Getting Around
We are a good hour away from Albany so a rental car is a must!
10 locals recommend
Albany/Rensselaer Amtrak station
525 East StWe are a good hour away from Albany so a rental car is a must!
Parks & Nature
Manchester - The clear lake is small and right off the main road north of Manchester. Great for non-motorized water sports. Rentals are available for canoes, paddle boats and stand up paddle boards. Small concession stand. Changing rooms and rest rooms.
53 locals recommend
Emerald Lake State Park
65 Emerald Lake LnManchester - The clear lake is small and right off the main road north of Manchester. Great for non-motorized water sports. Rentals are available for canoes, paddle boats and stand up paddle boards. Small concession stand. Changing rooms and rest rooms.
Manchester - Climb the highest peak in southern Vermont! Hike from the base: equinoxpreservationtrust.org or travel by car: skyline drive vermont
69 locals recommend
Equinox Mountain
Manchester - Climb the highest peak in southern Vermont! Hike from the base: equinoxpreservationtrust.org or travel by car: skyline drive vermont
Stratton - Downhill/XC/snowshoe/tube/snowmobile/outdoor excursions etc in the winter and bike in the off season. Go to Stratton Mountain Bike Park and checkout the new Bike Park! 45-50 minutes away. Manchester is on the way back which features many dining options.
248 locals recommend
Stratton Mountain
Stratton - Downhill/XC/snowshoe/tube/snowmobile/outdoor excursions etc in the winter and bike in the off season. Go to Stratton Mountain Bike Park and checkout the new Bike Park! 45-50 minutes away. Manchester is on the way back which features many dining options.
Peru - Bromley is another great mountain to ski and 30-35 minutes away.
187 locals recommend
Bromley Mountain Ski Resort
124 VT-11Peru - Bromley is another great mountain to ski and 30-35 minutes away.
West Arlington - Guests love to enjoy a float down the Battenkill River. Stop in the Wayside Country Store to pick up snacks, drinks & lunch at the deli. “Big Big” is right next door and only 4 miles from the domes.
13 locals recommend
Big Big on the Battenkill Kayak and Tubing
5827 Vermont 313West Arlington - Guests love to enjoy a float down the Battenkill River. Stop in the Wayside Country Store to pick up snacks, drinks & lunch at the deli. “Big Big” is right next door and only 4 miles from the domes.
Manchester - The Appalachian Trail crosses RT 11/30 outside of Manchester. Great parking. Hike a stretch!
Appalachian Trail
Appalachian National Scenic TrailManchester - The Appalachian Trail crosses RT 11/30 outside of Manchester. Great parking. Hike a stretch!
Lye Brook Falls
Lye Brook Falls TrailManchester, VT - Easy to moderate hike - very popular
Manchester, VT (actually in Sunderland just south of Manchester on RT 7A) 5 mi TOLL ROAD -
CLOSED IN LATE FALL - EARLY SPRING!
Wonderful overlooks. Short trail to an overlook at top as well as a trail that leads down to the base. Fabulous visitors center at top with rest rooms, picnic tables and history of the Carthusian monastery. ASK IF VISITORS CENTER IS OPEN when purchasing a ticket. BTW - The monastery visible from the 'saddle is in Sandgate.
24 locals recommend
Mount Equinox Skyline Drive
42 Skyline DrManchester, VT (actually in Sunderland just south of Manchester on RT 7A) 5 mi TOLL ROAD -
CLOSED IN LATE FALL - EARLY SPRING!
Wonderful overlooks. Short trail to an overlook at top as well as a trail that leads down to the base. Fabulous visitors center at top with rest rooms, picnic tables and history of the Carthusian monastery. ASK IF VISITORS CENTER IS OPEN when purchasing a ticket. BTW - The monastery visible from the 'saddle is in Sandgate.
Peru - Nordic ski touring center - all levels of skiers - fully stocked rentals with all sizes of classic equipment. Check website for daily conditions.
27 locals recommend
Wild Wings Ski Touring Center
246 Styles LnPeru - Nordic ski touring center - all levels of skiers - fully stocked rentals with all sizes of classic equipment. Check website for daily conditions.
Arts & Culture
Bennington Museum - Grandma Moses is featured in the permanent collection. Robert Frost is buried in the adjacent cemetery. The iconic Old First Church graces the top of the hill with a marker sharing the history of the spot.
61 locals recommend
Bennington
Bennington Museum - Grandma Moses is featured in the permanent collection. Robert Frost is buried in the adjacent cemetery. The iconic Old First Church graces the top of the hill with a marker sharing the history of the spot.
