Overview
Manchester is a town in southernwestern Vermont, nestled at the foot of 3,816-foot Mount Equinox. It has a tranquil old-world atmosphere, and Manchester Center is a shopper's paradise that is completely different from the village with its signs, sights and many shops. Manchester is also home to Hildene, Robert Todd Lincoln's 412-acre summer estate.
6 sights · 10 things to do · 17 places to eat · 1 bars & cafés · 18 places to stay
Updated from Wikivoyage on 1 October 2026 · Something wrong or missing? Improve it on Wikivoyage
Best things about Manchester
Southern Vermont Arts Center
The Southern Vermont Arts Center prsents exhibitions and performances, provides education and instruction in the arts, exhibits and markets the work of member artists, and provides opportunities for community service in …
Hildene The Lincoln Family Home
An historic home, gardens, trails, woods and farm set on 412 preserved acres of quintessential Vermont landscape.
American Museum of Fly Fishing
Established in 1968 in Manchester, Vermont, by a group of interested anglers, the American Museum of Fly Fishing was created to preserve and exhibit the treasures of American angling.
Bromley Mountain
The only southern-facing ski area in Vermont. Summer fun zone featuring an alpine slide and zip line ride and miniature golf.
Appalachian Trail
A United States National Scenic Trail that runs over 2,100 miles (3380 km) through 14 states in the eastern United States, following the Appalachian Mountain Range. In Vermont it is called The Long Trail, and is the olde…
Museum of the Creative Process
Discover the Museum of the Creative Process' extensive collection of contemporary and international art. The Museum is dedicated to research into the science of creativity and hosts regular workshops and retreats.
Plan your trip
Best time to visit & weather
Most comfortable: May–Oct. Summer highs reach about 84°F; winter lows dip to about 16°F. Cold months (Jan, Feb, Dec) can bring snow and ice; check road conditions. Wettest: Jul and Jun. (climate data from nearby Albany)
Blue bars: average daily high and low (°F). Purple columns: average monthly rain and melted snow (inches).
Getting there
- From you: to see whether to drive or fly, and how long it takes.
- RUT Rutland - Southern Vermont Regional Airport, Rutland — 26 mi away. Directions
- ALB Albany International Airport, Albany — 47 mi away (major hub). Directions
Manchester is 20 miles (32 km) north of Bennington, just off Route 7 at the intersection/exit of Route 11/30 or via Vermont Route 7A. Driving time from Albany, NY via Route 7 is about 1½ hours, or 2 hours via Route 7A; 4 hours from New York City; 3½ hours from Boston; 4 hours from Montreal; and 7 hours from Toronto.
Full “Get in” guide ↓Budget & where to stay
- Places to stay listed here: about $170–$170 a night (typical $185), from 2 listed prices.
- Typical meal: about $28 per person at listed restaurants.
- Estimated daily budget per person (room, two meals, local transport and an activity): budget ~$220, mid-range ~$280, comfortable ~$370.
See the Sleep guide ↓ for places to stay.
Sample 3-day itinerary
Day 1
- Morning Southern Vermont Arts Center, Bromley Mountain, Manchester Antique & Classic Car Show
- Lunch Sushi Boat
- Afternoon Equinox Snow Tours, Maple Leaf Half Marathon
- Dinner Ye Olde Tavern
- Evening Spiral Press Cafe
Day 2
- Morning Hildene The Lincoln Family Home, Manchester Fall Art & Craft Festival, Appalachian Trail
- Lunch Wilburton Inn and Restaurant
- Afternoon Mount Equinox Skyline Drive, Vermont Summer Festival Horse Show
- Dinner Perfect Wife Restaurant & Tavern
Day 3
- Morning American Museum of Fly Fishing, Museum of the Creative Process, Dorset Playhouse
- Lunch Up For Breakfast
- Afternoon Hunter Park at Riley Rink, Koman Race For The Cure
- Dinner The Works Bakery and Cafe
Stops are grouped by area so each day needs little backtracking. Check opening hours before you go.
