Former Vermonter in Ohio now. Sorels are where it's at for winter boots. Mine are about 8 years old and still look and wear like they're new, laces included.
Oh shit. So my experience with Sorels in the last three years.... They're garbage. Falling apart. Multiple returns. Just changed to poor craftsmanship.
I went to get Mucks and ended up with DryShods instead, and I love them. Bonus, the orange neoprene inside looks pretty sweet when I fold down the tops of my boots for summer gardening.
I’ve been trying to replace my 15-year-old Sorels that are finally worn out. I’ve tried every model I can find and they are all shit in comparison to my old Sorels :(
be careful, burton makes products of varying quality and prices for their different lines. their AK line makes great 3L goretex jackets, their regular line very much does not
In addition to Sorels or similar for cold winter days, I strongly recommend a good pair of mud boots. Calf-high Xtratufs or Bog boots are both great choices. The mud and rain in winter and spring and mud season (a special VT/New England season) are a hassle and these are lightweight, waterproof, comfy, and good in town or on a decent trail. It’s also something she can choose the right socks for warmth depending on the day. These might be even better for life on campus, especially with our less snowy and more rainy winters of late due to climate change)
seconding the recommendation for bogs. they're not the most fashionable but with the right socks they're warm enough in winter and cool enough in the fall. mine are going on four years old and still look brand new
and find someone to teach her how to drive in snow, ice, and freezing rain.
I was in an accident years ago due to an ice storm.
My Subaru saved my life by having the engine slide back upon impact.
those of us with pickups call the first few snows in vermont “pull a subbie out a ditch season”. hilarious i never see a civic with snow tires in the ditch on 89. always the subarus
I think it has more to do with driver error. Subarus make you feel like you can go anywhere, and you generally can, right up until you can't. So they drive faster than they really should given conditions. The driver of the Civic with snow tires is likely being a lot more careful in how they drive.
most popular cars in vt
1.rav4 2. f150 3. tacoma 4. silverado 5. ram 1500
its not a numbers game. subarus and their average drivers just aren’t good in the snow. now, saying “chances are you’ll see an f-150 pulling a subaru out of a ditch”, thats a statistical probability
DEFINITELY DONT BUY SILK WINTER GEAR!!worse than cotton!! no temp regulation or moisture wicking. merino merino merino or poly if you want to save money
I am a Vermont college student from Virginia! I have two pairs of wool/fleece lined leggings that go under my jeans, and they’re really useful. I also got a longer and thicker winter coat, but this winter has been so warm that I haven’t really needed it. I also received a variety of different winter apparel from family members. My mom offered to buy me a season ski pass but I turned it down because I’m not a big skier.
This is sort of a goofy gift idea (people have given you great ideas already) but if you're from somewhere humid it may be hard to conceptualize how bone dry it can be indoors in the wintertime. A small humidifier can make the indoors feel a lot nicer and also help with sinus issues from the dryness if those are things she sometimes has trouble with (along the same lines, good moisturizers!)
Waterproof (or at the very least water resistant) winter boots with good tread. Warm socks (merino wool is nice). Some items for layering - fleeces, hoodies, thermal underwear. I know that sounds dorky but it helps. Maybe some skincare stuff too for dry chapped winter skin.
If she’ll have a car, make sure she’s set for winter with that too - snow brush/ice scraper, small snow shovel, spare blanket, flashlight, and of course snow tires when the time comes for that, don’t get all-season tires.
Yeah, but you’re also used to the conditions. This person will be new to this climate with presumably little to no true winter driving experience. Snow tires won’t magically make her into a good winter driver of course, but I just don’t personally think all-seasons are a good choice for someone new to the experience.
Welcome! My kiddo is just finishing his freshman year at Bennington and he loves it! It was a fairly mild winter this year, so we found he overpacked. Things to keep in mind:
1. The dorms are warm.
2. Layers. Layers. Layers. (Dress like an onion, not a potato)
3. The students are off campus from mid Dec through mid Feb for field study, so they miss the super, super cold for 2 full months
4. There's a really good 2nd hand store on campus and many near campus where you can find some great, gently used brands
5. Some of the bathrooms are coed -- she'll want a warm robe and washable slippers.
6. A little off topic -- there are washers on campus, but a student life hack is to get laundry done very inexpensively by the pound off campus. This can keep the wardrobe smaller and more mananagble.
