensuring you feel comfortable, valued and in spired to return."
As a Massachusetts native working in Vermont, Downing Fo ley said she's "proud to work with our dedicated and talented Vermont employees to create a family like atmosphere."
"Our innkeepers, assistant managers and entire team work together to create a warm, welcoming environment for every guest," she said. "Our chef and culinary team enhance the stay with seasonal, thoughtfully prepared menus for both everyday and dining events."
1832 Tavern is open seven nights a week from 5 to 9 p.m., with live music on weekends. The bar is open until 10 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays.
The Four Columns Inn is open year round for guest stays. Check in begins at 3 p.m. and checkout is 11 a.m. Front desk operates daily from 7:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. unless a late check in is specified.
For more information, visit fourcolumnsinnvt.com, email info@fourcolumnsinnvt.com or call 802 365 7713. Four Columns can also be found on Facebook and Instagram.
DRINK & DINE
Best Places to Stay A Nordic Escape at
By Ahmad Yassir, Vermont Country Magazine
There are places to stay in Southern Vermont, and then there are places that become part of the jour‑ ney itself.
Tucked into 1,500 acres of forested land in the quiet hills of Guilford, just a short drive from the restau‑ rants, galleries and creative energy of Brattleboro, Viking Villages Resort offers something wholly unexpected in Vermont: a Nordic inspired retreat that feels like stepping into another era.
With six rustic cabins and a grand event hall nes‑ tled among the trees, the resort is a thoughtful throwback to the age of Vikings and Norsemen, a place where history, imagination and the natural landscape come together in a way that feels both immersive and surprisingly peaceful.
A Stay Rooted in Story
The concept draws inspiration from Viking histo‑ ry in North America and the enduring mystery of how far south Norse explorers may have traveled.
A millennium ago, Vikings are believed to have crossed the Atlantic, briefly settling at L'Anse aux Meadows in Newfoundland. Sagas also reference Vinland, the fabled “wine land”, whose exact loca‑ tion remains one of history’s great mysteries.
Here in Guilford, surrounded by Vermont’s rolling forests and mountain air, that story becomes part of the experience.
Guests are invited to ponder those ancient jour‑ neys while settling into cozy, thatched roof cabins
that evoke the romance of Norse legend.
Rustic Charm, Modern Comfort
Each cabin offers approximately 650 square feet of thoughtfully designed space, finished in sustainably harvested wood with polished wood floors, warm area rugs and handcrafted details that reinforce the theme without sacrificing comfort.
Inside, guests will find a downstairs queen bedroom, a seating area, a kitchenette with stove and refrigerator, and an upstairs loft with two twin beds, ideal for cou‑ ples, families or small groups looking for a memorable stay.
in Southern Vermont: Viking Villages Resort PLACES TO STAY
Though the setting feels wonderfully secluded, the amenities are modern and practical: central heat and air, Wi Fi for streaming and calling, on site parking and a short walk from cabin to car.
The surrounding landscape adds to the sense of retreat, with forest sounds, open land and the quiet presence of nature all around.
What Guests Are Saying
What makes Viking Villages especially compelling is how consistently visitors describe it as unlike anywhere else.
One recent guest shared:
“Amazing place! We were just sad we could only stay 1 night. The grounds were beautiful, the sheep were adorable, the bed was comfortable... did I mention it's also a viking lodge that looks like it's straight out of the movies? You will not find any‑ where else like this, highly recommend if you want somewhere unique to stay. The town of Guilford was very nice too.”
Another wrote:
“The Vikings Village was an absolute delight! The cottage we stayed in was lovely, family friendly but with high end finishes and incredible attention to detail, with hand made carved decorations on the buildings in line with the theme. The cottage had a well equipped kitchen, and very modern bathroom. It was such a refreshing change from chain and commercial hotels.
The location is very pretty, set in a wooded area, with the sound of a brook babbling through the forest. Overall, this is a highly recommended place to stay and we were very pleased to have found it!”
That sentiment, a refreshing alternative to chain ho‑ tels, may be what makes this property such a standout in Southern Vermont.
A Stay Worth the Detour
For travelers seeking something memorable, atmo‑ spheric and rooted in place, Viking Villages Resort offers more than lodging.
It offers story, setting and a sense of discovery.
Whether you are planning a Brattleboro arts week‑ end, a foliage escape, or simply looking for one of the most unique places to stay in Vermont, this woodland village delivers a stay that feels worlds away, while remaining unmistakably Southern Vermont.
ArtisanCuisine
Best Places to Stay in Southern Vermont: The Reluctant Panther
Inn & Restaurant
The Reluctant Panther Inn & Restaurant is widely consid‑ ered one of the best places to stay in Manchester, Vermont, because it perfectly blends lux‑ ury, charm, and an authentic Vermont experience. Nestled in the heart of Manchester Vil‑ lage, this boutique inn offers an intimate escape with just 20 thoughtfully designed rooms and suites, creating a peace‑ ful, personalized atmosphere that larger hotels simply can’t replicate.
