What Lovers Do in The Shires During Valentine's Day
Robert Frost, famed Shires’ poet once wrote, “All thoughts, all passions, all delights, Whatever stirs this mortal frame, Are all but ministers of Love, And feed his sacred flame.”
The Shires of Vermont, located in Southwestern Vermont, provide that whimsical notion! Take a break from the hustle and bustle to show your lover just how much you care for them. In The Shires there’s plenty to do either with others or if you need some alone time:
Get outdoors - Nestled between the Taconic Mountains to the east and the Green Mountains to the west, The Shires combines an authentic sense of place with inviting recreational opportunities. Whether you’re hiking through on the Appalachian Trail or just going out for a stroll with your soulmate, there’s a path and a view that’s just perfect for you. Get your buddy and head out to enjoy each other and nature! Check out our SOAR recreation page for more information.
Lunch and a Fireplace - Check out the majestic double fireplace at the historic Mount Anthony Country Club. The greens are covered, but inside is toasty warm! Check out their great lunch menu and curl up by the fire!
The Village Chocolate Shoppe - As your strolling down main street in Bennington, Vermont - of course staring into each other’s eyes - hop on into this eclectic chocolate store. Open the door to a waif of chocolatey smells and choose from over 1,000 different chocolates and candies! While there, you can meet Benny and Molly, chocolate moose who are each 100 pounds of chocolate!
Relax with a massage - Nothing says love and relaxation like a couples massage at Green Mountain Oasis. Unwind in their relaxation lounge with a cup of herbal tea as the soothing music and sweet scents waft through the air. The couples massage whisks you away with your loved one and is a full hour of heaven.
A coffee and some light reading - Grab a cup of coffee at Charlie’s Coffee House and stroll on down to one of the region’s most famous stores, the Northshire Bookstore! Finding that special novel to dive into, this independently owned bookstore is famous for its great reading nooks. A perfect getaway spot for bookworm couples.
Charcuterie and Wine - While you finish up the chapter at the bookstore and you find yourself getting hungry (and maybe thirsty), make sure to check out the secret-not-so-secret Union Underground. You guessed it, it’s underground! Offering great tapas, as well as full dinners end your lovely day with a selection of their fantastic wines and Vermont beers!
Stay the night - Of course many couples have such a great time that they often ask is where to stay (so they can do more tomorrow). Make sure to check out the classic Four Chimneys Inn in Bennington, the Greek Rival Arlington Inn , the perfect Inn at Manchester, the quaint Casablanca Motel, the stately Inn at Ormsby Hill or the modern Kimpton Taconic for your home away from home experience. Make sure to put out the ‘do not disturb’ sign too!
If you’re out on Valentine’s Day or up for the weekend, take a photo and use #ExploreTheShires on Instagram to be entered to win a free night getaway to one of our best lodging properties!