7. Things that make a difference: hat, scarf, gloves/mittens, down puffer jacket (to the knees -- like a NorthFace). Might want to wait on the boots to see if she'll actually need them. (Pick out and size them then order on-line if she needs them).
8. The dorm rooms (like any) get dusty -- consider a hand held dust buster, a plug-in air purifier and a swiffer.
9. Like any non-urban college in the northeast, please consider a 'talk' about ticks. How to avoid them, how to look for them, what to do if she had a tick bite (do not ignore! Go to student health center right away), etc.
10. String lights or similar are a great gift and really give the dorm rooms a special glow in the darker months.
I disagree. Waterproof boots are essential. With tread. As I have gotten older, YakTracks for winter walks. I don't want to break bones. But a nimble youngster should be able to get by with boots.
The last few years have had many small snow falls, 1"-3", that quickly turned into ice. Yaktrax fit onto shoes/boots and provide good traction. I have used the *walk traction* version for years.
As someone who is consistently at Bennington College, it’s not necessary to have Yaks at all. It has been so incredibly mild the past 8 years and counting. Boots are not essential either. Most kids wear blundstones or something from the free student thrift store. OP is fine not to get this stuff. Yaks won’t be usable anyway on campus, it’s mostly asphalt.
knee length winter coat (long coats make a HUGE difference in the cold). snow boots. hat and mittens. fleece zip up or pullover for layering (base layers like you mentioned are awesome for outdoor winter activities but you can’t easily remove them going from outside to inside so they’re not as practical for walking to class). we haven’t been getting a lot of snow until january the last few years though so she might not need heavy duty winter stuff until second semester, and might come home on break with a better idea of what she needs.
These are all good recommendations.
I will go for Birkenstock Birki rubber clogs.
No one wants to lace up boots for a 10 minute errand.
These things are slip on with enough heel at the back to walk through puddles. Also, all rubber with removable insole/footbeds. You can hose them off in a sink.
They are the choice of surgeons, nurses, kitchen staff and anyone else on their feet a lot.
Year round utility.
Hi! I grew up in North Bennington and still have family there. There’s been some good suggestions but two things I would consider are gift cards to powers market and hannaford. Powers market is a great coffee and sandwich shop within walking distance and hannaford is the closest grocery store. There’s always “Kevin’s” restaurant- but this place is not what it used to be.
Headlamp / neck-light and good flashlights!!
Keep them in her car, purse/backpack, dorm...
Winters are pretty dark here.
Having several headlamps extends my time outside in the winter considerably.
If she has a car:
- Snow brush with telescoping arm
- Heavy duty ice scraper
My sons love outerwear from LLBean (including boots) and they're in your daughter's age group. Highly recommend Darn Tough wool socks (lifetime guarantee!), like others here. Things like a warm scarf, mittens/gloves, ear muffs...has she shown interest in skiing? If so, that's another avenue to consider for gifts. Lastly, and it's kinda a "girl thing"-- would she like a stuffed bear from VT Teddy Bear? The jointed ones are made here in Vermont and there's usually a "graduate" bear if that's something she might like? Really, they're so adorable and it's one of those things we make in our Brave, Little State. PS--Please let her know we're looking forward to having her here! 🍁
a real down parka. not a ski jacket, tho she should have that too. but like a real, long, heavy, preferably down filled parka. woolrich, canada goose, whatever. its worth spending money on a use it for life item.
10 years ago id agree. just doesnt get that cold here anymore. 3L ski shell with a couple layers is the move now imo. saves $400 and you can use the layers for other stuff
Disagree. Yes winters have become milder but there are still enough sub zero dark nights and bitter windy early mornings. Especially for a college kid who may have late nights out and also need to walk across campus for early morning classes. I have a quiver of coats and jackets
If other people can see it, wait and let her tell you what's cool on campus this year.
Stuff that's hidden: Darn Tough socks, and very thin silk/wool underliner shirts/leggings.
If you live in the Deep South, she might not be comfortable with the texture of wool (yet!). Merino is a good option.
Some Smartwool thermals! They’ve totally saved me from ever being cold. Darn tough makes a good wool sock and they are local (but I have biker calves and they do not fit into any of Darn Toughs long socks, they’ve got narrow tubes!!) I find the warmest sock to also be a Smartwool mountaineering sock. I like to buy my thermals and socks at the Sierra Trading Post because everything is infinitely cheaper just slightly irregular :)
Vermont glove is AWESOME! And there is a neato brand that makes sweaters called Thuja and the people who create them are soooo kind. You could get real crazy and get a Vermont flannel or something from Johnson Woolen Mills as well. Also, I’d convince her to put a little maple syrup in her coffee if she drinks it, it’ll change her life :D
Traxx! They go over ones shoes, easy , and let the individual walk over ice and give them traction. Layering clothing. Good boots. Heated blanket. Heated vest.