Each accommodation is carefully curated with elegant details like marble bathrooms, cozy fireplaces, and plush linens, striking a balance between classic New England style and modern comfort. Guests often highlight the sense of warmth and relaxation the rooms provide, making it an ideal retreat after a day exploring the Green Mountains or strolling through town.
experience. Widely regarded as one of the top dining destinations in the region, it comple‑ ments the stay with high quality cuisine and a refined yet inviting atmosphere.
Finally, the location is unbeatable. With scenic views of Mount Equinox and easy access to hik‑ ing, shopping, and local attractions, guests can enjoy both relaxation and adventure without traveling far.
Altogether, The Reluctant Panther delivers a uniquely elevated Vermont getaway—where comfort, cuisine, and character come together to create an unforgettable stay.
39 West Rd • Manchester Village, VT 05254
Toll Free: 800-822-2331
Phone: 802-362-2568
Website: www.reluctantpanther.com
What truly sets the inn apart is its commitment to hospitality. The staff is known for being attentive and welcoming, creating a stay that feels both luxurious and personal. Small touches—like breakfast delivered in a charming basket or freshly baked cookies—add a memorable, thoughtful element that elevates the overall experience.
Another standout feature is its renowned on site restau‑ rant, which offers a sophisticated farm to table dining
Summer A New Season in Sculpture: NBOSS Opens Its 2026 Exhibition
With Year‑Round
Public Art
By Ahmad Yassir
Vermont Country Magazine
For nearly three decades, summer in Southwestern Vermont has carried with it a familiar and beloved tradition: the return of sculpture to the streets, pathways and public spaces of North Bennington and beyond.
This year, the North Bennington Outdoor Sculpture Show is ushering in one of its most exciting seasons yet, one that expands both its reach
Photos by Danny Zaffarano, courtesy of NBOSS.
COUNTY SUMMER EVENTS
New addition to NBOSS opening reception, VAE’s art bus offering hands-on children and family activities.
and its legacy.
The public is invited to a free, family-friendly Opening Reception and Outdoor Party celebrating the 29th season on Saturday, June 27, from 4 to 8 p.m. at the Vermont Arts Exchange campus, located at 48 Main Street, North Bennington, VT.
The event will mark the unveiling of a new selection of sculptures installed throughout North Bennington, the grounds of Bennington Museum and the Downtown Bennington Riverwalk, while also introducing a major milestone for public art in the region.
Public Art, All Year Long
The biggest update for 2026 is simple, but transformative: Bennington will now have year-round public art.
For the past 27 years, the traditional exhibition period ran from June through November. Beginning this season, NBOSS will continue that core June-to-November exhibition while introducing select works that will remain on view from June to June, accessible from sunrise to sunset, seven days a week.
The expanded timeline is intended to make Bennington an even stronger destination for public arts throughout every season, from summer strolls and autumn foliage to winter walks and spring rediscovery.
A Community Celebration
The opening reception has long been one of the most anticipated arts gatherings of the summer, and this year continues that tradition with an atmosphere that is as much about people as it is about sculpture.
Live music will fill the campus, with Beard & Glasses headlining the evening alongside a Folk Rock opening act by James Levin.
Families can enjoy hands-on creative experiences aboard the Vermont Arts Exchange Art Bus, which will offer children’s activities throughout the event.
The NBOSS merchandise tent will debut this year’s exclusive shirt, with proceeds supporting the volunteer-run organization.
As always, the beloved tradition of free hot dogs and beverages returns, with Indian food also available for purchase.
But perhaps the most meaningful part of the evening remains the opportunity to meet the artists themselves.
This year’s participants are traveling from across Vermont and New England, as well as from New Jersey, Tennessee, California, Florida and major cities including Boston, Chicago and New York City.
A Regional Arts Tradition
Widely recognized as the second-longest-running outdoor sculpture show in New England, and unofficially the seventh longest-running in the nation, NBOSS has become one of Southern Vermont’s defining cultural traditions.
The range of work on display continues to reflect that ambition.
Visitors can expect sculptures in steel, bronze, cast iron, wood, stone and concrete, alongside reclaimed metals, glass, fiberglass, mosaics, terracotta, natural fibers and found objects.
The result is a striking exhibition that feels both site-responsive and deeply varied in scale and material.
The 2026 exhibition will once again extend across multiple curatorial sites.
North Bennington will be co-curated by Matthew Perry, Executive Director of the Vermont Arts Exchange, Ahmad Yassir, NBOSS director, and a newly introduced curatorial intern from Bennington College, while the Bennington Museum site will be curated by Jamie Franklin, the organization's Director of Collections and Exhibitions.
Downtown Bennington’s Riverwalk installation returns for its third consecutive year in partnership with Better Bennington Corporation’s Downtown Design Committee.
Art as Community
More than an exhibition, NBOSS has become a symbol of resilience, volunteerism, regional partnerships and the enduring strength of the creative community in Bennington County. With expanded access, mentorship opportunities and year-round visibility, the 2026 season represents a bold step forward.
For visitors, residents, students and artists alike, it is an invitation to experience public art not as an occasional event, but as part of everyday life.
Additional information and exhibition updates are available at nbossvt. com
Summer Events
Idea Mae Specker Band headlining NBOSS 2025, this year’s opening reception will feature Beard & Glasses.
