Get outside! But take precautions...

It's been a rainy week, but the weather for this weekend looks like it will be very nice! This is a wonderful time of year to get outside in Vermont, and here's a few tips for you.

Trout Fishing is in full swing! We have lots of wonderful trout fishing spots to discover. I personally recommend the Walloomsac River in Bennington. Not only is the fishing very good, but the three covered bridges make for very scenic surroundings. There are good access points for fishing at both the Silk Road Covered Bridge and the Henry Bridge. The Papermill Bridge is less accessible. All three bridges are located off Route 67A between Bennington and North Bennington. I'd be remiss if I did not also mention the world famous Battenkill River in Manchester and Arlington. This is often more crowded than the Walloomsac, but often worth it. While you are up that way, you might want to visit ORVIS in Manchester and the American Museum of Fly Fishing. Both are located on route 7A south of Manchester Center.

Hiking is one of my favorite activities. While the leaves are fully out in the valleys, in the mountain tops you'll still see spring flowers and the leaves have that "new green" color that I love. One nice hike is to Harmon Hill. This hike starts with a very steep ascent, but then moderates to a more comfortable hike to an open hilltop with terrific views of Bennington and Mount Anthony. The trailhead is located east of Bennington on Route 9. Look for the Long Trail sign and follow the trail South. 

Wherever adventure takes you in Vermont... remember to bring plenty of bug repellent. The blackflies (small biting insects) can be very fierce this time of year. Deer ticks are another pest to watch out for. These ticks are smaller than the more common dog tick... the smallest not much bigger than a speck. These ticks may carry Lyme Disease, which is easily treatable in it's early stages but can become chronic if not caught in time. Using insect repellent will discourage ticks as well, but if you do find one on you don't panic. A tick has to have been attached to you for more than 24 hours for there to be any significant risk of transmittal of the disease. It's a ritual in our family to check nightly for ticks (you don't need to go hiking to pick them up... they are everywhere!) and pull off any we find. 

Bennington Moosefest is underway!

Tuesday night was the unveiling for the 50+ decorated moose and hundreds of people came to celebrate and see all the moose in one place. They look amazing! Make sure you plan a trip to Bennington this summer to see them. The Bennington Moosefest continues right through October.

On another note, this Saturday May 23 is Mayfest in Bennington. The Main Street in Downtown Bennington will be closed to traffic for this annual street festival event. Crafts, music, food, and entertainment - very family friendly. See you there!

First Moosefest Event!

In 2005, a herd of 57 painted moose came to Bennington...

This year they are back! And this time, they brought their families!

The event features over 50 painted bull, cow, and calf moose that will be on display throughout Bennington from May through October. 

The full moose herd unveiling is this coming Tuesday, May 19, at the Bennington Brush Building on North Street. For more information visit the Bennington Moosefest website!

Apple Blossoms & Mother's Day

Apple Blossoms

Happily we've gotten a few days of much needed rain, and natures is responding with an explosion of new green growth! In particular, the apple blossoms are now in full bloom and are filling the air with their sweet scents. If you are in the Bennington area, try taking a drive on Carpenter Hill Road (about 1 mile south of Bennington's four corners downtown on Route 7) to see the apple orchards in full bloom. The orchard owners had to install fencing to keep out the deer, so you can't wander about, but just the effect from the road is gorgeous. The lilacs are also in bloom, and you can see literally HUNDREDS of lilac bushes while following the John Dostal Lilac Trail in Bennington. Visit the Downtown Welcome Center in Bennington (located just south of four corners in Downtown Bennington) for more information.

Happy Mother's Day! 

How about taking mom out to Vermont for dinner? Many area restaurants are offering specials, and you might want to call ahead to see if reservations are needed. The Hawkins House craftsmarket in Bennington is having a sale 10-30% off storewide to celebrate Mother's Day (pick a jelly bean, the color of the bean wins you a discount of 10 to 30% off your purchase!)

The Rybrook Tavern is having their Grand Opening this weekend! They are located on Harwood Hill (the old "Hunter's Tavern") on Route 7A in Bennington. I hope to get up there to try it out myself. Good luck to them.