Food for you
Cuisine (tap to filter)
What to ask about, for your diet
Diet labels come from each listing's description and cuisine; “likely” means the cuisine usually has good choices, not a promise. Check with the restaurant. Open the food finder
Photos
Map
Every listing with a location. Tap a pin for its Google Maps link.
Get in
By car
Manchester is 20 miles (32 km) north of Bennington, just off Route 7 at the intersection/exit of Route 11/30 or via Vermont Route 7A. Driving time from Albany, NY via Route 7 is about 1½ hours, or 2 hours via Route 7A; 4 hours from New York City; 3½ hours from Boston; 4 hours from Montreal; and 7 hours from Toronto.
By bus
There is regional bus service north to Rutland (The Bus) and south to Bennington (Green Mountain Express), as well as Vermont Translines service with connections to Greyhound.
By plane
The closest Airport is Albany International Airport, with service to Canada and throughout the USA. Rutland Vermont Regional Airport has service daily to Boston on Cape Air
By train
The closest train station is in Rutland, Vermont (about 30 mi away). From Rutland, Amtrak has daily service to New York City. There is talk of Amtrak coming through Manchester via Albany, New York.
On foot
Hikers can take the Long Trail, which runs along the main ridge of the Green Mountains, coinciding with the Appalachian Trail for 100 miles (160 km) in southern Vermont. The Long Trail is within 3 mi of Manchester, just below Bromley Mountain.
Get around
The best ways to get around are by car, bicycle or on foot.
Taxi service is available from:
- Manchester All Hour Airport Car Service +1 802-362-0052
- Manchester Mini Van +1 802-262-7039
- Manchester Taxi +1 802-362-4118
See
See Southern Vermont Arts Center
The Southern Vermont Arts Center prsents exhibitions and performances, provides education and instruction in the arts, exhibits and markets the work of member artists, and provides opportunities for community service in promotion of excellence in the arts. There is a cafe on premises.
See Manchester Antique & Classic Car Show
Over 500 cars show up each year. The event takes place in June.
Do
Do Appalachian Trail
A United States National Scenic Trail that runs over 2,100 miles (3380 km) through 14 states in the eastern United States, following the Appalachian Mountain Range. In Vermont it is called The Long Trail, and is the oldest long-distance trail in the United States. The Long Trail follows the main ridge of the Green Mountains from the Massachusetts-Vermont line to the Canadian border as it crosses Vermont's highest peaks.
Do Hunter Park at Riley Rink
Southern Vermont's largest indoor facility, is in the foothills of Vermont's Green Mountains. Riley Rink is a 35,000 sq ft multi-purpose facility. During winter months the facility features an Olympic size indoor skating rink. In spring, summer and fall, Riley Rink is converted to accommodate indoor sports, trade shows, concerts and a variety of other uses by locals and visitors.
Buy
Shop Manchester Designer Outlets
Kate Spade, Ann Taylor, Banana Republic, Betsy Johnson, Brooks Brothers, Ben & Jerry's, Clark's Bostonian, Five Season's, Coach, Crabtree & Evelyn, Escada, Lily Pulitzer, Giorgio Armani, Gymboree, Hickey Freeman & Bobby Jones, Not Your Daughter's Jeans, Vineyard Vine, Betsy Johnson, J. Crew, Johnston & Murphy, Jones of NY, Kenneth Cole, Michael Kors, Overland, Polo / Ralph Lauren, Cosmetics Company, Theory, Traditions, TSE Cashmere, Tumi, Vermont Bird Place, Yankee Candle and Yves Delorme,
Shop Judy McCormick Jewelry
Manchester jewelry artist, creates exquisite pieces from her direct imports of gemstones and gorgeous monster pearls.
Shop Epoch-18 Vermont Artisans
A cooperative art and craft gallery featuring 18 Vermont artists and artisans working in a variety of disciplines including furniture, jewelry, pottery, glass, photography, sculpture, baskets and wearables
Shop Gander Gallery
Dedicated to showcasing the work of established and emerging artists of the region.
Shop H. N. Williams Store
Founded in 1840 as a Harness Shop, this is a country store that carries just about everything. Deli is open 7 days a week.
