Bennington VT#34 - Battle of Bennington

 

October 2, 2021

Bennington VT has two locations for pickleball. The outdoor location is at Paradise Inn and the indoor location is at Mill Pickleball. We prefer to play outdoors when we can, so Paradise Inn was a great choice, and we understood that play occurred at that location just about every day. We even spent the night there before we played the next morning.  There are four courts in excellent condition, once you swept the courts, overlaid on a tennis court (which I doubt sees much play). Rotation into play is informal and attempts to get a good mix of play.

Our first game was with Michelle and Philip, both who came from neighboring NY to play. They got us warmed up and ready for the games that followed. They were a pleasure to play against. By the time our game was over there were enough players for another court with one person waiting to rotate in. I liked that balls were provided and seating was available courtside. While this particular day was overcast, on a sunny day seating in the shade is undoubtedly a welcomed amenity. 

Our second game was with Polly and Dawn. Polly was my contact for play in Bennington and the owner of Mill Pickleball. She had alerted other players that we would be there that morning and a number of them said "you're the couple from IN" when we met. Having a contact is extremely beneficial and helps to navigate the nuances that every court has and that local players already know. Polly and Dawn, like the other players here, are of similar skill level that we are used to back home in IN. It's always good to fit in.

Our third and remaining games we split up. Here Ed and I teamed up against Dawn and Barb. Notice that the outer layers had come off of the ladies. They were ready for some serious play and indeed gave Ed and I a challenge. After this play, Barb and I were not on the same court. We like to mix in and feel as if we were part of the local players. Our time playing with the group in Bennington was enjoyable and we would love to go back sometime.

While in Bennington VT, we visited the Bennington Battle Monument and the grave of Robert Frost. We were disappointed that the elevator in the monument was not working and that the stars to the top were closed. At the gravesite, his poem "In a Disused Graveyard" was displayed. I found its rhyming scheme unique and was able to connect with its meaning. Barb and I had a pleasant time in Bennington VT and thoroughly enjoyed the pickleball players we met.



Location: 141 Main St, Bennington, VT 05201, USA

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