Manchester - An historical masterpiece built by Abraham Lincoln’s son, Robert Todd. Beautifully maintained grounds, house, rail car, fabulous gift shop and excellent docents. A goat farm is on the grounds as well as walking/XC ski trails. A local gem!
158 locals recommend
Hildene, The Lincoln Family Home
1005 Hildene RdManchester - An historical masterpiece built by Abraham Lincoln’s son, Robert Todd. Beautifully maintained grounds, house, rail car, fabulous gift shop and excellent docents. A goat farm is on the grounds as well as walking/XC ski trails. A local gem!
Manchester - A multi-disciplinary Arts organization. Go to SVAC.org to find out more!
51 locals recommend
Southern Vermont Arts Center
860 Southern Vermont Arts Center DrManchester - A multi-disciplinary Arts organization. Go to SVAC.org to find out more!
Arlington - Fascinating stories behind Norman Rockwell’s Saturday Evening Post illustrations and the local models who sat for our most famous local artist will fascinate viewers. In addition, the Sugar Shack boasts wonderful treats including maple syrup, candy, ice cream, Kim’s delicious pies (our favorite!) and Vermont souvenirs.
10 locals recommend
Norman Rockwell Exhibition
118 Sugar Shack LnArlington - Fascinating stories behind Norman Rockwell’s Saturday Evening Post illustrations and the local models who sat for our most famous local artist will fascinate viewers. In addition, the Sugar Shack boasts wonderful treats including maple syrup, candy, ice cream, Kim’s delicious pies (our favorite!) and Vermont souvenirs.
Manchester - On the circle opposite the Northshire Bookstore. A destination artisan's gallery with a solid following. Beautiful local art work by juried artists. Be sure to checkout the website! Great place for special gifts and home decor.
6 locals recommend
Epoch Inc
4826 Main StManchester - On the circle opposite the Northshire Bookstore. A destination artisan's gallery with a solid following. Beautiful local art work by juried artists. Be sure to checkout the website! Great place for special gifts and home decor.
North Bennington - Historic Mansion Museum
"...one of the finest most significant and best preserved Victorian Mansions in New England." Bennington Banner
Open Fri, Sat, Sun 10am - 2pm Memorial Day wknd through beginning of October
20 locals recommend
Park-McCullough Historic Governor's Mansion
1 Park StNorth Bennington - Historic Mansion Museum
"...one of the finest most significant and best preserved Victorian Mansions in New England." Bennington Banner
Open Fri, Sat, Sun 10am - 2pm Memorial Day wknd through beginning of October
The Silver Fork
Manchester - Reservations are a MUST! Located in an old library in the heart of Manchester Village the restaurant boasts fine dining with an international menu. RAVE reviews! Voted #1 in the country by Travel Advisor! $$$$
Manchester - Reservations are a MUST! Located in an old library in the heart of Manchester Village the restaurant boasts fine dining with an international menu. RAVE reviews! Recently voted #1 in the country by Travel Advisor$$$$
59 locals recommend
The Silver Fork
48 W RdManchester - Reservations are a MUST! Located in an old library in the heart of Manchester Village the restaurant boasts fine dining with an international menu. RAVE reviews! Recently voted #1 in the country by Travel Advisor$$$$
Manchester - Quaint, circa 1790 inn serving hearty New England & Continental dishes and classic cocktails. Reservations recommended.
47 locals recommend
YE OLDE TAVERN
5183 Main StManchester - Quaint, circa 1790 inn serving hearty New England & Continental dishes and classic cocktails. Reservations recommended.
Seasons Restaurant
4566 Main StManchester - Casual. Mid-range
Mystic Cafe & Wine Bar
4928 Main StManchester - Farm to Table - Casual
Christos' Pizza and Pasta
4931 Main StManchester - Our favorite pizza!
Manchester - coffee - pastry - soup - frozen prepared items - sandwiches - check out website
7 locals recommend
Charlie's Coffee House
39 Bonnet StManchester - coffee - pastry - soup - frozen prepared items - sandwiches - check out website
Depot 62
515 Depot StManchester - Turkish - "Shop, snack, dine, and browse".
Al Ducci's Italian Pantry
133 Elm StManchester - EXCELLENT Italian deli!
Arlington - 7 miles away! Lovely inn with a wonderful breakfast menu. Not open for lunch or dinner. Reservation recommended.
