A Local’s Guide to the 23+ Things to Do in Manchester, Vermont
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There are so many reasons to love Manchester, Vermont. It’s got four seasons of outdoor adventure, fun shops, fantastic restaurants, and several great museums and historical attractions.
I am fortunate that Manchester is just half an hour up Route 7 from my house in Bennington, and I’m there just about every week for a hike or a meal.
I’ve walked the Equinox Preserve in every season, eaten my way through town more times than I can count, and still find something new each time I go. This isn’t a list I pulled together from a press kit.
It’s where I actually send visitors when they ask what to do in Manchester.
If you’re looking for a spot to hang your hat in southern Vermont, put Manchester on your list.
Today, we’re sharing some of our favorite experiences in Manchester to convince you to drop everything and plan a visit.
Table of Contents
At-A-Glance: What are the best things to do in Manchester, Vermont?
Manchester sits in the Taconic Range of southern Vermont and splits into two parts: historic Manchester Village to the south and the shop-lined Manchester Center to the north.
The town’s signature stops are Hildene, the Lincoln family estate with 12 miles of trails; the Equinox Preservation Trust, 914 acres of hiking on Mount Equinox; and Mount Equinox Skyline Drive, the longest privately owned paved toll road in the United States at 5.2 miles.
Northshire Bookstore anchors the Center, and the Lye Brook Falls trail leads to one of the region’s best waterfalls.
In summer, locals cool off at Benson’s Hole and the nearby Dorset Quarry. Manchester makes a strong home base for exploring southern Vermont, with day trips to Bennington 30 minutes south.
Manchester Village vs. Manchester Center
People say “Manchester” like it’s one place, but it’s really two distinct little areas. Manchester Village is the historic southern end: marble sidewalks, the Equinox resort, and Hildene, with a quieter, older feel, plus some great lodging and restaurants.
Manchester Center is just north of the Village, and it’s where you’ll find lots of shops, more great restaurants, the outlet stores, and Northshire Bookstore.
If you’re looking for historic, upscale Vermont, base yourself in the Village. If you want shopping and convenience for additional day trips, Manchester Center is more convenient, but they’re really only five minutes apart.
The Best Things to Do in Manchester, Vermont
Visitors to Manchester will find no shortage of sights to explore, trails to hike, or stores to frequent.
Ready to explore one of Southern Vermont’s most vibrant communities? Let’s explore the best things to do in Manchester, VT, in a little more Detail.
Explore the Southern Vermont Arts Center
The narrow drive leading up to the Southern Vermont Arts Center (SVAC) winds past a large field filled with giant, eye-catching sculptures.
A 20-foot-tall chrome giantess watches visitors approach from her grassy lawn, and a torso-less pair of bronze legs languishes in the shade as you approach the top of the hill where the galleries await.
Amid meadows scattered with many more strangely beautiful sculptures, a cluster of buildings beckons. These include galleries for seasonal exhibitions and a permanent collection of eye-catching pieces by local and world-renowned artists, a music venue, and a cafe.
New for 2026 is SVAC’s addition: a two-floor, 12,000-square-foot architectural work of art. The main level gallery features For the Love of Vermont, the Lyman Orton Collection, the world’s largest private collection of 20th-century Vermont art, comprising more than 300 paintings, prints, and drawings.
While the outdoor sculpture park is free to explore, the galleries charge a $20 admission fee for adults and $15 for students and seniors. Children under 10 enter for free. NARM and ROAM reciprocal benefits can also be used.
SVAC is open Wednesday-Sunday from 10 am to 8 pm and is closed on Mondays and Tuesdays.
Hike the Equinox Preserve
Some of the best hiking around Manchester is a short drive from the town center. The Equinox Preservation Trust is a 914-acre preserve that covers a large chunk of Mount Equinox.
Trails on the preserve range from leisurely to intense, but the hardest trails have the best payoff, leading to the summit, which offers a stunning view of the surrounding countryside.
For a more relaxing walk, try the loop around Equinox Pond. This walk is shorter and flatter than some of the other hiking on the preserve, and the scenic banks of the large pond make for a perfect early-morning stroll; the steam rising off the water on a summer morning is nearly enough to rival the view from the mountaintop.
