Spring Awakens in Bennington Vermont

As April arrives, Bennington shakes off the last traces of winter, welcoming a season of renewal, community gatherings, and artistic celebration. This month, the much-anticipated reopening of Pangaea in North Bennington, the 30th anniversary of the Vermont Arts Exchange (VAE) at Bennington Museum, and the return of outdoor dining, scenic drives, and springtime events make Bennington the perfect place to experience the season’s transformation.

Pangaea Reopens: A New Chapter for a North Bennington Staple

For over two decades, Pangaea has been a cornerstone of North Bennington’s dining scene, evolving through various iterations while maintaining its commitment to high-quality food and a welcoming atmosphere. Founded by Bill Scully in 2002, the restaurant has long been recognized for its creative approach to cuisine and deep community ties. Now, under the ownership of Lani DePonte-Disorda and her husband, Nick, Pangaea is embarking on an exciting new chapter—one that honors its past while embracing a fresh, more accessible dining experience.

A Fresh Approach: Nice Dining, Not Fine Dining

Pangaea is no longer an elevated fine dining establishment, but rather “Nice Dining,” as Lani puts it, creating a space where guests can enjoy delicious food in a comfortable, community-driven environment. The newly revamped Pangaea Café, formerly Prospect Coffee House, is designed to be a vibrant gathering place for artists, musicians, and creatives of all kinds. The café will continue collaborations with writing residencies, local artists, and community groups, offering an inviting space for performances, readings, and events. Meanwhile, the beloved outdoor deck remains a staple, providing a picturesque setting for outdoor dining.

Renovations and Reopening Plans

Following a major renovation, Pangaea reopens with a soft launch at the end of April, with regular operations resuming in early May. The restructured layout increases efficiency, improves accessibility, and enhances the overall dining experience. The kitchen has been consolidated into a single space, making service smoother, and the bathrooms have been updated to meet ADA standards. These updates ensure that Pangaea continues to function at its best, with the added benefit of providing a more comfortable work environment for the team.

“It’s a big gift to the staff,” Lani notes, emphasizing that no one is leaving—their roles are simply shifting within the new structure. In fact, additional positions are being created, reinforcing the team’s strong, family-like dynamic. Pangaea remains one of the best caterers in Bennington County, recently winning the Readers’ Choice award for Best Catering by the Bennington Banner and Manchester Journal in 2024.

Community Engagement and Exciting Promotions

As part of its reopening, Pangaea has rolled out an engaging online promotion: anyone who shares their post will be entered into a raffle, with winners receiving a free dinner during the soft launch. This approach has generated excitement across the community, further proving the restaurant’s loyal following.

With its location in North Bennington and both owners being Bennington College alumni, Pangaea has long fostered a strong relationship with the college campus. This connection continues to grow, ensuring that students and faculty feel at home in the space. Beyond the campus, Pangaea is also strengthening its partnerships with local businesses and institutions, including a new collaboration with the Bennington Museum, where visitors can enjoy mutual discounts and special offers between the two venues.

A Legacy of Good Food and Community

From its history as the Main Street Café to its evolution under Bill Scully and now under Lani and Nick’s leadership, Pangaea remains a place where good food, community, and creativity thrive. Whether you’re a longtime fan eager to revisit an old favorite or a newcomer discovering it for the first time, the new Pangaea promises an experience worth savoring.

Vermont Arts Exchange Celebrates 30 Years with a Gallery Show at Bennington Museum

This April, Vermont Arts Exchange (VAE) celebrates three decades of transforming Bennington through the arts with its retrospective exhibition, “From Studio to Street: 30 Years of Community Engagement”, hosted at the Bennington Museum from April 1 through April 27.

VAE’s Executive Director and co-founder, Matthew Perry, reflects on the milestone: “We are grateful to Bennington Museum for recognizing us and for the opportunity to honor and celebrate the past 30 years of our community arts work. Through this exhibit, we aim to show how art making can inspire and heal, and how being allowed full, creative expression can play a role in one’s future.”

The exhibition will feature visual displays, video presentations, live performances, and interactive art-making opportunities, showcasing the breadth of VAE’s impact over the years.

Highlights of VAE’s Legacy

• Educational Collaborations: Worked with the Village School of North Bennington, South Shire Community School, and others to engage students and teaching artists across the region.
• Annual Parades: Hosted the much-loved Halloween parade in North Bennington.
• The Art Bus: Expanded into multiple mobile art spaces frequently seen at Bennington events.
• Basement Concert Series: Brought incredible live music—jazz, rock, and more—to Bennington, with Alex Torres returning this July for another music and dance event downtown.
• Summer Camps & Afterschool Programs: Enriched the community’s youth with hands-on creative experiences.
• Community Projects: Spearheaded volunteer-led initiatives like the Paran Creek Project.
• Public Art Installations: Created works such as Persevere and the train station sculpture in North Bennington.
• North Bennington Outdoor Sculpture Show: A long-time partner in showcasing local artists.
• Inspiring Artists to Relocate: Over 30 years, Matthew Perry and VAE have attracted creatives to Bennington, enriching the local arts scene with spoken word, live performances, and engaging programs.

