The start of a new year is the perfect time to reflect, set goals, and embrace fresh opportunities. Whether you're a local or a visitor, The Shires of Southwestern Vermont offers a wealth of ways to enrich your winter season while ticking off some New Year’s resolutions. Here are 25 ideas to get you started:

1. Reconnect with Nature: Take a winter hike/snowshoeing at Prospect Mountain or the Mile-Around Woods in North Bennington for stunning snowy vistas and fresh air.

2. Learn a New Skill: Take up knitting (and cocktails) at the new local craft store, Kings Knit Wit in Bennington.

3. Support Local Businesses: Commit to shopping local by exploring the boutiques and artisan shops in downtown Bennington and Manchester.

4. Stay Active: Hit the slopes at Bromley Mountain or Stratton Mountain with the whole family.

5. Try a New Cuisine: Dine at a new-to-you restaurant or attend a food event like a wine pairing dinner.

6. Volunteer Your Time: Support local nonprofits by volunteering at Bennington Meals On Wheels or the Arlington Food Shelf

7. Rediscover Local History: Visit the Bennington Battle Monument and learn more about Vermont’s Revolutionary War history.

8. Capture the Season: Go out with a good camera (or camera phone) and take shots of The Shires’ picturesque winter landscapes.

9. Get Fit: Join a yoga or spin class at one of the local fitness studios like Anytime Fitness in Bennington.

10. Take a Wellness Retreat: Spend a rejuvenating weekend at The Equinox Resort Golf Resort and Spa in Manchester, indulging in spa treatments and quiet relaxation.

11. Be More Mindful: Attend a meditation or mindfulness workshop at a local wellness center.

12. Pick Up a Good Book: Explore the shelves of Northshire Bookstore, The Bennington Bookshop or Huluppu and set a winter reading goal.

13. Embrace Adventure: Go ice fishing for a thrilling winter experience.

14. Spend More Time with Family: Plan a family day at Riley Rink for ice skating or a sleigh ride through the countryside.

15. Support the Arts: Attend a local theater production at the Bennington Theater or the Monument Arts and Cultural Center.

16. Discover Hidden Gems: Visit lesser-known spots like Hildene, The Lincoln Family Home, or Robert Frost’s Stone House Museum.

17. Get Organized: Use your time indoors to declutter your home and donate gently used items to local charities.

18. Try Cross-Country Skiing: Explore the trails at Wild Wings Ski Touring Center.

19. Take a Cooking Class: Learn how to make a new dish at a culinary class offered GBCS.

20. Celebrate Community: Attend winter farmers' markets in Manchester and connect with local vendors and neighbors.

21. Capture Winter Memories: Create a scrapbook or photo album with pictures from your adventures in The Shires.

22. Reconnect with Friends: Plan a cozy coffee date at a local café like The Coffee Bar in Bennington, Shaftsbury Country Store in Shaftsbury or Charlie’s Coffee House in Manchester.

23. Find a roaring fire: Nothing says winter in The Shires like a warm roaring fire like the one at The Mount Anthony Country Club in Bennington or Seesaw’s Lodge in Peru.

24. Experience Winter Cocktails: Simple, organic and yummy in the tummy, enjoy some of the finest cocktails at places like 421 Craft Bar and Kitchen in Bennington, The Restaurant at Hill Farm in Sunderland, Union Underground in Manchester, or the Barrows House in Dorset

25. Create New Traditions: Start a family tradition of winter picnics, puzzle nights, or holiday crafting.

From adventure to relaxation, The Shires of Southwestern Vermont offers the perfect backdrop for a fulfilling and memorable winter. Please check individual websites for possible closings and delays.

Make this the year you check off meaningful resolutions while experiencing the charm of this beautiful region. Which resolutions will you start with?