This means that I am about 90% sure there won't be snow, and it probably won't be too hot, but we typically get a lot of rain in June, which means there are a lot of skeeters, mostly at dusk. Also big ass deer flies. (That's the scientific name, I promise.) And ticks. I know, sounds amazing. It's actually pretty wonderful if you come prepared, or at least hit the store to get something with DEET before you venture outside. You can use the all natural stuff, the jury is out on whether or not it works, but it makes you smell nice. I will treat my yard to help dissuade the bugs, but I make no promises.
There are lots of options if you don't want to go on hikes, bike rides, fish, or go for a swim in the nearest water hole or quarry (there are a lot.) Lots of history, antique shops, and locally owned shops. Also some breweries, distilleries, art galleries, farmstands, and food. Vermont is all about local and fresh, from the bugs to the food (but no bugs in your food.) Below are things to do within a 30 minute radius of Manchester.
Click or tap on the arrow to the right to expand each box.
There are tons of hiking options nearby. The Appalachian Trail is practically in my backyard. I recommend using an app like AllTrails to get current conditions and distance. Most of these trails are moderate, and most are uphill at least one way 😉. These are ones we have hiked more than once. Ask any of us for a recommendation.
Lye Brook Falls - slight elevation gain, but no major climbs.
Prospect Rock - steep uphill but not too technical, old logging road for 90% of the hike.
Appalachian Trail (AT) - Varies depending on where you pick it up.
Long Trail (LT) - Varies, same as Long Trail.
Bromley Peak - you are hiking to the top of a ski hill via the Appalachian Trail. Enough said. The view is amazing at the top.
Owl's Head Town Forest - Well maintained trails, and depending on what you want to see, can be easy to hard. Some cool old marble quarries to see.
Equinox Pond (Flat) - Gorgeous easy hike around the pond and near BBA.
Equinox Mountain - If you have it in you, worth the hike, the views at the top are amazing. Not an easy one at all. Cool visitors center at the top as well.
Little Rock Pond - Pretty cool hike in the White Rocks Recreation area. Moderate hike on some of the AT.
Freelyville Quarry - A fairly easy hike to a really cool underground quarry.
Did I mention it's June in Vermont? The water is still really frickin' cold! But if you're into that kind of thing, here are some places to go. Weirdos.
Lye Brook - ask me where it is. 2 minutes from my house.
Dorset Quarry - costs money for entry, pretty much the Riviera of Dorset in the summer. I do not recommend taking small children here, or anyone who is a non-swimmer. Cool history, coldest water that isn't ice. Even in July.
Emerald Lake State Park - also has hiking and camping. Kid friendly.
Little Rock Pond - see hiking section. Cold as @#%&.
Stratton Snowmaking Pond - Lisie and I have posted probably a million pictures of this place. Our dogs love it. Rosie was baptized in this pond, so it is all holy water (RIP FK.) Can get busy. Kid friendly. Is the Riviera of Winhall in the summer.
Manchester Pool - we have a membership, I think guests are $5.
Again, lots of options. There are 4 that either Jonathan, Max, and Rosie are familiar with (which means we probably won't get lost.)
Raptor Lane Trails - Easy to expert, 15 minutes away.
BBA Trails - Easy, 5 minutes away.
BBA Mountain Campus Trails - Easy to difficult - 20 minutes away.
Slate Valley Trails - My favorite place and Rosie's. A lot of trails, Easy to expert, 45 minutes away.
Stratton Mtn. Downhill Bike Park (I've never been, but happy to join you.)
Rental Shops
Battenkill Bikes - Manchester
Bradley's - Manchester
Norse House - Winhall (highly reecommend, best shop in the area.)
Mtn. Riders - Rawsonville
Stratton Mountain Bike rentals
Home to the headquarters of Orvis and where Orvis was founded. You can take fly tying lessons there, learn how to cast, test out rods, and look at a lot of expensive guns. Also home to the fattest fish in the world. Pretty cool place to visit.
Battenkill River
Most places with water (except the quarries and the pool.)
Sorry, I don't do a lot of fishing. But if you go to Orvis they will hook you up. I can't even BS my way through this category.
It's Vermont. I think it played an important role in craft beer. I think. Unfortunately most of the breweries are far away, but here are some local options for libations.
