Things to Do in Manchester Vermont – Local Guide + Hidden Gems

Originally published March 2025 · Updated February 2026 travel tips.

We partnered with Land Rover for Women’s Day, and let me tell you: nothing pushes your limits like a girls’ trip to Manchester, Vermont!!! From off-roading in the snow and snowmobiling through a storm with epic mountain views, to skiing in the freezing cold and soaking in all of Vermont’s winter magic – this unforgettable Manchester Vermont weekend had it ALL 💥

Let me start from the beginning, and share our PERFECT ITINERARY for an unforgettable weekend in Manchester, Vermont, packed with the best things to do in Manchester Vermont in winter.

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Day 1: Road Trip from NYC to Manchester, Vermont – Luxury Meets Adventure

For our road trip, we had the chance to drive the Land Rover Defender 110 – a vehicle built for both luxury and rugged terrain. The 4-hour drive from NYC to Manchester, Vermont was smooth, scenic and super comfortable, and made the journey part of the adventure.

What Makes the Defender 110 Perfect for a Road Trip?

✔️ Spacious Interior: Plenty of room for our luggage, ski gear, and all the winter layers we could possibly need. Everything fit with ease.
✔️ Heated Seats & Steering Wheel: Vermont (and honestly, NYC too!) in the winter is COLD. These features were exactly what we needed for a warm, cozy ride.
✔️ Adaptive Cruise Control & Driver Assistance: Long road trips can get tiring… but the Defender takes the pressure off – keeping a steady pace, following lane markings, and maintaining a safe distance from other cars. I LOVED this feature!!!
✔️ Off-Road Capabilities: While the drive up was mostly highway, we knew we’d be testing the Defender’s true abilities once we hit the Land Rover Experience the next day. Now I can CONFIDENTLY say I can drive on any terrain, skid in the snow with control, and handle uneven surfaces – splashes included! 😎
✔️ 360° Camera System: One of my favorite features!!! The Defender’s cameras give you multiple angles on the display, helping with parking and maneuvering in any condition. This was a lifesaver when I had to descend from a snowy hill: I could clearly see the tracks on the display, making the whole process so much safer and easier.

Checking In: Kimpton Taconic Hotel – Cozy, Chic, and So Vermont

if you’re looking for where to stay in Manchester Vermont, the Kimpton Taconic Hotel is the perfect base for exploring the area.

The Kimpton Taconic Hotel is located in the heart of Manchester and gives all the New England charm vibes: wood-burning fireplaces in the lounge area, rustic decor, and cozy-yet-elegant interiors – including a super cute shop!!!

The rooms are spacious enough to relax and perfect for unwinding after a day of adventure. Plus, they’re pet-friendly! If you’re traveling with your furry bestie, this is a great option.

Dinner at The Copper Grouse – One of the Best Restaurants in Manchester Vermont

After checking in, we went straight to The Copper Grouse because we were starving and honestly didn’t feel like going back outside. We had no idea the food was going to be THIS GOOD.

The menu is Inspired by local Vermont flavors with a modern twist, and we went all in:
🥓 Brussels Sprouts cooked with maple syrup, red wine vinegar, and bacon – YES, PLEASE!
🥖 Sourdough Tartine topped with lemon ricotta, shaved Brussels sprouts, butternut squash, sliced apples, pickled cranberries, and microgreens. 
🍚 Risotto (as an Italian, I’d describe it more as a “risotto purée” since it was definitely overcooked… BUT OH SO GOOD!!!) with broccoli rabe, speck, shaved white mushrooms, pumpkin purée, and parmesan.

We loved it so much that we came back for dinner the next day… and again for brunch before heading back to NYC. The avocado toast was incredible and the fluffy pancake with Vermont maple syrup were pure Heaven!

👀 Pro Tip: Even if you’re not staying at the Taconic Hotel, The Copper Grouse is a must-visit spot for food lovers.

Day 2: Adventure first, Spa later 😏 – Best Things to Do in Manchester Vermont

Do I love getting pampered and relaxing at a luxurious spa? Absolutely! However, there’s nothing like unwinding after a super exciting, adventure-filled day!!!

Morning: Land Rover Experience at The Equinox Resort

If you’re looking for the most fun, adrenaline-pumping experience, the Land Rover Experience at the Equinox Resort is an absolute MUST!!!! You’ll gain serious off-road driving skills with the help of top-notch instructors!!

What to expect:

• Expert Guidance: Our instructor, Christina, was phenomenal – knowledgeable, patient, and encouraging. She taught us how to be in full control of the car, even in the toughest conditions… I felt the thrill, and honestly, I had the urge to hug her at the end of the session!!!! WE DID IT!!!! And I felt so powerful 🔥
  PS. Huge thanks to Eric and Dave as well for their support throughout the entire session!
• Challenging Terrain: The course had it all – steep inclines, rocky paths, and water crossings. Every section pushed our skills and tested the Defender’s capabilities.
  GOOD TO KNOW: If you’re expecting to speed through the course like an action movie stunt… think again – LOL. This is about precision, skill, and mastering control. Power means nothing without control 😎
• Personal Growth: I’ve always loved driving, but this experience made me even more confident. Now I know I can tackle any terrain, snow skids included! 💯

🎟 Tickets start at $295 per vehicle for a one-hour session. We booked the two-hour session, and it was worth every second!

