Tucked between the Taconic Mountains and Green Mountains, along Route 7A, the Shires of Vermont is a place of majestic mountain views, brilliant fall foliage, and wonderful towns, including the bookend towns of Bennington and Manchester. Historic Route 7A runs parallel to the Long Trail, a hiker’s path that follows the length of Vermont from Massachusetts to Canada; part of the Long Trail also is the Appalachian Trail. Each town of the Shires has its own ambiance. Pownal has organic farms against a backdrop of mountains. Bennington is a pretty place with interesting dining and shopping. Old Bennington is the home of the Bennington Battle Monument and it is filled with traditional New England architecture. Manchester, a four-season destination, is known today for golf, fishing, skiing, the arts, and shopping.