1 0th Summer Festival
JUNE 15–JULY 13, 2026
Manchester, Vermont
Ariel Rudiakov and Joana Genova, Artistic Directors
Chamber Music Saturdays
JUNE 20, 27, AND JULY 11
Riley Center for the Arts, 143 Seminary Ave. Manchester Village
Young Artist Concerts
JUNE 29 AND JULY 13
Riley Center for the Arts, 143 Seminary Ave. Manchester Village view our calendar for the latest updates on our year-round concerts and events. Never miss a concert. Join our mailing list at taconicmusic.org Follow @taconicmusic on and
Pops Orchestra
Ariel Rudiakov, Conductor with guest, singer Maxine Linehan
SATURDAY, JULY 4 Southern Vermont Arts Center 860 SVAC Drive (Manchester West Rd.)
Festival That
By Ahmad Yassir, Vermont Country Magazine
There are some events that feel less like a festival and more like a tradition woven into the identity of a place. In Bennington, Labor Day weekend belongs to Garlic Town, USA.
For more than three decades, this beloved event has drawn visitors from across New England and beyond, transforming downtown Bennington into a celebration of food, farming, music, craft and community pride. This year, Garlic Town returns on Saturday, Sept. 5, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and tickets are now on sale.
Held annually at 113 Depot St. in downtown Bennington, Garlic Town has grown from a humble farmers market into what is now widely recognized as the largest farmers market event in New England, a foodie heaven, a curated marketplace, a live music festival and a signature Southern Vermont experience all at once.
Formerly known as the Southern Vermont Garlic & Herb Festival, the event has been recognized among the top 10 garlic festivals in the world by Reuters, featured in Yankee Magazine, awarded Vermont’s Time-Honored Top 10 Event, and is now officially designated a Vermont Signature Event by the state’s Department of Tourism.
A Marketplace Worth Filling Your Pantry For
At its roots, Garlic Town began as a farmers market, and that spirit remains at the heart of the event.
Today, many farmers grow specifically for this festival, bringing an extraordinary range of garlic and specialty ingredients designed to stock your kitchen for the year ahead.
Expect everything from fresh bulbs and braids to black garlic, powdered garlic, jarred delicacies and artisan cooking ingredients.
The marketplace also features a highly curated mix of crafters, makers, distillers and specialty producers, making it as much a shopping destination as a culinary celebration.
For home cooks, food lovers and anyone who enjoys discovering unique regional products, it is one of the most rewarding stops of the season.
Taste Before You Buy
One of Garlic Town’s most beloved features is its “trybefore-you-buy” model.
Defines Labor Day in Bennington Vermont
Your ticket provides access to an impressive lineup of farmers and craft food producers offering tastings throughout the grounds.
From savory spreads and infused oils to sweet surprises and garlic-forward specialties, the festival encourages exploration through flavor.
It is this immersive tasting experience that keeps so many visitors returning year after year.
Music, Family Fun and Festival Energy
Garlic Town is also a full-scale entertainment experience.
Live music will feature Vermont-based singer-songwriter Julie Shea, who will open the festival with her soulful, Americana sound, followed by some of the region’s most popular acts, including Buck2Fifty, bringing their New Orleans-inspired R&B sound, the family-rooted Bird Mountain String Band, and headliner Velvet Wave, whose surf rock sound channels the spirit of the 1960s.
Beyond the stage, families can enjoy a dedicated kids area filled with hands-on activities and open-ended play, while the chef demonstration tent offers educational and interactive culinary programming.
With more than 100 volunteers helping bring the day to life, the event reflects the devotion and pride of the local community.
Sustainability at the Forefront
Garlic Town has also become a regional leader in sustainable event practices.
Last year, the festival achieved a remarkable milestone by diverting more than 4,000 pounds of waste from incineration, transforming food scraps into nutrient-rich compost through dedicated sorting and recycling efforts.
Working closely with its Green Team volunteers and Solid Waste Alliance Compost Committee partners, the festival continues its efforts as a “near zero-waste event”, an impressive example of environmental stewardship in large-scale event production.
Plan Your Visit
Parking and shuttle services will be available from Grace Christian School, 104 Kocher Drive, and the Chamber of Commerce, 100 Veterans Memorial Drive. More information on parking, shuttle rides, and tractor rides will be available on the website.
Festival amenities include restrooms, a dedicated dining area, a bar and satellite bar, and easy access throughout the site.
But as any returning visitor will tell you, no article can truly capture the joy, the atmosphere or the unmistakable aroma that fills the Bennington air that day.
For tickets and full details, visit GarlicTownUSA.com
Start planning your Labor Day weekend in Southern Vermont now.
Events
Summer Events
MayFest Returns in May: Downtown Bennington Welcomes the 39th Annual Arts & Crafts Festival
By Ahmad Yassir, Vermont Country Magazine
Spring in Southern Vermont has a way of announcing itself in full color, trees budding along the streets, storefronts throwing open their doors, and neighbors gathering once again in the heart of downtown. In Bennington, that seasonal tradition has a name: MayFest.