6 locals recommend
The Arlington Inn
3904 Vermont Rte 7aArlington - 7 miles away! Lovely inn with a wonderful breakfast menu. Not open for lunch or dinner. Reservation recommended.
West Arlington - Beautiful setting - popular dining - reservations needed - 10 minutes away.
6 locals recommend
West Mountain Inn
144 W Mountain Inn RdWest Arlington - Beautiful setting - popular dining - reservations needed - 10 minutes away.
Dorset - 40 minute scenic drive. Great food. Tavern and dining room. I prefer the casual atmosphere in the tavern.
49 locals recommend
The Dorset Inn
8 Church StDorset - 40 minute scenic drive. Great food. Tavern and dining room. I prefer the casual atmosphere in the tavern.
Dorset - 1803 building - "Traditional New England tavern fare with a modern twist that pairs beautifully with our selection of craft beers and extensive wine list." Reservations recommended.
38 locals recommend
Barrows House Inn & Restaurant
3156 VT-30Dorset - 1803 building - "Traditional New England tavern fare with a modern twist that pairs beautifully with our selection of craft beers and extensive wine list." Reservations recommended.
The Blue Benn
314 North StBennington - THE BEST DINER IN THE US!
Manchester - Seasonal - Dot's favorite: NY Super Fudge Chunk and Coffee Coffee Buzz Buzz
9 locals recommend
Ben & Jerry’s
454 Depot StManchester - Seasonal - Dot's favorite: NY Super Fudge Chunk and Coffee Coffee Buzz Buzz
Manchester - Delicious food in a casual atmosphere. Very popular.
35 locals recommend
Zoey's Double Hex Restaurant station
1568 Depot StreetManchester - Delicious food in a casual atmosphere. Very popular.
Manchester - New Sports bar with indoor and outdoor dining and a good selection of beer on tap.
32 locals recommend
Union Underground
4928 Main StManchester - New Sports bar with indoor and outdoor dining and a good selection of beer on tap.
Manchester - craft beer, wine and bar menu-Check out their website - National award winners!
40 locals recommend
The Crooked Ram
4026 Main StManchester - craft beer, wine and bar menu-Check out their website - National award winners!
Manchester - MMMM....CHOCOLATE! and so much more! Sweet tooth delight! Fabulous cakes both large and small. Flourless chocolate cake is incredible and for a small dessert pick up two chocolate mousse cupcakes with a chocolate cupcake liner. YUM! Lemon lulu is a favorite...gotta check this out! Say "Hi" to Jackie from Dottie.
16 locals recommend
Mother Myrick's Confectionery
4367 Main StManchester - MMMM....CHOCOLATE! and so much more! Sweet tooth delight! Fabulous cakes both large and small. Flourless chocolate cake is incredible and for a small dessert pick up two chocolate mousse cupcakes with a chocolate cupcake liner. YUM! Lemon lulu is a favorite...gotta check this out! Say "Hi" to Jackie from Dottie.
The Chocolate Barn - Shaftsbury - RT 7 S -
HANDMADE ICE CREAM made on premise with the BEST ingredients.
14 locals recommend
Chocolate Barn
The Chocolate Barn - Shaftsbury - RT 7 S -
HANDMADE ICE CREAM made on premise with the BEST ingredients.
Little Rooster Café
4764 Main StManchester - Breakfast and Lunch - Delicious!
Manchester - Great Thai food! Three Musketeers is one of our favorite dishes.
60 locals recommend
Thai Basil Restaurant
4940 Main StManchester - Great Thai food! Three Musketeers is one of our favorite dishes.
Manchester - Exceptional fine dining experience for a special occasion.
24 locals recommend
The Reluctant Panther Inn and Restaurant
39 W RdManchester - Exceptional fine dining experience for a special occasion.
Peru - Great deli with delicious finds for takeout or eat-in. Limited seating
15 locals recommend
Bromley Market
3776 VT-11Peru - Great deli with delicious finds for takeout or eat-in. Limited seating
Natures Market
303 Center Hill RdNatural Food Market
Manchester - Sports bar and restaurant with outside limited outside/street side dining
53 locals recommend
Mulligan's Pub & Restaurant
3912 Main StreetManchester - Sports bar and restaurant with outside limited outside/street side dining
Cambridge, NY - 14 miles away. Small shop but great for folks who prefer to shop in a co-op. This is the closest one! There are natural food stores in Manchester and Bennington, too!
