Explore the great outdoors in Bennington

5 places to hike, bike, walk or just enjoy a day in the sun By Cherise Forbes BATS maintains trails for all skill levels throughout historic Bennington, Vt. Photo provided by BATS Bennington, Vt., is blessed with a bountiful and beautiful landscape, which makes it all the more difficult to decide where to explore next!…

Sharing the joy of snowmobiling

Woodford SnoBusters keep vast network of trails clear for winter fun Snowmobiling is a popular winter sport. Photo provided by Woodford SnoBusters By Cherise ForbesWOODFORD, Vt. In 1984, the Woodford SnoBusters got their start from the front porch of the McKenna homestead, thanks to a group of snowmobilers determined to share the sport they love.…

Warm your heart with olive oil this Hanukkah

Fried foods are at the heart of Hanukkah dinner, and close to my heart, too. After all, who doesn’t love a perfectly fried potato?

Devouring dishes drenched in oil isn’t just a holiday indulgence, however, as the tradition harkens back to the very origins of Hanukkah, which commemorates the “miracle of oil” that followed the Maccabean Revolt.

Cross-Country Crescendo: A promising season ahead despite (or due to?) COVID-19

Carlea Manley, right, helps get snow out of her sister Liliana’s boot as they use their day off from school to check out the cross country skiing conditions at Notchview in Windsor, Mass., last winter. Berkshire Eagle File Photo By Cherise Forbes While winter has yet to officially begin, the season is already shaping up…

Need to escape the indoors (or your family) this winter? Strap on some snowshoes

Jeff and Erin Neblett snowshoe at Notchview Reservation in Windsor, Mass. Berkshire Eagle File Photo By Cherise Forbes NORTH BENNINGTON, Vt. We’ve all been there: stir crazy, unable to stand another second of holiday debates, or simply in need of some fresh air and exercise. While the average winter poses its own challenges for those…