Location: Manchester
Top Things to do in Manchester
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What to do and see in Manchester, Vermont (VT): The Best Nature & Parks
Nestled in the heart of the Green Mountains, this former iron-mining town today is the quintessential Vermont getaway, complete with a white steeple church, antique shops and cozy country inns. Manchester is a true all-season destination. In winter, skiers arrive to hit the downhill slopes at nearby Bromley and Stratton Mountains or the cross-country trails at Hildene. Spring and summer bring hikers who can opt for easy treks through Merrick Forest or more challenging ones like Prospect Rock, a three-mile hike, mostly uphill, that offers a breathtaking view of the surrounding mountains as reward to those who make it. Manchester fly-fishing is also a popular pastime, drawing enthusiasts from around the country who come to learn or hone their skills. Big name outlet stores in Manchester Center draw shoppers year-round. In the fall, it's all about foliage. Enjoy the vibrant colors from a canoe on the mighty Battenkill River, a bicycle along a scenic path or kick back and take it all in from a comfy rocking chair on the porch of a historic inn. No matter what your vantage point, the show is always spectacular.
Restaurants in Manchester
1. Dana L. Thompson Memorial Park
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 45 reviews
Reviewed By MoniqueG1561 - Winchester, United Kingdom
We were on a road trip to the north side of Vermont and we made a stop here to let our kids run around. They loved the playground at this park! Very good mix of equipment for little ones and bigger kids. Great scenery!
2. Hildene, The Lincoln Family Home
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,359 reviews
Historic home of Robert Lincoln, only child of President and Mary Todd Lincoln to survive to adulthood. The estate has beautiful gardens, restored 1903 wooden Pullman palace car, goat farm and cheesemaking facility, 12+ miles of walking trails, teaching greenhouse and cross-country skiing in winter.
Reviewed By aschwartz10100 - Brooklyn, United States
After visiting Manchester dozens of times, we finally went to HIldene and can't believe we didn't go before. The entrance fee seemed pretty high, but surely that is needed to support the maintenance and operation. You could spend much of a day touring the historic house and restored Pullman car (with great docents to give insight into what you're seeing), visiting the goats and farm, and hiking or skiing the trails.
3. Lye Brook Falls
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 223 reviews
Reviewed By 636amandaw - Des Moines, United States
Quiet and beautiful hike. Fairly moderate. You can easily take your dog, we saw several on our hike. The falls are a great spot to relax after a good hike!
4. Equinox Preservation Trust
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 172 reviews
Reviewed By mohammedc537 - Corona, United States
My family and i hiked the blue summit trail. Took us about four hours (we have a 5 year old), with plenty of stops along the way to rest. Its not easy though, its pretty much a upward sloped path for the entire length of the trail, which is about three miles long. Another option is to just drive up there. Once you get up the you can enjoy the marvelous views which includes NY, MA, and NH in the distance. Theres a visitors center in the summit as well. Took us about 2 1/2 hours to get back down. You might think going down would be easy, but it presents its own set of challenges. Because of the slope, you have to work kind of hard to keep your footing and not just barrel on down. Saw only a few people along the trail with you, as most people are probably doing the easier/shorter ones. Definitely recommended for the views alone!
