18 Best Things to do in Manchester VT you’ll Love

Manchester is a four-season destination that’s part small town, part active adventure. And despite what you might think about Vermont there are plenty of best things to do in Manchester VT.

I’ve lived in the area since the Fall of 2015 and can tell you there is plenty to do and see for a small town in Vermont. This list is some of my favorite things to do and see in and around Manchester, Vermont.

Things to do in Manchester VT

Pastime Pinball

One of Manchester VT’s newest activities, Pastime Pinball, is located right downtown next to one of the round-abouts.

Inside is an arcade kid’s dream with over 50 different pinball machines. Pastime Pinball is a bit of a museum as well and has pinball machines from the 1950s all the way up to today.

pinball

My favorite machine is the Ghostbusters game located up the first set of stairs to the right. I used to have one of the high scores on it, but got bumped. To whoever took my spot, I’m coming for ya!

Find out more about Pastime Pinball here.

Climb Mount Equinox (or drive to the top)

Mount Equinox towers over Manchester Vermont, and for those who head to the summit, provides an amazing view. It is one of my favorite things to do in Manchester during the Fall.

It is a challenging hike and can take around 3-4 hours just to reach the summit. I recommend bringing hiking poles and plenty of water and snacks.

Here’s the map for the Mount Equinox Preserve and Trust. When parking at the trailhead, make sure to follow all posted signs. Cars have been towed that do not follow the rules. To avoid this get there early to get a parking spot in the small lot.

For those not interested in hiking you can take your car up the Mount Equinox toll road. Either way, this is one of the things to do in Manchester VT you won’t want to miss!

Read More: Things to do [During Every Season] in Vermont

Things to do in Manchester VT: Eat at the Ye Olde Tavern

The Ye Olde Tavern is the oldest restaurant in the state, and one of the best restaurants in Manchester, Vermont. Originally built in 1790 and opened as The Stagecoach Inn this restaurant predates the state of Vermont itself which was founded in 1791.

ye old tavern

With many changes over the years and even being a stop on the underground railroad, the Ye Olde Tavern has stood the test of time.

Dinner there can’t be beaten. Every meal starts with cranberry fritters and apple butter and is followed by food that is cooked with care.

Make reservations if you’re in Manchester over a weekend. On occasion, they do dinner by candlelight. If you are in town when this is happening, go! It’s a unique experience and one of the best things to do in Manchester Vermont.

Things to do in Manchester VT

Get a Massage with Pathways to Peace and Healing

The best massage in Manchester Vermont is from Anna, the owner of Pathways to Peace and Healing. She operates out of a small private office space in a convenient spot right at 3556 Main Street in Manchester, Vermont. Anna can also come to your location if that is more convenient.

She offers Swedish, deep tissue, hot stone, reflexology, and aromatherapy massages. I was so relaxed after my massage I felt like a new person.

Read More: Fall Foliage in Manchester VT

Visit Northshire Bookstore

Northshire Bookstore, in downtown Manchester VT, is the best independent bookstore in the entire state. Right in downtown Manchester, this is the store I go to for any books I need. (They have an awesome travel section!) On the second floor, they have a spectacular children’s section. My Nanny kids love spending time looking through books and toys up there.

No matter your opinions on politics, religion, or anything else you can have an opinion on you can find books there. Northshire prides itself on not censoring things based on their personal opinions. This is one of the reasons I will always buy books from them.

The little cafe connected to the bookstore is also a plus and they have plenty of events each month for adults and kids alike. It might seem silly to name this one of my favorite things to do in Manchester Vermont, but it should not be missed. I’m a local, trust me!

Pin Things to do in Manchester VT for Later!  Manchester Vermont is nestled in a valley in southern Vermont surrounded by mountains. Here is a list of things to do on your next visit to Manchester VT #manchestervt #vermont #visitvermont

things to do in Manchester VT: Go Ice Skating at Riley Rink

Riley Rink is one of the best family-friendly things to do in Manchester VT. Located a short drive north on Route 7A from downtown Manchester Riley Rink.

Riley Rink has open skate Tuesday-Sunday. You can view the open skate schedule here. They have on-site skate rentals (hockey and figure) and they also rent skate aids to help those learning to skate.

ice skating

During the summer Riley Rink hosts a variety of events from concerts to races. Visit their website for more information.

Things to do in Manchester VT

Hike to Lye Brook Falls

The hike to Lye Brook Falls is one of the best hikes in the area. With a steady uphill slope, I would rate this trail as moderate.

