10 Things to Do Manchester, VT: Hikes, Arts, Cafes & More!

Wondering what to do in Manchester, Vermont? From scenic hikes and historic sites to boutique shopping and farm-to-table dining, it’s impossible to do it all in one weekend. Use this guide to plan the perfect trip to Manchester, VT!

Since there is so much to hike, see, and do here – I find myself visiting Manchester several times a year. Driving up from Connecticut, it’s only a 2.5 hour trip and well worth it every time.

I have a list of hikes & scenic walks saved on AllTrails for Manchester and every time I go I try another new one from the list – always excited to go back for more.

There’s also along list of highly rated restaurants to try and more bakeries than you can get to in one weekend!

Add all that to the premium outlets, unique shops, museums, Lincoln family home, and Southern Vermont Arts Center and you’ve got a long list of things to do here in Manchester!

So I complied the best of Manchester village (yes, a village with a population under 1,000 people! :)) into this post so you can create a memorable trip filled with the best Manchester has to offer.

Your research ends here; so get out a pen and pad or your favorite notes app and let’s plan a visit to the charming Manchester, VT! 📝

Top 10 Things to Do in Manchester, VT

1. Tour Hildene, the Lincoln Family Home

Step back in time to the 412 acre beautifully preserved Georgian revival mansion and property built by Abraham Lincoln’s son, Robert Todd Lincoln.

I love visited old places and old homes that make you feel like you’re walking through the past. That’s exactly how I felt when visiting Hildene, where everything you see is preserved from the turn of the 20th century. The Lincoln Family Home, is a must-visit destination in Manchester, Vermont.

With its beautiful gardens, breathtaking mountain views, and a historic mansion filled with artifacts, it’s a place where you can wonder both inside the buildings or outside through the formal gardens and miles of trails. You’ll also love the Hildene gift shop that has so many unique and locally made gifts and home items.

2. Take a Hike in Manchester

Manchester is sandwiched between the Taconic Mountains to the east and the Green Mountains to the east, with the Battenkill River valley flowing between.

With mountains all around you here, there sure are a lot of choices from easy scenic strolls to strenuous hikes. Every time we go back we try to do a new hike but a few favorites and must-dos include the 125-foot Lye Brook Waterfall (4.5 miles) within Lye Brook Wilderness, Equinox Pond Loop (2.5 miles), and Prospect Rock (3.1 miles).

I wrote a whole post dedicated to hiking in Manchester ✨ Best Hikes in Manchester, VT ✨ to see the full list of what’s around you! The post includes details about each hike plus directions for getting there. 🚗

And if you’re staying in Manchester and are willing to drive further out, check out my post about the best hikes in all of Vermont! ✨

3. Visit the Southern Vermont Arts Center

The Southern Vermont Arts Center in Manchester is a treasure full of creativity and culture. This vibrant arts hub features galleries filled with stunning works by local and regional artists, a sculpture garden that’s perfect for exploring, and even a performance space for live music and theater.

Whether you’re an art lover or just looking for a peaceful spot to soak in some beauty, the SVAC is a must in any season when visiting Manchester. While I didn’t get to eat there last time, I loved seeing the views from the curATE cafe (such a neat name!) which is open everyday except Monday for lunch and early dinners! 🙂

There are also scenic walking trails leading right from the back of the SVAC property! You can check out the art, wander the grounds, and hit the cafe for a perfect afternoon in Manchester.

4. Visit a Bakery/Cafe

I am impressed – for a little Vermont village and for the several times we’ve been here, we still have not checked out all the bakeries here! So many places to try whether you want a latte, baked treat, or a hearty breakfast!

Most recently we tried Up for Breakfast (4.6 🌟 on Google) and this was one of the more memorable food experiences in Manchester, I loved everything about it from the tucked away location on the second floor overlooking Main Street to the homemade blueberry buttermilk pancakes and homemade brisket hash, oh – and the maple latte! it was truly incredible, homey, and filling.