9 locals recommend
Cambridge Food Co-Op
1 W Main StCambridge, NY - 14 miles away. Small shop but great for folks who prefer to shop in a co-op. This is the closest one! There are natural food stores in Manchester and Bennington, too!
Manchester - NEW! Located in the Southern Vermont Arts Center (at least go for the long and winding drive up the hill highlighted with sculpture) Curate is a secret spot where the atmosphere welcomes casual and dressy. Food is fabulous!
Curate
860 Southern Vermont Arts Center DrManchester - NEW! Located in the Southern Vermont Arts Center (at least go for the long and winding drive up the hill highlighted with sculpture) Curate is a secret spot where the atmosphere welcomes casual and dressy. Food is fabulous!
Ponce Bistro
4659 Main StManchester - Great menu - atmosphere
Bennington - "Upscale takes on classic favorites like gouda and fontina mac and cheese, and a full menu of creatively -topped brick oven pizzas." Bennington Banner
14 locals recommend
421 Craft Bar and Kitchen
421 Main StreetBennington - "Upscale takes on classic favorites like gouda and fontina mac and cheese, and a full menu of creatively -topped brick oven pizzas." Bennington Banner
Bennington - Owners of some premier restaurants in the Manchester/Dorset area own this as well....say no more!
35 locals recommend
The Publyk House
782 Harwood Hill RdBennington - Owners of some premier restaurants in the Manchester/Dorset area own this as well....say no more!
Manchester - EXCELLENT - recognized in the national news!
"...Italian products from authentic salami, imported and local cheeses, antipasto items and unique Italian wines..."
The Italian Market of Manchester
4964 Main StreetManchester - EXCELLENT - recognized in the national news!
"...Italian products from authentic salami, imported and local cheeses, antipasto items and unique Italian wines..."
Manchester - Delicious - One order of fries is big enough for two!
15 locals recommend
Depot Street Burgers
468 Depot StManchester - Delicious - One order of fries is big enough for two!
Manchester - Rooted in the traditions of American craft cooking, The Copper Grouse Restaurant & Bar serves up classic tavern fare with locally sourced ingredients.
50 locals recommend
Copper Grouse
3835 Main StManchester - Rooted in the traditions of American craft cooking, The Copper Grouse Restaurant & Bar serves up classic tavern fare with locally sourced ingredients.
Manchester - (although the site says Winhall) Fine French Cuisine. Ask for a table overlooking the river.
16 locals recommend
Mistral's at Toll Gate
10 Tollgate RdManchester - (although the site says Winhall) Fine French Cuisine. Ask for a table overlooking the river.
Sightseeing
Manchester - Fun on the Farm! Lisa has a wonderful setting for getting up close to farm animals. If you are lucky she will have her famous jalapeno dip in stock. Ice cream, too!
9 locals recommend
North Meadow Farm
726 N RdManchester - Fun on the Farm! Lisa has a wonderful setting for getting up close to farm animals. If you are lucky she will have her famous jalapeno dip in stock. Ice cream, too!
Arlington - Rockwell lived in West Arlington and the museum boasts many prints with local history of folks who posed for him. Great stories!
BONUS! Located at the Sugar Shack in Arlington. Great soft maple ice cream and maple products as well as VT souvenirs.
10 locals recommend
Norman Rockwell Exhibition
118 Sugar Shack LnArlington - Rockwell lived in West Arlington and the museum boasts many prints with local history of folks who posed for him. Great stories!
BONUS! Located at the Sugar Shack in Arlington. Great soft maple ice cream and maple products as well as VT souvenirs.
Dorset - Excellent kitchen store for the discerning cook/chef. Also great for a hostess gift (cocktail napkins, flour cloth dish towels, unique dish ware). Known for fine woodwork - cutting boards, etc.
10 locals recommend
J.K. Adams
1430 VT-30Dorset - Excellent kitchen store for the discerning cook/chef. Also great for a hostess gift (cocktail napkins, flour cloth dish towels, unique dish ware). Known for fine woodwork - cutting boards, etc.
Battenkill Bicycles
99 Bonnet StManchester Center - A full service bike shop with rentals.
Food scene
Peru - A few miles past Bromely Ski Area (Manchester area)
A great General Store & eatery. Fabulous sandwiches. We split one!
79 locals recommend
JJ Hapgood General Store & Eatery
305 Main StPeru - A few miles past Bromely Ski Area (Manchester area)
A great General Store & eatery. Fabulous sandwiches. We split one!
Bob's Diner
2279 Depot StreetManchester - A wonderful diner breakfast awaits!