On Saturday, May 23, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Better Bennington Corporation invites visitors and locals alike to the 39th annual MayFest: Downtown Bennington’s Arts & Crafts Festival, presented this year by M&T Bank. Event sponsors also include Oliver Ford of Bennington, Bank of Bennington, Gamers Grotto, LeafGuard, The Richards Group, Maple Leaf Real Estate and Vermont News and Media through the Bennington Banner and Manchester Journal.
For nearly four decades, MayFest has marked the unofficial beginning of Bennington’s event season, transforming Main Street into a vibrant celebration of craftsmanship, community and the creative spirit of the region.
This year, Main Street will be closed from Four Corners to Valentine Street, with School Street also closed from Main Street to Pleasant Street, creating a walkable festival corridor filled with shopping, music, food and family activities.
A Showcase of Regional Craftsmanship
At the heart of MayFest are 130 highly curated vendors, each selected to reflect the rich artistry and craftsmanship of our region.
Visitors can expect a diverse mix of handmade goods, from beautifully engraved woodwork and handcrafted cutting boards to ceramics, jewelry, original artwork, textiles and locally made candles. The artistry extends well beyond traditional crafts, with specialty food producers, distillers and an inviting lineup of food trucks adding to the festival experience.
It’s also one of the best days of the year to explore downtown’s brick-and-mortar businesses. Shops and restaurants throughout the district will join the celebration with sidewalk sales, extended hours, specials and promotions, welcoming the thousands of visitors who return each year for this beloved tradition.
Music All Day in the Heart of Downtown Entertainment will run throughout the day, centered around the Main Stage at Lucky Dragon.
This year’s lineup features a strong mix of local and regional talent, beginning with All Ten & John, followed by Mister Sister, The Olson Brothers, Sky Allan, and closing out the day with headliner Buck2fifty.
SUMMER EVENTS
SPONSORED CONTENT
All performances are free to attend, thanks to the generous support of Oliver Ford.
A second performance area will also be located in the Nichols lot, bringing even more energy and movement throughout the festival footprint.
Family-Friendly Fun
MayFest continues to grow as a family destination, and this year’s children’s programming is especially exciting.
With support from Bank of Bennington, the Kids Zone at Merchants Park and the Splash Pad will offer free activities from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Families can enjoy art-making stations, yard games, interactive experiences and two magic shows. This year’s standout surprise is sure to be a hit: a kid-sized hamster wheel that powers a frozen beverage machine, giving children the chance to create their own refreshing drink through movement and play.
It’s a playful and memorable addition to a festival already known for creating joyful moments downtown.
Thoughtful Logistics and Sustainability
Festival organizers have also made it easy for visitors to plan their day.
Parking remains free throughout Bennington, with suggested lots at TD Bank, Bennington Theater and the Town Offices lot.
Restroom access will be available in the TD Bank parking lot thanks to 802 Restrooms, while additional public bathrooms and baby changing facilities can be found at Gamers Grotto and Mission City Church.
A dedicated dining area will be located at Lucky Dragon, creating a central gathering space for festivalgoers to relax and enjoy the atmosphere.
This year also marks an important step in Better Bennington’s commitment to sustainability. In partnership with Bennington’s Zero-Waste Committee and Casella, the organization is beginning a gradual initiative toward zero-waste events.
Visitors will notice volunteers stationed throughout the festival helping sort compost and recycling, an effort that reflects Bennington’s ongoing commitment to environmental stewardship.
MayFest is more than a street festival, it’s a seasonal homecoming.
As the trees bloom and downtown comes alive, the event offers an ideal reason for day-trippers and weekend visitors to make the drive, whether from nearby Berkshire towns, across Southern Vermont, or from larger cities like Boston and New York City.
It’s a celebration of what makes Bennington special: creativity, hospitality, local business and community pride.
From the first vendor booth to the last encore, dedicated volunteers, entertainers and downtown merchants will be ready to ensure every guest enjoys the very best of Bennington.
To plan your visit and stay updated on specials, offers and event news, follow Better Bennington Corporation on social media and through its newsletter when you visit BetterBennington.com
Summer Events
Summer Events
A Full Season Takes the Stage: Bennington Theater Builds Year-Round Momentum in 2026
By Ahmad Yassir, Vermont Country Magazine
There is a renewed sense of energy in downtown Bennington this year, and much of it can be felt beneath the lights of the Bennington Theater.
For longtime theatergoers and newcomers alike, 2026 marks something meaningful: the venue’s first fully realized year-round theater season, with four major stage productions spaced across the calendar and a growing lineup of music, comedy and community programming that keeps the space active well beyond opening night.
The season began on a high note with Lucas Hnath’s A Doll’s House, Part 2, directed by David Dubov-Flinn and produced by John Lugar. A production that has already earned strong praise for its thoughtful direction and professional-grade performances.
As the opening production of the four-play season, it set the tone for what Bennington Theater is building: a sustainable, accessible and artistically ambitious home for the performing arts in Southern Vermont.
The critically praised production brought Henrik Ibsen’s iconic Nora story 15 years forward, exploring themes of independence, marriage and identity with intelligence and emotional force.
Standout performances by Stephanie Phelan as Nora, Shawn Paper as Torvald, Tess McHugh as Emmy and Hope Jasper as Anne Marie helped make the production a compelling and deeply human evening of theater.
