Manchester (shoppers paradise) VT - tips from a local
Written: Dec 29 '00
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Product Rating:
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Pros: Has three great things that start with 's': shopping, scenery, and ski slopes
Cons: The village gets very congested during peak times and traffic is a major problem
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| caurieanne's Full Review: Vermont |
When I think of Manchester, Vermont I think of my orthodontist’s office, a hill that I got in a car accident on, and several homes that my Dad has landscaped. I suppose this is because I am “a local” and most of my memories about Manchester are the type of memories you could have about anywhere you grew up (I grew up in Salem, New York – a little farm town on the border of Vermont about twenty minutes from Manchester.)
However, when I visited my parent’s farm this weekend and made a quick trip to Manchester to return some Christmas gifts I saw a ton of out of state license plates (mainly New Jersey, New York, Connecticut, and Quebec). I decided, for a moment, to look at Manchester not from the eyes of “a local,” but from those of a tourist and, for the most part, I liked what I saw.
If you are a tourist looking for a fun weekend get-a-way, Manchester is it. Located in the Southern part of the state (about four hours from New York City) it has almost everything a tourist could want: beautiful scenery (mountains, not ocean); top rate dining; excellent shopping; a wide mix of lodging options; and lots of fun things to do.
In terms of the shopping, bring your American Express card because Manchester is heaven for both bargain shoppers and budget-less shoppers alike. I was in Manchester this weekend to shop at the following outlet stores: J.C. Crew; Levis; Jockey; and Bass. These are nice stores with great deals, but not “the best” stores in Manchester. Other designer outlet stores in Manchester are: Tommy Hilfinger; Orvis; Donna Karen; Ellen Tracy; Coach; Burberry; Nine West; Dana Buchman; Liz Claiborne; Giorgio Armani; Movado; Escada; Godiva; Calvin Klein; Brooks Brothers; Anne Klein; Bose; Etienne Aigner; Lancome; Tumi; Ralph Lauren; and many others.
Manchester also boosts many locally owned businesses that you probably have not heard of, but are nice places to shop as well. These shops include the Jelly Mill; Mother Myric’s Bakery; The Northshire Bookstore (independently owned and a great bookstore!); The Vermont Country Store (penny candy!); Christmas Days; Basketville (a little outside the village); and some great children’s boutiques.
Shopping is not the only thing to do in Manchester, though, the other big activity also starts with an ‘s’ and involves snow, gloves, and lots of adrenalin. Manchester is close to many ski areas (Bromley and Stratton in particular) and has many nice places to lodge on various budgets. There are many family owned motor inns with reasonable rates located right outside Manchester village on Route 7A. If you want to splurge, you can stay at the Equinox – one of New England’s most famous inns and in the heart of Manchester. There, you will get top-notch service, dining, and accommodations (I know because my best friend was the head pastry chef there for several years!) Manchester also boosts a bevy of Bed and Breakfasts (try saying that ten times fast!) that are within walking distance of all the shopping and action.
If you are not visiting Manchester in the winter and are not particular fond of shopping everyday, don’t fret, there are still plenty of things to do besides ski and spend. Manchester is the home of Robert Todd Lincoln’s Hildene – a 24-room Georgian revival mansion that President Lincoln’s ancestors lived in for many years. Tours are held daily from May to October (www.hildene.org). Manchester also has a great golf course, hiking trails, fly fishing, and excellent dining year round.
My personal favorite places to dine are: The Sirloin Saloon (the salad bar, steaks, and chicken teryaki, are to die for!); The Quality (inexpensive but homey and delicious for lunch); and Candelero’s Mexican Cantina. Manchester does not have a Thai or Indian restaurant, which I find annoying, but there are lots of other choices.
Growing up so close to Manchester I really took it for granted, but now I realize what a unique and beautiful town it is. The only bad thing I have to say about Manchester is that during peak times (fall foliage, ski season, and summer) it is an absolute traffic nightmare! The streets are tiny, the traffic lights are virtually non-existent, and there are SUVs everywhere. I have seen numerous instances of road rage right in the village (all involving vehicles with out of state plates I should add) and it disgusts me. If you want to come to Manchester to relax, come during a weird time like March or November when you can take advantage of all the perks without dealing with all the jerks like I saw this weekend. You won’t be disappointed and with all the incredible outlets you won't go home with a lighter suitcase either!
Thanks for reading my post. Love it or hate it, please just rate it!
Recommended:
Yes
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Epinions.com ID:
caurieanne
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Location: Upstate New York
Reviews written: 30
Trusted by: 26 members
About Me:
I am a native upstate New Yorker and freelance writer who currently lives in Rochester.
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