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Hildene Estate Vermont
Photo Courtesy of  Hildene

Dorset / Manchester Day Trip Itinerary

Our guests are always looking for new opportunities to explore Vermont and beyond. That’s why we’re excited to share our newest adventures – One Day Trip Itineraries!  Our unique itineraries take all the guesswork out of planning each day, and offer you extraordinary discoveries!  

 

One of our frequent guests once remarked,The drive is as exciting as the destination itself.

It’s amazing what you stumble upon along the way!” 

Dorset is quintessential Vermont; this vibrant and historic community is nestled in the hills of southern Vermont. Make sure to have lunch on the Dorset Green!

Dorset Union Store: 802.867.4400. Purveyors of Necessities & Frivolities since 1816. They have stayed true to the authentic character of a Vermont General Store. Grab a delicious lunch and dine al fresco on the “Dorset Green”.

3 Pears Gallery: 802.867.7081. Two floors of fine art, artisanal pieces, handcrafted gifts, pottery and jewelry can be found in this historic house on the “Dorset Green”. You can easily spend an hour here and our guests absolutely love this gallery! 

Dorset Bakery: 802.867.7021. Located in the heart of historic Dorset Village is a boutique bakery and café admired for its classic American baked goods featuring handmade crusty breads and pastries. Dine in this Provincial-style restaurant or al fresco.

H.N. Williams General Store: 802.867.5353. (Summer Farmers’ Market) this one of a kind “country store” experience has been family owned since 1840. Find cold weather gear, incredible selection of footwear and all things Vermont.  And, a wonderful deli!

The Dorset Quarry: Nestled amongst old quarry rocks, Yankee Magazine pronounced this unique historical landmark, recreational area, and destination as one of the top ten swimming holes in New England – the oldest marble quarry in the country.

J.K. Adams Kitchen Store: 866.362.4422. (Winter Farmers’ Market) Well known for their fine quality wood products, cookware, counter top appliances and Vermont specialty foods. All of our guests bring something home from here!

Mad Tom Orchard: East Dorset, VT. 802.366.8107. Raspberries start in early July, open days vary, check their website before visiting and always closed on Mondays. Spend a morning or afternoon picking berries and enjoy Vermont’s fresh air and views.

Manchester, Vermont, a historic quaint New England town with charming covered bridges nearby, lush Green Mountains and idyllic scenery with plenty of “things to do”.

Hildene, The Lincoln Family Home: 802.362.1788. Robert Todd Lincoln’s estate is set on 412 acres with spectacular views of the valley and Green Mountains. The gardens are a must see and make sure to spend time at the farm.

The American Museum of Fly Fishing: 802.362.3300. Even if you don’t fly fish, the American Museum of Fly Fishing in Manchester is interesting, and the interior is filled with New England charm. The museum has thoughtful exhibitions that will appeal to everyone—from fly fishers, to outdoor enthusiasts, and history buffs! We visit every year!


Equinox Preservation Trust: Excellent hiking on Equinox Mountain. From Equinox Pond, follow gentle trails through stunted fir and spruce trees. The trails with varying terrain and difficulty are well maintained. The mountain spring water is delicious!

Seven Springs Garden and Sculpture Park: Located on Route 7A south of Manchester, just three miles south of the Equinox Hotel. Set on more than twenty acres, the gardens include fields and forest, a Japanese garden, fifteen sculptures, two miles of winding footpaths and four generations of loving stewardship. Reservation required, no admission charge. And, a must visit.


Lye Brook Falls: Spectacular natural wonder is easily on the list of the best waterfalls in the state. The falls are over 150' and isolated deep into the green mountain national forest. It takes time to get there, but it’s worth it.

Manchester Designer Outlets: Manchester’s outlets offer the finest shopping venue in Vermont and a perennial favorite of our guests. Spend a day strolling thru charming streets and historic buildings while visiting well known designer shops. 

Pastime Pinball: 802.366.1200. Family-friendly playable pinball museum in Manchester. Their collection features more than 60 top-rated pinball machines from every major American manufacturer—it’s the perfect hands-on activity for the entire family! 


Northshire Bookstore: 802.362.2200. The number one independent book seller on the East Coast with an extensive events calendar. The second floor is devoted to kid’s books, educational toys and games. 

Equinox Skyline Drive: Arlington, Vermont. 802.362.1115. Experience the breathtaking drive to the summit of Mt. Equinox, elevation 3,848 ft. Enjoy scenic picnic areas and hike the trails at the summit! (40 minutes from the inn, just south of Manchester)

Helmholz Fine Art: 802.855.1678. A contemporary gallery and another in Tribeca, NYC is complete with renowned world-class artists, Helmholz features beautifully executed exhibits worth visiting. Also, speak with Lisa about all her philanthropic projects!

Tilting at Windmills Gallery: 802.362.3022. One of New England’s largest fine art galleries featuring a broad selection of work by important regional, national, and international artists. Tilting’s full calendar of exhibits are always very well attended!

Southern Vermont Art Center: 802.862.1405. Situated on over one-hundred acres of pristine forest in the heart of the Green Mountains; SVAC offers a sophisticated experience with a rotating calendar of exhibitions.

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