I am behind in traveling and in posting my adventures – time gets away from me, but I am out and exploring (or in and planning adventures). I have so much to write about to remember and share. Still have to tour you on my St. Lawrence Seaway and River adventure, and on the 17th of October I had a rare opportunity on the Champlain Canal. But first…I rewarded myself with an outing on Thursday the 26th to Bennington, Vermont, and in the 70 plus degree weather, BLUE BELLE and I headed to a Medieval Faire on the 28th.

And, having written the above paragraph on October 29, I am embarrassed that I am back on November 8, and finishing up on 12 November – but remember I do this to remember, but enjoy sharing. So, background – I finished the November CLARION, it was at the printer, and I needed a “day off.” I was drawn to Bennington, Vermont, for two exhibits at BENNINGTON MUSEUM, and for some reason I had never really been aware of the Bennington Welcome Station that opened on October 11, 2013, ten years ago following the completion of the somewhat confusing bypass around downtown Bennington. I read an article on-line – and needed to visit.

Now knowing where it is, and having studied the maps, this was the initial destination on the 26th. I do not like bypasses, thus missing towns, but will spin around on Route 279 if heading to New York State, or coming back from NY late in the evening.

you can enlarge these maps to hopefully understand how this ten year old bypass works — only thing, it is not a straight shot from the south to get to the welcome station, and you have to watch the signs in the round abouts. In the image on the left – imagine (well it is) Route 9 crossing the state at the bottom – will put you in the proper spot.

the center is really nice – similar to, but smaller than, the welcome center as you enter Vermont on I-91.

and you look out to Old Bennington, and the Bennington Monument. Below my first gallery (that you may click to enlarge) are two panels explaining the Battle of Bennington (hopefully you know it was in Hoosick – Walloomsac, New York).

Some great history displays here (do visit – free coffee and tea as well). First on the archeology at this site, and then nearby industrial history in this area.

Next on the agenda for my “day off” was to swing through North Bennington to reacquaint myself, get lunch, and then to the Bennington Museum. Somehow I had forgotten this great train station in North Bennington which also has an old industrial area along the Walloomsac River.

Some of you may have an inkling that I have a number of decades “under my belt,” but you may not know that my experiences in this area, and north on my favorite US Route 7, go back almost 70 years. On a rare “vacation” with my parents we visited former neighbors in Wilton, CT, who moved to Manchester and then Dorset, Vermont. I remember stopping at the Veterans Home on Route 7 and feeding the deer that were then in residence on the grounds. Home and fence still there, but no deer. And across the road is The Blue Benn diner – which has been there since 1948. We ate there in the 1950s, and I had lunch there again on this trip. Classic – but I have had better omelets.

And, so I may remember, during high school friends and I passed here on the way to Rutland, Vermont for the fair and stock car race (1963-60 years ago), and I also camped many times in the area during high school, as well as in the 1970s when stationed in Rhode Island. And, even with my bookshop in Connecticut, Cathy and I would scout books often staying over in the area. See the patterns in my life?

It was then to the Bennington Museum to see two temporary exhibits. Made easier to pop in and out since with my Old Sturbridge Village membership I am at the North American Reciprocal Museum (NARM) Association level extending free admission to over 1,300 museums — I have told you to join somewhere to gain this benefit.

Unfortunately over on 5 November, I first saw FOR THE LOVE OF VERMONT: THE LYMAN ORTON COLLECTION. Just a few of the Vermont paintings he has collected and brought back home. I met his Dad in 1963 – Vrest, and you should know that he started the Vermont Country Store in 1946, and also Vermont Life – the magazine, I spent a few hours with him, and again the next day in Rockingham where he was completing the store there. I have to purchase the book on this exhibit, but found these panels of interest.

and some further background in this gallery you may click to enlarge to read

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The other temporary exhibit I wanted to see was HAUNTED VERMONT which runs through December 31. It is in a small area, and I was a tad disappointed because so much more could have been shown and explored. It is a small space, and only the surface could be touched. I have provided an article on the exhibit, however, that tells more — CLICK HERE FOR THAT PAGE

Below are some of the panels in this area discussing the “Bennington Triangle,” “Spirit Photography,” and Shirley Jackson.

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A second adventure to share, from Saturday, 28 October, across the river in Putney, Vermont. I find many ideas for adventures from listings on Facebook that I receive – historical events, fairs, exhibits, and they lead to further research. I find things I never knew about — such as the MEDIEVAL FAIRE at The Grammar School in Putney – this the 35th Annual. I encourage you to visit in coming years for a treat seeing the enjoyment these young folks are experiencing. This year’s fair was delayed a few weeks due to rain.

A nice rural location, I arrived and was greeted by Nick Perry, the Head of the School.

looking back at the parking area across the road, quite a nice crowd attending this event – the school enrollment is (if I remember correctly) a little over one hundred in preschool to grade 8.

you head up the drive passing the lower level (Gaming Glen) where there were rides and games

on the “middle level” just below one school building is the Village Square – a marketplace for artisans and craftsmen.

what I really enjoyed were the youngsters in costumes smiling and enjoying themselves. Staff as well was appropriately dressed. I will have to travel in costume next year, and maybe decorate BLUE BELLE as well.

Below some additional views in the market area – an old style “hurdy-gurdy” and a puppet show. and then some games in the lower field

I then strolled “Over Yonder” to the Upper School for lunch, a chili worth the trip. Then I strolled (using the correct terminology for the day) back to a path leading down the hill, passing the gaming area, but stopping to see the Candy Catapult and the Flying Dragon.

So, now saved and shared, and more posts to catch up on. The holiday season approaches as well, and I have adventures in mind that are new, and ones I have enjoyed in the past, and love to repeat. Stay safe and stay well, luv, RAY