Discover Manchester: A Full Guide of the Best Things to Do
If you’re looking for a little getaway in the Northeast, then Vermont is just the place. There are so many cute towns in the Green Mountain State, but one of the most frequented is Manchester. This little town in Southern Vermont is the typical New England community, located in Bennington County. Manchester has lots to do, from shopping, to dining to hiking, and more. Here’s my full guide of the best things to do in Manchester:
Getting to Manchester
What makes Manchester a great Northeast getaway destination is that it’s only a few hours away from major cities like NYC, Boston and even Montreal.
By train: Take the Amtrak into Albany and transfer to the Vermont Shires Connector shuttle which will take you directly into Manchester.
By plane: There’s no airport in Manchester, so you will have to fly into a major or regional airport and then rent a car to drive into town. You can fly into Hartford, Boston, Burlington or Albany. If you fly into Albany, the Vermont Shires Connector shuttle is available there as well.
By car: The best way to get into Manchester is by car, especially since this will be the most scenic route. Manchester is along one of the 10 byways that run through Vermont, so you’ll be able to drive along the backroads of the state and discover more than you expected.
For more information and specific directions into Manchester, visit: https://www.manchestervermont.com/resources/
Where to Stay
There are so many accommodation options in Manchester. You can pick from bed and breakfasts, boutique hotels and resorts, and motels. I recently stayed at The Palmer House and absolutely recommend this place if you want to make the most of your time in Manchester:
What to Do
Hildene, the Lincoln Family Home
Visit the summer home of Abraham Lincoln’s eldest son — Robert Todd Lincoln. The home, known as Hildene, was occupied by Lincoln’s descendants until about 1975, but is now on the U.S. National Register of Historic Places. It was restored in 1978, and the 400+ acre property is now open for guided and self-guided tours. After touring the historic estate, venture out and walk around the grounds, where there’s also a goat farm, an old Pullman car.
Pullman car at Hildene 
Wander the gardens at the back of the Lincoln home 
Views from Hildene at peak foliage season
Mount Equinox Skyline Drive
Another one of the top things to do in Manchester is the Skyline Drive up to Mount Equinox. Mount Equinox is the second tallest mountain in Vermont. If you’re up for a challenge, you can of course hike up to the summit, but most choose the drive up since the hike is very difficult due to the quick change in altitude in a short time. The cost to drive up is a bit steep as well (pun intended), but the views are worth it, especially if you’re visiting during fall foliage. You’ll get a 360 degree view of the rest of Vermont, New York, New Hampshire and Massachusetts. Entry is $20 plus and additional $5 per passenger. More information available here: https://equinoxmountain.com
Manchester Shopping Outlets
Manchester is well known for its designer outlet shops right in the town center. Make it a “shop till you drop” day as you check out store after store — from designer to locally owned boutiques. There’s also a very well-known bookstore worth checking out, Northshire Bookstore. For Vermont souvenirs, make sure to check out Above All Vermont just next to McDonald’s or the Vermont Country Store in Weston (25 mins from Manchester).
Manchester Hot Glass
For a fun activity, check out Manchester Hot Glass, a glass-blowing studio in the Depot section of Manchester. You can browse and shop their hand-blown glass gallery or even take a private class and create your own masterpiece!
Southern Vermont Arts Center
Located on a 100-acre campus at the foot of the Taconic Mountains, the Southern Vermont Arts Center, or SVAC, is definitely worth a stop while in Manchester. SVAC’s mission is to nurture and promote the arts, so local artists are provided with a space to exhibit and sell their work. SVAC also aims to create a space for the entire community to gather, offering different programs/ workshops for all age groups. In the summertime, SVAC is home to the Manchester Music Festival.
The artwork is displayed in two separate buildings, one for traditional and one for the more contemporary pieces. Outdoors, you can also enjoy the Sculpture Park, which begins as you drive up to the arts center. If you’re up for a challenge, the SVAC is connected to the Nature Conservancy Path. You have a variety of hiking trails to choose from, and one even leads you to the summit of Equinox Mountain.
For more information on SVAC: https://www.svac.org
Land Rover Experience
Go off-roading at the Land Rover Experience Driving Center and roam the Green Mountains. You can choose from a variety of classes, from one hour to a full day of off-roading, as you improve your driving skills learn how to navigate the different trails and terrain in the area.
https://experience.landroverusa.com/vermont/index.html
Where to Eat
There are lots of options for dining — whether you prefer something upscale or are looking for the casual food joints, Manchester’s got it.
For upscale dining, check out: Ye Old Tavern, The Copper Grouse, The Dorset Inn
Casual dining: Gringo Jack’s, Depot Street Burgers, Christo’s Pizza, Ponce Bistro
Cafes/ Breakfast: Charlie’s Coffee House, Up for Breakfast, Little Rooster Cafe, Bob’s Diner (hidden gem located about 10 minutes out of the town center, but so worth it! It’s your typical old school diner — friendly staff and delicious food that’s both large in portion and super affordable!)
For seasonal activities in Manchester, visit https://www.manchestervermont.com
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