Things To Do
Maple Leaf Half Marathon and 5k
The annual Maple Leaf Half Marathon falls on the day of our wedding!! Want to burn off all those calories you'll be consuming later in the day? Get up early and run the Maple Leaf Half Marathon, or the 5k! It's a beautiful course through gorgeous Vermont landscapes and goes right by our venue! The race starts at 8am and registration for the 2023 race opens in February.
Equinox Preserve Hiking
A great network of trails around Equinox Mountain! Check out the Pond Loop Trail, where Megan and Christian got engaged, or if you're looking for something a little longer try Robin's Lookout Trail for a great view! Bring a local VT beer and enjoy it at the top :) You can also choose to drive up to the top of the mountain for great views without the steep inclines!
The Vermont Country Store Weston
30 minutes away from Manchester and worth the drive! A classic old country store filled with local Vermont goodies!
Manchester Designer Outlets
Do some shopping around town at the Manchester Designer Outlets! Our favorites are J. Crew & Eddie Bauer!
Hildene, The Lincoln Family Home
Visit the historic former summer home of Robert Todd Lincoln and his wife Mary Harlan Lincoln. Get a tour of the home or take a walk around the trails on property! Visit the goats at the goat farm and buy some of their cheese in the gift shop!
Merck Forest
Beautiful working farm with hiking trails, maple syrup production facilities, and beautiful views! Admission is always free!
Lye Brook Falls Trail
Hike to our favorite waterfall near Manchester! This beautiful trail is about 4.5 miles roundtrip and is rated as moderate.
Stratton Mountain
Our favorite ski resort nearby! In the summer/fall they offer scenic lift rides, hiking and mountain biking trails, and a fun village center!
Orvis Flagship Store
Christian's favorite place to go when we're in Manchester! Check out the trout pond and feed the trout, shop around or even take a fly-fishing lesson!
Dorset Quarry
If the weather is nice, take a dip in the Dorset Quarry! The first marble quarry in the US is now filled with fresh, clean water. A local hangout and there are lots of cliffs to jump from! Please be careful and only jump off the main cliff areas!
Northshire Bookstore
Get lost in a maze of books at this cozy, independently owned local bookstore! Browse around and then grab a coffee or a treat at Bonnet & Main Cafe
Southern Vermont Arts Center
Art museum set on beautiful grounds - hiking trails onsite and plenty of fun outdoor art installations!
Pastime Pinball
Play some pinball on old-school pinball machines at Pastime Pinball! There are more than 60 classic games available in this space, and they’re all set to free play! You just may a flat entry fee at the door.
Smugglers' Notch Distillery
Taste some local spirits here!
The Crooked Ram
Check out one of our favorite local spots to try some unique wine and beer! They also have great food if you're hungry! P.S. this is where our welcome party is :)
Up For Breakfast
Grab some breakfast at Up For Breakfast - our favorite hole in the wall breakfast joint. Try out the wild VT blueberry pancakes and the venison sausage!
The Copper Grouse
One of our favorite spots for great food and fancy cocktails! Eat dinner here or just grab a drink and hang by the fire pit!
Mystic Cafe & Wine Bar
A great spot for a cozy lunch and yummy wine!
The Works Café
The best place in town for New England style bagels and great sandwiches!
Bromley Mountain
Open on weekends for fun on the alpine slide, adventure course, mini golf, and scenic lift rides!