Posts tagged diner

Bennington, VT… it’s got more than just a college! (Part One)

Hi! My name’s Leah, I’m a junior, and this is my first post for Tapped In. 

When strangers to the town of Bennington, VT roll in for the first time it might not look too promising, but there’s really more than meets the eye. How do I know? I spent the summer living in Downtown Bennington (the college is in North Bennington) among the very citizens of the town itself, and I learned about a LOT of cool places in the area.

So, basically this post is for those of you who are skeptical about the possibilities for fun off-campus. Yes, campus is totally rockin’, but why don’t you give some of these lesser-known spots a try if you’re around:

1. THE PUBLYK HOUSE (yes, it’s actually spelled like this)

782 Harwood Hill Road, Historic Route 7A

This place may look like a fancy-shmancy restaurant most of the time, but a few nights a week they host some pretty awesome events in the tavern. On Wednesday nights starting at 7pm there’s Team Trivia Night where you can battle it out for a chance to win a gift certificate. I went a bunch of times this summer and had a blast. I haven’t won yet, but I really love trivia, so I’ll keep going forever.

Also, if trivia’s not your thing there’s an especially awesome Open Mic on Friday nights starting at 9pm. I’ve performed a couple times, and it’s a great environment! You get music, jokes, sometimes poetry, and there’s always someone cool there to talk to. Bring your friends, songs, and poems! (consider playing a cover tune because the crowd here loves to sing along)

2. PAPA PETE’S

1104 Woodford Rd

This diner ROCKS. It’s always less crowded than the Blue Benn (which is awesome too, but I’m trying to let you guys in on some secrets) and the food is really excellent. Whenever I go to Pete’s I order two eggs over easy, and it comes with toast and some pretty fantastic homefries for under five bucks! I’m always full and satisfied when I leave this place. They close at 3pm, but get over there for some awesome breakfast food any day of the week!

3. APPLE BARN

Route 7 South a little past “Four Corners” (the four-way intersection on Main Street, downtown)

This place is so fun! It’s a little bit of a drive, but not really… anyway, it’s totally worth it. They have an amazing coffee shop and bakery, you can buy Vermont Real Maple Syrup and Cabot cheese in huge blocks there, and there’s a Pick-Your-Own apple orchard starting in August. I highly recommend bundling up in scarves and sweaters with a bunch of your friends and spending an afternoon picking apples to take back to your other friends. They will be jealous, so be nice and give them one.