Budgeting Valentine’s Day in Bennington

Budgeting+Valentine%E2%80%99s+Day+in+Bennington

I know it’s hard being a broke college student and Valentine’s Day is coming up so you want to get the best of the best. You want to take your sweetie out on a nice dinner date, have an eventful day, and still have money left to get them the best gift. Valentine’s Day is about showing your loved one you care, so don’t stress because I have made the perfect list for you. Bennington is a quiet town and it’s hard to find something to do, so I did some digging and found some cool places that are both affordable and memorable. I also found some places that are within a 30 mile radius from school that might be fun to do if you’re down for an adventure. Below I have listed a few restaurants, places to go explore, and stores that may carry the best gift for your Valentine!

 

Restaurants

 

  • Superior Merchandise Company is a cafe and specialty gift shop, in Troy NY. (48 min)
  • Bennington Publyk House Restaurant is located in Bennington, VT. (10 min)

It’s open for dinner and during the week and weekends from 5:00pm to 9:00pm.

  • Copper Grouse is an American restaurant located in Manchester Center, VT. (35 min)

Reservations are usually required because it is fine dining. They serve breakfast, lunch and dinner, and are open everyday from 7:00am to 10:00pm.

  • Ye Old Tavern is also located in the Manchester Center, and is open everyday from 4:30pm – 9:00pm.(32 min)

They are known for their historical building, making it the oldest inn in the state of VT.

  • Blue Mango is a Thai and Japanese food restaurant in Williamstown, MA. (20 min)

They’re open from 11:30am to 10:00pm everyday for lunch and dinner.

  • Thai Basil is another thai food restaurant located in Manchester Center. (35 min)

Pad Thai is their popular dish. They’re open everyday except for Wednesdays, however their hours are subject to change.

  • Sunhee’s Farm and Kitchen is located in Troy, NY. (45 min)

Is known for their authentic Korean food. They are open during the week from 11:00am to 9:00pm.

 

Things to Do

  • Robert Frost Stone House Museum, home of the famous poet Robert Frost is in Shaftsbury, Vermont. (12 min)

It is only open Wednesday – Sunday, 11am-5pm. There is a $5 entry fee. Enjoy a tiny bookstore and gift shop on your way out!

  • Taylor Farm offers Horse-drawn sleigh rides priced at $35 in Londonderry, VT. (45 min)

The ride makes a few stops along the trail to see the beautiful mountaintops, fire-pits in the woods, and for complimentary hot apple cider.

  • Prospect Mountain is located here in Bennington,VT. (15 min)

This is one of the smaller mountains and is geared towards beginner riders! rentals are $20, while the fee is $22 before 2 pm. ($16 after 2pm!)

  • Mount Snow is a much larger mountain with a ski resort located in West Dover, VT. (45 min)

They offer 1 day lifts and rentals for $52. The price varies for Valentine’s Day; it is $86 next week.

  • Willard Mountain is located in Greenwich, NY. (40 min)

They offer snow tubing; 2 hours for $17 and 4 hours for $23. This mountain also offers night skiing, starting at $25 up to $50.

  • Manchester Art Studio & Gallery In the Manchester Center, close to the outlet mall. (37 min)

In the upcoming week they are hosting Valentine’s Day art classes. One is $40 to make a embroidered heart sample. The other class is $30 to make a paper quilling v-day card. Manchester Arts offers open studio for $12 on Thursdays and Fridays from 2:00 pm to 6:00 pm, and Saturdays from 11:00 am to 4:00 pm.

  • Painting with a Twist is a paint and sip studio located in Latham, NY (53 min)

They usually have open studio on Monday’s for $35, where you can pick the painting you’d like to make. There are several upcoming events from Saturday – next Thursday, that allow people to choose which painting they want to go recreate. Based on the design, the prices range from $25 – $35.

 

Gift Shops for that Special Someone

  • Vermont Country Store located in Manchester, VT. (33 min)

If your significant other loves Vermont and appreciates local things, then you should definitely stop by! Open everyday from 10:00am to 5:00 pm.

  • Village Chocolate Shoppe is what they call a “chocolatorium!” (5 min)

It is located on Main Street in Bennington and open during the week from 10am-6pm and open 12:00pm to 4pm on weekends. They have a huge chocolate selection, taste testing, and cute knick knacks for all ages.

  • The Gift Garden is a floral and gift shop in the middle of Main Street. It’s open everyday from 8:30am to 6:00pm. (5 min)

Their arrangements are made fresh by order. They carry all sorts of flowers, and home decorations.

  • Crazy Russian Girls Bakery is closer to the end of Main Street. They’re open during the week and on the weekends from 7:00 am to 5:00 pm. (5 min)

They’re known for their tasty cookies, tarts, and amazing wedding cakes.

 

Valentine’s Day is about love, not going bankrupt, so I hope you didn’t already blow a hole through your pocket. These places are affordable and will put a smile on your partner’s face. Follow this list and your partner won’t stop telling all their friends how great you are! Have a great Valentine’s Day and remember to spread the love!