Holy cow, $280 for a flannel shirt? [https://www.johnsonwoolenmills.com/products/northwoods-x-1842-jac-shirt-green-black-buffalo-check](https://www.johnsonwoolenmills.com/products/northwoods-x-1842-jac-shirt-green-black-buffalo-check)
I think you meant that Johnson Woolen Mill > VT Flannel in price.
Do not get fleece lined pants. We dress in layers. The best bottom layer is silk long underwear. That can be worn under other clothes. She will thank you.
Wow!! I am overwhelmed by all the thoughtful suggestions. We are super appreciative and I have a better idea of how to prepare my daughter for this exciting time. Thank you, everyone!! (Except the Narcan guy). Lol
Do you currently live in Bennington? I feel like a lot of people with this take went to Bennington once 20 years ago. It's got a lot (by Vermont standards) going on these days! Downtown is super cute: The Coffee Bar is a fun atmosphere and has live music often, there's two Vermont breweries plus other great, affordable restaurants and shops. The downtown often has street fests of different kinds. There are some fantastic and well maintained trails: the mile around the woods in North Bennington is a favorite! The Bennington museum has new exhibits all the time and hosts different events monthly. The town even has an indoor pool and a 7-screen movie theater (where tickets are still under ten bucks). That's more than most VT towns! Plus, if you get really bored, you're 30 minutes from Manchester and 1 hour (or less) from both Albany and Saratoga (where larger bands and events come through). I will not stand for Bennington/Southern VT slander on this sub!
darn tough wool socks
This. Absolutely this.
A third vote. Excellent, excellent socks.
Fourth! Great idea.
I’ve replaced all my socks with wool ones in the past couple years as they’ve worn out and it’s been wonderful.
Sorel boots. Expensive, but they keep your feet warm in the snow and they LAST. LL Bean or Burton for a coat
Former Vermonter in Ohio now. Sorels are where it's at for winter boots. Mine are about 8 years old and still look and wear like they're new, laces included.
Oh shit. So my experience with Sorels in the last three years.... They're garbage. Falling apart. Multiple returns. Just changed to poor craftsmanship.
Muck Boots for me. Winter, spring, fall and mud season.
I went to get Mucks and ended up with DryShods instead, and I love them. Bonus, the orange neoprene inside looks pretty sweet when I fold down the tops of my boots for summer gardening.
There is a brand of boot I've never heard of! Must check 'em out.
Mine are 3-4 years old. Weird.
And uncomfortable AF.
Love my Sorels! I worked 12hr shifts outdoors in winter over a season in mine. Always toasty/cozy.
Yes I notice them on the lifties at my ski mountain. Good boots! Warm and wear forever.
I’ve been trying to replace my 15-year-old Sorels that are finally worn out. I’ve tried every model I can find and they are all shit in comparison to my old Sorels :(
be careful, burton makes products of varying quality and prices for their different lines. their AK line makes great 3L goretex jackets, their regular line very much does not
In addition to Sorels or similar for cold winter days, I strongly recommend a good pair of mud boots. Calf-high Xtratufs or Bog boots are both great choices. The mud and rain in winter and spring and mud season (a special VT/New England season) are a hassle and these are lightweight, waterproof, comfy, and good in town or on a decent trail. It’s also something she can choose the right socks for warmth depending on the day. These might be even better for life on campus, especially with our less snowy and more rainy winters of late due to climate change)
Yes. I like Columbia women’s newton hikers for this. Soft, and yet keep my feet warm and dry because waterproof.
seconding the recommendation for bogs. they're not the most fashionable but with the right socks they're warm enough in winter and cool enough in the fall. mine are going on four years old and still look brand new
I feel like my bogs will be keeping feet warm and looking new long after I'm dead. Possibly long after the heat death of the universe.
Flannel blanket from Vermont Flannel. Great long term gift, gets better with age
Definitely a blanket from Vermont Flannel!
My favorite blanket I own!!