Also Read: The Best Things to Do in Bennington, Vermont (just 30 minutes south of Manchester)
Visit Hildene: The Lincoln Family Home
Hildene is a large estate in Manchester, originally commissioned by Abraham Lincoln’s son, Robert Todd Lincoln, and his wife, Mary.
The Hildene Estate alone could easily fill a day’s worth of activities; the manor itself is massive, has a deep history to explore, and can be explored either independently or on guided tours.
After seeing the manor, step out into the beautifully maintained and vibrant gardens, explore 12 miles of trails woven across the sweeping grounds, and take a walk to both the Hildene Farm and the Dene Farm to see goats, sheep, pigs, chickens, and cows.
I especially love visiting the Randall cattle, a heritage breed with a beautiful black-and-white speckled coat that originated on a nearby farm in Sunderland. They are so beautiful!
Be sure also to save time for the Pullman Car, Sunbeam, a unique exhibit featuring a restored Pullman Car from the era during which Robert Todd Lincoln was president of the Pullman Company.
Hildene is open Thursday through Monday from 10 am to 4:30 pm. Admission is $25 for adults and $8 for children under 16. Children under five enter for free.
Explore Northshire Bookstore
Northshire Bookstore is the bookstore that I’ve come to compare all others to — low ceilings and warm lights give it a cozy atmosphere, and plentiful shelves filled with eager spines clutter up the wide rooms.
The small café attached to the store keeps shoppers caffeinated as they flip through new and used books and fills the store with the smell of coffee and pastries.
Without many windows, time seems a foreign concept as you lose yourself between the shelves.
Of course, Northshire Bookstore isn’t content to just be a great bookstore — there are toys for all ages, Vermont-themed gifts, novelty items, local jewelry and clothing, records, CDs, DVDs, cards, gift bags, wrapping paper, and probably much more tucked away in some nook or alcove that I have yet to discover.
Give yourself a full afternoon to explore this special store. If you need sustenance while browsing, pop into the attached Colburn Cafe for a sandwich and a coffee.
Be a Kid at Pastime Pinball
Pastime Pinball is a winning combination of a museum and an arcade.
Upon entering, visitors are greeted by the clatter and ring of dozens of pinball machines. Unlimited play costs $27 at the door ($22 for kids under 13) and gives you access to 66 beautifully maintained pinball machines set to free play.
The machines are organized by decade, with games ranging from as early as 1947 to the late 2000s.
Even as a member of the generation who grew up after the heyday of arcades, I found myself nostalgically and frantically playing pinball tie-ins with the movies from my younger days — the Spider-Man and Lord of the Rings machines were the standouts for me, as they shouted out tinny 8-bit lines from the films while you played.
On the second floor, a snack bar serves drinks and food, as well as alcoholic beverages, and there is an assortment of several more classic arcade games to peruse.
Pastime Pinball is open Friday-Saturday from 12 to 7 pm and on Sundays from 12 pm to 5 pm. Open Thursdays from 12 to 6 pm in July and August. Well-behaved dogs are always welcome!
Visit the Farm Animals North Meadow Farm
A short drive from the center of Manchester is North Meadow Farm.
Primarily a dairy farm, North Meadow’s store, nestled at the base of a silo, is filled with cheese, eggs, milk, jam, and a freezer full of bacon for sale. There’s even a freezer full of ice cream for sale, with a do-it-yourself scoop and a stack of cones beside it.
The farm offers guided tours every day except Wednesday, from 10 am to 6 pm, and self-guided tours on Wednesdays from 10 am to 6 pm. Admission is $2 for adults and $8 for kids 3 -15.
When we visited, we spent the day meeting some very sleepy pigs, a bantam rooster who could only be described as a diva, a rabbit named Jumping Joey, some young cows who still stood on wobbly legs, and one slightly disgruntled alpaca.
All the animals were friendly, and most of them were eager to sidle up to the fence for a scratch behind the ears.
The area for visitors to explore isn’t very large, but North Meadow is the perfect place to bring animal-loving kids for an afternoon of barnyard petting and to stock up on organic produce.
Take a dip in Benson’s Hole
After a day of hiking, biking, and driving around Manchester, Benson Hole is the perfect spot to cool off. This secluded swimming hole on Bourne Brook is a favorite of locals.
