Archive for December, 2010

We are all an endangered species when it comes to pulling ourselves away from this computer – you know what I’m talking about if you are reading this.  So, here is my message:  GET OFF THE COUCH!

I was amazed to realize how many opportunities we have in the Bennington area to exercise and have fun in the Winter time.  I’m offering all of you a friendly challenge to add to my list and tell me what I forgot.  Here is my start up list:

Winter Sports (outside of school based programs).

Alpine Skiing:  Bromley Mountain, Stratton Mountain, Magic Mountain, Mount Snow and Haystackare all within a twenty to forty minute drive of Bennington.  Willard Mountain, which is located just outside Cambridge, New York, is my favorite as my grandkids ski there.  They have night skiing, snowboarding, lessons, a hut and cafeteria plus a main lodge with a fireplace in addition to the longest tubing run anywhere around.  It is definitely a local crowd with dress code being anything warm and comfortable.  I know that locals seem to prefer the historic Bromley Mountain with its warm southern slope and its Innkeepers Race Series. 

Cross country skiing: Prospect Mountain is warm, friendly and legendary for cross country competitions as well as everyday fun.   Hildene Meadow in Manchester offers terrific scenery and well groomed trails.

Sledding:  Any hill will do and everyone has their own favorites but don’t forget Willow Park off East Road in Bennington.

Skating: Locally we have outdoor skating on Stark Street, sponsored by the Town of Bennington.  This is a “flooded arena” so there is no worrying about falling through the ice!  Within thirty minutes both north and south we have spectacular indoor ice skating with lessons, hockey events and open skating. Riley Rink at Hunter Park is in Manchester, there is  the Peter W. Foote Vietnam Veterans Memorial Skating Rink in North Adams, MA.  To our west, there is also the Reynolds/Gilchrest Skaing Rink in Hoosick Falls, NY.

Snowmobiling:  Woodford is considered the capital of Southwestern Vermont’s snowmobiling and has an extensive VAST trail system and the Woodford SnoBusters Club to join.

Walking:  My favorite is just following the sidewalks around Bennington, the walking paths along the Walloomsac River and climbing up Elm Street, over Monument and down Town Hill followed by a calorie killer breakfast at the Blue Benn Diner, the Full Belly Diner, Friendlys, Izabella’s, the South Street Cafe or the Nova Mae Cafe. 

When there is time, there is no better walking or cross country skiing spot than a country walk along the Mile Around Woods on West Street in North Bennington, formerly a part of the Park McCullough Estate grounds.

I’ll bet you think I’m done, but I’m only beginning.  If I haven’t talked you out of staying indoors, no problem!

We have three fitness centers:  Off the Wall, Anytime Fitness and the Town Recreation Center complete with indoor Olympic size pool, sauna and fitness/weight room.

Tennis anyone?  Our newest addition to Bennington is the Bennington Tennis Center with lessons and leagues going full speed in its first winter in business.

Our long time traditional bowling leagues at the Bennington Lanes are well under way and this is a great place for the whole family to enjoy a weekend afternoon.

I know I haven’t covered the map – there are dance classes available at Ballroom Essentials in nearby Williamstown MA or from Rebecca Molloyin Cambridge, NY among others.  There are also opportunities to learn martial arts at Green Mountain Tae Kwon Do or the Okinawan Karate Dojo, both located in Bennington. 

Last but not least, my favorite activity – horseback riding!  With the proper shoes and training you can enjoy some back country trails with your horse that will open up the beauty of the woods and fields – heaven!  But for those of us in training (jumping, dressage or Western pursuits) there are four indoor riding rings just in Shaftsbury:  Shanderhof, Dornhoff, Rocky Top Stable and Miles to Go Farm.

There is nothing finer than a lovely ride in crisp, cool weather on a fuzzy winter coated horse that is happy and frisky and not dealing with hot sun and bugs! 

These are the activities for the winter that should encourage you to GET OFF THE COUCH!  Let me know what I missed.