MIDDLESEX, Vt. (WCAX) – There is a growing artistic community hub that is drawing thousands of families to the town of Middlesex.
Charis Churchill and Aaron Ingham opened Bent Nails Bistro in Montpelier four years ago, seeking to build a quirky, eclectic, and creative atmosphere serving food, drinks, and unforgettable music.
But business has been hard. “We’re at reset number three here,” said Churchill.
Navigating changes from a remote workforce and less foot traffic, floods, and other factors, they made a pivot.
“We started looking at how difficult business has been in Montpelier, and we became very aware we would have to move or close,” said Ingham.
They are now relocating to a new spot on Route 2 in Middlesex, across the street from Camp Meade.
It was built during FDR’s New Deal, operating for years as a civilian conservation work camp.
Now, it’s become a hub for the arts, with music, creativity, and connections.
“Where everyone was working together toward a better society and taking care of each other,” said Russ Bennett, Camp Meade’s owner.
Bennett has worked on big festivals in rural areas, like Bonnaroo, and the likes of bands like Vermont’s Phish
“The power of bringing people together and having a shared experience, that becomes a part of who they are, that affects how they think about each other,” said Bennett.
From a solar eclipse celebration to art classes, conferences, and free live concerts, Bennett believes art is foundational in bringing people together and creating community.
The aim is to tap into the spirit of town meeting, put down the phone, and engage with your neighbors.
“People are isolating themselves and are trying to find society online, when there’s nothing better than people,” said Bennett.
Back at Bent Nails, next month, Ingham and Churchill will reopen, hoping to integrate into the burgeoning creative scene, partnering with Camp Meade for interactive music, art, and community.
“This allowed us to actually expand on what we wanted to do originally, and it feels good that that will happen, for us and the community,” said Ingham.
Cultivating community through music, art, and food.
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