Fall Fun in Manchester, Vermont
We’re approaching that spectacular time of the year when the Green and Taconic Mountains provide visitors and locals alike with incredible colors, enhancing our already beautiful views. Our region offers some of the most scenic year-round vistas, made even more unforgettable during the Fall season. Even a simple drive down a backroad can unexpectedly lead to a picture-perfect scene. But the feeling of walking down the marble Village sidewalks as the colorful, fallen leaves crunch under your feet will warm your heart and make you feel like a kid again. Pile up the leaves and jump into Manchester, VT.
Autumn’s warm days and cool crisp nights make it the right time to break out your favorite fall sweater or light jacket as you enjoy the season. If you forgot to bring one or if you’re just looking to update your Fall wardrobe, our area is a shopper’s dream. With a host of charming boutiques and one-of-a-kind shops, you can find just about anything your heart desires. Don’t need to update your Fall wardrobe? It’s never too early to begin your holiday shopping as our designer outlets offer some of the best deals year-round.
Taste the Season
Whether you’re looking for breakfast or dinner or anything in between, visit any one of our local cafes or restaurants offering some of the best seasonal, delectable delights. If you’re in a hurry to get out and explore, grab and go is available at many of our eateries. For those who like a more leisurely morning or are winding down for the evening, come in, take and seat, and dine inside or dine al fresco. With outside dining options galore, take in the views while sipping on a mug of hot apple cider, hot cocoa, or your favorite drink with a hint of something seasonal. Of course, don’t forget the cider donuts, apple pies, or pumpkin-inspired desserts.
Want to work off that hearty breakfast or lunch? Try your hand at some challenging terrain with our Favorite Day Hikes or take it easy on some of the more open trails. If you’re looking for something with a little less of an adrenaline rush, check out the Historic Marble Rail Trail in the heart of town. This 2.5-mile scenic trail is nestled between the Green and Taconic Mountain ranges and offers some of the most breathtaking views as you walk or bike through the valley.
Enjoy the Harvest Season
Immerse yourself in Harvest season and partake in the bounty of our region. Visit a local farm, orchard, or pumpkin patch for a memorable experience and to get your fill of the season’s delights. One of the must-stops is Equinox Valley Nursery, where you have to try “Roger’s Famous” Cider Doughnuts. Enjoy hot & cold apple cider, pumpkin bread, pumpkin ice cream, pies, fall harvest apples, Vermont artisanal cheese, and more. You can also get everything you need to decorate for the season and have your space looking festive! They offer wreaths, flowers, pumpkins, gourds, and even corn stalks! Take a wagon ride out to the “North Field” for spectacular foliage views of the Green Mountains and majestic Mount Equinox.
Other local seasonal experiences include a visit to Mad Tom Orchards in East Dorset where you can pick your own apples, visiting the farm animals at North Meadow Farms, and a stop at the local Dutton’s Farm Stand for all your seasonal baking and decorating needs, or take a 15-minute drive north to Merck Forest and Farmland Center where you can visit the pigs, sheep, chickens, and horses and walk their 60 acres of trails and farmland with beautiful Fall views.
If the weather is not cooperating or you’re just in the mood to sit back, discover Southern Vermont’s history, beauty, local lore, and fun facts, all while being chauffeured around the region by the experts at Backroad Discovery Tours! Gather a small group of friends or go it alone and make new friends. Dick and Sharon will take you to some of the most popular drives and pit stops in our area.
Take in the View
Manchester, Vermont has many wonderful locations that can provide breathtaking views and memorable experiences like local favorite Hildene, the Lincoln Family Home. The incredible historic preservation is a draw in itself, but the grounds provide another beautiful reason to visit. And during the fall, the back gardens provide incredible views of the Green Mountains within 30 miles in any direction. Just 4 miles south of town is Mount Equinox Skyline Drive. At 3848 feet, Mount Equinox is the second tallest peak in Southern Vermont and the tallest peak in the Taconic Mountain Range. Take in breathtaking views covering four states and on the clearest day, Canada.
Further opportunities for beautiful vistas and experiences await you at the American Museum of Fly Fishing, thanks to their proximity to the Orvis fields and ponds. Stroll around the beautiful grounds and be sure to stop in to learn a bit more about Fly Fishing and its history!
To fully immerse yourself among the changing leaves, try the Land Rover Driving Experience. You’ll get behind the wheel of a new Land Rover with a helpful guide at your side, as you traverse a few wooded backtrails in Manchester.
Whether you’re visiting for the day or traveling from a far, there’s never enough time in one day to experience all that Manchester has to offer. Why not spend a night or two at one of our historic resorts, boutique hotels, charming inns, modern motels, or vacation rentals, and enjoy another day in Manchester, VT. Book now as Fall dates fill up quickly.