Bring water and a snack on this hike and practice Leave No Trace pack in pack out principles.

Check out the map below to see the trail. To get to the trail from Route 7 in Manchester, travel a quarter of a mile east on Route 11/30 to East Manchester Road. Go down East Manchester Road for about 1.0 miles and turn left onto Glen Road, just before the overpass. Almost immediately after the turn take the fork onto the Lye Brook Access Road. The trailhead is located at the end of Lye Brook Access Road.

things to do in Manchester VT: Float down the Battenkill River

This is my favorite summertime activity! The Battenkill River flows through the valley between the Green and Taconic Mountains. Grab a tube and some snacks and spend the day floating down the river. My friends and I do this several times a summer and chances are if we know each other I’ve invited you along for the adventure.

Things to do in Manchester VT

This is totally possible to coordinate yourself, but if you don’t have tubes get in touch with Battenkill Valley Outdoors and they’ll take care of everything for you. They have tubes to rent and a shuttle service.

If you’re really committed you can float all the way to New York State and get out at rest area just over the boarder. This is a must-do activity in Manchester VT and even made my list of Things to do in Vermont [during every season]!

Things to do in Manchester VT: Visit Hildene

In what seems like another lifetime, I used to work here. Hildene was built by Robert Todd Lincoln, son of President Abraham Lincoln, and completed in 1905. While the house is the centerpiece of Hildene, over the years it has expanded to be so much more than a historic home.

On the grounds, there is a goat dairy that makes the most delicious chevre cheese. If you’re visiting in March and April you might be lucky enough to visit with the baby goats they have that time of year. There is also a restored Pullman train car on the property, hiking trails, a restored schoolhouse, and various other farm animals to visit.

I recommend, for those visiting during nice weather, to buy some cheese and other delicious goodies at the museum store and have a picnic lunch during your visit.

Take a Glassblowing Class

A few years ago for Christmas Will got both of us a class at Manchester Hot Glass. It was one of the best gifts I’ve ever received!

Located in the Historic Depot area of Manchester, a class with Manchester Hot Glass will be the highlight of a trip for friends and family that love getting creative. The owner, Andrew Weill, is present for the majority of the classes and with his 30+ years of experience he’ll assist you in creating something beautiful to take home.

Manchester VT

For those interested in one of my favorite things to do in Manchester VT, sign up early as spots fill up quickly. Glass-blowing classes take place on Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays. Here is the list of classes offered at Manchester Hot Glass.

things to do in Manchester VT: Learn to Fly Fish at Orvis

Manchester Vermont is the home to fly fishing outfitter, Orvis. In addition to their flagship store, they also have a fly fishing school that offers 1 and 2 day classes. During the summer, on specific dates, they offer free fly fishing classes for kids. Inquire at the store for more details.

Once you know the basics, there are plenty of fly fishing spots around Manchester Vermont for you to discover.

Land Rover Experience

Have you always wanted to take a Land Rover off-roading? You can! One of the most unique things to do in Manchester Vermont is to go to the Land Rover Experience Driving Center where they will help you hone your driving skills You’ll learn how to drive on icy hills, do side tilts, and experience rocky terrain.

They offer one, two, half-day, or full-day experiences. You can drive in your own car or one of theirs. In many of the tours, there is no previous off-road experience required.

Manchester VT Things to do: Go Skiing or Snowboarding

Within 30 minutes of Manchester, there are 3 ski resorts all with their own unique personalities. If you come to Vermont in the Winter you need to visit one of them!

A short, 15-minute drive from Manchester is Bromley Mountain. The smallest ski area near Manchester, it is perfect for families and those just learning how to ski.

30 Minutes away in Londonderry, Vermont is Magic Mountain. Another favorite of locals, Magic is known as the place where “Skiing has it’s Soul.” The mountain has 30 trails for skiers of all abilities. During the summer there are many different outdoor events here including concerts and races.

The largest ski resort near Manchester VT, with 99 trails, is Stratton Mountain. If you’re looking for a full weekend in one location Stratton is the place. In addition to skiing and snowboarding, they have snow tubing, snowshoeing, a spa, live music, and a fitness center.

Explore Merck Forest & Farmland Center

Merck Forest, located 1 town over from Manchester Vermont in Dorset is a beautifully quiet place to enjoy the amazing nature Vermont has to offer.

Each year Merck has a wide range of events from teaching sheep shearing, to nighttime owl hikes, and my personal favorite, their annual pancake breakfast held every March.

They also rent small wooden cabins for the ultimate Vermont nature getaway and one of the best things to do in Manchester VT.

