My husband and I just returned from a relaxing winter weekend in Vermont. We just love visiting Vermont in the fall and winter. It’s just a little over a two hour drive from where we live in Connecticut, so it makes the perfect weekend getaway. We stayed at the charming Kimpton Taconic Hotel in Manchester Village. The backdrop of the mountains, the beautiful town, award-winning restaurant, and its close proximity to popular ski resorts makes this an ideal location for your winter fun in the Green Mountains.
Here’s my weekend recap of our stay and Manchester Area Travel Guide…
Arriving at the Kimpton Taconic, and those famous Vermont marble sidewalks. My travel style: Plaid Flannel Weekender Bag, Green Hardcase Suitcase, Leather Basket Weave Handbag, Boiled Wool Top Coat (older), Beige and White Blanket Scarf, Bootcut Jeans, Cashmere Turtleneck, Sunglasses, Hat (older)
We arrived at the hotel on a Friday evening, just in time to have a late dinner and unwind. We stayed in a King Suite on the top floor that was so cozy with a fireplace and large soaking tub. It was so nice to sit by the fire, and relax before bedtime here every night.
Our room
Our king suite was the perfect place to relax after a day out and about. We loved having a fireplace right by the bed, and the soaking tub made for a great relaxing nighttime ritual. Also, the Frette robes were a nice touch.
Day One
We started our day with breakfast in Dorset at one of my personal favorites when we visit the region. The Dorset Bakery has a great breakfast and lunch menu. If you are looking for a hearty start, we highly recommend it.
The Dorset Union Store has become a favorite stop for us when we visit this region. They have a great assortment of sundries, a gourmet market, baked goods, and we love to grab a sandwich from the delicatessen to pack on picnics or to enjoy on the tables outside.
The whole point of this trip was just to relax and enjoy the beauty of the mountains. We stopped in at The Dorset Union Store, H.N. Williams, and J.K. Adams in Dorset to peruse and shop. J.K. Adams is a great shop that makes cutting boards on site, and has a wonderful kitchen store. They have some beautiful pieces. H.N. Williams General Store has an array of Vermont products, a huge clothing section for the family, and a market.
*We love to dine at The Barrow’s House too when we come up here. Another restaurant to add to your list in Dorset.
This is the Chiselville Covered Bridge built in 1870 with its warning sign in the town of Sunderland, VT. Just a 10 minute drive from Manchester. This bridge was featured in the movie Baby Boom.
After a little shopping, we took a leisurely drive from Dorset to Arlington. There are two covered bridges in this area. The Chiselville Bridge is just a 10 minute drive from Manchester, and we drove through it to Arlington. We then stopped at the West Arlington Covered Bridge. This bridge is listed on the National Register of Historic Places as a famous landmark next to the home Norman Rockwell lived in for many years. The home is now an inn. The only wish I had was that there would be snow, but once we drove out of Manchester, all the snow had melted in the Arlington area. It was still beautiful, but maybe next time…
The porch, firepit, and grounds at the Kimpton Taconic Hotel.
We had a very light lunch back in Manchester at Charlie’s Cafe. Then, we headed back to the hotel to enjoy some tea on the porch and relax around the outdoor firepit.
Dinner at The Copper Grouse at The Kimpton Taconic Hotel.
That night, we had a lovely dinner at the hotel’s restaurant, The Copper Grouse. The seasonal menu is the brainchild of new Executive Chef, Jeremy Taisey. He’s done a brilliant job sourcing from local farms and area bakers. It was such a lovely night dining fireside. My husband had the Braised Short Ribs and I enjoyed the Artic Char. Both were beautifully plated and full of layered flavor that comes from the skill of Chef Taisey. At the recommendation of Chef, we indulged in the Apple Cider Donuts with Marscapone and Glaze. The best way I can describe having dinner here is it’s elevated comfort food. You really can’t go wrong with that.
Day Two
The next morning, we enjoyed a walk along Main Street. This is such a pleasant walk with the classic white clapboard homes with black shutters, the marble sidewalks, and scenic mountains all around you.
One of the classic Vermont homes on Main Street in Manchester with the marble sidewalks.
Once back to the hotel, we hung out in the library. This is a great spot to enjoy with books, games, and a television. At 5pm every day guests can enjoy happy hour here too.
Mid-morning we had brunch at The Copper Grouse, and it was incredible. The menu has breakfast and lunch offerings. We opted to try the breakfast fare and our favorites included the blueberry pancakes, homemade granola, quiche Lorraine, and the eggs Benedict. Again, Chef Taisey out-did himself! It was delicious, and we will be dreaming of that breakfast. If you are visiting you must do brunch here on Sunday. You will not be disappointed!
Sunday Brunch at The Copper Grouse in The Kimpton Taconic Hotel.
After brunch, we stopped in town to shop at Simon Pearce, The Vermont Flannel Company, Northshire Bookstore, and the Pendletown Outlet. All favorites in the Manchester Downtown. Then, it was time to meander our way back to Connecticut. We always stop at The Vermont Country Store on our way home to pick up goodies for the boys. There are two locations. The original store in Weston and one in Rockingham.
Ski Resorts in the Area
This is quite the popular destination in the winter for skiing with so many slopes nearby. Also, Stratton offers tubing if that is more your speed. February is prime ski season here.
Other area attractions
Hildene, The Lincoln Family Home
American Museum of Fly-Fishing
Pin for Later
The Kimpton Taconic Hotel is such a charming hotel to stay at in the Manchester area. Our room was so cozy and well-appointed, the restaurant is top-notch, and the location is right on Main Street in heart of Manchester.
Also, they are very pet-friendly. They do not charge a pet fee for guests, and there is no weight limit on dogs. So, if you are traveling with your four-legged friend, this is a really nice stay for the both of you.
Many thanks to the team at The Taconic Hotel. I take great care to partner hotels, resorts, and inns that meet our personal tastes & standards.