2008 Hospitality Benefits—It’s all in the Bag! (your RIDE bag, of course)

Whether you’re in town for the day or staying for the weekend, we’ve got a few things in this year’s participant bag that might strike your fancy. Please remember to thank these businesses for their support of the ride—most are not for profit organizations—just like HooRWA.

Bennington Center For the Arts @ Rte. 9 West at 44 Gypsy Lane, Bennington, VT: 802-442-7158. The Deal: Purchase one ticket for admission at the regular price and receive the second admission for free. This is a great place to check out what regional artists are up to, as well as a wonderful collection of Native American arts. You can visit the Covered Bridges Museum to see first hand how those covered bridges you biked over came to be. Less than 10’ from Bennington College. www.benningtoncenterforthearts.org

The Bennington Battle Monument @15 Monument Circle, Bennington, VT 05201: 802-447-0550. The Deal: All participants will receive a pass to visit the monument for FREE on the day of the ride. Those who are riding the 13-mile loop might want to bring their pass along and stop and take in the sites during their ride. The monument is dedicated to the famous Battle of Bennington that took place during the Revolutionary war in 1777. It is a 306' stone obelisk that opened to the public in 1891 and you can take an elevator to the top and check out your route. Open 9am to 5pm.

Bennington Museum @ 75 Main Street, Bennington VT 05201: 802-447-1571. The Deal: You’ll get a $4 discount off your admit ticket to this local museum located less than 10 minutes from Bennington College. “Early Americana at its finest! Outstanding collections of American furniture, paintings and glass; military history and historical artifacts; tools, toys, dolls and much more. Grandma Moses Gallery & Schoolhouse (those of you riding the 32 mile route will be passing her homestead in NY); new Bennington Pottery Gallery.”

www.benningtonmuseum.org

Clark Art Institute @ 225 South Street, Williamstown, MA 01267: 413-458-2303. The Deal: A FREE pass to their summer special exhibit “ Like Breath on Glass: Whistler, Inness, and the Art of Painting Softly.” In 1950 Sterling and Francine Clark chartered the Clark Art Institute as a home for their extensive art collection. Opened to public in 1955, the Institute has built upon this extraordinary group of works to become one of the most beloved and respected art museums in the world, known for its intimate galleries and stunning natural environment. One of the few institutions in the United States that combines a public art museum with a complement of research and academic programs, including a major art history library, the Clark is now a leading international center for research and discussion on the nature of art and art history. Visit their new Stone Hill complex and walk the nature trails along the campus to clear the ride from your legs. www.clarkart.edu

MASS MoCA @ 87 Marshall Street, North Adams, MA 01247, 413.662.2111

The Deal: Everyone who purchases a ticket to the Saturday evening production of Sleeping Giant will be able to get into the galleries for free on either Saturday (after the ride the galleries are open late) or Sunday the 24^th. Just bring along the postcard from your ride bag and let them know your affiliated with the ride. MASS MoCA is the largest center for contemporary arts in the United States. The institution is dedicated to the creation and presentation of provocative visual and performing arts pieces, and of works that blur conventional distinctions between artistic disciplines. www.massmoca.org

North River Winery @ 56 Colgate Heights (Rte. 9), Bennington, VT 05201: 802-442-9463. The Deal: Stop by for a tasting and try some of their local and organic wines. You’ll receive 15% of your purchase with your ride coupon. “In September 2001 we opened our Bennington tasting room and retail shop at Camelot village. Stop in and sample international award-winning wines and browse our eclectic selection of wine-related merchandise. We also offer personalized labels for any upcoming special occasion you may have. Located in Camelot Village.” www.northriverwinery.com

Occasional Flowers @ 66 Colgate Heights (Rte. 9) Bennington, VT 05201: 802.442.6191. The Deal: $5.00 off your purchase at this wonderful gift shop. They’re located just across the drive from North River Winery.

Park-McCullough Estate - Gardens @ 1 Park Street, North Bennington, VT 05257: 802.442.5441. The Deal: You’ll get a copon for the group rate admission (at $5 per person, kids 12 and under are free). You can’t miss this beautiful building as you travel Park Street (it’s one of the nice dirt roads). “This 1865, Second Empire 'summer cottage,' is one of the finest Victorian mansions in New England. Home to two Vermont Governors, its 35 rooms retain many original furnishings. Grounds include scale-model playhouse, carriage barn with carriages, gardens and glasshouse grapery.” www.parkmccullough.org

To Plan your stay visit the following sites:

http://www.bennington.com/

www.berkshires.org/