Four-Day Golf and Fly-Fishing Vacation in Manchester, Vermont

Set between the Taconic Mountains and Green Mountains of southern Vermont, and easily accessible from both New York City and Boston, the small town of Manchester is the ideal location for this relaxing four-day golf and fly-fishing vacation. One of the best small towns in a state known for its quaint small towns, Manchester is a place to relax, unwind, and get away from it all while enjoying leisurely time outdoors. 

The area is home to championship golf courses, stunning freshwater lakes and streams, and a picturesque downtown village that’s the epitome of New England style and charm. You can stroll the sidewalks and village green, enjoying historic architecture and roundabouts blooming with flowers. Dine in the wonderful restaurants along Main Street. Enjoy cold craft beer at Manchester’s local breweries. Or visit the many art galleries and independent shops in and around the heart of town.

In the warmer months of summer and fall, you can also spend your days outside in the lush landscapes and rolling green hills; teeing off and fly fishing, of course, but also hiking mountain trails, visiting the grounds of Hildene (the historic home of President Lincoln’s son, Robert), or exploring local farms, winding roads, and beautiful waterfalls.

For this trip, you’ll have deluxe accommodations at one of Manchester’s best hotels, centrally located for easy access to all the wonders of the village and the surrounding valley. You’ll enjoy on-site spa and dining options, spacious rooms with luxurious bedding and lovely views, and an array of amenities.

On the first full day of your vacation, you’ll head out for an incredible day of golf, starting with 18 holes at the world-class Walter Travis Course at the Golf Club at Equinox. This award-winning, par-71 course—ranked one of the Top 75 Courses in the U.S. by Golf Digest and one of the Top Three Courses in Vermont by Golfweek— features spectacular views of the surrounding mountains and well-manicured, undulating greens, making it a challenge and a joy to play.

That afternoon, you’ll move on to the nearby Stratton Mountain Course—host of six LPGA tournaments—to enjoy another 18 holes. This beautiful course takes advantage of the natural contours, trees, and water of the landscape, creating challenging, but accessible, play for every skill level.

The next day of your trip, we’ve arranged for you to go fly fishing—one of Manchester’s most popular pastimes—with an experienced guide on one of the area’s freshwater high-mountain rivers or streams. There you’ll fish for bass, wild brook and brown trout, or carp, depending on the time of year you’re visiting.

The rivers and streams in southern Vermont are some of the most beautiful in the region and we know you’ll enjoy spending time on the cool, quiet water surrounded by beautiful woodland. All of the fly-fishing equipment for this half-day excursion, along with instruction and fishing tips, will be provided by your guide, so it’s perfect for beginners as well as those who have fished before. 

Between the scheduled activities, you’ll have time to explore the area and enjoy more of Manchester on your own. 

If you want more time outdoors, be sure to visit the 914-acre Equinox Preserve on the slopes of Mt. Equinox. You can hike to the top for fantastic views of the valley or stick to the lower three trails. Whichever path you choose, you’ll see a wide variety of flora and fauna, and may get lucky enough to spot one of the mountain’s wild turkeys, deer, or porcupines.

For indoor fun, check out the small but well-curated American Museum of Fly Fishing to learn more about the sport and its history. The museum houses both permanent and temporary exhibits, including rods from former US presidents, a display of hand-made lures, and an exhibit showcasing how the flies, rods, and reels have evolved over the years. It’s a must-do activity for anyone who enjoys the sport or wants to learn more about it.

You should also visit the Northshire Bookstore on Main Street. This family-owned independent bookstore (voted best in the country) has been a favorite of locals and vacationers for over 40 years. Set in a historic former inn known as the Colburn House, it features different rooms organized to different books and interests, including a children’s section that takes up an entire floor. It’s got a cozy, classic bookstore-feel while being entirely modern and up to date. You can browse, shop, or even sit and read for a while. And, best of all, the popular Bonnet and Main Café is attached, so you can grab a coffee or baked goods on your way in or out.