More importantly, it proved that Bennington audiences are ready for consistent, high-quality live performance once again.
For many locals, that consistency has been deeply missed since the closing of Oldcastle Theatre Company’s final season in 2022.
Now, Bennington Theater is stepping confidently into that space.
Three More Mainstage Productions Ahead
With the first play now complete, audiences still have three major productions to look forward to this year. The season continues with summer and early fall productions, Much Ado About Nothing by William Shakespeare (with a revolutionary spin) and Picasso at the Lapin Agile by Steve Martin, respectively. Culminating in Nuncrackers, a
Nunsense Christmas Musical by Dan Goggin to round out the holidays, giving theater lovers a reason to return in every season.
Rather than presenting isolated performances, the venue is embracing the rhythm of a true repertory-style calendar, offering the kind of cultural consistency that strengthens both audience habits and the local arts ecosystem. It is the kind of programming that invites people to make theater part of their routine again.
More Than Plays
What makes Bennington Theater especially exciting right now is that it is not simply a playhouse. It has evolved into a multi-medium, year-round cultural venue.
In addition to mainstage productions, the theater hosts live music, live comedy, touring youth theater companies, and its growing New Work Series, which gives audiences the opportunity to experience unproduced plays and new voices before they reach larger stages.
For those who enjoy more interactive evenings, recurring favorites such as Trivia Night Live and Improv After 5 continue to bring fresh energy to the calendar.
This diversity of programming makes the theater an important gathering space for downtown Bennington, one that serves audiences of all ages and interests.
One night may offer a thought-provoking drama, another a laugh-filled comedy set, and the next an evening of live music or a family-friendly youth performance.
A Cultural Anchor for Downtown
In many ways, the 2026 season represents more than a successful run of shows. It reflects a larger cultural momentum happening in Bennington.
As downtown continues to grow as a destination for arts, dining and entertainment, Bennington Theater has become one of its most important anchors, a place where community and creativity meet.
Affordable ticketing, accessible productions and frequent events make it easy for residents and visitors alike to step inside. And if the response to A Doll’s House, Part 2 is any indication, audiences are eager for what comes next.
For Southern Vermont, this is more than a season. It feels like the beginning of something lasting. Start planning your next show by visiting BenningtonTheater.org
The Return of the Spotlight: Summer Magic at Dorset Theatre Festival
As the Green Mountains shift back to actual green for the summer, a familiar and electric energy returns to Southern Vermont. Professional summer theater is back at the historic Dorset Playhouse, a venue that has served as a cultural hub for the community for nearly a century, as well as a destination for professional artists. The intimate, wood-beamed charm of the Playhouse offers a rich environment for both creating - and experiencing - live theater. Over the years, the Playhouse has become a summer home for legends of the stage and screen, including the likes of Laila Robins, Tim Daly, Judd Hirsch, Danny DeVito, and Jayne Atkinson.
A Season of Premieres and Star Power
The Dorset Theatre Festival’s 49th Main Stage Summer Season promises to be one of its most engaging yet. A major highlight is the return of the Festival’s resident playwright, the prolific Theresa Rebeck. The most Broadway-produced female playwright of our time, Rebeck returns to Dorset to direct a revival of her own play, The Understudy (July 10-July 19). Originally premiered at the Williamstown Theatre Festival before its acclaimed New York run in 2009, this wickedly funny backstage comedy explores the fragile line between art and ego—revisited now through the lens of the writer herself.
The momentum continues with the New England premiere of Advice by Brent Askari (July 31-August 15). The Festival has welcomed Katie Lowes and Adam Shapiro to join the 2026 Season. Lowes is beloved for her series-regular roles as Quinn Perkins on ABC’s Scandal and Rachel in Netflix’s Inventing Anna, and Shapiro can currently be seen in the Emmy-winning series The Bear and Netflix’s Never Have I Ever.
The rest of the 2026 slate rounds out a masterclass in genre: Deceived (June 19-July 4): A chilling new adaptation of the classic thriller Gaslight by Johnna Wright and Patty Jamieson; and Lobby Hero (August 21-September 5): Kenneth Lonergan’s celebrated sleuthy exploration of truth and justice.
Community and Celebration Broadway’s Desi Oakley will headline this year's Dance Party Ball (July 25), the Festival's signature fundraising gala at the Old Gray Barn. Oakley is best known for her leading roles on Broadway and in National Tours, including starring as Jenna in Waitress, Roxie Hart in Chicago, and appearing in Les Misérables, Wicked, and Annie.
The event is billed as a night to get dressed up and party with friends, dance the night away, and help keep the tradition of professional theater alive in Southern Vermont by supporting Dorset Theatre Festival. Admission to the event includes an open bar, passed hors d'oeuvres, delicious yet casual dining, a full bar, unique prizes, bespoke auction items like a dinner reservation for four at Rao’s, the most exclusive restaurant in NYC.
Actors Katie Lowes and Adam Shapiro, along with other Festival artists, will be on the dance floor as special guests. Whether you’re a lifelong local or a seasonal visitor, the 49th season at the Dorset Playhouse is a reminder that the best of the American theatre is right here in the valley.