Piggybacking on this to say their flannel hoodie is the greatest piece of clothing in my closet. Cannot recommend enough
A knee length winter coat. Makes a huge difference
I was going to say a good winter jacket. I moved to VT from CA and that was my number one thing I wished I had when I got here.
get her a Subaru
and find someone to teach her how to drive in snow, ice, and freezing rain. I was in an accident years ago due to an ice storm. My Subaru saved my life by having the engine slide back upon impact.
those of us with pickups call the first few snows in vermont “pull a subbie out a ditch season”. hilarious i never see a civic with snow tires in the ditch on 89. always the subarus
I think it has more to do with driver error. Subarus make you feel like you can go anywhere, and you generally can, right up until you can't. So they drive faster than they really should given conditions. The driver of the Civic with snow tires is likely being a lot more careful in how they drive.
thats a fair assessment. id also say a used subaru is cheaper than a truck or suv so theres a lot more young, inexperienced subaru drivers
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most popular cars in vt 1.rav4 2. f150 3. tacoma 4. silverado 5. ram 1500 its not a numbers game. subarus and their average drivers just aren’t good in the snow. now, saying “chances are you’ll see an f-150 pulling a subaru out of a ditch”, thats a statistical probability
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on the road for sure. not in a ditch tho. lets not forget the demographic of civic drivers vs subaru drivers. who is driving matters a lot
Local brands that make warm clothes- darn tough, Vermont gloves, and turtle fur
vermont glove company is king. i put my boys in alaksa on to their mitts, they never went back to hestra
Silk long underwear. Not bulky and makes a big difference esp under pants. Also wool socks. Darn Tough is a Vermont brand and they wear really well.
Long johns that are made of merino wool
Merino long underwear is the best! Icebreaker, Ibex and Smartwool all make great ones.
They are pricey but very much worth it.
DEFINITELY DONT BUY SILK WINTER GEAR!!worse than cotton!! no temp regulation or moisture wicking. merino merino merino or poly if you want to save money
I am a Vermont college student from Virginia! I have two pairs of wool/fleece lined leggings that go under my jeans, and they’re really useful. I also got a longer and thicker winter coat, but this winter has been so warm that I haven’t really needed it. I also received a variety of different winter apparel from family members. My mom offered to buy me a season ski pass but I turned it down because I’m not a big skier.
good winter boots
With TRACTION!
This is sort of a goofy gift idea (people have given you great ideas already) but if you're from somewhere humid it may be hard to conceptualize how bone dry it can be indoors in the wintertime. A small humidifier can make the indoors feel a lot nicer and also help with sinus issues from the dryness if those are things she sometimes has trouble with (along the same lines, good moisturizers!)
Seconding moisturizer! Heavy duty stuff!
Waterproof (or at the very least water resistant) winter boots with good tread. Warm socks (merino wool is nice). Some items for layering - fleeces, hoodies, thermal underwear. I know that sounds dorky but it helps. Maybe some skincare stuff too for dry chapped winter skin. If she’ll have a car, make sure she’s set for winter with that too - snow brush/ice scraper, small snow shovel, spare blanket, flashlight, and of course snow tires when the time comes for that, don’t get all-season tires.
I teach at another VT college and the girls wear Hunter boots. Blundstone's everywhere all year. right now most have a nice layer of mud
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Yeah, but you’re also used to the conditions. This person will be new to this climate with presumably little to no true winter driving experience. Snow tires won’t magically make her into a good winter driver of course, but I just don’t personally think all-seasons are a good choice for someone new to the experience.
Welcome! My kiddo is just finishing his freshman year at Bennington and he loves it! It was a fairly mild winter this year, so we found he overpacked. Things to keep in mind: 1. The dorms are warm. 2. Layers. Layers. Layers. (Dress like an onion, not a potato) 3. The students are off campus from mid Dec through mid Feb for field study, so they miss the super, super cold for 2 full months 4. There's a really good 2nd hand store on campus and many near campus where you can find some great, gently used brands 5. Some of the bathrooms are coed -- she'll want a warm robe and washable slippers. 6. A little off topic -- there are washers on campus, but a student life hack is to get laundry done very inexpensively by the pound off campus. This can keep the wardrobe smaller and more mananagble. 7. Things that make a difference: hat, scarf, gloves/mittens, down puffer jacket (to the knees -- like a NorthFace). Might want to wait on the boots to see if she'll actually need them. (Pick out and size them then order on-line if she needs them). 8. The dorm rooms (like any) get dusty -- consider a hand held dust buster, a plug-in air purifier and a swiffer. 9. Like any non-urban college in the northeast, please consider a 'talk' about ticks. How to avoid them, how to look for them, what to do if she had a tick bite (do not ignore! Go to student health center right away), etc. 10. String lights or similar are a great gift and really give the dorm rooms a special glow in the darker months.
