Manchester, Vermont located in southern Vermont is a quaint town with unmatched beauty and charm. Nestled amongst the vast taconic mountain range, filled with historical landmarks and buildings, art galleries, old town shops, museums, recreational parks, corn mazes, pumpkin farms, hiking trails, and so much more there is an endless list of activities for you to enjoy in Manchester, Vermont all year round. If you are staying elsewhere in Vermont during your stay, Manchester would make a great day trip as well!
Today I will share 25+ things to do in while visiting Manchester this fall.
25+ Things To Do in Manchester, VT For Fall
Where to Stay In Manchester VT
The Equinox Golf Resort and Spa
The The Equinox Golf Resort and Spa provides a great central location to base your Manchester family vacation and it’s pet friendly! The indoor pool, golf course, lake and spa make all of your activities accessible and easy. The luxury resort spa is a wonderful place to relax and enjoy treatments that utilize local products. In fact, the indoor pool is a great option for kids rain or shine! Enjoy drinks and apps on the Equinox’s beautiful front porch with the mountains as your backdrop during the spring, summer and fall.
The Orvis Inn 2 Bedroom King Suite is a great spacious option for a family or group. Complete with two king bedrooms and bathrooms and an adjoining suite with a living room and kitchen. The lovely common area is perfect for lounging and storing or making quick on the go meals or snacks.
Kimpton Taconic Hotel
The Kimpton Taconic Hotel is a wonderful boutique hotel stay within the heart of Manchester. The hotel features a bar and restaurant with delicious, local beer, wine and seasonal food offerings. They also have a fitness center, pool and kid programming.
Where to Eat In Manchester VT
The Copper Grouse
The Copper Grouse Located in the Taconic Hotel, the Copper Grouse features American-style dining for breakfast, lunch and dinner and delicious specialty cocktails. The Lightly Buzzed Margarita is a local favorite, as are the brussels sprouts, kale miso caesar and the mussels are a must. For dessert the chocolate chip cookies a la mode are mouth wateringly good! The Copper Grouse is open for a la carte breakfast daily from 8am-10:30am, lunch Thursday-Sunday 11:30am-2:30pm, and dinner Sunday-Thursday 4:30pm-10pm & Friday-Saturday 4:30pm-11pm.
The Crooked Ram
The Crooked Ram is a delicious new restaurant in Manchester with both indoor and outdoor seating. At the Crooked Ram they pride themselves in their playful and diverse menus honoring local Vermont produce and seasonal offerings. During the summer months dine al fresco in The Yard and enjoy a hip vibe, upbeat music, mouth-watering food and an incredibly hospitable and lovely staff. Try the olives, burrata, crab toast and Margherita & Verde pizzas. Don’t skip the Tiramisu Profiterol or the Olive Oil Cake. Open Thursday-Sunday make sure to book your reservations here ahead of time so you don’t miss out!
The Dorset Bakery
The Dorset Bakery located just outside of Manchester in the small town of Dorset is a sweet little bakery perfect for both breakfast and lunch. They have a lovely little sitting area both indoors and outdoors and you can also take sandwiches to go if you have a fun-filled day ahead. The Dorset Bakery is open daily 8am-3pm.
Up for Breakfast
Just ask anyone where to go for breakfast, everyone will tell you to hit Up For Breakfast. The pancakes and eggs are always a crowd pleaser. If you’re looking for a great no frills diner experience, this is it.
The Silver Fork
The Silver Fork resides within the historic walls of the old Mark Skinner Library. The menu is an eclectic mix of Caribbean and European influenced dishes from award-winning Chef Mark French. The menu changes seasonally featuring fresh and fun ingredients.
Marsh Tavern
Located within the Equinox Resort, Marsh Tavern is a cozy pub with a great casual vibe and delicious menu. During the spring, summer and fall enjoy delicious apps and cocktails on the front porch of the Equinox for happy hour and try the pretzel and fried pickles!
What to Do In Manchester VT
Shopping
The Mountain Goat
For outdoor enthusiasts, head to The Mountain Goat for all the gear, shoes and clothing you need. They have an amazing selection of brands and styles for the whole family including: Patagonia, Prana, Teva, Columbia, Chaco, Birkenstock, Blundstone, Salomon, Smartwool and many more. Open Monday-Saturday 10am-6pm and Sunday 10am-5pm.