Tickets and more information for the 49th Season and the Dance Party Ball available at www.dorsettheatrefestival.org or by contacting the Box Office at (802) 867-2223 ext. 101
Summer Events
Taconic Music
Taconic Music’s 10th Summer Festival runs from June 15–July 13, bringing faculty and guest musicians from across the U.S. and Italy to the Shires. The festival includes three Chamber Music Saturdays concerts and a pair of Young Artists concerts at BBA’s Riley Center for the Arts (143 Seminary Ave., Manchester Village), and the Taconic Pops Orchestra at SVAC’s Arkell Pavilion. A benefit concert at Dionondehowa Wildlife Sanctuary and School in Shushan, NY on June 28 and pop-up concerts around the region round out the season.
Saturday concerts (7:30 pm June 20, 27, and July 11) feature faculty from Taconic’s Chamber Music Intensive: Joana Genova and Heather Braun, violins; Ariel Rudiakov, viola and conductor; Tom Landschoot and Hannah Holman, celli; and Davide Cabassi, Drew Petersen and Willis Delony, piano. They will be joined by featured guests including bassists Evan Runyon and John Madere, drummer Chad Braud, flutist Susanna Loewy, violinist Rose Drucker, and The Indianapolis Quartet (violinists Zachary DePue and Joana Genova, violist Michael Strauss, and cellist Egor Antonenko) in programs ranging from Bach to jazz, piano trio to string octet, and more. General admission is $30 for adults; students/kids free. Reservations are recommended, and season subscriptions are available.
Monday Young Artists Concerts (7pm, June 29 and July 13) feature resident students from Taconic’s
SUMMER EVENTS
Brooke Champine.
Taconic Music faculty Joana Genova and Heather Braun, violins; Ariel Rudiakov, viola; Hannah Holman, cello; and Drew Petersen, piano will be joined by guest bassist Evan Runyon in Taconic’s 10th Season Opening Concert at BBA’s Riley Center for the Arts.
full-scholarship Chamber Music Intensive, performing classical and contemporary works for strings and piano. There is a suggested donation of $15 for adults (students/kids free). In addition to live performances at the Riley Center, all Chamber Music Saturdays and Young Artists Concerts will be livestreamed on Taconic’s YouTube channel.
On Saturday, July 4 at 7:30pm, Ariel Rudiakov conducts the Taconic Pops Orchestra in a program featuring music for stage and screen, with works by Leonard Bernstein, Chuck Mangione, Ennio Morricone, Hanz Zimmer, John Williams ,and more! Tickets (reserved seating, $20–$85) are likely to sell out; reservations are strongly recommended.
For ticket links, concert details, and information about Taconic Music’s year-round concerts, youth music instruction, and seasonal programming, visit taconicmusic.org.
May 13 - September 30: Sponsored by The Bank of Bennington Summer Camps & Workshops
July: Musical Theatre Workshop
July: Monument Sinfonia Summer Camp
July: Adult One-Day Musical Theatre Workshop
August: Matilda Jr. (Musical Theatre Camp)
August: Pirates of Penance Jr. (Musical Theatre Camp)
Theatre & Entertainment
April & May: BOCA (comedy)
May: Sinfonia "Am
May: Story Songs of the 70's
May & June: Little Shop of Horrors (musical comedy)
June & July: 1776 (musical)
June: Sinfonia Concert
September: "Prescription" Dancing & Music Concert
September: MAC Center GALA
October: The Addams Family (musical)
December: A Bennington Christmas Carol (musical) Wellness
May: Sound Bath Healing
Ongoing: Art Studio Experience (Barbara Sarus) : Society of Animal Artist Gallery Exhibit
Community Concerts & Theatre : Chitty Chitty Bang, Bang Jr.
: Lion King Jr. Musical (by Grace Christian)
July: Matilda Jr. (musical)
July: The Pirates of Penzance Jr. (musical)
: Monument Music Camp Concert
BENNINGTON COUNTY SUMMER EVENTS
Bennington Pride 2026 Brings a Regional Celebration to Downtown Bennington
By Ahmad Yassir, Vermont Country Magazine
Downtown Bennington will once again come alive with color, music, and community spirit when Bennington Pride 2026 returns on Saturday, June 27, 2026 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., welcoming residents and visitors from across Southern Vermont, eastern New York, and western Massachusetts.
As one of the region’s most anticipated community celebrations, Bennington Pride has become a destination event for the tri-state area, drawing people together for a day centered on visibility, inclusivity, and joy in the heart of downtown.
This year’s celebration begins at 10 a.m. with the block party at the Splash Pad on 119 North Street, where live music from the event’s DJ will set the tone for the day before the parade begins. The earlier start was introduced for 2026 in response to community feedback and offers visitors more time to enjoy the festivities before the midday heat.
At 11 a.m., the parade will step off from the Hemmings Motor News back parking lot, making its half-mile route through downtown before arriving at the block party near the intersection of Pleasant and School streets. For many families, the Splash Pad remains one of the most beloved features of the day, offering a welcome way to cool off while taking in the celebration.
