The Perfect 3-day Weekend in Manchester, Vermont

Whether you’re looking for a relaxing getaway or a few days on the slopes, the small but trendy town of Manchester, Vermont, is one of the best year-round destinations in the state. Less than a four-hour drive from Manhattan and three hours by car from Boston, Manchester is easily accessible for a three-day weekend. Its quaint streets embody quintessential small-town Vermont, offering exceptional accommodations, white church steeples, local breweries, fantastic restaurants, dynamite art galleries, and many other attractions. Manchester transforms from a snow-covered ski town in the winter to a lively arts and hiking magnet in the spring, summer, and fall. Here are some ideas for how to spend a long weekend, no matter the season.

Day 1

Check into the Kimpton Taconic Hotel, a contemporary property with the feel of a nostalgic New England resort. If you’re arriving in the early afternoon, drop off your bags and head into town on one of the hotel’s loaner bikes, or go for a leisurely stroll. Noodle around the town center and shop at Manchester Designer Outlets or any of the unique mom-and-pop stores. End the afternoon at the famous Northshire Bookstore, which is set in the Colburn House, a former stagecoach inn. Delve into a rare book or simply browse through the one-of-a-kind photo books.

Since it’s your first night, you might just want to chill out for the rest of the evening at the Taconic. The hotel’s rustic-chic restaurant, The Copper Grouse, is one the best eateries in the area and uses seasonal, locally sourced ingredients. For pre-dinner hors d'oeuvres, try the cheese and charcuterie board with one of the many specialty cocktails or craft beers. You can dine by the fireplace in the lounge or grab your drinks and sit outside by the fire pit. Even though the menu changes every season, the Wagyu burger is a staple.

Day 2

After a restful night's sleep, it's time to scurry to the popular Up for Breakfast. True to its name, the small eatery is on the second floor of an old building. The country-style breakfast- and brunch-only spot is best for a hearty omelet or the celebrated morning glory pancakes served with hot Vermont maple syrup. Get there on the early side if you don't want to wait, since the place doesn't take reservations (or credit cards).

When you're feeling sufficiently satiated, jump in the car and head to Bromley Mountain. If you’re visiting in the summer, Bromley’s slopes feature an alpine slide that runs two-thirds of a mile down the mountain. The resort also has one of the longest zip lines in Vermont for those who love a serious adrenaline rush. In the fall, the chairlift opens for leaf peepers. During winter, snow bunnies can get there early and buy a half-day ski pass. Although the mountain is smaller than its neighbors like Stratton and Stowe, you’ll rarely wait in a lift line, and since the mountain faces south, the slopes stay a bit warmer when the temperature drops to the single digits.

Tuckered out from a morning of activities? It’s time to head back toward town and spend the afternoon at the Southern Vermont Arts Center. It's open year-round and exhibits a diverse range of work, including outdoor sculptures, photographs, abstract paintings, Cubist portraits, and classical landscapes. Sit down for a bite and a quick rest at the Curate café. The menu is simple but fresh, with salads, artisanal sandwiches, flatbreads, and dinner offerings. Call ahead, though — the café is open Thursdays to Sundays and reservations are mandatory. If the great outdoors still beckons, the property offers acres of hiking trails and the Boswell Botany Trail.

Manchester is known for its mellow vibe, and after a full day of gallivanting, a low-key evening will feel good. Grab dinner at the Chop House inside The Equinox Golf Resort and Spa and then hit the resort's Falcon Bar for a nightcap and live music. Or skip the drinks and rock on a porch chair while stargazing back at The Copper Grouse.

Day 3

When you’re visiting Vermont, a food pilgrimage to a classic American diner is a must. Bob’s Diner is a great bet for a hearty breakfast. Forget avocado toast and chai lattes, because Bob’s is all about traditional grub. The iconic establishment has everything from eggs over easy with buttered toast and a cup of black java to mini buttermilk flapjacks with the perfect amount of melted butter and powdered sugar. You’ll feel like you’ve walked back in time with the steel countertop molding, red cushioned barstools, and a colorful 1950s jukebox.

From the diner, drive north on Route 7 for about 20 minutes to Mountain View Ranch for some leisurely horseback riding. Vermont is known for its trail rides, and seeing the mountain peaks and rolling farmland from the saddle is a must-try. Depending on your skill and comfort level with a horse, choose from private or group excursions that range from one to two hours long. You can also sign up for a Sunset Ride and other special sessions. It's a bit harder to go for a trot in winter when the trails are covered in snow, so the ranch also offers sleigh rides. Hop aboard and snuggle up in a plaid blanket for an outing to a campsite, where the ranch provides cold-weather sustenance like hot chocolate.

By noon, it’ll be time to get the horses to the stable and drive back to Manchester for lunch at Depot 62. The Turkish/Mediterranean restaurant sits inside a quirky antiques shop with private tables near the window and a copper communal table in the middle. The menu is all about brick-oven pizzas, lamb kebabs, and baklava — a nice change of pace from the classic Vermont dishes.

Dedicate the last afternoon of your trip to history at the famous Hildene house — the former estate of President Abraham Lincoln’s son, Robert, and his wife, Mary. The property covers more than 400 acres, which include formal gardens, a carriage barn, and many other enticing attractions. One of the most notable pieces on display in the 1905 Georgian Revival mansion is President Lincoln’s stovepipe hat. The estate also houses an intricate 1903 Pullman Sunbeam train car (Robert Lincoln served as president and chairman of the board of the Pullman Company until his death in 1926). Visitors can explore more than 12 miles of trails on the grounds — even in winter when they're open for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing.

To end the perfect three-day trip, get a taste of both old and new Vermont over dinner at the Silver Fork, run by a husband-and-wife team. Set within an elegant former library, the art-filled restaurant features a bar made of wood salvaged from the bookshelves and an airy dining room in a 1964 wing designed by Buckminster Fuller. The eclectic, globally inspired menu changes daily depending on the chef's inspiration and what he finds at the market. (Tip: The Silver Fork is closed Sundays and Mondays, so if your last day in Manchester is a Sunday, switch this with your Copper Grouse dinner night.)