"Love this initiative - it helps build community by connecting people that might not have had the opportunity to meet as easily (or at all). Working remotely and living in a rural area, I have to actively go out of my way to connect with people and build new relationships but programs like this make it so much easier!"

Discover SoVermont
Is Southern Vermont Your Perfect Fit?

Imagine Your Life Here

Picture yourself… attending events like the world-famous Dorset Theater Festival and Marlboro Music Festival. Brew fests and fall fests, road races and country fairs.

Savoring farm-fresh food and meeting up with friends at local food-and-brew haunts that are humming all year-round.

Your neighbor might be a noted author, an engineer, a sheep farmer, or all of the above. She’ll help you jump-start your car… because we’re Vermonters.

Pursuing your passions– taking trapeze lessons, riding horses, and playing in a jazz band. There’s time and space for that here.

The first warm spring days will trigger your cravings for maple sugar on snow, mud boots, and fiddleheads. That’s when you’ll know you’ve become a Vermonter.

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Plan a Visit

Let’s get strategic! It's tempting to try and see the entire state in 2 or 3 days, but take it from us, you don't want to spend your whole trip in the car. Driving these beautiful winding roads means it takes longer to get from “here” to “there” than you’d think. Here are some tips to help you plan a meaningful trip to see if SoVermont is right for you.

Stay a while

Make sure you have enough time to experience real life in the area. Spend at least a day in each of the areas you’re interested in.

Talk to the locals

People tend to hang out at the general store and the library. Stop by and say hi to the friendly folks who can give you a real feeling for the place.

Do the things you like to do in regular life

Explore based on your interests, not a tourist itinerary. If you enjoy cycling, rent a bike and go for a spin. If you like breweries, we’ve got em, so grab a pint!

See what’s going on

SoVermont is big on bulletin boards filled with fliers. Browse these colorful leaflets to see the variety of things happening and the unique services offered around here.

Make connections

Consider the support you may need, and don’t be afraid to reach out to meet up or talk. People are generally glad to hear from you! You might contact a real estate agent, a school or childcare provider, a community of faith, or an agency with resources to help you. Or it could be even more niche: want to raise goats? Email a goat farmer and see if you can visit.

Area Events

Look here for Bennington County events!

SoVermont in Every Season

Summer

In Summer our hills truly come alive with the sound of music! There’s the Marlboro Music Festival, Yellow Barn Festival, Bandwagon Series, and Weston Theater Company. Plus the Retreat Farm has much-loved events and most towns have music evenings. There’s SO much to do outdoors– fresh water swimming, camping, hiking, farmers markets, maple creemee licking and berry picking, among many more activities. Join us for summer traditions like the Guilford Fair, Bellows Falls Pride, or even Townshend Pickle Day!

Fall

Of course, go for a scenic drive and take in the spectacular foliage! But make time for cheese tasting, apple picking, antiquing and perusing local arts & crafts. Fall events like the Southern Vermont Flannel Festival, Gilfeather Turnip Festival, and Scott Farm’s Heirloom Apple Day highlight the authentic charm of SoVermont at this special time of year.

Winter

SoVermont doesn’t stop for Winter! Throughout the holidays there are opportunities to buy local at downtown shops & markets, or at the Putney Craft Tour. We have great local spots for snowshoeing & nordic skiing, sledding & downhill skiing, skating, ice fishing, and sleigh rides. Unwind with some live music, puppetry, or see a show at the historic Latchis Theater and Bellows Falls Opera House. The longrunning Harris Hill Ski Jump event and the BMC’s Northern Roots Festival aren’t to be missed!

Mud Season

If you visit (and love) Vermont in Mud Season then you’ll have no trouble the rest of the year! From late February to early April the ground thaws, gravel roads become slippery and unpaved hiking trails are off limits, but we make our own fun! It’s sugaring season, so you’ll have the chance to see maple syrup being made. It’s also a more affordable time to visit, and you can still spend time at our breweries, farm-to-table restaurants, museums, or even the circus! See world class musicians at the Vermont Jazz Center or check out the Craft Beer & Chili Stroll.

Spring

Come Spring, some hiking trails are laden with mountain laurel, and the rivers & brooks are teeming with fish. Make the most of the verdant splendor by renting a canoe, or taking a bike (or e-bike) ride through hilly back roads. Attend an event at Bonnyvale to connect with the region’s vibrant ecosystem! Every Memorial Day weekend, the Marlboro Morris Ale happens in the Brattleboro area– a unique event showcasing traditional English dancing, complete with swords & costumes.