Location: Manchester
Top Things to do in Manchester
The 10 Best Gift & Specialty Shops in Manchester, Vermont (VT)
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. Northshire Bookstore
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 306 reviews
Northshire Bookstore is a family-owned, independent bookstore. We are one of the largest bookstores in New England. Northshire Bookstore was voted Best Bookstore in the country by Publishers Weekly magazine and Best of New England by Yankee magazine. Come see why so many people rave about this full-service, old world but up-to-date store. Many gifts as well as books and a whole floor devoted to Children!
Reviewed By Evanl-NYC - New York City, United States
What a fine store! Sprawling and well stocked, it has a mix of new and used books. Extensive selections across a range of subjects, including a great selection of signed books. Features a delicious cafe and gelato, as well. A great stop for an hour or more
2. JoHannes Michelsen Wood Hats
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 4 reviews
3. Manchester Hot Glass
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 141 reviews
Manchester Hot Glass is a glass blowing studio & gallery in Manchester, Vermont. Check out our popular Glassblowing 101 class and learn the craft yourself!Having read a few not so hot reviews I would like to add that Glass making is not a slow process. We work with HOT Glass and to do so you need to keep moving. I dont rush people, I work at a pace that is nessassary to make quality glass.
Reviewed By Fi0Fam - New Jersey, United States
What a great experience! If you are looking for a unique activity you will love this! My sister and I had such a cool time, and we can’t wait to go back. I was a bit nervous about the hands-on glassblowing but Andrew made us feel at ease and guided us just enough to come away with some beautiful art and a couple of drinking glasses that we can say we made ourselves. So much fun, thank you Manchester Hot Glass!!
4. Covey & Nye
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 6 reviews
Covey and Nye- Curated necessities for sporting life. We offer a wide selection of apparel, footwear and accessories for men and women. Covey and Nye also offers lessons, memberships and experience packages for our sporting clays program. Learn the basics of clay target shooting, gear up or refine your skills with our team of expert instructors.
5. Epoch - 18 Vermont Artisans
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 28 reviews
6. Flying Cow Signs
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 2 reviews
7. Manchester Woodcraft
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 26 reviews
Reviewed By PebleBeach7thGrn - Springfield, United States
I have no idea how, but my fiance came across a listing for this place, and I'm so glad she did! While at first glance it seems tiny, it is bigger than appears and is packed with offerings. We both gasped when we realized there was a second floor. I swear, everything you could imagine being made of wood is available at prices that range from a steal to a deal. We snagged a few things among which is a rectangular piece of white mountains with a navy backdrop. It proudly dons out chimney. Be sure to stop in to get some handmade, local VT souvenirs that you'll actually use! I would definitely go back here!
8. Dutton Farm Stand
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 43 reviews
Reviewed By skifast06
Great source of fresh veggies, fruits, baked goods, and flowers & plants. They also have goats on the property which children enjoy watching.
9. Fortuna's Sausage & Italian Market
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 8 reviews
Reviewed By JennyMarie82 - Harrisburg, United States
Manchester has a plethora of unique shops and Fortuna’s definitely one of them. Italian meet and cheese may not be the first thing that comes to mind when you are visiting Vermont, however be sure not to miss this place. The staff/owners of Fortuna’s are very generous with providing samples of many Italian cheeses and sausages that you may not be interested in if they were just arranged on the tables. The staff is very helpful and knowledgeable. I personally am not a pepperoni fan and I was able to find one that I liked and purchased because they provide samples. The staffs hospitality is very inviting and I would strongly encourage anyone strolling through town to not pass up hey stop at Fortuna’s.
10. Orvis
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 76 reviews
Store selling fly fishing equipment as well as traditional country clothes.
Reviewed By profcarr - Morristown, United States
Helpful courteous staff await you in the outlet and flagship store. I caught a few bargains in both places including 25 percent off a Barbour jacket! Stop by it’s worth a look!