Vermont Kitchen Supply
Located in the town of Manchester, Vermont Kitchen Supply is a lovely shop for all your kitchen needs. If you love to cook and bake Vermont Kitchen Supply is your happy place. Open 10am-5pm daily (4pm on Sundays).
Manchester Designer Outlets
Manchester Designer Outlets are open Saturday 10am-6pm and Sunday 10am-5pm. Including Armani, Marimekko, Michael Kors, Polo Ralph Lauren, Talbots, Gap, JCrew and more.
Manchester Hot Glass
Manchester Hot Glass is a glass blowing studio in Manchester. Sign up for a class and learn the art of glass blowing or watch and buy the products created at this glass blowing studio and gallery open to the public. Offering a full line of gorgeous hand blown glass and jewelry in their gallery, they also specialize in custom orders for weddings or bridal party gifts. Check out Manchester Hot Glass!
The Northshire Bookstore
Walking into The Northshire Bookstore is a magical experience. This beautiful, well-maintained and designed bookstore is equal parts quaint and exquisite with levels and sections for every need, whether you are looking for your next beach read, stationary or a children’s gift. You could spend your entire day here so plan accordingly. If you only have time for one shop in Manchester, The Northshire Bookstore is a must! Open daily 10am-7pm.
Dorset Union Store
The Dorset Union Store is everything you could want in a historic Vermont general store. They have a great selection of Vermont goodies, breakfast, and lunch deli options all while honoring the history of the store and town. Open Tuesday-Saturday 7:30am-5pm.
Activities
Pastime Pinball
Pastime Pinball is a family friendly museum arcade in downtown Manchester. Open for over 75 years, Pastime Pinball honors the classic pastime of pinball we all grew up knowing and loving. Pay admission for unlimited fun all year round no matter the weather! The snackbar offers classic boardwalk treats with a Vermont twist. Open Thursday-Saturday 12pm-7pm and Sunday 12pm-6pm.
The Golf Club at Equinox
The Golf Club at Equinox is a beautiful course overlooking the Green Mountains. This easy going course is great for beginner, intermediate and advanced skill levels providing a range in holes and offering a variety of shots. Enjoy the course as the sunsets behind the mountains, the views are absolutely stunning. Open daily, check their website for pricing and to book tee times.
The Land Rover Experience
The Land Rover Experience is a thrilling, once in a lifetime experience unique to Manchester, Vermont. The Land Rover Experience provides a unique opportunity to drive a Land Rover through a distinctively designed course including hill climbs, side tilts and rocky terrain. If you love off-roading and trying something new and different, this is your adventure! You can book right through the Equinox Resort.
Stratton Snow Making Pond
Manchester’s favorite local leisurely summertime swim spot is Stratton Snow Making pond located just 15 minutes outside of Manchester. Set amongst the Green mountains, the Stratton Snow Making Pond, is utilized as Stratton Mountain’s snowmaking resource in the winter but transforms into swim and paddle heaven come summer. Enjoy a cold yet refreshing dip in the pond or lay in the grass surrounding the pond enjoying a picnic and sunbathing.
The Dorset Marble Quarry
The Dorset Marble Quarry is the first marble quarry in the United States. This beautiful swimming hole is surrounded by large marble, and crystal clear, refreshingly cold water. This local swimming spot has both marble and grassy areas for lounging and cliff jumping for thrill seekers!
Chiselville Covered Bridge
Looking for a historic covered bridge to add to your Vermont bucket list? Chiselville Covered Bridge in Sunderland is just over 10 minutes outside of Manchester. Make sure to take a picture to document your covered bridge experience.
Art Galleries & Museums
Bennington Museum
Celebrating the rich culture of the area, Bennington Museum features works of art from the 18th century to present. Home of the largest collection of great American folk artist, Grandma Moses paintings in the world. The Regional History room showcases the region’s most comprehensive genealogical and biographical resource on Vermont and New England history. The George Aiken Wildflower Trail pays tribute to George Aikens, Pioneering with Wildflowers (1935) with 10 acres of wood and meadow trails featuring native Vermont wildflowers and plants. The museum is open Friday-Monday 10am-4pm.
