The Romance of Manchester
Valentine’s Day is just a few days away- and love is in the air in Manchester, Vermont. Our beautiful town offers romance throughout the year, but the winter is undeniably magical.
Love and romance don’t have to come in heart-shaped packages. At the heart of it, romance is a celebration of thoughtfulness, caring, and appreciation. Romance can be cracking into a freshly-made buttercrunch handcrafted from Mother Myrick’s for 43 years, finding yourself immersed in a favorite painting at Tilting at Windmills Gallery, or taking an afternoon stroll along the Manchester Riverwalk. This Valentine’s Day, remember to show a little love to yourself. Regardless of what appeals to you, Manchester, Vermont will keep you inspired.
Don’t forget about the food! Put together an unforgettable cheeseboard or snack tray with homemade sausages and other imported specialty products from Fortuna’s Sausage & Italian Market. The company’s signature salami is SOUPY® — a Calabrese Soppressata made to the same exacting standards set by Patti’s grandparents almost 100 years ago. Stop by Above All Vermont for a more locally-sourced approach to your offerings of cheeses and goodies. This old-fashioned country store’s antique display cases offer up thousands of handcrafted, quirky, and delicious goods.
While you’re out on the town, check out a few of the local fun things to do. Fuel your creative side with a session at Manchester Hot Glass and create your own beautiful piece of glass art. Plan ahead and you can book yourself a workshop that will teach you how to blow glass! Another outrageously fun stop is Pastime Pinball. Play your way through the history of the pinball machines, as some of the 20+ machines date back to the 60’s! Then wind down with a stop at Helmholz Art Gallery and immerse yourself in remarkable works produced by local artists.
If you do plan on hosting an evening with that special someone, you can find everything locally for the perfect date.
Upgrade your dining décor with beautiful lace napkins, placemats, runners, and tablecloths from Miss Phyllis Fine Linens and Frocks, a quaint shop in a classic Vermont townhouse located across from Adam’s Park. And while we are on the topic of linens – when was the last time you treated yourself to some updated bedsheets? Yves Delorme, of the Manchester Designer Outlets, offers luxury home linens, furnishings, and accessories to impress guests and keep you feeling pampered.
Enhance your evening with your own at-home classical concert this Valentine’s Day. Manchester Music Festival will be hosting a free virtual concert on YouTube on February 14, at 7:00 pm EST. Head to mmfvt.org to listen to performances by a few “Loving Pairs” that are often guests of the Manchester Music Festival. After the event, attendees are invited to join the “virtual backstage” via Zoom, for a meet-and-greet with MMF Artistic Director Adam Neiman and some of the featured artists.
For that special someone, browse the unique offerings from Judi McCormick Jewelry. Judi is a local jeweler who adores pearls and creates incredible, one-of-a-kind earrings, necklaces, and bracelets. If you’re in the mood to buy an intimate gift, don’t miss La Péche Lingerie.
Romance surrounds us here, which is why lovers from all around the world come to Manchester to host their own weddings and to share their vows among the magic of Southern Vermont. One popular location is the Southern Vermont Arts Center. Its picturesque walkways, expansive sweeping lawns, and welcoming mix of classic Vermont architecture and modern design set the stage for your perfect day. Or celebrate your special day at Hildene, the Lincoln Family Home. Its famous gardens and gorgeous mansion are sure to wow you and your guests. Another beautiful mansion that is a perfect venue is The Wilburton Inn. Incredible views and fabulous innkeepers make weddings at the Wilburton unforgettable. For a more intimate setting, The Reluctant Panther offers romantic ambiance and menu options created by their talented chef, Sigal Rockland. And for a posh Vermont feel with all the amenities, look no further than the Kimpton Taconic, which features a ballroom, plenty of rooms for guests, and an outdoor firepit.
No worries if you have not yet made plans for this holiday weekend, because there is plenty of love waiting for you in Manchester, Vermont!
