Beyond Music

Bennington College and Environs

Path to Jennings music building at Bennington College Bennington College, the home of the Conference, is set in the foothills of the Green Mountains in southern Vermont, with exquisite views of the surrounding countryside. The campus is a few miles north of the historic town of Bennington, the site of a famous Revolutionary War battle.

The Bennington area has superb restaurants, antique and craft shops, art galleries, and historical museums. The Park-McCullough House in North Bennington, a confection of Victorian gingerbread-style architecture, is a historic landmark and community center and sponsors exhibitions and concerts for the public. Williamstown’s summer stock theatre, Tanglewood, Jacob’s Pillow, the Marlboro Music Festival, and the Saratoga Performing Arts Center are all within easy driving distance.

Recreation

Four clay tennis courts are available at the College, and many participants run on the College’s beautiful campus. A popular place for swimming is Lake Paran, a short walk or drive from campus. Boating, swimming, and picnic facilities are available at Shaftsbury State Park, a 15-minute drive. A National Park Forest and the Appalachian Trail in the Bennington area offer hiking and scenic drives.

Parties

The Conference is known for its informal get-togethers held in the evenings after the day’s activities are over. A welcoming party on the opening night of each week kicks off Conference festivities, and another party follows each of the faculty concerts, which occur on all Saturdays and on Wednesdays of Weeks 2 and 3.

Room and Board

Conference members and their families live in the College's dormitories, which include twelve traditional colonial-style residences and three award-winning modern residences. Each house has a spacious living room and a kitchen. Rooms are single or double, with twin beds. Linens, blankets, pillows, towels, and soap are provided.

Wholesome, well-prepared meals, including vegetarian entrees, are served buffet-style in the Commons building, a short walk from all Conference housing. Several attractive dining rooms provide a congenial setting where Conference members gather to eat, talk, and relax together.

Activities for Families

Many families attend the Conference with children of all ages, from newborn through adults. Parents have traditionally worked cooperatively to organize activities for children, including games and trips off-campus to Lake Paran, local playgrounds, and Bromley Mountain. Musical opportunities exist as well, including a children's concert, usually held in weeks 2 and 3.

A more detailed description of activities, including pictures, can be found at: http://cmcfamilies.wetpaint.com.