Explore The Shires (original) (raw)
Surrounded by Vermont’s famous mountain range and enriched by the many waterways including the Battenkill and Walloomsac, The Shires of Vermont is world-renowned as a four-season destination for those seeking the authentic Vermont experience. Equally attractive to both residents and visitors of the area is the relative closeness to major metropolitan areas including New York City, Hartford, Boston, Northern New Jersey, the Berkshires and Canada.
Already united by a common sense of place, history and culture, the region also possesses abundant recreational resources, a proud agricultural heritage and a robust entrepreneurial spirit. A wide range of culinary, lodging and shopping experiences await curious travelers along our highways, byways, country roads, on mountainsides and busy Main Streets.
The people of The Shires of Southwestern Vermont look forward to welcoming you to this place we call home.
But, what is a Shire?
A Shire Town is county seat. Vermont has 14 counties – each has one seat, except the Shire Towns of southwestern Vermont where there is a South Shire – Bennington and a North Shire – Manchester.
The word “shire” derives from the Old English sćir, from the Proto-Germanic *skizo (Old High German: sćira), denoting an 'official charge' a 'district under a governor', and a 'care'.
The shire in early days was governed by an ealdorman and in the later Anglo-Saxon period by a royal official known as a "shire reeve" or sheriff.