The trail to Benson’s Hole is just off Glenn Road in Manchester; park near the small bridge immediately after turning onto the dirt access road for Lye Brook Falls.
The trail is on the right side of the road, just past the bridge; after a short walk through the woods, you’ll find yourself next to a wide pool with deep areas to swim and shallow spots to wade or dip your feet.
The bottom of this swimming hole is pretty rocky, so wear water shoes or sandals when you visit.
Hike to Lye Brook Falls
Thanks to its picturesque falls, the Lye Brook Falls hiking trail is one of Manchester’s most popular hiking destinations.
The hike to the falls is 2.3 miles one-way, with roughly 900 feet of elevation gain. The reward at the end of the trail is a spectacular view of one of Southern Vermont’s best waterfalls. Read more in our Lye Brook Falls Trail Guide.
Ride the Marble Rail Trail
Manchester’s bike and walking paths might be the best way to see the surrounding countryside at a slower pace.
Trails like the Marble Rail Trail lead through the woods, over rocky gulleys with trickling streams at the bottom, and through rolling fields where horses munch their hay as you ride by.
The paths are mostly flat and easy to ride, with a few exceptions (I recommend walking when you see the sign for Cardiac Hill). The Manchester Rec Path is the trail that goes through downtown and is part of a larger 5-and-a-half-mile loop around the town of Manchester.
Trail maps and more information are available here.
Check Out the Manchester Music Festival
If you happen to visit Manchester during the summer, you might just get a chance to attend the Manchester Music Festival.
This summer festival is a celebration of classical chamber music. It was started in 1974 by violinist Carol Glenn and pianist Eugene List.
The festival offers multiple events over six weeks in July and August, and a young artists program that focuses on helping burgeoning young musicians learn the art of chamber music.
Pricing and event schedules can be found on the Manchester Music Festival website.
Stock up on Fresh Goodies at Manchester Farmer’s Market
Every Thursday during the summer, from 4-7 pm, local vendors gather in downtown Manchester (709 Depot Street across from RK Miles) for the Farmers Market.
Local farmers and artisans set up a wide variety of wares, including homemade donuts, hand-crafted jewelry, honey, jam, and plenty of fresh vegetables and organic meats.
There is always live music at the Farmers Market, so when you’ve had your fill of shopping, pull up a patch of grass and enjoy the entertainment (preferably with a donut and a glass of freshly squeezed lemonade).
Visit Earth Sky Time Farm for Fresh Bread and Produce
Earth Sky Time is an organic farm, bakery, and concert venue. Despite the 30-minute drive from Bennington, Earth Sky Time’s fresh bread has kept us coming back weekly for years.
Their farm store is open Sunday through Friday from 9:30 am to 5 pm. Visit for delicious bread, vegetables straight from the field, and homemade spreads, pastries, and veggie burgers.
Upcoming performances and events can be found on the Earth Sky Time website.
Shop Til You Drop at the Manchester Outlet Stores
I’ll be upfront: I’m not a shopper.
People drive in from all over for the Manchester outlets, and I understand the pull, but I’m not the person to map out a full afternoon of it for you. I go when I need something, not for the fun of it.
I’ll also save you a little disappointment. Despite the name, I wouldn’t come expecting big deals.
When I do have a reason to go, it’s a short list: Carter’s for baby clothes, J.Crew for casual staples, and Jockey for underwear. That’s about the extent of it for me.
So if shopping is your thing, you’ll find plenty of familiar names along the strip, and you won’t be elbowing through crowds to reach them. If it’s not your thing, you won’t be missing much by spending the afternoon at Northshire, Hildene, or up on Mount Equinox instead.
But if shopping is a hobby, then Manchester definitely delivers!
Things to do near Manchester, Vermont
Just like the town itself, the area surrounding Manchester is packed with plenty of exciting and relaxing possibilities, both indoors and out.
Drive to the top of Mount Equinox
Located off Route 7A between Manchester and Arlington, Mount Equinox Skyline Drive is the longest privately owned, paved toll road in the United States.
It ascends 3,248 feet over 5.2 miles to the top of Mount Equinox, which is the highest mountain in the Taconic Range.