Things to do in Manchester VT

Experience Bromley Adventure Park

During the winter Bromley is full of skiers and snowboarders, and once the snow melts the real fun starts. The only mountain in the area that has more people at it during the summer than in the winter, Bromley sports the only Adventure Park in the area.

My personal favorite thing Bromley has is the alpine slide. It is actually the oldest alpine slide in the United States, don’t worry they’ve made updates! With 3 different tracks, you’re sure you find a thrill!

Things to do in Manchester VT

On top of that they have mini golf, a high adventure course, a zip line type experience called the Sky Rider, a water slide, and more.

If you’re not into rides you can hike to the summit of Bromley along the Appalachian Trail in Vermont too!

Make a Splash at the Dorset Quarry

For even more summer fun head over to the Dorset Quarry and jump on in. This is truly a Vermont experience not to be missed! Just know that the water is very cold, so be prepared for a shock to the system. If you do anything on this list of things to do in Manchester VT, do this! It’s a real local experience.

This old Quarry is open to the public thanks to the current owners so please treat the area with respect. Don’t leave your trash behind and be careful when climbing up the rocks to jump in.

If you’re headed to the Quarry keep in mind that it gets VERY busy so get there early to get a parking spot. UPDATE: You now have to pay to park and parking along the roadside is not permitted.

Ride the Gondola up Stratton Mountain

During the summer Stratton Mountain is open for various events and concerts. In addition, you can take the Gondola up to the top of the mountain. From there you can hook up with the Appalachian Trail/Long Trail for a great day of hiking. Or you can take the short hike to the Stratton Mountain fire tower to get the most amazing view of the Green Mountains.

Visit the Robert Frost Stone House Museum

Calling all literary lovers! If you love the poetry of Robert Frost a visit to The Robert Frost Stone House Museum in Shaftsbury, Vermont is a one of the things to do in Manchester VT you won’t want to miss! Yeah, it’s not IN Manchester, but it’s pretty close.

When it comes to Vermont, we’re known for having the beauty of all four seasons and the poetry of Robert Frost captures that beauty like few others can.

At the Stone House Museum, you get to see where he lived and wrote a few of his most well-known works, including “Stopping By Woods on a Snowy Evening.”

The Robert Frost Stone House Museum participates in the Blue Star Museum program offering free entrance to active duty personnel from Memorial Day to Labor Day.

What do you the best things to do in Manchester Vermont are? Let me know in the comments!

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26 thoughts on “18 Best Things to do in Manchester VT you’ll Love”

  1. I’m from VT and Manchester is such an amazing place! My fave thing about it is definitely the outlets – the shopping is amazing and you won’t find that anywhere else in the State!

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  2. I need to explore more of Vermont. I have been once to go to the maple syrup farms. I would love to go to the Bromley Adventure Park. The alpine slide sounds super fun! I would also enjoy hiking to Brook Falls.

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  3. Vermont is so beautiful! I’ve heard of Manchester and that is so cool that Bromley Mountain is located near there. I’ve only been to VT during winter, but now I want to go during the fall.

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  4. Vermont looks so pastoral & beautiful… the perfect place for Fall! I’d love to take some of your recommended hikes, followed by a massage at Pathways to Peace and Healing & then some dinner at Ye Olde Tavern. Saving + Pinning your blog so I can make this itinerary happen.

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  5. Northshire sounds like a wonderful bookstore!! Stopping at bookstores is something I love to do when I travel. I’ve always wanted to visit that area, especially in the fall. I’m glad to hear it’s not too cold to hike during that time too because Mount Equinox and Lye Brook Falls sound fun too!

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  6. I’ve done so many of these outdoor things–hike Equinox, ski at Bromley, stay at Merck, hike up Stratton Mt., canoe the Battenkill, etc. but clearly I need to do some of the indoor ones like the bookstore and the tavern. And I do want to swim in the quarry. So much of Vermont to love. Great post.

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  7. Trust I will actually want to visit Manchester one day!! It has been quite a while since I needed to go however never found the opportunity. Truly extraordinary aide,.

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    • Glad you found it helpful, reach out when you get here and I’ll be happy to answer any of your questions.

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  8. As amazing as it is to explore new places, it is necessary to relax as well. I loved reading it, it is beautifully written, Please keep on writing blogs like this in the future as well.

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  9. You should check out North Meadow Farm in Manchester VT super cute animals and amazing food! The address is 726 north rd. Manchester VT they also are having their fall festival tomorrow October 8th

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