The exhibition will kick off with an opening reception on April 5 from 3 to 5 p.m. in the Museum lobby and conclude with a Junk Jam concert featuring The Junkman on April 27 from 2 to 4 p.m. in Paresky Court. Both events are free and open to the public.

For 30 years, VAE has not only shaped the local arts scene but also played a significant role in attracting artists to the region, reinforcing Bennington’s identity as a thriving cultural hub.

Spring in Bennington: Outdoor Adventure and Scenic Escapes

As the warmer months arrive, Bennington transforms into a haven for outdoor enthusiasts and history buffs alike. Whether you’re embarking on a scenic drive, hiking through the lush landscapes, or enjoying a meal under the open sky, this charming Vermont town offers the perfect blend of natural beauty and historic charm.

Scenic Drives and Historic Inns

Driving into Bennington is an experience in itself. Winding country roads lead travelers through picturesque valleys, past rolling hills, and alongside the Green Mountains. Route 7 and Route 9 provide breathtaking views, particularly in the spring when wildflowers begin to bloom along the roadside. Once in town, visitors can choose from a mix of historic and modern inns. The Four Chimneys Inn and South Shire: a Little hotel, offer a glimpse into the past with their classic architecture and warm hospitality, while newer options like the Knotty Pine Motel provide contemporary comforts with a Vermont twist.

7 Unique Outdoor Patios in Bennington

The weather may be getting cooler, but there’s still time to take advantage of Bennington’s fabulous outdoor patios for relaxing, dining, or sipping a cocktail. Whether you’re into drinks with friends or a casual family dinner, check out some of these amazing restaurants that offer outdoor dining in the summer and fall.

1. The Miller’s Toll

On the east end of Main Street, The Miller’s Toll is known for its hand-crafted cocktails and small plates. Its tucked-away patio next to the river is ideal for an intimate evening, offering a selection of gourmet flatbreads, sliders, and creative appetizers.

2. The Dutchman’s Tavern

A lively, in-town dining area, The Dutchman’s Tavern patio is perfect for a casual lunch or dinner. With 26 beers on tap, weekly drink specials, and live music on select weekends, this is a great spot for a fun night out with friends.

3. Union South

Union South’s outdoor patio, located behind the Putnam Block, is a beautiful gem in Downtown Bennington with its rustic and modern decor. The patio enjoys beautiful natural light, making it a great place to enjoy cocktails and food. Inside, Union South also offers an entertainment space with live music, darts, and a pool table.

4. 421 Craft Bar & Kitchen

421 Craft Bar & Kitchen offers a fantastic outdoor seating area perfect for those looking to enjoy great cocktails and a wide range of food options, from smash burgers to shrimp scampi, and one of the best pizzas around town! Be sure to check their seasonal drinks and food specials, and don’t worry—the outdoor seating is a great place to relax and enjoy the vibe. This picture is from the St. Patrick’s Crawl earlier in mid-March, showcasing the lively and welcoming atmosphere of 421 Craft Bar & Kitchen.

5. Mount Anthony Country Club

The Grille at Mount Anthony Country Club boasts an expansive patio overlooking the golf course and the Green Mountains. Open for lunch and dinner, it features seasonal favorites like pumpkin ravioli and French onion soup. The sunset views here are some of the best in Bennington.

6. The Publyk House

The expansive deck at The Publyk House on Harwood Hill is perfect for cocktail sipping, sunset watching, and enjoying a meal with friends. With a stunning view of Mount Anthony, this beloved establishment has been serving mouth-watering steak, seafood, and New England comfort foods for over 40 years. Heaters keep diners warm on chilly evenings.

7. Pangaea

The Deck at Pangaea is a local favorite known for fresh, locally sourced ingredients. The multi-tiered patio offers peek-a-boo views of the river and live music on select weekends. It’s a great spot for a cozy and quiet outdoor dining experience.

See the full list of excellent dining destinations in Bennington, Vermont here.

Experience Bennington This April

From the return of Pangaea, to the Vermont Arts Exchange’s milestone celebration, to outdoor dining, scenic beauty, and shopping, April is a month of renewal and excitement in Bennington. Whether you’re a local rediscovering old favorites or a visitor experiencing the region for the first time, Bennington in spring is not to be missed.