10 Best Things To Do In Manchester, Vermont

1. Travel back in time at Hildene, The Lincoln Family Home

If you are someone who loves to relive the magnificence of the past, then a visit to Hildene is an absolute must. Once the home of Robert Lincoln, the son of President Abraham Lincoln, this exquisite property offers you a glimpse into the extraordinary 20th-century life. Surrounding the mansion is a European-style garden that tempts you to take a calming stroll and soak in views of the valley from behind the house. So, teleport yourself to a different era and marvel at this architectural delight.

Hildene, The Lincoln Family Home

Address: 1005 Hildene Rd, Manchester, VT 05255

Website: Hildene, The Lincoln Family Home

Opening hours: Thu - Mon: 10am - 4pm (closed on Tue & Wed)

2. Traverse bumpy roadways with Land Rover Driving Experience

If you are an adrenaline junkie or off-roading excites you, then you should check out Land Rover Driving Experience. Drive on challenging roads, explore different terrains, test your skill, and learn techniques from experts. You will get a chance to experience navigating steep inclines, water crossings, and descents set in the scenic mountain ranges.

Land Rover Driving Experience

Website: Land Rover Driving Experience

Opening hours: 9am - 5pm (daily)

Price: From 650 USD

3. Know the history of angling at American Museum of Fly Fishing

Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing

If you are a fly fisher or someone who’s interested in American history, then American Museum of Fly Fishing is going to excite you. This centre works towards preserving the history of fly fishing. Established in 1968, the museum was set up by angling enthusiasts to research and conserve the art of fly fishing in America that eventually shifted from being an art form to an entire industry. You can enjoy a walk around the place examining over 1000 treasures from as far back as the 16th century.

American Museum of Fly Fishing

Address: 4070 Main St, Manchester, VT 05254

Website: The American Museum of Fly Fishing

Opening hours: Thu - Sat: 10am - 4pm (closed from Sun - Wed)

Price: From 3 USD

4. Try the deconstructed burrito at Cilantro Restaurant

Over the years, this casual Mexican restaurant has been converting customers into loyalists with banging flavours and authentic dishes. Of the limited menu, the deconstructed burrito at Cilantro is an absolute must-try. The taste is sure to make it all worth it and even make you want to come back for more. So, if you are in the mood for some Mexican flavours while enjoying your Manchester getaway, then head over to Cilantro to satisfy your tastebuds and fill your tummy.

Cilantro Restaurant

Address: 5036 Main St, Manchester Center, VT 05255

Website: Cilantro

Opening hours: Wed - Sat: 11:30am - 7pm; Sun: 11:30am - 3pm

Price: 8 USD

5. Go indoor ice skating at Riley Rink at Hunter Park

Riley Rink at Hunter Park lets you go ice skating any season. Since its opening in 1997, this ice skating rink has been welcoming happy families for an all-season ice skating experience. The place is built on the foothills of Vermont’s Green Mountain National Forest and has an expansive venue for outdoor activities besides an indoor ice skating rink. With facilities such as wifi, wheelchair accessibility, and rental skates, Riley Rink is definitely a fun holiday spot for the entire family to have an unforgettable time.

Riley Rink at Hunter Park

Address: 410 Hunter Park Rd, Manchester Center, VT 05255

Website: Riley Rink at Hunter Park

Opening hours: 9am - 10pm (daily)

Price: Starting at 5 USD

6. Appreciate artworks from around the globe at Tilting at Windmills Gallery

If you are looking for an experience that will enrich you, then visiting Tilting at Windmills Gallery is your best choice. As one of New England’s largest art galleries, Windmills is home to a large array of artworks from local and international artists. Walk around the well-lit gallery where every wall invites you to discover an interesting creative interpretation of the world by an artist. If you are the kind of art lover who spends hours staring at paintings, then this place has plenty of seating spots too.

Tilting at Windmills Gallery

Address: 24 Highland Ave, Manchester Center, VT 05255

Website: Tilting at Windmills Gallery

Opening hours: Mon - Tue: 10am - 5pm; Thu-Sat: 10am - 5pm; Sun: 10am - 4pm (Closed on Wed)

7. Learn a new concept at Museum of the Creative Process

If you want to learn something new, then visiting Museum of the Creative Process is the perfect plan. Founded by Dr Albert Levis, author of Conflict Analysis, the museum is a learning centre aimed at deciphering the role of creativity in the unconscious conflict resolution process. A unique blend of art and science, the museum is sure to stretch your grey cells while refreshing your mind with unique theories. The museum welcomes scheduled tours around its open-layout design.

Museum of the Creative Process

Address: 05254 Wilburton Dr, Manchester, VT 05255

Website: Museum of the Creative Process

Price: 5 USD

8. Go hiking with friends at Mt. Equinox

If you are into exploring the great outdoors, then hiking at Mt. Equinox is a must-try. This unrelenting trail of 10.1 kilometres (6.3 miles) is sure to test your endurance with a steep climb. On the way, remember to catch your breath and enjoy the beautiful wildflowers and the panoramic view. At the summit, you can enjoy the visitor’s centre. A short walk from the summit is the lookout rock where you can relax on a beautiful marble bench and soak in the views of Manchester Village.

Hiking at Mt. Equinox

Address: 1A St Bruno Dr, Arlington, Vermont 05250-9505

9. Learn the art of glassblowing with Manchester Hot Glass

If you are artistically inclined or simply want to try out something you have never done before, then learning the art of glassblowing at Manchester Hot Glass is your next stop. Glassblowing is sure to engage all your senses while you revel in the beauty of creating something of your own. You can choose to start off by making a small glass paperweight or a large glass bowl. What’s better than creating your own glass showpiece, right? Plus, you can even take them home as a souvenir.

Manchester Hot Glass

Address: 79 Elm Street, Manchester Center, VT 05255

Website: Manchester Hot Glass

Opening hours: Mon: 10am - 5pm; Thu - Sat: 10am - 5pm; Sun: 10am - 3pm (closed on Tue & Wed)

Price: From 50 USD

10. Treat yourself to a spa day at The Honeycomb Beauty Wellness and Center

Cap off your Manchester holiday with therapy that refreshes not just your body but your mind and soul too. The Honeycomb Beauty Wellness and Center is truly unique because it offers services done by healers, therapists, herbalists, and yogis. Unlike traditional wellness centres that only offer a massage session, here you can also avail an array of other spa treatments such as reflexology and acupuncture.

The Honeycomb Beauty Wellness and Center

Address: 4351 VT-7A, Manchester, VT 05255

Website: The Honeycomb Beauty Wellness and Center

Experience a vacation of a lifetime in Manchester

For centuries now, Manchester has been the symbol of relaxing family getaways with its old-world charm and modern luxuries. With exciting beautiful attractions and thrilling activities, there is something to do for every member of the family. If you are currently planning your family vacation then do check out this list of the 10 best things to do in Manchester, Vermont.