Lost Marble Brewing - If you are staying at the Hampton Inn, you are probably already familiar with it. Only brewery within 20 miles of Manchester. So sad.
Union Underground - Good place to get New England Craft Brews. Over 25 on tap.
Smuggler's Notch Distillery - on Main Street in Manchester. Pretty much just a tasting room.
Village Garage Distillery - Main distillery is in Bennington, but they do have a tasting room at Orvis here in Manchester.
Winery - Ha! Where do you think you are, California? There is one called Whaleback in Poultney and Fall Mountain in Fair Haven. I have no idea about their product, but would be interested to hear if it is good.
Green Mountain Cannabis Works - weed. pot. wacky tobacky. Chronic. Mary Jane(I've never been, just naming words for marijuana.)
Greener Pastures Smoke Shop - Never been. You can get your hair cut next door.
Verdiggity Organics Cannabis Co. - Never been, just found out it existed.
Ron - probably.
Lots of places to get good beer and wine though, including the grocery store! Been dying to get your hands on a Heady Topper or Focal Banger from The Alchemist? Grocery Store. Lawsons Sip O'Sunshine? Grocery store. Hill Farmstead? You wish. they only sell that at their brewery.
But you will be dazzled and dizzied with the beer selection and prices at the grocery stores. And if there's nothing there that tickles your fancy, head to the bevi in town, or if you don't mind a 20 minute drive, Muelman's Craft Draughts in Rawsonville. And hit up Honeypie for some cheap good local burgers while you're there.
You are in the 14th state, founded in the 1700s. Green Mountain Boys, Ethan Allen, Lincoln, Skiing, Snowboarding, fly fishing. Lots of history. Here is some.
Hildene, the Lincoln Family Home and Farmland - Highly recommend. Working farm, cool stuff about trains, potentially baby goats. Not free.
Orvis Fly Fishing Museum - Pretty cool as well. They have a school too. Manchester is one of the top spots for fly fishing on the East Coast.
Bennington Museum - pretty cool, lots of Vermont history.
Dorset Museum - small, but cool stories about the marble mining history in the area.
Southern Vermont Art Center - Local gallery, local artists, cool sculpture garden.
Merck Forest and Farmland - An awesome place about 25 minutes from my house. A working farm, tons of hiking trails, and camping cabins. Great place to take kids and to get a true Vermont experience in one place. Highly recommend! FREE!
Manchester was once home to a lot of outlets. Only a few remain, fortunately. In their place more Vermont owned and operated stores have shown up. Support our local businesses. Also, there is no shortage of places. Here are a few I like.
Northshire Bookstore - One of the largest independent bookstores left. Pretty awesome place. I like to go and pretend I'm going to buy a book. Instead I buy an album.
Orvis - Just go. Feed the fish. They're hungry.
Vermont Flannel - pretend you live here. Get your flannel underwear.
Manchester Woodcraft
Odd Ends - expensive thrift shop.
Le Creuset - IFYKYK
Vermont Kitchen Supply - Andrew's favorite store.
JK Adams - So. Many. Breadboards. In Dorset.
Fortunas Italian Market - Charcuterie galore.
Al Ducci's Italian Market and Deli - Food is delicious, and in my opinion has more stuff than Fortunas. The OG Italian Market in Manchester. The best Caprese sandwich.
There are more places and stores seem to come and go. Check out the various town parks when you are walking around. They put a lot of work into them.
Sometimes if you wait at the only stoplight in town you can catch it when it switches from normal operation to blinking red at 7pm. That's about it around here. We make our own fun.
Land Rover Driving Experience - Off-Roading in luxury. A helluva lot of fun. I know a guy. (It's me.) I can set something up, but need to know who is interested. I will send out a sign up for that.
Pastime Pinball - Heard good things. If you like pinball and want to relive your youth in an arcade, it's probably pretty rad. Not as cool as Time Out in the Laurel Mall though...
Some of the bars have live music sometimes. Check their social media for the latest.
Dana L. Thompson Rec Park - has a playground, walking path, pickleball, basketball, skatepark, pool, and sports fields. Bring a sweatshirt or light coat, there always seems to be a breeze.
Bondville Escape Room - An Escape Room in Bondville.
The town is pretty quiet after dark. that's life in a small town. If you're bored, call me, we can hang. I might even sing for you.