Holiday Festivities and Fun
Daylight savings has arrived as autumn is slowly shifting in the Green Mountains from the beautifully vibrant fall colors to the snowfall that is just around the corner. Businesses such as Carpenter & Costin, rk Miles, and Vermont Renewable Fuels will all see a busy few weeks as homeowners get their last-minute outdoor chores out of the way before the colder temps take hold. Even so, November in Manchester is so much more than chilly weather; from hiking and fishing to shopping around town as you cross names off of your gift list, there is something for every family member.
Many of the shops and restaurants around town are gearing up for the coming holiday season, as Thanksgiving is just about two weeks away. Whether you are planning an extravagant meal in your home, renting out space to host a number of guests that your home can’t handle, or just looking to be properly wined and dined by one of the many wonderful local establishments found all around town, Manchester is the place to be. Many of the local restaurants are hosting special Thanksgiving dinners like the Copper Grouse at the Taconic, the Wilburton Inn, the Reluctant Panther and the Ye Olde Tavern.
Then there are the many that feel like there’s no substitution to hosting your own Thanksgiving feast at home. Luckily, Manchester is home to many diverse shops, you are sure to find the supplies to host your ideal dinner party. What better way to impress your guests than with a beautifully intricate lace tablecloth from Miss Phyllis Fine Linens and Frocks. Kitchen missing a few items? No worries because Kitchen of Vermont has what you need. If you are looking to provide a few amuse-bouches, you can find some unique snacks and appetizers at Rablogan Castle which features many Scottish delicacies and treats. Or head just down the block to Fortuna’s Sausage to create the ultimate charcuterie board for guests to graze. Al Ducci’s Italian Pantry is another great spot to find treats for the whole family.
Aside from the more obvious traditions of the Thanksgiving Day Parade, football, turkey, and stuffing stuffing in our mouths, there is another lesser known tradition that many families participate in–the post meal stroll. To help work off the calories and fight off the effects of the tryptophan, many families take to the brisk outdoors for some fresh air and exercise. Though, during the late days of November, Vermont can become quite chilly so it’s best to prepare with the appropriate Vermont attire! Stop in to local shops like The Mountain Goat or Heinel’s Clothiers to stay in style and keep warm. Though your shopping spree doesn’t have to stop there. Northshire Bookstore is right around the corner, Zippy Chicks is down the road, and the popular Manchester Designer Outlets are all throughout Manchester.
Keep your eyes to the calendar because there are holiday events starting to make their way onto the calendar. The Northshire Civic Center at Hunter Park has a weekly schedule featuring many days of public ice skating, stick ‘n puck, and a few days of pick up hockey as well. The Manchester Community Library and Northshire Bookstore each have events and readings lined up while the Southern Vermont Arts Center will have exhibits and installations all throughout the holidays.
Starting at the end of November will be the local favorite line-up of holiday events known as Manchester Merriment. Kicking off on November 30th a 6pm is the Community Tree Lighting Celebration. Join the community on the Factory Point Town Green to watch the ceremonial lighting of the holiday tree. Just a week later will be the popular Lighted Tractor Parade, as locals decorate their burly machines to create for a wonderfully festive spectacle. Also starting on the 7th of December are the Holiday Historic Inn Tours. Walk through history and learn about a few of Vermont’s famous inns. To cap off the holiday season, the Manchester Lions annual Elf Express Train departs rk Miles Depot Station on December 21st and 22nd. Keep up with all of our holiday events by visiting www.manchestervermont.com.
Manchester Center comes alive during the holiday season as travelers come from all over the world to join in on our community’s festivities. Shops start to adorn their windows with holiday decorations, restaurants feature their seasonal menus and the many skiers and riders of the area are beginning to get antsy. So be sure to take time to visit Manchester over the next few weeks as there is plenty of fun to be had by all.
