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shops in New England, both in terms of the number of shops in a compact area (it’s very walkable and parkable, so you won’t get tired) and the quality of the merchandise. Among the designers and retailers with outlet shops here are: Brooks Brothers, Coach, Michael Kors, Ann Taylor, Talbot’s, Eddie Bauer, BCBG Max Azria, Giorgio Armani, Kate Spade, Polo Ralph Lauren, and Theory. Most of the shops are in little mini-mall clusters in and around the busy little intersection at the heart of town. Hungry from shopping and window-shopping? In season there’s an outdoor stand scooping Ben & Jerry’s ice cream, and a brand new cafe serves good sandwiches, lunches, and coffee to the shopped-out masses.
If your interests include fishing or outdoorsy fashion of the genteel, country manor variety, though, head instead for Orvis, the Manchester-based local company that has crafted a worldwide reputation for manufacturing top-flight fly-fishing equipment and the associated gear. The massive, wood-framed Orvis Company Store (https://stores.orvis.com/us/vermont/manchester; 802/362-3750) between Manchester and Manchester Center sells housewares, men’s and women’s clothing—both for daily wear and sturdy outdoor use—plus, of course, more fly-fishing equipment than you’ll ever need (budget close to three grand for one of their signature bamboo rods). Two small ponds just outside the shop allow prospective customers to try the gear before buying. A sale room, with even more deeply discounted items, is directly behind the main store.
Southern Vermont Arts Center MUSEUM/PERFORMANCE SPACE Located in a striking Georgian Revival home surrounded by more than 55 hillside acres, overlooking land that once belonged to fly-fishing magnate Charles Orvis, the center’s galleries display works from its permanent collection, as well as frequently changing exhibits of contemporary Vermont artists. An appealing modern building across the drive displays additional works, and there is an extensive sculpture garden. Check the center’s schedule before you arrive; you may be able to sign up for an art class or workshop, or attend one of the frequent live music performances. Leave time to enjoy a light lunch at the Garden Cafe and wander the lovely grounds.
West Rd., Manchester. www.svac.org. 802/362-1405. $8 adults, $3 students, free for kids 12 and under; Tues free. Open June–Sept Mon–Sat 10am–5pm; Sun noon–5pm.
Skiing
See also Mount Snow, p. 483.
Bromley Mountain Ski Resort Bromley is a great place to learn to ski if you don’t already know how. Gentle and forgiving, the mountain features long, looping, intermediate runs that are tremendously popular with families and beginners; Ski magazine once named it the second-best ski destination in the entire country for families. The slopes are mostly south-facing, which means they receive the warmth of the sun and protection from the harshest winter winds. There’s one ski school for kids, another for adults; the base-lodge scene is mellower than at many other resorts; and the experience is nearly guaranteed to be relaxing. Even snowboarders and telemark skiers are made to feel welcome. This is not a fancy-pants resort, however, and there are no quintuple-diamond, by-the-seat-of-your-pants runs here; if you crave that, bypass Bromley.
3984 Rte. 11, Peru (8 miles NE of Manchester Center). www.bromley.com. 802/824-5522. Day lift tickets $80–$84 adults, half-day $65–$69; discounts for youths and seniors, and for spring skiing.
Stratton Mountain Ski Resort Founded in the 1960s, Stratton labored in its early days under the belief that Vermont ski areas needed to be Tyrolean to be successful—hence the Swiss-chalet feel of the architecture. In recent years, though, Stratton has worked to shed its image as a haven of alpine quaintness. In a bid to attract a younger set, new owners spent more than $25 million in improvements, mostly in snowmaking, which covers 95% of the mountain. Now this mountain is consistently ranked among the nation’s best-groomed by skiers, and also picks up big kudos for its lifts, dining choices, and customer service. The slopes here are especially popular with snowboarders; expert skiers should check out Upper Middlebrook, a twisting run off the summit.
5 Village Lodge Rd., Stratton Mountain (16 miles SE of Manchester Center). www.stratton.com. 800/787-2886 or 802/297-4000. Day lift tickets $115 adults, half-day $85; discounts for seniors, children, and online purchase.
Other Outdoor Activities
Hiking & Biking Scenic hiking trails ranging in difficulty from “very challenging” to “easy-as-an-after-dinner-stroll” can be found in the hills a short drive from town. At the Green Mountain District Ranger Station in Manchester (see “Visitor Information,” p. 479), ask for the free brochure listing hiking trails easily reached from the town.
A scenic drive 30 to 40 minutes northwest of Manchester Center takes you to the Delaware and Hudson Rail-Trail, approximately 20 miles of which have been built in two sections in Vermont. The southern section of the trail runs about 10 miles from West Pawlet to the state line at West Rupert, over trestles and past vestiges of former industry. Like most rail-trails, this one is perfect for exploring by mountain bike. You’ll bike sometimes on the original ballast, other times through grassy growth. To reach the trail head, drive north on Route 30 from Manchester Center to Route 315, then continue north on Route 153. In West Pawlet, park at the trailhead on Egg Street, then set off on the trail southward from the old D&H freight depot across the street.
Vermont’s famed Long Trail offers a more rugged hiking experience. It crosses Routes 11/30 east of Manchester Center, and continues north to Bromley Mountain and south to Stratton. For information, contact the Green Mountain Club (www.greenmountainclub.org; 802/244-7037).
The hills around Manchester are full of other great touring rides, too. Your headquarters should be Battenkill Sports Bike Shop (www.battenkillbicycles.com; 800/340-2734 or 802/362-2734), at 1240 Depot Street, in downtown Manchester Center. It’s a wonderful little place, with free local bike maps, great bikes for sale, and a range of rentals from hybrids to touring cycles to mountain bikes ($40–$45 per day; locks and helmets are included).
Canoeing For a duck’s-eye view of the rolling hills, stop by BattenKill Canoe Ltd. (www.battenkill.com; 800/421-5268 or 802/362-2800) at 6328 Route 7A (about halfway between Arlington and the Equinox Resort). This friendly outfit offers daily canoe rentals for exploring the Battenkill River and surrounding areas, as well as guided trips ranging from 2 hours to all day, and the firm specializes in multiple-night, inn-to-inn canoe packages. The shop is open daily in season (which runs from about May–Oct) from 9am to 5:30pm, and Wednesday through Friday only during the rest of the year—but check ahead if you’re coming during those months.
Fly-Fishing Why not learn from the best? Aspiring anglers can sign up for fly-fishing classes taught by skilled instructors affiliated with Orvis (
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