Posts tagged open mic

Something I love about this place is how quickly students can adapt when the need arises. Though it’s more than a few weeks in our past, tropical storm Irene passed over the town of Bennington as students were returning to campus and the orientation activities drew to a close.

Open mic was one event that could have easily been done away with considering the inability to use a mic and the storm still stirring outside. Neither performers nor attendees let this get in the way and we huddled together in the student centre with our flashlights and blankets. The acoustic open mic was probably one of the coolest things I’ve ever seen happen here. As we listened to the words and sounds of the class of 2015, we rejoiced at the return of electricity then ignored it and ended the night in darkness.

We’re glad we fared well during the hours Irene passed over us but there’s still a lot to be done in the community. We’re focusing on raising some money within the campus to put toward a relief fund at the moment. I hope we’ll see a good show of support.

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.