What To Do in Manchester, Vermont

*this trip was in partnership with the Manchester Business Association. All opinions are my own*

If you want to indulge in a classic Vermont trip, Manchester should be on your radar. Whether you’re a solo traveler seeking tranquility or a couple in search of a romantic getaway, this charming New England town offers an amazing experience. Manchester is the perfect destination for those looking to explore nature’s beauty or simply unwind in a cozy setting.

Where to Stay in Manchester, Vermont:

Hands down, the perfect place to stay in Manchester is The Barnstead Inn. This B&B is idyllic and straight out of a Nicholas Spark movie. The innkeeper, Andrea and her family are extremely friendly, full of recommendations and they make sure that you’re having a comfortable stay. Do not miss their breakfast while you’re there! The tavern at the inn is the perfect spot for pre OR post dinner drinks. Their mixologist Sarah is phenomenal at crafting delicious cocktails.

I stayed in the Hildene Suite which was a beautiful room with a large bed, bath tub, fireplace and right outside from the pool at the inn! The room itself looks like it came out of the Yellowstone TV series – I couldn’t have asked for a better stay.

What to Do In Manchester, Vermont:

• Hildene, The Lincoln Family Home. Home to Robert and Mary Lincoln. Robert was Abe Lincoln’s only child who survived to adulthood. This Georgian Revival was built back in 1905. Mountain views of both the Taconic and Adirondack mountains surround the home, making for the most beautiful views. This place also has some historical vibes—it was home to the descendants of Lincoln himself until 1975. Yep, you read that right! This home holds the record for being the longest-lasting residence of any Lincoln family member. You’re able to self-tour the home with most of the things still being intact that were used by the Lincoln family. My favorite part about the home were the gorgeous gardens that were inspired by Parisian gardens. Once you’re done touring the home, feel free to go down to the Goat Dairy, visit the Pullman railcar or wander through their trail system.

• Southern Vermont Arts Center. All the art lovers have to plan to check out the SVAC. I was able to take in their current exhibition of Alberto Rey which focuses on the cultural landscape of both Manchester but also his homeland of Cuba. On top of boasting a seasonal exhibition like Alberto’s the SVAC also has permanent exhibitions, workshop and classes for adults and hosts an array of performances. What I loved about SVAC was that their giftshop is filled with products from local and small artists. 

• Equinox Preservation Trust. The perfect place to take in the outdoors right in Manchester. They are doing such a good job of preserving the natural beauty of the land while offering tons of trails and breathtaking views. Whether you’re a nature newbie or a seasoned hiker, Equinox has got you covered for an unforgettable outdoor experience. I went on a one hour hike through “Flatlander’s Pass” which brings you up to Equinox Pond. It was a relatively flat and easy hike/walk – perfect for an hour of movement!

• Pastime Pinball Experience. For when you’re looking for a break from the outdoors, Pastime Pinball is a great pitstop in your Manchester exploration. Not only can you indulge in the nostalgia of classic pinball machines (my favorite was the old school basketball game), but you can also have a drink or two with a wide selection of alcoholic beverages. It’s the perfect spot for entertaining, hanging out with friends or even bringing kids along.

• Northshire Bookstore. Walking in, I realized the Northshire Bookstore is a book lover’s dream. They carry books from all the genres, have a very inviting and cozy atomsphere perfect to wander through their huge collection. They also host author events, which makes reading and buying books even sweeter.
• Dana L. Thompson Memorial Park. Quick access from downtown Manchester, this park has lots of options for outdoor activities. The perfect place for a picnic surrounded by mountain views. This park also has a 6,000 sq ft. skate park, swimming pool, basketball courts (prepped for pickleball playing as well) and three tennis courts.

Where to Eat in Manchester, Vermont:

My favorite topic, FOOD. Here’s what to eat in Manchester, Vermont:

Breakfast

• Barnstead Inn: Guess what? When you stay at The Barnstead Inn, breakfast is included! I ordered the morning special which consisted of a ham and cheese omelet with home fries and sweet potato. Once you walk into their breakfast area, you’re also able to help yourself to as much coffee as your heart desires!

• Little Rooster Cafe. Order the PANCAKES. If it’s just you, you can get away with ordering just 2 because they are HUGE. This spot is servin’ up some drool-worthy food. The food here tastes super fresh since they pride themselves in using local ingredients – it feels good to be supporting local farmers and products.

Lunch

• Charlie’s Coffee House: If you’re on the go and want a more casual feel then head here. The iced chai was one of the my favorites that I had all weekend. I also ordered the Turkey BLT, which was flavorful and super refreshing. Charlie’s has an array of sandwiches to choose from, baked goods, coffee selection and even pre-made selections. You could also swing by here for breakfast as well!

• Zoey’s Double Hex. This eatery is the perfect spot for when you’re looking for a hearty and filling lunch. They’ve been around since 2000 and owner Beth is incredibly welcoming and attentive. They are known for their burgers, so you already know that’s exactly what I had to order. Whether you’re a foodie or a burger lover, definitely check this place out. I ordered the Hex burger with cheese and it was 10/10, you can tell the beef is fresh and the bun complements the meat so well. The onion strings? An added bonus.

Dinner

• CurATE. This was probably my favorite meal of the entire trip. My server Tonya was super helpful in guiding me with what to order. CurATE is located at the Southern Vermonts Arts Center. I started off with the pork belly special for my appetizer and I couldn’t recommend it enough. If you’re visiting while they have pork belly on the menu, hands down order it. For my entree, I went with the housemade “grana arso” fettuccine. It came with mussels and shrimp and I probably could have ate two of these plates. The perfect pasta dish because while still flavorful – it didn’t weigh me down like traditional pasta dishes do. As far as cocktails go, the double espresso martini is a go (yes, I’ve became an espresso martini gal). I love a creamy espresso martini, and this was just that!

• Union Underground. A gastropub located in Downtown Manchester, owned by the same folks as Charlie’s Coffee House. My server Bryan (with a Y, not an I) was also amazing at guiding me on what to order. I love honest servers and he gave me his rundown on what I needed to order. I started off with Crab Rangoons that were served with a maple thai dipping sauce – solid 12/10. For my entree, I ordered the Bang Bang Chicken and Broccoli – this entree was huge and flavor wise was perfection. Cocktails were good but if you’re more of a beer person, this is the place to try a variety of Vermont local beer.