Vuronika Baked, who was named Best of the Berkshires in 2023 and 2025, as well as Royal Majesty of the Berkshires in 2024, said, “Bennington Pride is more than a celebration, it’s a vibrant and bold declaration of visibility! Drag performers dazzle with fearless expression, a parade fills the streets with pride and purpose, and local vendors weave community into every corner, reminding us that being
seen, celebrated, and supported can change everything.”
Throughout the day, visitors can enjoy local vendors, community organizations, music, and a welcoming atmosphere that transforms this corner of Bennington into one of the most festive and inclusive gathering spaces in the region. A beer garden will also be part of this year’s event, adding another layer to the day’s offerings. The organizers are also working on a Saturday evening after party event with performer who will be doing a set on Pride day, Jenn DeSantis, a lesbian electro-pop rock artist who truly thrives on Pride stages, will be performing at the family friendly day time event AND an after party (location TBA).
Courtnay Wilson, Bennington Pride volunteer coordinator and president of the Shires Young Professionals (SYP), said, “Bennington Pride is volunteer run and every year we have the most amazing volunteers show up to help and support the love and inclusivity that exudes from this event. It is such a joy to lead the volunteers, while witnessing the passion of everyone involved. The Shires Young Professionals are proud to partner with Queer Connect and bring additional volunteers into the mix to give Bennington County a Pride Day that brings the community together in celebration.”
In addition to Pride Day, Queer Connect and its community partners continue to expand Pride celebrations beyond a single event, including the annual Queer Youth Prom in June and the seasonal kickoff show, “Spring Has Sprung: A Drag Production,” held earlier in May at Bennington Theater.
For both longtime residents and first-time visitors, Bennington Pride offers a meaningful reason to spend the day downtown, celebrating community, supporting local organizations and businesses, and experiencing one of the most vibrant gatherings in the tri-state region.
This summer, the heart of the Newfane community will come alive with music as Music at Union Hall launches its highly anticipated Summer Concert Series. Set on the common in front of the courthouse, this outdoor venue offers a welcoming, laid-back atmosphere where neighbors and visitors alike can gather to enjoy live performances under the open sky.
Concertgoers are encouraged to bring blankets or lawn chairs and relax on the green as music fills the air. In the event of inclement weather, performances will move indoors to Union Hall—ensuring the music continues rain or shine.
Music at Union Hall is a community-driven organization dedicated to bringing people together, sparking creativity, and strengthening connections through music. Its mission is to celebrate diverse sounds and voices by providing an inclusive stage for artists of all backgrounds and genres.
With its blend of live music, community spirit, and openair charm, the Music at Union Hall Summer Concert Series is poised to become a highlight of the season—inviting everyone to come together and celebrate the sounds of summer.
Concert Dates: June 27, July 18, August 8
Summer Events
REGIONAL SUMMER EVENTS
The Calvin Coolidge State Historic Site is for the Dogs
By Rejoice E. Scherry, Site Administrator for the President Calvin Coolidge State Historic Site
“One chamber of the human heart is set aside for the love of animals,” said First Lady Grace Coolidge. The Coolidge family was famed for their adoration of animals, and the American People vied to gift them with pets. Cats and dogs hailed from all corners of the nation, and the first family was compelled to find loving homes for them among friends, family, and staff. “We always had more dogs that we could take care of,” stated President Coolidge.
The Coolidge’s White House pets became national celebrities due to their unique personalities. The press loved to report the antics. There was the raccoon who played with bars of soap in the bathtub, the cat who stalked the elevator to catch a ride, the dog that sipped a nightly coffee, another dog who wore straw bonnets to garden parties, and the bird that parroted the president’s fiscal conservatism. “What about the appropriation?” it shrieked.
“Coolidge pets could make a zoo of their own,”
read a 1927 New York Times headline. It could be argued that the National Zoo was the Coolidge zoo, well-populated with gifts to President Coolidge - a bear from Mexico, wallaby from Australia, hippopotamus from Liberia, and lion cubs from South Africa, just to name a few. It should not have been a surprise when, in 1926, the National Zoo also began crying for appropriations.
The President Calvin Coolidge State Historic in Plymouth, Vermont, honors the legacy of the Coolidge pets by inviting dogs to the president’s hometown, today a 1920s village museum. While not permitted in the buildings, well-mannered, leashed dogs will always be welcome on museum grounds. Canine visitors may enjoy the fresh air of the Plymouth hills or a romp in the pond. Dogs may even join in outdoor events such as the annual July 4th procession through town, silent movie night, or the Folk and Blues Festival held each Labor Day weekend. However, please leave the bear, hippopotamus, racoon, and lions at the zoo. Visit historicsites.vermont. gov/calvin-coolidge for more information.
Cathedral of the Pines Foundation Inc.
Hiking I Gardens I Events I Bell Tower I Museum I Memorials
A 501(c)3 nonprofit founded in 1945 with the passing of Sanderson Sloane, a WWII B17 Bomber pilot. With the loss of their son “Sandy”, founders Douglas and Sybil Sloane dedicated the mission to promoting the legacy and well-being of veterans and their families through services, workshops, and events where all are honored and valued. The grounds inspire peace, solace, and natural beauty with respect to the sustainability of our natural environment.
