Cradled by Vermont’s picturesque Mount Equinox, Manchester is not more than a four-hour drive from Manhattan, Boston, or Connecticut. But easy accessibility is not the only appeal that draws travelers to this enchanting town. Its scenic ski slopes, vibrant charm, fly fishing spots, and inviting art centers have long captured the hearts of locals and tourists alike. In fact, Manchester has also transformed into a cherished destination for couples looking for romantic breaks and intimate holidays.
Take Hildene, for instance. One of the village’s most popular attractions, it was once simply known for being Abraham Lincoln’s descendants’ former summer estate. But today, it has evolved into a beloved venue for proposals, weddings, and special occasions. Perched 300 feet above the Battenkill River Valley, and wedged between the Taconic Mountains and Green Mountains, its lush garden provides a dreamy setting to walk down the aisle. It also features Pangaea Restaurant, which offers a farm-to-table experience, using many ingredients sourced from its own farm. You’ll also discover snug B&Bs, quaint cafes, and an iconic bookstore sprinkled across the town, making Manchester an ideal getaway for honeymooners and couples.
Explore cafes and date night spots in Manchester
Wilmington is not the only underrated Vermont town full of shops and trendy dining. Manchester also impresses with a rich culinary scene — including an array of cozy cafés and eateries to choose from. You can enjoy date night at The Silver Fork. Set in a restored former library and run by a couple, it invites you with art-adorned interiors and a wood-finished bar that is repurposed from the library’s original bookshelves. For a leisurely brunch, check out curATE cafe at Southern Vermont Arts Center, which also welcomes you with artful decor and lush outdoor views.
Moreover, your time in Manchester is incomplete without stepping into the iconic Northshire Bookstore. A sought-after highlight, the bookstore is nestled in Colburn House. This former stagecoach inn transformed into a 10,000 square foot bookstore in 1985 and has since been welcoming travelers. In fact, during the time of its opening, some visitors were so eager that they began browsing the store even before the books were fully stocked. Today, parents can spend quality time at Colburn Cafe while their little ones happily engage in the library’s children’s section that spans a whole floor. Bite into the cafe’s freshly baked items and hearty soups, paired with aromatic espresso. The Colburn Cafe — previously called Bonnet & Main –boasts vintage interiors, complementing the bookstore’s historic neighborhood, which was once home to one of Manchester’s very first settlers.
Manchester is brimming with quaint B&Bs