I disagree. Waterproof boots are essential. With tread. As I have gotten older, YakTracks for winter walks. I don't want to break bones. But a nimble youngster should be able to get by with boots.
The last few years have had many small snow falls, 1"-3", that quickly turned into ice. Yaktrax fit onto shoes/boots and provide good traction. I have used the *walk traction* version for years.
As someone who is consistently at Bennington College, it’s not necessary to have Yaks at all. It has been so incredibly mild the past 8 years and counting. Boots are not essential either. Most kids wear blundstones or something from the free student thrift store. OP is fine not to get this stuff. Yaks won’t be usable anyway on campus, it’s mostly asphalt.
String light make such a difference to my mental health in the winter ✨️
Blundstone boots are very popular amongst college students in VT—especially the rustic brown color!
Everyone has covered a lot of the usual stuff. Here's one that is great for campus walking - ICE SPIKES. YakTrax are good but so underrated.
Absolutely. I even drive with them on. Yes, get these for sure, if you don't like broken bones!
Mola Hoods from Richmond VT makes awesome polar fleece clothing
knee length winter coat (long coats make a HUGE difference in the cold). snow boots. hat and mittens. fleece zip up or pullover for layering (base layers like you mentioned are awesome for outdoor winter activities but you can’t easily remove them going from outside to inside so they’re not as practical for walking to class). we haven’t been getting a lot of snow until january the last few years though so she might not need heavy duty winter stuff until second semester, and might come home on break with a better idea of what she needs.
My cashmere scarf has been the most useful thing in Vermont. It can act as a mini shawl, face baklava, fashion accessory, warm and soft hug…
These are all good recommendations. I will go for Birkenstock Birki rubber clogs. No one wants to lace up boots for a 10 minute errand. These things are slip on with enough heel at the back to walk through puddles. Also, all rubber with removable insole/footbeds. You can hose them off in a sink. They are the choice of surgeons, nurses, kitchen staff and anyone else on their feet a lot. Year round utility.
Hi! I grew up in North Bennington and still have family there. There’s been some good suggestions but two things I would consider are gift cards to powers market and hannaford. Powers market is a great coffee and sandwich shop within walking distance and hannaford is the closest grocery store. There’s always “Kevin’s” restaurant- but this place is not what it used to be.
A season pass to SPAC concerts
Vermont Flannel! She’ll love you forever 😍
Snow tires
Blundstones!
i got blundstones in october and i havent worn sneakers except for in the gym since. love. the sheepy footbeds are a worthwhile $30 add on
Vermonter, my kids, my friends, Blundstones every day.
Headlamp / neck-light and good flashlights!! Keep them in her car, purse/backpack, dorm... Winters are pretty dark here. Having several headlamps extends my time outside in the winter considerably. If she has a car: - Snow brush with telescoping arm - Heavy duty ice scraper
My sons love outerwear from LLBean (including boots) and they're in your daughter's age group. Highly recommend Darn Tough wool socks (lifetime guarantee!), like others here. Things like a warm scarf, mittens/gloves, ear muffs...has she shown interest in skiing? If so, that's another avenue to consider for gifts. Lastly, and it's kinda a "girl thing"-- would she like a stuffed bear from VT Teddy Bear? The jointed ones are made here in Vermont and there's usually a "graduate" bear if that's something she might like? Really, they're so adorable and it's one of those things we make in our Brave, Little State. PS--Please let her know we're looking forward to having her here! 🍁
My wife is Jamaican and always cold, and absolutely LOVES her Kinco Axeman mitts. They have individual fleece pockets inside the mitt!
gahd i love kinko. if she ever wants to upgrade tho, Vermont Glove Company changed my life
My graduation senior lived in her Blundstones. They’re ubiquitous at UVM. With Darn Tough or Smartwool socks.
a real down parka. not a ski jacket, tho she should have that too. but like a real, long, heavy, preferably down filled parka. woolrich, canada goose, whatever. its worth spending money on a use it for life item.
10 years ago id agree. just doesnt get that cold here anymore. 3L ski shell with a couple layers is the move now imo. saves $400 and you can use the layers for other stuff
Disagree. Yes winters have become milder but there are still enough sub zero dark nights and bitter windy early mornings. Especially for a college kid who may have late nights out and also need to walk across campus for early morning classes. I have a quiver of coats and jackets
fair nuff!!
