[Lonnie2]

We're seriously considering moving to Bennington as much for the Blue Benn Diner and Lake Paran as for its proximity to places we like. We'll be spending a couple weeks in a motel there probably from a few days before Christmas until a few days after New Year's Day. Any upcoming events during that time that we shouldn't miss? We would love to meet anyone from Bennington while we're there, particularly empty-nesters (like us), music lovers, foodies. Would be happy to buy someone a cup of coffee at the South St. Cafe.

[sovertennis]

Lonnie--
Send me a pm and I'll be happy to meet with you. I work near the So St Café, and have lived in Bennington for a long, long time.

[DauntlessDan]

Wife and I grew up, went to school and still have families in the Bennington Area. We too are empty nesters but now live in Maine. I hope that your stay is pleasant. Enjoy the area and say hello to Bennington (and North Bennington) for us.

[JerseyBoy705]

Bennington is littered with sex offenders and drugs. Most of the Prison inmates in Rutland County are from Bennington. Find a better town.

[northernborn]

nah, we've been turning the NJ cars away so the drugs and sex offender problem pretty much is gone now.

Christmas time near Bennington, you will have to double check dates, I don't know when you will be in Bennington but Hildene used to have sleigh rides with their tours if there was enough snow,

park McCullough house often had caroling or bell ringing, haven't heard if its being done this year

hoosac school has a Boars Head Yule tide pageant that varies each year in quality depending on student body abilities, but is a fun event regardless, thurs dec 11th this year I believe.

viewing the different decorated Christmas trees at the bennington museum Festival of Trees was something we often did,

Christmas time at Billings Farm is always fun too.

the towns of chester and Weston get into Christmas in a big way, always something going on in both towns around now, if they get some more snow ( over a foot melted this week there) the lights and decorations are calendar worthy photos.

the annual german Christmas market in west Townshend is this weekend, a lot happens earlier in the month, people haave less free time nearer the holiday....

oh, check the Dorset playhouse too, there usually is a Christmas play going on, nearby areas are fun filled also, for instance in Saratoga they have the Victorian stroll, everyone dresses in Victorian era clothing and strolls main street shopping, Albany and round lake haave drive thru Christmas light displays ( fee collected at least at Albany, donation really)
nearby yankee candle factory is a good stop this time of year as well, eat at chandlers and make a day of it, many nearby towns also have tree lighting, North Adams, Ma main street is usually very well done, though the town has pretty much closed its doors, newspaper closed, hospital closed, the MoCA museum keeps expanding though....go figure.

and if you are in bennington for new years the First Night celebration is often fun shopping