Manchester is a charming town nestled in the Green Mountains, perfect for a cozy fall getaway. From scenic hikes and mountain drives to apple cider donuts and various delicious food options, there’s something for everyone. Whether you’re leaf peeping or relaxing, this small town offers a memorable New England escape.
Things to Do
- Lye Brook Falls Trail (4.5 miles; 925 feet of elevation gain): This out-and-back hike winds through a peaceful, wooded area and ends at a lovely waterfall. The trail is relatively easy, though there’s a bit of a scramble at the end if you want to get close to the falls. It’s especially beautiful in the fall thanks to the dense tree cover—definitely a great pick if you’re visiting during peak foliage.
- Mount Equinox Skyline Drive: For sweeping views without the effort of a hike, take Skyline Drive up Equinox Mountain. It’s a scenic, winding road with several overlooks along the way, but the real highlight is at the top: the Saint Bruno Scenic Viewing Center. From there, a short 15-minute round-trip walk leads to another stunning viewpoint that’s well worth the detour.
- Equinox Valley Nursery: This spot feels like a little slice of fall heaven. It’s a community farm offering fresh produce along with fun seasonal treats like soft serve ice cream, apple cider donuts, and hot cider. It’s the kind of place where you can take your time, snack, and soak up the autumn vibes.
- Hildene, The Lincoln Family Home: Although we didn’t get the chance to tour inside the home, even walking around the grounds was enough to see that this place is something special. The setting is stunning, and the gardens and architecture give a sense of peaceful grandeur. If you have time, it’s definitely worth a full visit—for both the history and the views.
Where to Eat
- Pearl’s Place & Pantry: We didn’t expect to find top-notch Southern food in Vermont, but this spot near our Airbnb was a standout. The cornbread sticks, smoked catfish dip, and Texas Cajun sausage were especially memorable. It’s a great family-style restaurant with friendly service, perfect for a hungry group.
- Depot 62: A Turkish restaurant and furniture store combo might sound unusual, but it works beautifully. The atmosphere is bohemian and cozy, and the food is authentic and delicious. We loved the köfte kebab and adana tavuk. It’s a great pick for a slightly fancier dinner in town.
- The Crooked Ram: We grabbed lunch at The Yard, the outdoor section of The Crooked Ram, mainly because it was dog-friendly. The mushroom and broccoli pizza exceeded expectations and was actually very good. The service wasn’t the warmest, but the food and relaxed outdoor setting still made it a good lunch spot.
- Willoughby’s Depot Eatery: This place is all about the donuts. We picked up a few to share with our group, and the apple cider and cinnamon sugar varieties were clear winners. Definitely worth a morning stop.
- Mother Myrick’s Confectionery: We popped in quickly to grab a few treats to go and ended up discovering one of our favorite desserts of the trip: the Lulu lemon cakes. Absolutely delicious, and a great place to stock up on sweets to bring home—or eat immediately.
- Maple Creemees: More of a “what to eat” and not a “where to eat”, but maple soft-serve ice cream is a must-try in Vermont and is available pretty much everywhere. If you find one topped with maple sugar crystals, don’t hesitate—it somehow makes it even better. It’s a regional essential.
Other Tips & Tricks
- Where to Stay: We stayed in an Airbnb just outside of town and appreciated the extra space and quiet vibes. It was still walkable to some spots like Pearl’s Place, but if budget allows, staying right in town is probably ideal. It’s cute, convenient, and close to most restaurants and shops.
- When to Visit: For peak fall foliage, aim for early October. We visited in mid-October and found that many of the leaves had already fallen. The weather was comfortably cool, so make sure to bring layers to adjust throughout the day.
- Getting Around: A car is essential here. Manchester is surrounded by natural beauty, and you’ll want the flexibility to explore it. There’s no public transportation, so driving is really the only way to get around efficiently.
- Chatham Brewing: If you’re drive to or from Manchester happens to take you through Chatham, New York, do yourself a favor and stop at Chatham Brewing. The burgers and brews are both delicious.
Happy traveling!
Kitrina & Jordan
