Things to do in Manchester Village

For nearly two centuries, the charming village of Manchester in the mountains of southwestern Vermont has served as a peaceful summer retreat for the wealthy and privileged. This region of Vermont is dotted with tidy white churches and inns surrounding village greens in towns that often predate the American Revolution.

In 1863 and 1864 Abraham Lincoln’s wife Mary and her sons vacationed at Manchester’s preeminent hotel, the Equinox. She made reservations for the president to join them the next summer, but he was assassinated in April 1865. Since then four U.S. presidents have stayed at the Equinox, which dominates the colonial village with its aristocratic splendor. Robert Todd Lincoln returned a number of years later to build a stately summer mansion called Hildene down the street from the Equinox.

Manchester’s draw today includes hiking on the nearby Appalachian Trail, winter skiing and upscale outlet shopping. From mid-September to mid-November, the Stratton Arts Festival takes place at nearby Stratton Mountain. One of Vermont’s biggest fall festivals, this arts and crafts extravaganza showcases works by area artists.
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