New England Getaway: New England travel, vacation, and destination guide

The Manchester and the Mountains region truly is a Four-Season Wonderland. Want proof? Pick a view - any view. Now consider that view variously dressed in winter’s brilliant whites, spring and summer’s palette of greens and the reds, yellows and gold of autumn. Okay, which is most beautiful?

And another thing – we’re just as much fun in the warmer months as we are in winter. Consider, for example, championship golf and tennis playing, fly fishing, water-slide riding, gondola riding, mountain biking, hiking, canoeing, kayaking, river rafting, tubing, swimming, theater going, horseback riding, apple picking and leaf peeping

What to do in the Manchester & the Mountains Region

With so much to do and see in and around Manchester, you might need help planning your day. You'll be surprised at what you find nestled between the Green and Taconic Mountains; the diversity of our region makes us feel confident in saying we have something for everyone. Is it Arlington's beautiful covered bridges you're looking for? The theatre and culture of Dorset or Weston? The exceptional hiking? The country stores and fairs? The factory outlets? Want to try fly-fishing on our famed Battenkill River or looking for family fun at our resorts? The options are endless and no matter what you choose to do it will be done in a gorgeous setting.

Outdoors Adventure

Are you a fisherman? If so you are in luck. The Battenkill, Dutch for "fertilizing stream", is a Mecca for fishing and flows through a large portion of our region. Whether you venture on your own or hire an expert guide you will find some of the best fishing in the country along the banks of the Battenkill.

Even if you don't fish, you can still enjoy the splendor of the river. You can rent your own canoe, kayak, or tube or take a guided tour down the river. The most popular starting point is in Arlington and will take you under the West Arlington covered bridge and past Norman Rockwell's former home. The road that runs alongside the river in Arlington - River Road - is also one of our many great routes for biking.

Since the idea of the Appalachian Trail was conceived in our region, it only stands to reason that we'd have some of the best hiking around. There are many hikes along the Long Trail/Appalachian Trail, plus shorter hikes to waterfalls, scenic mountain lookouts, and isolated beaver ponds. You can wander the trail system of the Equinox Preservation and Trust. The top of Stratton or Bromley Mountains (by lift ride or hiking) is a perfect place for a picnic lunch. Equinox Mountain, by auto road or on foot provides a spectacular view from Dorset in the north to Arlington to the south.

Let's Eat

So what's for lunch? That's a daily question that seems much more important when you're on vacation! Do you want to grab and go, or do you feel like sitting down to a nice leisurely lunch? We have everything including Italian pantries, Scandinavian delis, diners, pizzerias and more. Check the dining section on the Chamber website (www.manchestervermont.net) for more options for lunch. It all just depends on what you're craving! The decision is going to be even harder for dinner! There are more restaurants who serve only dinner. You can check the website for a collection of dinner menus that will allow you to decided what you'll eat before you decide where you will eat, or give the Chamber a call at 362-2100.

What Can the Kids Do?

We have many attractions and activities that are perfect for children, but that doesn't mean adult kids are excluded! Try out the climbing wall, mini golf and thrill rides at Bromley Mountain (including the new Big Splash!). Stratton has gondola rides, and both resorts have an event going on just about every week.

How about some farm fun? Ever take a llama trek? Pet an alpaca? They're cute, friendly, strong and gentle. There are many farms that are home to these cold weather creatures and they'd love to have you stop in.

Taylor farms in Londonderry offers tours of their cheese house where they make their famous smoked gouda or stop by the Wilcox farm for a scoop of the freshest ice cream around.

If you are in town for a few days there are day camps at the Dana Thompson Memorial Park, Hildene, and the Southern Vermont Art Center. They provide daily-supervised activities for your children to allow you some free time to explore some of our major attractions.

Shopping

Everyone knows that Manchester is home to "Fifth Avenue in the Mountains", but did you also know about our unique shops. Whether you're looking for a birdhouse, the largest source of US made leather goods, alpaca wool sweaters, or any size or shape of sock you can imagine--you'll find it here!

What Else Is There To Do?

Hildene is Robert Todd Lincoln's summer home and vacation spot for the Lincoln family. Beautifully preserved, this house is rich in history. Tour the restored Georgian Revival mansion and hear the 1908 Aeolian organ. Original furnishings and personal family effects are on display. Enjoy picturesque views from the formal garden. The gardens are home to the Peony Festival, garden parties and many other events. Daily touring available mid-May-October, tours start every half hour until 4pm and bring a picnic lunch to have on the grounds.

At the Southern Vermont Art Center, you'll find ten renovated galleries in the Yester House, an outdoor Sculpture Garden, and the Elizabeth de C. Wilson Museum which features the Center's Permanent Collection and traveling shows from museums around the country. The art center is a non-profit educational institution located on a beautiful 407acre estate listed on the National Register of Historic Places. View paintings, sculpture, photography and prints in diverse styles and techniques by established and emerging artists. Solo shows and juried group exhibitions are scheduled throughout the year.