Views from the top of Skyline Drive are dramatic, so pack a picnic and be prepared to spend a few hours enjoying them.
Swim in Dorset Quarry: The Oldest Marble Quarry in the United States
Some of the best swimming near Manchester is at the Dorset Marble Quarry, the oldest marble quarry in the United States.
The flooded quarry is like a massive, extra-deep double-Olympic-sized pool, with geometric boulders and cliffs rising all around it.
Whether you’re there to cool off or just take in the sights, the Dorset Quarry is a fine place to be on a hot Vermont afternoon. There is a parking fee at the Dorset Quarry, which helps offset upkeep costs.
Hike a Section of the Oldest Long-Distance Trail in the United States
The Appalachian and Long Trails wind right past Manchester, adding to the plethora of hikes to choose from. Some of the most popular sections of the Appalachian Trail near Manchester are:
- Prospect Rock Trail: A 3.5-mile round-trip hike with an elevation gain of around 1,000 feet. The trail is rated by the Green Mountain National Forest as moderate to difficult and offers a great view of Manchester Valley and Mount Equinox.
- Bromley Mountain Long Trail: A 6.2-mile hike rated moderate by AllTrails. There is an elevation gain of about 1,400 feet; this is a great way to get the view from Bromley’s summit without paying for a lift ticket.
- Bourn Pond and Stratton Pond Loop: For a longer hike, maybe even a two-day affair, check out this 16-mile loop through wetlands and forests to the two scenic ponds where you can set up camp or stop for a picnic and a quick swim before continuing on.
Visit the Bromley Mountain Adventure Park
One of the most exciting places we visited while exploring the Greater Manchester area was Bromley Mountain Adventure Park.
As a kid, I grew up skiing at Bromley Mountain every winter — it’s smaller than the other nearby resorts like Stratton and Mt. Snow, but Bromley’s slopes have a distinctly welcoming vibe that has kept it at the top of my personal Vermont Ski Mountain hierarchy.
Bromley isn’t just a winter attraction, though; in the summer, the Mountain Resort opens attractions like an Alpine Slide (remember to use the brakes!), giant swings, trampolines, a water slide, ziplines, a Treetop Adventure course, and, of course, the chairlift to the top of the mountain, which offers a great view.
There are also more kid-friendly activities available around the base lodge, like bumper boats, a climbing wall, and an inflatable obstacle course called the Spider Climb.
For a full list of attractions and pricing, check out Bromley Mountain Ski Resort.
Grab a Creemee and Maple Syrup at the Sugar Shack in Arlington
No trip to Vermont is complete without a maple creemee, and some of the best in Southern Vermont can be found driving on Route 7A through Arlington.
The Sugar Shack is a small grey barn sitting back from the highway — inside, you’ll find every manner of maple-flavored snack.
Pick up some cheeses and some drinks, and then stop by the counter for your maple creemee (and maybe some syrup for your next pancake breakfast).
While you enjoy your maple treats, you can also browse some Vermont souvenirs and check out the Sugar Shack’s Norman Rockwell exhibit for a bit of art history.
Read Next: Plan a Perfect Winter Weekend in Vermont: Bennington and Manchester
A Local’s One-Day Plan for Manchester, Vermont
If you’ve only got one day, here’s how I’d spend it.
Start with breakfast at Up for Breakfast, a small, cash-only breakfast spot on Main Street in Manchester Center, with good coffee and some of the best pancakes I’ve had the pleasure of eating outside of my own kitchen.
Next, head out for a short loop hike around Equinox Pond. The steam rising from the water on a summer morning is worth setting an alarm for, and the fall foliage view of the mountain reflected in the pond is photo-worthy for sure.
From there, head into Manchester Center and give yourself an hour at Northshire Bookstore. I never make it out in under an hour, and I’ve stopped fighting it. I gravitate toward the used books on the second floor, around the perimeter of the cafe seating.
It’s a good spot for your second cup of coffee, too!
For lunch, head to the Crooked Ram on Main Street, a recent recipient of a James Beard nomination for best chef in the Northeast. In the summer, sit outside with a cocktail and order from their special menu of small plates and wood-fired delights.
