Location: Manchester
Top Things to do in Manchester
Top 10 Free Things to do 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. 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!
3. The Crooked Ram
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 28 reviews
The Crooked Ram is a restaurant, craft beer & natural wine bar and retail bottle shop. We serve lunch and dinner, along with cheese and charcuterie boards. Our menus change regularly with a focus on local, sustainable and seasonal ingredients. Our draft and wine selections rotate often, and feature a curated selection from our favorite independent brewers and wine makers from Vermont and beyond.
Reviewed By O4573KNjohnd - Westfield, United States
They have changed a lot since our first visit when they had just opened. Now they added food to the beer and wine tasting's. I sampled a couple of beers they had and purchased A great Pilsner from Schilling brewery in New Hampshire. They are always changing the taps so it always fun to stop in if you have time to see what they have to offer. We didn't eat but people seemed to be enjoying what they were eating.
4. Manchester Depot
5. Epoch - 18 Vermont Artisans
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 28 reviews
6. 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!
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. 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!
9. 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.
10. Earth Sky Time Community Farm
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 25 reviews
Reviewed By levisrael - New York City, United States
What a lovely place. We came during berry season, and picked raspberries and blueberries, then grabbed some fresh baked bread. But this place is full of wonder - there are so many little and big surprises to discover. We and our kids stayed for hours exploring and playing - instruments, trampolines, the bread bus, beautiful grounds. A very special place.
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