Chris Mays and Ahmad Yassir, Vermont Country Magazine.
Sponsored by Vermont Begins Here.
Southern Vermont truly lived up to its reputation as the heart of the Green Mountain State in 2024. Conveniently located near New Hampshire, Upstate New York, and northern Massachusetts, Southern Vermont is becoming a premier destination for travelers seeking a perfect blend of culture, history, and natural beauty.
Witnessing the Total Solar Eclipse
On April 8, 2024, Southern Vermont became one of the best places to view the much-anticipated total solar eclipse. Thousands of locals and tourists gathered under the expansive skies of the Green Mountains to experience this rare celestial event. Communities united, making the day a shared celebration that highlighted the region’s beauty and charm.
Fall Foliage at Its Finest
The fall foliage season in 2024 was nothing short of spectacular. Vibrant hues of red, orange, and gold blanketed the hills of Bennington and Windham counties, drawing visitors from across the globe. Unlike busier destinations, these counties offered serene drives and peaceful trails, with the added convenience of free parking in many areas. The uncrowded roads and picturesque landscapes made for an unforgettable leaf-peeping experience.
Read more about fall in Vermont in this article.
Southern Vermont Festivals Earn Signature Status
Garlic Town USA earned Vermont’s Signature Event status in 2024. With over 130 vendors, including garlic farmers, chefs, and artisans, the festival celebrated all things garlic while showcasing Bennington’s commitment to sustainability with zero-waste initiatives. “Garlic Town USA blends tradition and innovation while keeping our environment in mind,” said event planner Mikaela Lewis.
Meanwhile, the Vermont Wine & Harvest Festival at Mount Snow highlighted the region’s wineries, breweries, and cideries. Expanded craft fair offerings and live music enhanced the event, allowing guests to enjoy local flavors against the backdrop of stunning fall foliage.
Bennington’s Charm Gets National Recognition
In 2024, Bennington received well-deserved praise from a major travel publication, which described it as “Vermont’s first town, blending the best of Stowe’s charm with a rugged mountain feel.” This recognition solidified its status as a must-visit destination, offering historic buildings, a welcoming atmosphere, and authentic Vermont experiences.
Downtown Revitalization
Bennington’s downtown revitalization efforts took center stage in 2024. New public art installations, including sculptures along the Downtown Bennington Riverwalk, and the launch of the Barn Quilt Trail, added a creative vibrancy to the town. Collaborations between the Better Bennington Corporation, Bennington Museum, and NBOSS have turned the area into an open-air gallery that reflects the community’s artistic spirit.
Thriving Event Season
Southern Vermont’s event calendar in 2024 was packed with festivals and celebrations.
In Bennington:
Garlic Town USA celebrated all things garlic.
Mayfest and Harvest Fest reached new heights with record-breaking vendor lineups.
The Southern Vermont Homebrew Festival showcased the region’s finest craft brews.
Hemmings Cruise-Ins brought classic car enthusiasts together each month.
Bennington Quilt Fest celebrated the region’s textile heritage.
In Windham County:
The weekly Food Truck Roundup at Retreat Farm paired local eats with live music.
The Brattleboro Winter Carnival continued its nearly 70-year tradition of family fun.
Artful Ice Shanties transformed ice fishing into an art form.
The Brattleboro Literary Festival drew authors and readers from near and far.
Business Boom and Diverse Dining
The culinary scene across Southern Vermont thrived in 2024.
Southern Vermont’s culinary scene reached new heights in 2024, bringing an exciting variety of new and reimagined dining options to the region. In Bennington, Donovan’s Irish Bar made a vibrant comeback, becoming a hub for nightlife and social gatherings. Vermont Chef, a NYC-inspired bodega, delighted locals with its introduction of halal offerings alongside classics like chopped cheese. Taan embraced a rebrand while maintaining its dedication to authentic Thai cuisine, and Island Flavor expanded its menu of beloved Jamaican dishes with a beautifully themed dine-in space.
Over in Windham County, the dining scene also saw remarkable growth. Amaru introduced authentic Peruvian flavors, quickly earning widespread acclaim. Dover welcomed Black Ember Grill, where the tantalizing aroma of fresh barbecue became a signature feature. Downtown Brattleboro saw the revival of Plated, offering a refreshed atmosphere paired with contemporary American dishes influenced by British and Indian cuisine. Meanwhile, Midnight’s Bar captured the hearts of locals and visitors alike, serving as a cultural crossroads where metalheads and theater lovers found common ground, embodying Brattleboro’s eclectic spirit.
Arts and Culture on the Rise
Bennington’s creative energy thrived in 2024, with the Bennington Theater and Monument Arts and Cultural Center offering live performances. The Bennington Museum continued to host engaging exhibits, while local venues such as Little City Cider Co. and Union South kept the music scene alive.
In Brattleboro, big-name acts like Leo Kottke and Frank Black performed, and the Next Stage Arts Bandwagon Summer Series brought outdoor entertainment to Windham County. The Blueberry Festival in Deerfield Valley also saw a resurgence, including a growing Dover parade.
Expanding Craft Tours
Bennington expanded its craft tour in 2024, adding stops like Etc at The Local & Co. and W. Collective. Meanwhile, Brattleboro’s Gallery Walk provided a monthly venue for artisans, and events like the Putney Craft Tour highlighted the region’s creative talent.
Outdoor Recreation Peaks
Southern Vermont’s outdoor recreation options continued to grow. In Dover, Horace Hill introduced new mountain biking trails and a disc golf course. Bennington offered scenic hiking and biking, as well as winter sports at Prospect Mountain Nordic Ski Center. Across the region, the Southern Vermont Trails Association worked to enhance trail access, making outdoor adventures available year-round.
