As the chill of winter subsides, Southern Vermont becomes home to new life that only the Green Mountains can deliver! The sights and sounds of nature coming out of hibernation, will be all around you. You’ll see budding trees, blooming flowers, and our majestic mountains coming alive again with their verdant greens. You’ll hear the sounds of babbly brooks, running rivers, and birds chirping from hidden nests. Spring always brings bountiful changes to our area.
March Maple Madness is underway! As the days warm and night’s stay chilly, the sap within our many maple trees begins to flow, and our sugar houses come alive, boiling down that sap to make Vermont’s own “Liquid Gold”. Maple syrup production, a.k.a. “Sugaring Season,” is a time-honored 4 to 6-week tradition that begins in late February when daytime temps are regularly above 32 degrees and ends when the warmer days of late spring cause the Maple Tree leaves to bud and unfold. Don’t miss our own special March Maple Madness offers and stock up on locally made pure maple crafted items or experience the sugaring process at a local Sugar Shack! Click here to learn more!
BUT WAIT – there is still plenty of snow on the mountains, especially after the 16-24 inches we received from our latest storm. It’s not too late to enjoy Spring skiing at any one of our nearby ski resorts, which typically stay open through the first two weekends in April. Click here to learn more!
In Manchester, while avid skiers, riders, and snow enthusiasts continue to enjoy the trails and experiences on the mountains, locals down in the valleys begin prepping their gardens and start batches of seedlings in preparation for the growing season.
Whether you’re a local or a visitor to our area, get yourself set up with everything you need for your upcoming gardening projects at r.k. MILES! They offer so much more than just lumber. From the tools to build raised beds, to garden tools for upkeep, to the seeds and the soil, they have it all! r.k. MILES has a long history in Vermont and is proud to be a third-generation family-owned business. Manchester, VT has been its home since 1886 when Frederick Miles first logged timber on the slopes of Red Mountain.
Surround yourself with the fragrance of fresh flowering plants, trees, and shrubs, and even damp soil, all experienced in our verdant natural valley setting. The Manchester, VT area offers some of the best gardens and nurseries in Southern Vermont. Stop by Equinox Valley Nursery, Mettowee Mint, or Dutton Farmstand and get some inspiration for your next garden or landscaping project.
While you are in the mood to do some spring cleaning and “home-updating”, this is a great time of year to check on your home’s heating and cooling systems. After all, Spring days fluctuate like New England weather, and as the old saying goes “if you don’t like the weather, wait 5 minutes”. Thus, there will be days when your home calls for cooling in the daytime and heat in the evenings, so make sure your systems are up to date and ready for the call of duty this Spring.
Photo by Jimmy Ienner, Jr. Courtesy Old Mill Road Media
Get to know this hot (or cool), family-led company that has been keeping our community safe and warm since 1941: Cota & Cota. These heating, cooling, and plumbing professionals can help! From home heating oil, propane gas, kerosene, diesel fuel, and gasoline, they pride themselves on the quality of their products. They offer their fuel customers a full line of quality heating products and full plumbing services. According to Cota & Cota president, Casey Cota, “People often ask me what I attribute the company’s longevity to – and my answer is the highest quality service possible. Our highly trained service techs, delivery drivers, and customer service reps are the lifeblood of our company. We promise to give you the best possible service that you demand & deserve.”
Looking for an environmentally friendly and a slightly more cost-effective heating option? Then reach out to Vermont Renewable Fuels, a local company keeping our community warm with wood pellet stoves and supplies. This company is working to offset the region’s dependence on imported fossil fuels with more affordable, locally abundant renewable ones. Their pellet deliveries from last heating season displaced about 220,000 gallons of oil, and their pellet system installations saved their customers over $500,000 in heating costs. They also offer ventilation and air conditioning services, and you can even get yourself a new pellet grill for your summer backyard BBQ!
So many choices! Wherever your hobbies or interests may steer you, Manchester, VT offers so many wonderful experiences, adventures, and ways to have fun. If you love to be immersed in nature, take the time to plan a few local springtime hikes. Manchester is home to the tallest cascading waterfall in the state, the second-highest peak in Southern VT, and those looking for a more leisurely stroll can find a historic path along the valley floor at the Hildene Farm and Grounds. Springtime hiking is just fabulous with longer days and milder temps – keep those boots walking! Click here to learn more about our favorite Manchester Springtime Hikes.
Fashion is at the forefront in Manchester! Spring is the perfect time to update your wardrobe for the quickly approaching warmer days! Manchester is home to so many fabulous places to shop. Make room in your closet for your Summer wardrobe and visit Manchester’s own fantastic consignment shop, Zippy Chicks. They have you in mind when being exceptionally selective, only accepting pieces that are of the highest quality and finest condition. The consignment boutique features some of your favorite brands, including Kate Spade, Chanel, Free People, and many more! From name-brand women’s clothing to gently used footwear, they have an array of options to suit your personal style.
Be sure to also stop in our world-famous, designer outlets, which offer something for everyone from Polo Ralph Lauren to Armani, and Vineyard Vines to Marimekko. Shoppers can find outfits for any occasion here in Manchester. Click here to learn more about the incredible places to shop.
Time is on our side! Make the most of your time in Manchester by staying with us for multiple nights! We are home to a variety of lodging options. You’ll find quaint motels, rustic B&Bs, historic inns, vacation rentals, and full-service hotels and resorts able to accommodate one person or a larger group or family.
Seated high up on a hill with magnificent, sweeping views of the historic Route 7A Valley, The Manchester View offers 36 guest rooms, tastefully appointed with attractive features like working gas or wood fireplaces, and deep-soaking spa tubs. Every accommodation has its own deck or patio from which the guests can bask in the beauty of the spectacular mountain views. No matter what the weather, the Manchester View is ready to welcome you when you arrive for your stay. During the day, take in breathtaking 360-degree views of the mountains. By night, the charming property is illuminated by white post lights and the stars.
Find relaxation or get lost in the beauty of Vermont’s Green Mountains at Aspen at Manchester, where intimate, motel-style charm meets the delightful amenities of a family-friendly hotel. Sneak off to the Serenity Spa and Wellness Center for a little “me time” pampering. Strike up a fun game of shuffleboard or cornhole. You can even pedal off into downtown Manchester Center on one of their free house bicycles. Then again, contemplating a Green Mountain sunset from an Adirondack chair by the fire pit might be all the action you want for the evening.
Don’t wait, spring into action now as you don’t want to miss out on Manchester’s many wonderful EXPERIENCES. And be sure to check out our Events calendar for upcoming fun things to do in Manchester!