In the afternoon, tour Hildene, the Lincoln Family Estate. The manor and grounds can take up a half-day on their own, so if you’re short on time, prioritize the Robert Todd and Mary Lincoln’s summer home and the formal gardens.
If you still have some time, cool off at Benson’s Hole if it’s warm, or drive Mount Equinox Skyline Drive for the long view if it’s not. Wrap up with dinner at LOLA Mediterranean Woodfire, a relatively new restaurant serving modern Greek and Mediterranean fare, including wood-fired pizzas.
Things to Do in Manchester by Season
Here are our top three things to do in Manchester, Vermont, by season:
Spring: It’s mud season in Vermont! Hike to Lye Brook Falls, shop the outlet stores, and visit the baby animals at North Meadow Farm.
Summer: Visit on Thursday evening for the Manchester Farmers Market, swim at Benson’s Hole or the Dorset Quarry, and grab creemees at the Sugar Shack in Arlington.
Fall: Hike the Equinox Preserve or drive to the top of Mount Equinox, explore Hildene, and check out the Southern Vermont Arts Center.
Winter: Ski at Bromley Mountain, spend hours exploring Northshire Bookstore, and discover Pastime Pinball.
Where to Eat in Manchester, Vermont
Sometime between when I moved to the area in 2006 and now, Manchester has become a foodie destination. It happened under my nose, but I didn’t really take notice until a few years ago. I’m thrilled to share some of my favorite spots with you.
Best casual pizza night: You can’t beat Sam’s Woodfired, which has the yummiest crust around, good beers on tap, outdoor seating, and live music on select evenings.
Best breakfast: Up for Breakfast is amazing. It’s also cash-only. Get the pancakes!
Best summer dining outdoors: The Crooked Ram’s outdoor seating area is in a little hidden garden, and there’s a special menu with so many great choices.
Best classic New England fare: We visit Ye Old Tavern primarily for the cranberry fritters with maple butter, but the entrees are delicious, too! Try the traditional pot roast or ‘Not Your Mom’s Chicken Pot Pie.’ Dogs are welcome on the outdoor patio.
Best fine dining: It’s a tie between the Silver Fork, an upscale experience in a former library, with a changing menu based on what’s in season, and Mystico, a bright, lively restaurant with authentic Italian dishes.
Best new restaurant (2026): LOLA Mediterranean Woodfire is a great addition to the Manchester restaurant scene, with Greek-inspired dishes, spectacular salads and dips, and yummy woodfired pizzas.
Best cafe in a furniture store: Depot 62 has been our go-to for many years, and despite lots of competition from new arrivals, this is still one of our favorite spots. Housed in a furniture store, this hidden cafe features amazing Turkish cuisine, including great vegetarian offerings.
Best creemee: You do have choices in Manchester, but we will still go out of our way for a maple creemee sundae from the Sugar Shack in Arlington.
Where to Stay in Manchester, Vermont
I live here. I have not stayed in any of these establishments. However, I have visited them often for events and tours, and I rely on friends and family to tell me all their favorite spots. Here’s where you should stay when you visit Manchester.
Best dog-friendly lodging: Hands-down, the Kimpton Taconic in Manchester Village. This is a gorgeous property with a nice onsite restaurant (the Copper Grouse), within walking distance to the Village, and they never charge a pet fee. Also, the staff is amazing. Our top choice!
Most beautiful rooms and grounds: The Barnstead Inn is so charming. Flowers everywhere, fire pits, gorgeous rooms and suites, and they often host live music and other events. Plus, it’s within walking distance of the town park and Northshire Bookstore. They have dog-friendly rooms as well.
Most historic inn: The Inn at Ormsby Hill was built in 1764! The rooms have been updated, but the inn still drips with historic charm and luxury.
Best budget lodging: Toll Road Inn is located just outside of town with eclectic retro-style rooms, an outdoor pool, and a hot tub.
Manchester, Vermont, is such a nice mix of everything we love about small Vermont towns. It’s touristy enough to have a great infrastructure (restaurants, hotels, and shopping), but it still has plenty of old New England charm (Hildene, historic homes, marble sidewalks). The outdoor opportunities are top-notch, and there’s plenty to do in the surrounding towns.
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