VERMONT SCENIC BYWAYS
Shires of Vermont Byway
Explore historic Route 7A through southwestern Vermont. Make time for Bennington, Manchester and the village stops, art and countryside in between.
Sunderland photograph: Scenic Vermont Photography
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SOUTHWESTERN VERMONT, AT YOUR PACE
A scenic drive with time to stop
Vermont Tourism describes the Shires of Vermont Byway as a 33-mile route along historic Route 7A, anchored by Bennington, the South Shire, and Manchester, the North Shire. It is a useful starting point for a road trip that combines local history, arts and village time.
Choose the places you want to experience before deciding how much driving to fit in. A museum visit, an afternoon at a historic estate or a walk around town can become the center of your day.
Published byway length: 33 miles.
Main corridor: historic Route 7A.
Plan around: Bennington and Manchester, with nearby stops and optional detours.
Allow extra time: for attractions, meals and the return drive.
GET YOUR BEARINGS
Explore the Shires in three parts
Use these areas to group your stops. They are planning suggestions, not a fixed loop or turn-by-turn directions. Some attractions require a detour from the main road; check the exact visitor address.
Bennington: history and time in town
Begin with a visit to Bennington Museum or consider the Bennington Battle Monument, both mentioned in regional visitor resources. Make one your main stop, then leave room for lunch and a look around town.
Planning tip: If your plans depend on a museum visit or access inside a historic site, confirm the current schedule before choosing the rest of your route.
Shaftsbury, Arlington & Sunderland: a slower middle stretch
Break the journey with a planned stop in this part of the region. Lake Shaftsbury State Park is an option for an outdoor outing; a village visit can work well when you want a shorter break from the car.
Planning tip: Allow separate time for an outdoor activity. Check public access and designated parking rather than assuming a scenic roadside view is a place to stop.
Manchester: a full afternoon or an overnight base
Choose Hildene, the Lincoln Family Home, or Southern Vermont Arts Center as a focus for the northern part of your visit. Build in time to enjoy your chosen attraction instead of saving it for the final minutes of the day.
Planning tip: If you want to visit several Manchester attractions, consider staying nearby and spreading them across more than one day.
GIVE YOUR DAY A FOCUS
Four places to build your trip around
Choose one main attraction and a second nearby stop. Confirm opening information and any reservations with the operator before traveling.
Bennington Museum
Explore art and regional history, including the museum’s Grandma Moses collection. Check what is currently on view and allow time to browse rather than treating the museum as a quick roadside stop.
Hildene, the Lincoln Family Home
Plan a visit to the Manchester estate with its historic home, gardens, restored Pullman railcar and farm. Choose the experiences that interest your group and check admission and tour arrangements directly.
Southern Vermont Arts Center
Add an arts-focused stop in Manchester. Review the current exhibitions and events before visiting; a performance or class needs its own place in the schedule.
Lake Shaftsbury State Park
Consider a lake outing or picnic as part of a warmer-weather drive. Use the park’s current visitor information to confirm access, available facilities and the activity you have in mind.
ENJOY THE COUNTRYSIDE
Make room for the places between destinations
Photograph: Scenic Vermont Photography.
A scenic drive is more enjoyable when every mile is not tied to a deadline. Leave space for a village walk, an appealing shop or a meal you can enjoy without watching the clock.
For photography, choose a legal parking area and stay on public land or places open to visitors. Farms, inns and homes remain private property even when they make a memorable view.
If you would like to add a covered bridge, use our Bennington County guide to choose a specific stop and work out the extra driving time.
A FLEXIBLE DAY TRIP
A suggested Bennington-to-Manchester day
Morning: Begin in Bennington with one history or art stop. Check its opening time, park once where practical and leave time to explore before continuing.
Midday: Follow your chosen scenic route north and stop for lunch. Add a village break or a suitable outdoor stop if it fits comfortably into your schedule.
Afternoon: Spend time at one Manchester attraction, or enjoy a shorter town visit. Leave a margin for the return drive or arrival at your accommodation.
You can reverse this outline if you are staying near Manchester. It is a suggested pace, not a timed tour, and it does not include every attraction in this guide.
For a weekend in the Shires
Give the Bennington and Manchester areas separate days. This makes room for a longer museum or estate visit and reduces the pressure to move on when you are enjoying a place.
Choose accommodation near your main interests, confirm meal options and keep an optional stop in reserve for good weather. Add nearby drives only after accounting for the travel back to your base.
PLAN FOR THE SEASON
When to explore the Shires of Vermont
Summer & fall foliage
In warmer weather, pair a cultural stop with an outdoor activity that suits your group. Bring water and a layer, and check the forecast before choosing a walk or picnic.
For an autumn drive, use current foliage reports rather than a guaranteed peak date. Book important overnight stays and activities ahead of time, and include things you will enjoy even if the color is early or late.
Winter & spring visits
For colder-weather travel, allow extra time and check road conditions before leaving. Confirm attraction schedules and daylight before adding several stops.
In spring, check trail and park conditions before planning an outdoor outing. A museum or gallery can provide an alternative when weather changes the day’s plans.
MAPS & REGIONAL RESOURCES
Plan your Shires of Vermont Byway route
Use the state tourism guide and the statewide brochure for route context. The original Shires map remains available as a historical reference; its filename identifies it as a 2011 map. Check current navigation, road conditions and attraction details separately.
When choosing directions, check that your route follows the scenic corridor you intend to explore. Do not assume an automatically selected fastest route follows historic Route 7A.
Before you leave
- Save your route and the exact visitor addresses you need.
- Confirm opening hours, admission and any tour reservations directly.
- Plan meal, fuel and rest stops around your chosen activities.
- Check walking surfaces and entrance access if mobility matters to your group.
- Include detours and your return journey in the day’s driving estimate.
HELPFUL ANSWERS
Shires of Vermont Byway FAQs
How long is the Shires of Vermont Byway?
Vermont Tourism lists the byway at 33 miles. Your total trip may be longer once you include your starting point, attraction detours and the return drive.
Which road does the byway follow?
The scenic corridor follows historic Route 7A, with Bennington and Manchester as its main anchors. Use the route map and current directions to plan the exact drive.
Can I explore it in one day?
Choose a few stops for a day outing. Allow longer if you want substantial time at museums, historic properties or several attractions across the region.
What can I visit besides scenic viewpoints?
Consider Bennington Museum, Hildene, Southern Vermont Arts Center or Lake Shaftsbury State Park. Match the choice to your interests, the season and available visiting hours.
Is it a good choice for a fall foliage drive?
It can be part of an autumn visit. Check current color reports and keep the day flexible; foliage timing varies with location and weather.
Are all the attractions directly on Route 7A?
No. Some visits involve a turn off the main corridor. Use each attraction’s visitor address and allow extra time for access and parking.
Can I combine it with another Vermont byway?
For a longer trip, compare the nearby Molly Stark Byway guide or return to our statewide scenic byways directory. Add the extra driving and return journey before deciding how much to include.
Keep exploring southern Vermont
Find another scenic drive or save a nearby outing for your next Vermont visit.
Route reference: Vermont Tourism’s scenic byways guide.