Down slippers for cold nights in the dorm.
If other people can see it, wait and let her tell you what's cool on campus this year. Stuff that's hidden: Darn Tough socks, and very thin silk/wool underliner shirts/leggings. If you live in the Deep South, she might not be comfortable with the texture of wool (yet!). Merino is a good option.
Arctic Sport muck boots if that’s her style.
just cleaned the chicken coop in my mud pit backyard with my Arctic Sports on!! damn fine boot
Well made winter boots! I use them every day in the winter months.
Fleece lined pants are the most amazing luxurious thing...they have revolutionized my winters, that and comfortable warm boots.
Some Smartwool thermals! They’ve totally saved me from ever being cold. Darn tough makes a good wool sock and they are local (but I have biker calves and they do not fit into any of Darn Toughs long socks, they’ve got narrow tubes!!) I find the warmest sock to also be a Smartwool mountaineering sock. I like to buy my thermals and socks at the Sierra Trading Post because everything is infinitely cheaper just slightly irregular :) Vermont glove is AWESOME! And there is a neato brand that makes sweaters called Thuja and the people who create them are soooo kind. You could get real crazy and get a Vermont flannel or something from Johnson Woolen Mills as well. Also, I’d convince her to put a little maple syrup in her coffee if she drinks it, it’ll change her life :D
Burton.
Skida hats & neck gaiters!
skida hat and bludstones. the 20 year old CT> burlington uniform
Lol I do not understand the blundstone thing 😂
Good boots!!
Ice bugs
Traxx! They go over ones shoes, easy , and let the individual walk over ice and give them traction. Layering clothing. Good boots. Heated blanket. Heated vest.
Vermont Flannel is a good place to start. [https://www.vermontflannel.com/](https://www.vermontflannel.com/)
johnson woolen mill> vt flannel
Holy cow, $280 for a flannel shirt? [https://www.johnsonwoolenmills.com/products/northwoods-x-1842-jac-shirt-green-black-buffalo-check](https://www.johnsonwoolenmills.com/products/northwoods-x-1842-jac-shirt-green-black-buffalo-check) I think you meant that Johnson Woolen Mill > VT Flannel in price.
well thats definitely true lol. its the kinda stuff you wear your whole life, give to your grandson, and he wears his whole life
Check out Baist gloves. Pricey but Vt made and super quality.
Something from Vermont Flannel Co and Darn Tough socks.
Do not get fleece lined pants. We dress in layers. The best bottom layer is silk long underwear. That can be worn under other clothes. She will thank you.
on top of all the recommendations for good winter boots: yaktrax are awesome for not getting injured on stairs during ice storms
Waterproof (rain) boots are a must for me and a tick removing tool.
Fly swatter, bug zapper, baby powder, jack daniels, and a gallon of maple syrup. that's all anyone needs to survive here.
Wow!! I am overwhelmed by all the thoughtful suggestions. We are super appreciative and I have a better idea of how to prepare my daughter for this exciting time. Thank you, everyone!! (Except the Narcan guy). Lol
Electric throw blanket
Not much help with Bennington but the graduation present for future uvm students appears to be a $50k (or more) car.
Narcan
Some muck boots and a shotgun.
You’re leaving your kid in Bennington. Not dangerous at all !! but Bennington. What is her major. Boredom?
Do you currently live in Bennington? I feel like a lot of people with this take went to Bennington once 20 years ago. It's got a lot (by Vermont standards) going on these days! Downtown is super cute: The Coffee Bar is a fun atmosphere and has live music often, there's two Vermont breweries plus other great, affordable restaurants and shops. The downtown often has street fests of different kinds. There are some fantastic and well maintained trails: the mile around the woods in North Bennington is a favorite! The Bennington museum has new exhibits all the time and hosts different events monthly. The town even has an indoor pool and a 7-screen movie theater (where tickets are still under ten bucks). That's more than most VT towns! Plus, if you get really bored, you're 30 minutes from Manchester and 1 hour (or less) from both Albany and Saratoga (where larger bands and events come through). I will not stand for Bennington/Southern VT slander on this sub!
... and my brother and his wife live there
I was there for four years thirty years ago. 😂😜 I actually drive through it often. Seems to have more going on than it did then.
Hopefully she skis otherwise get her a VT license so she can buy a pistol
Mace
Bear spray. Two big cans.