Our scenic views are the perfect setting for celebrations and memorial services as we honor all American men and women who have served. Cathedral of the Pines is situated on a hilltop with a panoramic, breathtaking view of Grand Monadnock Mountain. We offer three outside open-air, non-denominational sanctuaries for peaceful reflection and tranquility to all who visit.
During your visit we hope you enjoy the following:
* Beautifully maintained flower gardens with varieties that continue to bloom all summer
* Memorial & Spiritual Services as well as Community & Family Celebrations at the Altar of Nations leaves an unforgettable memory for young and old alike.
* Unique programs and events with historic, military, conservation and spiritual interests
* Hiking trails that loop across almost 300 acres of diverse ecosystems
* Our National Women’s Memorial Bell Tower stands above the campus at 55 ft. and the Carillon of bells will play out bell songs every 15 minutes across the valley.
* Our WWII Museum allows guests of all ages to travel back in time
* Our grounds are pet friendly on leash only, please.
Vermont Country
provided by Brattleboro Area Realty
See our ads on pages 50-51
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Christine Lewis servicing Vermont & New Hampshire real estate needs for
By Jennifer Brandt, Vermont Country correspondent
BRATTLEBORO—Since 1973, Brattleboro Area Realty at 402 Canal St, Brattleboro, has been leading in the matchmaking game in real estate. Christine “Chris” Lewis jumped into the market 15 years later with no experience and was the only woman in her office. Now, she’s one of a dozen agents with a career in real estate and is professionally serving Vermont and New Hampshire.
“We really try very hard to be a full-service agency and work extra hard to serve the clients and give them what they need,” Lewis said.
Buying or selling a home is no easy feat, especially when a lot of money is on the table. Chris has the knowledge and patience to help clients get the best offer and the ideal dream home. Erich Hoyer co-founded the agency for 38 years before passing in 2020. Lewis said that he always stressed the value of education and ethics. Real estate agents are not trained inspectors; great agents know what details to pay attention to and help clients make their decisions.
“We can make them aware of the items that we need them to look at and be conscious of,” Lewis said. “I was happy when our new motto became ‘Raising the Bar,’ because real estate has been referred to as an easy job, but it’s very complicated
when handling personalities and intense emotions.”
First-time home buyers can have countless questions, and the process isn’t seamless. Brattleboro Area Realty is recognized for its efficiency, support, and hands-on care. Some hiccups can arise during the buying or selling process, and Lewis can speak on sticking with the client every step of the way.
“We have to open their eyes so they can see the bigger picture and know what’s in their best interest,” she said. Chris has received many testimonials referring to efficient and frequent communication, sharing resources for lenders and lawyers, and working with buyers and sellers out of state or during a pandemic.
While Brattleboro doesn’t have the attraction of a vacation lake or immediate access to mountains for skiing, it’s a beautiful area for empty nesters or first-time home buyers and local residents. That’s what Brattleboro Area Realty has excelled at. The agents are committed to the close, the search for a dream home, and getting clients what they want.
It’s the reason Lewis chose to work at Brattleboro Area Realty over other agencies just 35 years ago.
Brattleboro Area Realty has built a reputation for excellence in Vermont and New Hampshire with a strong focus on client care, ethical practices, and comprehensive service. Whether guiding first-time home buyers or assisting seasoned homeowners, Brattleboro Area Realty ensures a smooth and informed real estate experience. his commitment to client satisfaction and community values is why Brattleboro Area Realty remains a leader in the market, helping clients achieve their real estate goals with confidence and ease.
Berkley & Veller Greenwood Country Realtors
Founded in 1965 by Jack Berkley in Wilmington, Vermont, Berkley & Veller Greenwood Country Realtors was built on a foundation of genuine connection and a tireless spirit of service. Jack was a famously social leader who viewed real estate not just as a business, but as a way to advocate for his neighbors. By prioritizing the needs of the people he met above all else, he established a firm that would grow to become the preeminent real estate agency in Windham County.
Jack’s legacy is defined by the rigorous standards he set for his team. He believed that a great agent must be a true subject matter expert. To this day, our team is mentored to master the nuances of real estate regulations, the art of strategic marketing for sellers, and how to help buyers navigate the intricacies of the home-buying process. This commitment to “professionalism and proficiency” ensures that our clients are guided by the most knowledgeable hands in the region.
Jack’s vision is now carried on by Tami Berkley Purcell and extends far beyond the closing table. Like Jack, Tami believes that to sell a piece of the community, one must be an active part of it. She encourages agents to lead—joining boards of directors, organizing food and clothing drives, and showing up for local schools and civic organizations. Today, Berkley & Veller remains deeply committed to this mission, supporting numerous nonprofits that keep Vermont and New Hampshire communities thriving. As the top privately owned agency in the area, we offer a personalized experience backed by sixty years of local history. With 26 expert agents operating out of our Brattleboro and Dover offices, we are ready to help you find your place in Vermont and New Hampshire.
Connect With Us
Brattleboro Office 119 Western Ave 802-254-6400 Dover Office 118 Route 100, West Dover 802-464-8900
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