Hi everyone! Not too long ago, my sweet husband and I took a road trip to Bennington, VT. Only about an hour away, it’s a straight over Route 7 from Troy (it becomes Route 9 in Vermont). We’ve visited frequently over the years, but this time I was on a mission. I had a hankering to see some original Grandma Moses paintings;so we headed to the Bennington Museum, which has a large collection of her works.
Along the way, we encountered so many photographic opportunities that today I’m going to just focus on the photographs I took along Route 9 as we journeyed east into Vermont. This barn sits about 200 yards off the road, so I couldn’t get close, but it’s setting, with the grasses in front and the mountain behind, and the evergreen playing off of the deep red barn–just wonderful.
A little farther along, we found this gorgeous barn that stole my breath away. We pulled over and I gave this beauty a 30 minute photo shoot–she was that photogenic!
The gray doors against the red barn create a very pleasing juxtaposition.
Some of that great wood up close, and a dash of rust–always a good thing.
Just look at all that chipping paint–why do we love it so?
A shot down the side of this great barn–
One final shot–all those textured red boards layered against each other.
Just as you drive into Bennington, you are greeted by this amazing old structure, formerly the Walloomsic Inn, which sits on the corner of Route 9 and Park Way. It has been in this condition for as long as I have been in the area (about 30 years). I’ve captured its best side.
It sits directly across the street from a white, clapboard church. The two could not be more poorly matched. UPDATE: The Bennington Museum website has a very interesting article about this house.
Although it did make for some fabulous photographic opportunities–
The grass green shutters against the old brick.
Bittersweet everywhere.
Enough rust to make you smile.
Some abandoned out-buildings.
And right across the street–the pristine Old First Church. Robert Frost is buried in its cemetery. We didn’t have time to look, but next time we will. His home is a small museum about a half an hour north of Bennington, but it’s closed in the winter.
We passed some lovely homes on our way to catch a glimpse of the Benninton Monument. There’s nothing like an old stone colonial.
Isn’t this house magnificent with its columned-front?
At the end of the street (Monument Way), one finds the 300′ Bennington Monument, which commemorates the Battle of Bennington, fought during the Revolutionary War.
After all that picture-taking, I was hungry; so we stopped into Your Belly’s Deli. Isn’t that a great name! The sandwiches and salads are delicious.
The decor inside was fun and this DELI sign was right on trend.
Be sure to come back for the second part of our day–
featuring Grandma Moses at the Bennington Museum.
Thanks so much for stopping by!
Bye for now,
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What a lovely tour of Bennington. Great images of some great sights. Tom The Backroads Traveller
Oh, wow, I don't know where to begin…I came for the barns but found so much more and loved it all. That church is fantastic, but I love the old buildings, too. That one seems so huge. Is it empty?
Thanks for the memories, Diana! I grew up in Vermont {much farther north} but we had friends in Bennington, and so many happy memories. Wonderful collection of photos!
So many comments I could make. Great captures of the details and textures in the buildings. The deli name made me smile. And of course, I love your barns! Thanks for linking this week!
I, too, Love Bennington and make J drive Rt. 9 every time we go to NH / Maine from Syracuse, NY (usually twice a year) – we generally only stop at the pottery factory 1/yr though 😉
Love all your photos. Love old barns. Thanks for sharing. I have always wanted to explore abandoned buildings, but Mr. Z. would not hear of it. Great trip and so many interesting things. Hugs, Audrey Z.
Diana, what a amazing fun little trip you went on. Your photos captured so many great things. I'll bet you wanted to put that old barn in your pocket and take it home. Loved it all! Jo
I could sit and stare at these gorgeous photos for hours! Love, love that barn with the weathered doors and the old brick with green shutters. . .definitely swoon worthy. The homes you shared are stunning. Would love to see this area! Thanks for sharing with SYC. hugs, Jann
Diana, what a trip down memory lane! My future son in law had a ski house near Bennington so he and my daughter chose Old First Church for their wedding. That was 25 years ago. The wedding party stayed at the 1811 house bed and breakfast but I understand that it is now owned by Equinox Inn. Loved the pictures of the barns. Guess I didn't notice those when we had the wedding festivities on our minds. I am sorry I did not take time to enjoy the surroundings.
Thanks for sharing. I lived in Bennington for about 9 months back in 1974-75. There is so much history everywhere you look. And I so miss the autumn beauty of New England!
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What a lovely tour of Bennington. Great images of some great sights. Tom The Backroads Traveller
I enjoyed the tour tremendously and can't wait for part two. My Mom was a great admirer of Grandma Moses and instilled in me a love of folk art.
Oh, wow, I don't know where to begin…I came for the barns but found so much more and loved it all. That church is fantastic, but I love the old buildings, too. That one seems so huge. Is it empty?
Wow! I am almost envious! What wonder photos — I too am a lover of old houses and barns and rust!
Great barn, bu tthat Inn is amazing!
Those barns are so nostalgic, of what I don't know because I have never been to Vermont. That's just the feeling I get from them!
Thanks for the memories, Diana! I grew up in Vermont {much farther north} but we had friends in Bennington, and so many happy memories. Wonderful collection of photos!
Bennington looks like an awesome place to take a camera. Lucky you to live only an hour away!
So many comments I could make. Great captures of the details and textures in the buildings. The deli name made me smile. And of course, I love your barns! Thanks for linking this week!
I, too, Love Bennington and make J drive Rt. 9 every time we go to NH / Maine from Syracuse, NY (usually twice a year) – we generally only stop at the pottery factory 1/yr though 😉
Nicely done. Makes you feel you are along on the trip with you.
Love all your photos. Love old barns. Thanks for sharing. I have always wanted to explore abandoned buildings, but Mr. Z. would not hear of it. Great trip and so many interesting things.
Hugs,
Audrey Z.
Great photos! Wonderful views of the barn and houses!! Awesome trip!
Diana, what a amazing fun little trip you went on. Your photos captured so many great things. I'll bet you wanted to put that old barn in your pocket and take it home. Loved it all! Jo
Beautiful images Diana. love the old inn and the church is gorgeous, barns too.
all wonderful eye candy.
Great photo's of everything and what a contrast that church is after the neglected old buildings.
Diana
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oh wow, i loved all of these! what a great tour this was…and the name of the deli is so cute and i love that deli sign!
What a delightful tour you have taken me on!!! I love the old buildings, with their peeling pain and the rust!!!
That sounds like a wonderful day out! Love the old barn with the straw poking out the hole!
Thank you for sharing your happy memory making at the Thursday hop. Gorgeous photos! xo
I could sit and stare at these gorgeous photos for hours! Love, love that barn with the weathered doors and the old brick with green shutters. . .definitely swoon worthy. The homes you shared are stunning. Would love to see this area! Thanks for sharing with SYC.
hugs,
Jann
Diana, what a trip down memory lane! My future son in law had a ski house near Bennington so he and my daughter chose Old First Church for their wedding. That was 25 years ago. The wedding party stayed at the 1811 house bed and breakfast but I understand that it is now owned by Equinox Inn. Loved the pictures of the barns. Guess I didn't notice those when we had the wedding festivities on our minds. I am sorry I did not take time to enjoy the surroundings.
You sure hit the motherload of photographic opportunities. I sure enjoyed the picture show.
Beautiful!!
Mary, MI
Thanks for sharing. I lived in Bennington for about 9 months back in 1974-75. There is so much history everywhere you look. And I so miss the autumn beauty of New England!