To Tour the Byway

For more information about The Shires of Vermont Byway go to - www.theshiresofvermont.com

For more information, please visit one of the Chambers of Commerce along the byway:
Bennington Area Chamber of Commerce www.bennington.com
Manchester and the Mountains Regional Chamber of Commerce www.manchesterchamber.net

The Shires of Vermont Byway is named for the scenic region it passes through from Vermont’s southern border with Massachusetts to its northern point where it intersects with the Stone Valley Byway in the heart of Manchester.  This ribbon of road, Route US7 from Pownal to Bennington, and Route VT 7A from Bennington to Manchester, is the historic stretch that has connected the communities of the north shire and south shire for centuries. Historically, a “shire town” was a county seat otherwise known as the governmental center of the county. 

        
 Photo by Lee Krohn                                       Photo by Lee Krohn     Photo by Lee Krohn
  

Enriched by the waters of the famous Battenkill that runs through the “Great Valley”, The Shires is a popular four season destination for those seeking the authentic Vermont experience.   Nestled between the Taconic and Green Mountains the region includes the historic towns of Bennington and Manchester and 15 quintessential New England towns and villages.  The Shires of Vermont Byway winds its way from south to north through the towns of Pownal, Bennington, North Bennington Village, Shaftsbury, Arlington, Sunderland, Manchester Village and Manchester Center for approximately 75 miles including side trips.

          
Hildene - The Lincoln Family Home       Photo by Lee Krohn                     Photo by Lee Krohn
 

Already united by a common sense of place, history and culture, the people of The Shires of Vermont Byway’s region are grateful to live in and share with others the abundant recreational resources, proud agricultural heritage, rich arts and culture community and robust entrepreneurial spirit evident there.  A wide range of culinary, lodging and shopping experiences await curious travelers on the byway and off as well.  The same region that the likes of Green Mountain Boys leader, Ethan Allen;  presidential son, Robert Todd Lincoln; writer, Dorothy Canfield Fisher; illustrator, Norman Rockwell; poet,  Robert Frost, and Olympic Nordic sprinter, Andy Newell  called home, now beckons to byway travelers to discover for themselves why. 

    
The Park McCullough House              Photo by Lee Krohn              Photo by Lee Krohn