This autumn has been a bit strange…two years ago we had the most brilliant colors everywhere, last year was very dull, and the leaves fell pretty quickly. This year I saw trees starting to turn in early/mid August, yet we still have green trees everywhere in our backyard (usually just about all the leaves have fallen by this time). And if I drive straight across the state, every town is in a different stage of fall.
We were lucky enough to see peak foliage on our day trip to Manchester, VT last week, which straight west from where I live in southern, NH. After two towns away from our house, all the foliage was past peek, and there was rain and fog the whole drive. It was only when we descended down into the town of Manchester, that the colors became brilliant, and the rain and fog lifted! The result was the most amazing views of the surrounding hillsides from everywhere in the town. We couldn’t have timed it better!
Manchester is one of the prettiest towns in Vermont, and there is a lot to do, which makes it the perfect day trip.
EATING
We usually like to start with breakfast at The Copper Grouse, which is the restaurant inside the Taconic Hotel. It reminds me a bit of being inside an elegant pub in England, which is half the reason I go…lol. The other half is the fact that they serve an amazing breakfast. I had the delicious french toast with berries.
I also adore the tavern at the Equinox Hotel. We have had dessert there twice, and each time was amazing! There lunch menu looks exceptional as well!
WHAT TO DO
Manchester is home to the Orvis headquarters, and there is a beautiful store in town, along with their very own fly fishing museum and school!
Just down the road is a Land Rover off-roading course, where you can take hourly or day lessons on off-roading.
You can drive or hike up Equinox Mountain, which I hope to do one day when there isn’t fog!
Just outside of town is Hildene, the home of Robert Todd Lincoln, and you can tour the house and the gorgeous garden.
Downtown Manchester has a large outlet mall and shopping area.
Manchester also has the most amazing bookstore! Northshire Bookstore is the perfect place to cozy up and enjoy a foggy afternoon.
And my favorite thing to do in Manchester…walk. The homes along the main road are so beautiful, it was delightful to stroll down the marble sidewalks in the crisp autumn weather and admire the architecture around us!
Next week I’ll be blogging about my favorite fall day trip that I have made into a tradition! Stay tuned!