Shop Dutton Farm Stand
The farm stand that's open year round. Vermont-grown produce apples, sweet cider, baked goods, hand made wreaths, Christmas trees. Sugar house open during season.
Shop Bob's Maple Shop
100% pure, organic maple syrup form Manchester, Vermont. Third generation sugarmaker produces true taste of Vermont syrup. Maple syrup, candy, and maple cream.
Shop Heinel's Clothiers
Featuring Woolrich, Sorel boots, Johnson's Woolens, Duofold, Hanes, Lee Jeans, Acorn slippers, Wigwam.
Eat
Eat Ye Olde Tavern
A circa 1790 Colonial Inn, which whisks one away to bygone era. Serving regional and continental fare, with an excellent wine list. Ye Olde Tavern has been recognized by the State of Vermont as a 'Green Restaurant'. Reservations are suggested.
Eat Wilburton Inn and Restaurant
Festive and elegant dining in historic billiard room or on the marble veranda overlooking the most amazing views in the region. Featuring local and organic produce grown on their partner farm. Available for special events.
Eat Perfect Wife Restaurant & Tavern
Live music and pub fare in the tavern and creative fare in the main dining room.
Eat Sushi Boat
Only Japanese sushi option in the area.
Eat Up For Breakfast
Very creative and fun atmosphere. Only open in the morning.
Eat The Works Bakery and Cafe
Everything is prepared to order using natural ingredients.
Eat Gringo Jack's Southwestern Grill
Very cute place, with diverse southwestern menu. Serving lunch and dinner. Open daily.
Eat Garlic Johns
Affordable Italian cuisine
Eat Little Rooster Cafe
Cute European-style cafe serving breakfast and lunch.
Eat Chantecleer Restaurant
Premiere French fare in southern Vermont. Setting is a cute converted barn.
Eat Panda Garden
Chinese and Japanese cuisine. Open daily.
Eat Mrs. Murphy's Donuts
Great donuts and breakfast sandwiches. Eat at the counter and get to know the locals.
Eat Manchester Bar and Grill
Open daily for lunch and dinner
Eat Zoey's Double Hex Restaurant
Good burgers, open for lunch and dinner.
Eat Mistral's at Tollgate
French restaurant sitting next to a beautiful flowing stream.
Eat Gourmet Deli & Cafe
Serves breakfast and lunch daily.
Drink
Drink Spiral Press Cafe
Great place relax and read a book. Tasty pastries and coffee.
Sleep
Stay Seth Warner Inn
Guest rooms feature exposed beams, hand-stenciled wall trim and queen-size canopy beds with country quilts. Each room has its own distinctive antiques, artwork and a full private bath.
Go next
- Weston 25 minutes from Manchester is charming with its Old Parish Church and Church on the Hill, the village green, the historic museums, stately houses, the famous Vermont Country, renowned Weston Playhouse and Benedictine Priory are among the many reasons to discover Weston. The entire Village is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
- Grafton about 40 minutes from Manchester, one of the prettiest villages in Vermont. Many of its beautiful old buildings have been lovingly restored by its residents and the Windham Foundation, so what you see today looks much like it did years ago.
- Saratoga Springs is about 45 minutes away, just south of the Adirondacks in upstate New York. Long a vacation destination for New Yorkers, Saratoga Springs is a pleasant town filled with swanky shops, spas and the famous Saratoga Race Track. A key battle in the Revolution War happened nearby. Saratoga Springs is home to Skidmore College
- Emerald Lake State Park Located between Manchester and Rutland, the park is popular for its wooded hillside campground, beach and swimming area.
- Covered Bridges There are just over 100 authentic covered bridges within state. The closest are in West Arlington, Sunderland, Rutland and Bennington.
Nearby
Arlington
City / town · 8 listings · 7 mi away
Jamaica
City / town · 4 listings · 15 mi away
Mount Snow
Rural area · 12 listings · 16 mi away
Bennington
City / town · 21 listings · 20 mi away
Cambridge
City / town · 4 listings · 22 mi away
Wilmington
City / town · 7 listings · 23 mi away
Newfane
City / town · 1 listings · 23 mi away
Ludlow
City / town · 22 listings · 25 mi away
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