Sunday Manifest: Manchester, Vermont
Set between the Taconic Mountains and Green Mountains of southern Vermont—easily accessible from both New York City and Boston—the town of Manchester is an ideal spot for a relaxing back-to-nature vacation, and an especially popular destination for golfers, leaf peepers, and fly-fishing enthusiasts.
It’s one of the best small towns in a state that’s known for its quaint small towns—a place to unwind and get away from it all while enjoying hours of leisurely time in the great outdoors.
The area is home to several championship golf courses (including the Walter Travis Course at Equinox and the Stratton Mountain Course), 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 any of the wonderful restaurants along Main Street (The Little Rooster Café and The Copper Grouse are favorites). Enjoy a cold craft beer at The Crooked Ram or Mulligans. Or visit the many art galleries and independent shops found in and around the heart of town.
Fly fishing—one of Manchester’s most popular pastimes—is a must-do outdoor activity when you visit, whether you’re new to the sport or an experienced angler. Grab your gear and head out on your own or book a trip with one of the area’s experienced guides. Out on the cool high-mountain rivers and streams you will be immersed in the quiet beauty of surrounding woodlands while fishing for bass, brown trout, or carp, depending on the time of year you’re visiting.
In the warmer months of summer and fall, you can enjoy long days outside in the lush landscapes and rolling green hills; teeing off and 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.
In the winter, you’ll want to visit for the nearby full-service ski resorts and fantastic cold-weather sports—snowshoeing, alpine and Nordic skiing, sleigh riding, and snowmobiling—all set within a lovely winter-wonder landscape.
For more time outdoors year-round, be sure to explore 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 trails, which are more beginner friendly. 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, visit the Orvis flagship store or 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 fun 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 & Main Café is attached, so you can grab a coffee or baked goods on your way in or out.
Our team has put together an excellent Four-Day Manchester Golf and Fly-Fishing Vacation. Learn more on our Experiences page and book your trip today. Or if this idyllic New England getaway isn’t on your travel wish list, let us know and we’ll curate a trip for you wherever you’d like to go.