Hildene- The Lincoln Family Home
Home to Abraham Lincoln’s family in 1975, Hildene- The Lincoln Family Home is a 24-room Georgian Revival mansion open to the public Thursday-Monday 10am-4pm. Admission for adults is $23, youth (6-14) $6 and children under 6 are free. Guided tours are available at 11am and 1pm (additional cost $5 for adults and $2 youth). Visit the Hildene Visitor Center for passes.
Robert Frost Stone House Museum
Located 20 minutes outside of Manchester, in Shaftsbury, VT, Robert Frost Stone House Museum located at Bennington College is a space used to celebrate the life and legacy of famous poet, Robert Frost in Shaftsbury, VT. Open Thursday-Monday 11am-5pm. Admission for adults is $10, seniors and students $6, under 18 $5, active duty personnel and children under 10 are free.
Southern Vermont Center
Helmholz Fine Art
Tilting at Windmills Gallery
3 Pears Gallery in Dorset
American Museum of Fly Fishing
American Museum of Fly Fishing
Southern Vermont Arts Center
Hiking, Biking & Skiing
The Equinox Preserve Pond and Trail
The Equinox Preserve Pond and Trail includes 11 miles of maintained trails ranging in difficulty along the slopes of Mt. Equinox. In addition, the trails are pet friendly, just don’t forget a leash. Mountain bikers are welcome but should avoid single-track trails. Choose your adventure whether that is an easy pond loop or a more challenging summit climb. Check their website for more information and to view maps in order to plan your hike or bike. Recommended hikes and views include Equinox Pond, Robin’s Lookout and Lookout Rock and Lye Brook Falls. Not up for a hike? Try Mount Equinox Skyline Drive to the summit of the highest peak in the Taconic Range.
Lye Brook Falls
Lye Brook Falls is part of Lye Brooke Wilderness a 15,680 acre national forest within the Green Mountain National Forest. In order to hike the falls trail follow along Lye Brook trail marked with blue blazes for the falls. Lye Brook Falls is one of the highest falls in Vermont.
Merck Forest & Farmland Center
Located just under 30 minutes from Manchester village, the Merck Forest & Farmland Center is a nonprofit educational organization on a mission to inspire curiosity, love and responsibility for natural and working lands. With 3,200 acres and over 30 miles of trails, this farm meets forest is open to the public for free visits all year round. Take a hike, ride a horse, snowshoe or ski along trails in the sustainable forest. Check their website for camping and hunting options as well.
Bromley Mountain
Located just 15 minutes outside of Manchester town, Bromley Mountain is your perfect fun-filled destination no matter the season. In winter, ski Bromley’s family friendly slopes and enjoy one of their five food outlets for lunch. During the warmer months check out hiking options, Mountain Adventure Park, Treetop Adventure Course, Woods and Meadows Disc Golf and Sun Mountain Flyer. The Mountain Adventure Park includes an alpine slide, big splash water slide, bumper boats, climbing wall, giant swing, mini golf and so much more! The Sun Mountain Flyer is New England’s longest zip rider. Plan your adventure at Bromley now!
Horseback Riding In Manchester VT
Vermont is a gorgeous place to explore by horse. Located 30 minutes outside of Manchester, Horseback Riding at Chipman Stables in Danby offers trail rides, lessons and pony rides. Contact Billie at (802) 293-5242 for more information and to book reservations ahead of time.
Mount Equinox
Stratton Mountain
Farms In Manchester VT
Taylor Farm, Londonderry, VT
Taylor Farm, located about 20 minutes outside of Manchester in Londonderry, VT is the perfect farm experience for the whole family to enjoy any time of year. At Taylor Farm they have pigs, goats, cows, chickens and horses. During the winter, their teams of draft horses lead in lovely winter sleigh rides open to the public. Enjoy the ride with a cozy wool blanket, hot cider and roast marshmallows on the mid-ride bonfire. A true magical Vermont experience! Check out their farm store for local Vermont goodies.
Dutton Berry Farm
Get your true Vermont experience at Dutton Berry Farm in Newfane, VT. During the spring go to watch and learn about the Vermont sugaring process or pick berries during the summer. Products include fruits, vegetables, cider, maple syrup, plants and other local products all home grown and made on the farm!
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