8 WAYS TO CELEBRATE FATHER'S DAY WEEKEND YOU MAY HAVE NOT THOUGHT OF…YET!

For that man in your life who taught you how to fish, bike, curse and maybe more, you may want to take your Father to some of these hidden gems in the Shires of Vermont.  He probably also taught you about respect, courtesy, courage and that’s exactly what these 8 adventures will showcase this special weekend.  Whether you're a father, you had a father or you're a father-to-be, we encourage you to check these activities out this Father's Day Weekend:

1. Vermont Veterans Home Father’s Day Car Show

Mark your calendars and start your engines! The annual State Line Car Club Fathers’ Day Car Show will take place at the Vermont Veterans’ Home on Saturday June 16, 2018 from 10am to 2pm. Join us for a display of great vehicles, entertainment and food. Parking will be at the State Office building or behind the Vets Home, only. We look forward to you joining us.

2. Tour The Revolutionary and Civil War Era in the Shires

This tour is designed for history buffs, given by local bestseller author. Visit over 35 sites between Bennington & Manchester, involved in the Battle of Bennington & Ethan Allen's capture of Fort Ticonderoga, for America's first victory. This tour also visit sites associated with the Civil War. You will view stunning mountain/valley vistas & quintessential villages while traveling in their comfortable 10 passenger tour vehicle. Visit backroaddiscovery.com  for detailed description of tour. Advance reservations needed. Email or call 802-362-4997. Tour meets at sidewalk benches in front of Spiral Scoops Ice Cream Shop, 21 Bonnet St, Manchester Center, VT.

3. Trout Fishing Adventures with Outdoor Secrets Unwrapped

Photo Credit: Outdoor Secrets Unwrapped TV personality Chris Bates Facebook page

Come fish some of Vermont's finest rivers and streams here in the Shires of Vermont and discover some of our finest table fare around, the brook trout, along with the brown trout and the rainbow trout.  Outdoor Secrets Unwrapped TV personality Chris Bates will show you how to fish on our the famous Vermont rivers, streams and brooks. Whether you're novice or pro, Angler Chris will make your trip enjoyable! 1/2 day trips, full day trips and custom all inclusive trips available. For more information please call 802-379-7424, or Google Outdoor Secrets Unwrapped or click below to visit their Facebook page.

4. Oldcastle Theatre Company Presents: The Almost True and Truly Remarkable Adventures of Israel Potter

The captivating novel by Herman Melville has been transformed into a rollicking play by Joe Bravaco and Larry Rosler. Join young Israel as he goes from a small New England town to the American Revolution to motherland England and back again. Along the way he meets historical figures, falls in love, fights the British, becomes a spy, escapes imminent death a few times and sings a few songs.  Evening Performances Wednesday - Sunday @ 7:30 Matinees Thursday, Sunday and first Saturday @2 pm.  Go to www.oldcastletheatre.org/the-almost-true-and-truly-remarkable-adventures-of-israel-potter/ to learn more, and make your reservations today. Cash bar on the premise. 

5. Learn How To Fly Fish With Dad at Orvis

Learn fly fishing basics in one of Orivis’s free Fly Fishing 101 classes. Perfect for beginners of all ages. Fly Fishing 101 will provide you with free lessons on fly casting and outfit rigging. Each participant will receive special offers on the essential equipment needed to get started in this exciting pastime. Saturday, June 16th at 9:30 at the Orvis store in Manchester, VT. Contact Dale Robinson, Fishing Manager, Orvis-Manchester, 802-362-3750. For more info visit: http://www.orvis.com/fly-fishing.

6. Hemmings Thursday Night Cruise-Ins

Start your weekend off early!  On Thursday night at Hemmings' HQ starting at 5:30pm, the staff and community take out their relicts!  Hemmings Cruise-Ins are family friendly car gatherings open to all years, all makes and models. It's a relaxed format and a chance to share your car with a wide variety of car people during the beautiful New England summer. Trophies are awarded and winners will be featured in Hemmings Motor News! Cruise-ins often are cancelled when rain threatens, so it's a good idea to check this page or call 800-227-4373 shortly beforehand to be sure the event is still on. For more information visit: https://www.hemmings.com/events/cruise-ins.

7. Taste a VT microbrew in action with a Flight at local Madison Brewing Company

Photo Credit: Madison Facebook page

Madison Brewing Company Pub & Restaurant is the most popular place in Bennington, VT for craft beer and mouth-watering food. The Madison’s have deep ties to the community, and in the early 1990s converted an old storefront in Bennington’s historic downtown into the area’s first brew pub. Grab a flight with dad and let your tastebuds dance with microbrews like FBomb, Ju-c Dipa, Mocha Milk Stout, Downtown IPA, Blue Haze for Days, Wassick Belgian White, Bennington Blue Blueberry Wheat, Hefeweizen, Singularity, Nor-Beaster Chocolate Imperial Stout, Old 76 Strong Ale, Sucker Pond Blonde, And The Living’s Easy, and Saison De Rouge. For more information visit: http://madisonbrewingco.com.

8. Go For a Hike With Dad On One of Our Many Trails

Nestled between the Taconic Mountains to the east and the Green Mountains to the west, the Shires blends an authentic sense of place with inviting recreational opportunities.  We are in no shortage of hikes, hills, trails and mountains! Whether you’re hiking through on the Appalachian Trail or planning something for the whole family on Father’s Day, there’s a path and a view that’s just perfect for you. The Green Mountain National Forest will tempt your inner Thoreau to explore, hunt, hike, and fish. With three state parks to choose from, there’s no shortage of places to swim, picnic, camp, and canoe. If guided adventures are more your thing, we have an expert instructor for almost every pursuit. Take a casting lesson on a historic river while our summer sun lights up the valley. Fly hawks and falcons on Equinox Pond with the mountain peak rises above you.  For more information on our many trails and woods visit: https://www.bennington.com/recreationintheshires.