Jenifer Hoffman Appointed to Better Bennington Corporation

Downtown Bennington is hopping thanks to the hard work of many, but especially the reorganized Better Bennington Corporation (BBC). In recent years, downtown Bennington has seen a huge focus on downtown revitalization with the completion of Phase 1 of the Putnam Block and arrival of new restaurants, shops and events. Jenifer Hoffman was recently appointed to this board to serve out a vacated term. She brings a lifetime of living in Bennington and her expertise as a Realtor and lover of all things downtown.

New Businesses and Restaurants in Bennington Vermont

Being on a board means a lot of hard work but also the joy of attending ribbon cuttings. In just the last few weeks we have celebrated several openings downtown.   What types of new businesses are coming to town, you ask?

There’s The Coffee Bar, a warm, atmospheric space in the Putnam Block known for not just coffee, baked goods, and dog treats but also live music in collaboration with Billsville House Concerts. It has quickly become a meeting place, workspace and addition to the burgeoning nightlife scene.

Also new to town is breakfast and lunch spot, The Angry Egg 2. Their first location is thriving in Connecticut and this new restaurant on Main St in Bennington VT is following suit. Guests are raving about all of the menu items and the coffee, too!

Another Putnam Block hotspot is Bespoke Salon. It’s a chic spot for personal pampering with great lighting and limited space for a truly bespoke experience.

Finally, the Village Garage has opened. This distillery has been three years in the making and Benningtonians are flocking. In addition to making their own spirits, and blending them in cocktails, the food is out of this world. Pork belly and apple grilled cheese on cinnamon waffles? Why not?!

Get Ready for Thursday Night Live in Downtown Bennington

Photo used with permission by Southwestern Vermont Chamber of Commerce - Lorianna Weathers, Photographer

The BBC was recently granted a Better Places Grant. This grant, from the State of Vermont, helps local communities. Here in Bennington, the Better Bennington Corporation applied for this grant to support our upcoming Thursday Night Live programming. Merchants Park (aka where the splash pad is located) will host a variety of all-ages entertainment every Thursday from 5:30-7pm from June through September. 

Part of the requirements of the grant is that the BBC has to crowdfund $5,000. Once this is done, the grantors will double this amount. That’s $15,000 toward our growing downtown. You can make a tax-deductible donation here.  Every dollar helps!