A picturesque New England region nestled in the Southwesternmost corner of Vermont, the geographic destination may be Bennington County but in recent years residents and visitors alike have come to affectionately call this area, the Shires of Vermont.

This beautiful region between the Taconic and Green Mountains has the unusual distinction of having two "shire" towns, traditionally referred to as county seats. Anchored by Bennington, the South Shire, and Manchester, the North Shire, the region is a collective of 15 quintessential Vermont towns and villages connected by a scenic ribbon of highway known as Historic Route 7A (now the Shires of Vermont Byway).

Surrounded by Vermont's famous mountain range and enriched by the many waterways including the Battenkill and Walloomsac, The Shires of Vermont is world-renowned as a four-season destination for those seeking the authentic Vermont experience. Equally attractive to both residents and visitors of the area is the relative closeness to major metropolitan areas including New York City, Hartford, Boston, Northern New Jersey, the Berkshires and Canada.

Already united by a common sense of place history and culture, the region also possesses abundant recreational resources, a proud agricultural heritage and a robust entrepreneurial spirit. A wide range of culinary, lodgin and shopping experiences await curious travelers along our highways, byways, country roads, on mountainsides and busy Main Streets.

The people of The Shires of Vermont look forward to welcoming you to this place we call home.