Katherine & Chris
Local Activities and Restaurants
Equinox Preservation Trust
Explore the Equinox Preserve! The Equinox Preserve consists of over 914 acres on the slopes of Mt Equinox in Manchester. In 1996, owners of the Equinox Resort donated conservation easements to the Vermont Land Trust to permanently protect this land. Great for a quick loop around the pond, or if you are feeling ambitious, you can climb Equinox Mountain. Check out their website for maps and trail guides.
Hiking Trails
Hiking is one of our favorite things to do when in Manchester and there is no shortage of hiking trails in the Manchester area! There is a laundry list of trails in the surrounding areas ranging in difficulty levels; so plenty of options for everyone! Visit this website for a list of some of the best trails in the area!
The Golf Club at The Equinox
This scenic 1927 Walter Travis design will test a player's ability to hit a variety of shots to well manicured, undulating greens. Enjoy the crisp air and spectacular views of the surrounding mountains at this Par 71, 6,423 yard Vermont gem of a course. The course is open to both Equinox Resort guests and the general public. We recommend calling ahead to schedule a tee time.
Orvis Flagship Store
The enormous Orvis flagship store has great retail shopping and also offer private fly fishing lessons and fishing day-trips to surrounding areas. These trips are available to book upon request. Walkable distance from all hotels and venues.
Southern Vermont Arts Center Drive
The Southern Vermont Arts Center is a multi-disciplinary arts organization in Manchester, Vermont. It is located on the west side of West Road, at the former Yester House country estate. The center includes art galleries with permanent and rotating exhibits, the area's largest sculpture park, a performance space, and educational facilities. Its grounds are open to the public for recreational pursuits, with trails for hiking. 3 minute drive and 25 minute walk from all hotels and venues.
Simon Pearce
Visit the Simon Pearce Flagship Store in Quechee, Vermont! Fueled by the rushing Ottauquechee, the turbine-powered glassblowing studio is the place to watch artisans trained in Simon’s techniques create functional works of art. They also have an award-winning farm-to-table restaurant which overlooks the river, and the bar is a sweet place for a sip and a snack. Roughly an 80 minute drive from Manchester.
Dorset Quarry
Katherine and her cousins' have A LOT of childhood memories here!! Once a commercial marble quarry (fun fact, marble from the quarry was used to build the steps of the New York Library) it’s now filled with water with its edges providing jumping off points of varying heights. Thanks to an article in USA Today, the quarry does get overly crowded now so we recommend going in the morning! 7-12 minute drive from all hotels and venues.
Bromley Mountain Alpine Slide
Bromley Mountain is home to North America's first triple-tracked Alpine Slide and still one of the longest slides in the world - a full 2/3 of a mile. Individuals over 48" must ride solo. This was another favorite summer activity for Katherine and her cousins! The mountain also offers mini golf, climbing walls, scenic chairlift rides and other outdoor adventure activities. 15 minute drive from all hotels and venues.
Battenkill Bicycles
Biking is a great way to explore the Manchester area! You can rent bikes through their website or walk in. Walkable distance from hotels and venues.
Manchester Outlet Stores
Manchester has over 40 designer outlets housed in authentically restored Vermont structures. If you are in the mood to do some shopping, make sure to check them out! Walkable distance from all hotels and venues.
Northshire Bookstore
Arguably one of the best independent bookstores out there, Northshire Bookstore boasts a friendly and knowledgeable staff. Walkable from all hotels and venues.
Dorset Union Store
Walking into the Dorset Union Store is like taking a step back in time. The store looks much like it did when it first opened in 1816 - at least from the outside! The Union Store is both a grocery and deli and a great place to grab a fast bite! We recommend getting a sandwich and maple water and walking down Church Street to see all the beautiful old Dorset homes. The Dorset Union Store holds a special place in Katherine's heart! With her grandmother's house located right up the hill, Katherine and her cousins' have gone back and forth millions of times to get Snickers bars and breakfast sandwiches. 7-12 minute drive from all hotels and venues.
Barrows House Inn & Restaurant
Our favorite restaurant in the area! Barrows House Restaurant is an American gastropub with a modern twist on traditional New England tavern fare that pairs great food with craft beers. Set against the historic backdrop of a circa 1803 building, the ambiance is at once warm and welcoming, sophisticated yet casual featuring Dorset white marble accents and historic black & white photos from the local Norcross-West Marble Quarry, one of the oldest in the country. 7-12 minute drive from all hotels and venues.
Zoey's Deli
Phenomenal salads and sandwiches! Walkable distance from hotels and venues.
Marsh Tavern At the Equinox
Built in 1769, Marsh Tavern is housed inside part of the original Equinox structure, and now services a seasonal selection of sophisticated New England fare for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Walkable distance from hotels and venues. .
Up For Breakfast
Longtime favorite for a casual breakfast or brunch
Mystic Cafe & Wine Bar
Mystic cafe is a wonderful spot with great atmosphere. Fantastic, farm-to-table food in a relaxed space. Open for lunch and dinner. Walkable distance from hotels and venues.
The Crooked Ram
Manchester Vermont's only dedicated craft beer shop. Free tastings daily, crowlers to-go, and a wide selection of local and rare craft beer, cider, and wine. Walkable distance from hotels and venues.
3 Pears Gallery
Fine Art & Artisan Decor for the traditional to the contemporary country home. Located next to the Dorset Union Store and across from the Dorset Inn.