Vermont Camping
Vermont camping was a thing of beauty for us for many reasons. For example, the Green Mountains were all around and the state has more than 100 covered bridges. Also, there were picturesque small towns near our campground. So, we we spent lots of time just taking in the sights. From driving through this lovely state in late summer, I can tell that it would be breathtaking in Autumn with the turning of the leaves.
Arlington
Our campground was in the small town of Arlington, population roughly 2,500. It is an old town, established in 1761, with a rich history as the first capital of the state.
The Arlington countryside was gorgeous with very green grass, rustic structures, and mountains as a backdrop.
One very famous Arlington resident was the iconic Norman Rockwell who lived in the town for fourteen years, from 1939 to 1953. The house below was his home while in Arlington, which is now a hotel called Rockwell’s Retreat.
There is a free Norman Rockwell museum at the Sugar Shack. It features the Post magazine covers of the time that Rockwell lived in the area. He used local residents as models quite often.
I especially liked the display below that had information about a self portrait of Rockwell’s.
Just across from Rockwell’s home is the Arlington Green Covered Bridge that was built in 1852 and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. We also drove our truck through this bridge.
Vermont Camping on the Battenkill
We spent three nights in Vermont and all our nights were exclusively at Camping on the Battenkill. The campground has much to offer: great location, full hookups, large level sites, beautiful landscaping, large dog park, laundry, and the Battenkill River. Many campers took tubes and floats into the river. I understand it is also a good spot for fly fishing.
Our site was very wide with a lush grass base. I was surprised that the grass does so well being covered with campers and rugs so much of the time.
Below is a photo of the Battenkill. We did not get in it, but I did dip my toes in and it was cold.
Manchester
We also visited Manchester, a nearby town. It home to the historic Equinox Resort, built in 1853. Four US presidents have stayed at the hotel and Theodore Roosevelt gave a campaign speech on the lawn. It is said to be the most haunted hotel in Vermont. Mary Todd Lincoln visited in 1864 and planned to come back the next year with her husband, but he was assassinated. Hotel employees have claimed to see the ghost of Mary and a small child. It might be interesting to stay there.
Manchester also has the beautiful First Congregational Church, established in 1784.
Lastly, I loved the Manchester countryside with the Green Mountains all around. Note the flying object my camera caught. Not sure what it is.
Bennington
We came through Bennington as headed to our campground and returned a couple of days later. While passing through, we visited the impressive Revolutionary War Battle Monument. We saw it from a distance while stopping at the local Wal-mart. I later learned it is the tallest man-made structure in Vermont.
The monument is for the Battle of Bennington on August 16, 1777 because it was a pivotal victory for Vermont’s Green Mountain Boys, the New Hampshire Militia, and volunteers from Massachusetts. They were protecting provisions stored in Bennington that the British troops were seeking.
Bennington has three covered bridges. Paper Mill Village Bridge below is also on the National Register of Historic Places and was built in 1889. It is 126 ft long and 14 1/2 ft wide. We drove through all the bridges in this post.
Silk Road Covered Bridge was the oldest bridge we saw, built in 1840 and 88 feet long.
Robert Frost also lived near Bennington and his former home is a museum. We stopped by and walked around. However, we couldn’t do a tour because it was closed that day. However, it was a beautiful piece of property and I can see how it would be inspirational to Frost.
Vermont Food
We had a couple of good meals, both in Bennington. I had excellent fish and chips with a craft beer at Madison Brewing Company Pub and Restaurant. The fries were especially good. We also had burgers at Jensen’s that were good and very reasonably priced.
We purchased some robust maple syrup, pumpkin butter, apple cider doughnuts, and local raw milk cheese at the Sugar Shack in Arlington. In Manchester, we had some local non-dairy ice cream made by Wilcox Dairy. That was our dinner! We stopped there because they were dog-friendly.
Vermont Camping In Conclusion
Our time in Vermont was lovely. However, it makes me want to come back for the turning of the leaves. Camping in the fall doesn’t work though because most campgrounds close by mid October and we would have difficulty getting home. So, I think we might have to fly up here and rent a car to really see Vermont at its most beautiful.
If interested in other states we have visited, check out , States Visited, a Campsite Resource.
Happy camping!