QUICK LUNCH AT DORSET UNION STORE

Christina recommended Dorset Union Store for a quick bite, and of course, we HAD to check it out! I mean, who doesn’t love a good country stores?!

✔️ Adorable, historic vibes: it felt like stepping back in time!
✔️ Delicious grab-and-go food: we grabbed sandwiches and homemade baked goods—SO good).
✔️ No seating inside, but we made it work, standing near the window as the snow started falling made it extra magical 🥰❄️

Afternoon: Snowmobiling with Vermont Mountain Adventures

After conquering the off-road trails, we were ready for another unforgettable experience: snowmobiling through a winter wonderland with Vermont Mountain Adventures.

✔️ Speeding Through Scenic Trails: The routes took us through breathtaking landscapes—snow-covered trees, a frozen lake, and wide-open trails. We started in an intense snowstorm (which made it even more epic!) and just as we reached the lake, the sky cleared for the most STUNNING sunset ✨
✔️ Non-Stop OMG Moments: I spent the entire ride screaming, “OMG! OMG! OMG! I CAN’T BELIEVE THIS!!!” I was in pure awe.

🎟 Tickets: $205 per driver, $95 per passenger (both Gosia and I chose to drive our one snowmobile)🔥 Fun Fact: ALL the drivers were guys… except for Gosia and me. 💪🚀

Evening: Relaxation at The Equinox Resort Spa

The Equinox Resort Spa is one of the most relaxing things to do in Manchester Vermont after a day of outdoor adventure. After a full day of adventure, despite the FRIGID weather, we checked in and dipped into the (VERY) HOT tub. Pure bliss!!!

✔️ Spa Day Pass: $50 – includes access to the fitness center, yoga studio, indoor pool, outdoor hot tub, fitness classes, and more.
✔️ Spa treatments are available for an extra fee.
✔️ Staff was AMAZING – super friendly and welcoming!

I’d probably say that the spa area could use some renovations, however, the hot tub was 100% worth it!!! I only wish we had time for a full treatment – everyone we talked to was incredibly friendly and nice. Next time!

Day 3: Skiing at Bromley and Living Like a Local Before Heading Back to NYC

We kicked off our last day with a delicious brunch at The Copper Grouse (as I shared earlier). And since the pancakes were served with Vermont Maple Syrup, we knew we had to hunt some down before leaving 🍁

Morning: Skiing at Bromley Mountain – A Local Favorite Near Manchester Vermont

If you’re looking for the best skiing near Manchester Vermont, Bromley Mountain is a hidden gem locals love. When planning our trip, we originally considered skiing at Stratton – I mean, everyone goes to Stratton, right?!

BUT here’s the catch:
– Stratton is on the Ikon Pass, and I have an Epic Pass (so that was a no-go).
– Christina from the Land Rover Experience told us to check out Bromley instead – and THANK GOODNESS she did!

I had the impression that Bromley was more for families and kids, and since I’m an expert skier who loves a challenge, I probably wouldn’t have considered it. Turns out, Bromley is a hidden gem!
✔️ It’s always sunny (hence, “Vermont’s Sun Mountain”).
✔️ It has diverse terrain: plenty of trails for all levels!
✔️ It’s way less crowded than Stratton!

It was FREEZING (perceived -11ºF 🥶), but if it wasn’t, I probably would have skied all day!!!

Afternoon: A FAIRYTALE Bookstore, VERMONT MAPLE SYRUP & The drivE back

Before heading home, we stopped by Northshire Bookstore in Manchester, one of the most charming independent bookstores in Vermont and a must-stop when visiting Manchester Vermont, and guess who we ran into?! CHRISTINA!!! Yup, fate wanted us to thank her in person for all her amazing recommendations! 😍

We then headed to The Maple Reserve Café to grab some Vermont Maple Syrup for the road… and just like that, our adventure was complete.

Final Thoughts: Why Manchester, Vermont Is the Ultimate NYC Getaway

This Manchester Vermont getaway was the perfect blend of adventure, relaxation, and local charm.

✔️ The Land Rover Experience pushed our limits and left us feeling powerful.
✔️ Snowmobiling in a winter storm turned into the most magical sunset ride ever.
✔️ Skiing at Bromley was a hidden gem we never saw coming.
✔️ Ending with a dreamy bookstore and Vermont maple syrup was the perfect end to our fairytale!

If you’re looking for the perfect weekend getaway from NYC, Manchester Vermont is exciting, beautiful, and totally different!

💬 Which adventure would YOU do first?! Let me know in the comments!