Here are more places to try for early morning cravings in Manchester: see how many 😱

• Dina’s Bakery Cafe (4.8 🌟 on Google)
• Charlie’s Coffee House (4.3 🌟 on Google)
• The Maple Reserve Cafe (4.5 🌟 on Google)
• Little Rooster Cafe (4.4 🌟 on Google)
• Willoughby’s Depot Eatery (4.9 🌟 on Google)
• Zoey’s Deli & Bakery (4.5 🌟 on Google)
• Al Ducci’s Italian Pantry (4.6 🌟 on Google)
• The Works Cafe (4.4 🌟 on Google)

5. North Meadow Farm

North Meadow Farm in Manchester, Vermont, is a charming, family-owned working farm that’s perfect for a fun and educational outing. Visitors can meet friendly animals like cows, goats, and chickens, learn about sustainable farming, and even shop for fresh, local products like cheese, eggs, and maple syrup.

It’s a great way to connect with nature and experience the peaceful charm of Vermont’s countryside if you’re not up for a hike but want to get a taste of Vermont’s outdoors.

6. Farm-to-Table Dining

In addition to the numerous cafes I mentioned trying earlier in the article – you will also have your work cut out for you choosing the best place to eat dinner! There are a variety of farm-to-table dining experiences that emphasize fresh, locally sourced ingredients.

Luckily, I’ve done the research upfront for you so all you have to do is choose the best of the best. Here are a few of the best restaurants in Manchester that incorporate local Vermont meats, dairy, and produce. My favorite (so far that I’ve tried) on the list below is Mystico with it’s homemade pasta! Yum. 🍝

• The Restaurant at Hill Farm: offers seasonal menus by Chef Austin Poulin, featuring ingredients from their own market garden and local producers. The dining area provides views of the Taconic Mountain Range!
• SoLo Farm & Table: set in an updated 18th-century farmhouse. It offers a seasonal, ingredient-driven menu focusing on quality and sustainability, with many ingredients sourced from their own land.
• The Silver Fork: owned by award-winning Chef Mark French and his wife, Melody. They offer an international menu that changes with the seasons, emphasizing fresh market ingredients. 
• The Reluctant Panther Restaurant: this restaurant creates an intimate atmosphere offering the best of Southern Vermont’s local foods
• Mystico: this authentic Italian restaurant combines fresh-made pasta and locally sourced ingredients with the vibrant flavors of Italy.

7. Walk to one of VT’s tallest waterfall – Lye Brook Falls

When in Manchester, if you’re in the mood for a long walk in the woods to one of the tallest waterfalls in Vermont, then you’ve got to check out Lye Brook Falls!

I think it’s so cool when waterfalls seem to appear in the woods out of nowhere. That’s how it feels with this one after you walk just over 2 miles to get here, the woods opens up and reveals a steep drop of water to admire. While it is a moderate hike, you are mainly on a wide path and the 925 ft of elevation is spread out. 🙂 No steep scrambles or climbs here, just a long walk in the woods!

8. Shop at Manchester Designer Outlets

The Manchester Designer Outlets are a shopper’s dream come true located in a quaint New England setting! This collection of upscale outlet stores features top brands like Coach, J.Crew, and Kate Spade, all offering great deals. Whether you’re hunting for high-quality clothes, shoes, or accessories, there’s something for everyone.

I enjoyed reading a bit about the story behind these outlets and included a snippet from owner/proprietor Lana Hauben:

“As a couple originally hailing from New York City, Ben and I discovered the majestic beauty, unparalleled lifestyle and joyous sense of close-knit community in Manchester in 1979. Soon after our arrival we enjoyed becoming integral members and investors in the success of the town that became our home.

Ben invested his time, energy and capital to create a unique retail environment never before seen–one interwoven within the historic walking village of Manchester, comprised of a series of buildings that would incorporate superior craftsmanship, historically-based architectural details, state-of-the-art green construction elements and a dramatic sense of light and space–an exquisite retail showcase for the most sought-after and leading brands. Now, at 135,000 square feet, Manchester Designer Outlets is a world-renowned, distinct outlet shopping destination comprised of 24 individual buildings.”

9. American Museum of Fly Fishing

Dedicated to preserving the heritage of fly fishing in America, the collections here include vintage rods, reels, flies, and angling art, as well as stories of famous anglers.

The American Museum of Fly Fishing is a unique destination for anglers and anyone interested in the cultural significance of fly fishing!

10. Stroll and Shop along Downtown Main Street

I hope you enjoyed this guide to the best things to do in Manchester, Vermont.

From scenic hikes and walks located right downtown to unique shops and restaurants, history, and the arts, there is so much to do here and one weekend won’t feel like enough!

I hope with this guide you were able to plan the perfect trip here. 🙂