As much as we love how quick and easy it is to day trip over to the Manchester area of Vermont, we have never really been able to get out and explore as much as we’d like. We were so excited to spend a couple nights there last weekend (check out the video recap here) and would love to share a few favorites with you in this mini travel guide!
Where to Stay
Hill Farm Inn // I hesitate to even tell you this because Hill Farm Inn is one of those gems that I’d (selfishly) like to keep hidden. :)
Just outside Manchester in the town of Sunderland, this beautiful property sits on a hill (hence the name) overlooking the valley and mountains beyond. The main house and inn date back to 1790(!!), and are beautifully updated to feel modern but still maintain that cozy farmhouse vibe.
An added bonus (and if you’re anything like me, the best part) is the big red barn on property, housing the resident pigs, goats, and sheep. They were our first stop every morning before walking the trail down to the Battenkill River (which, by the way, is the perfect thing to do to burn some calories before the amazing breakfast back at the Inn). The lovely Innkeeper Mariah also just so happens to be a fantastic chef, and whips up everything from homemade granola to pumpkin bread and french toast with Vermont maple syrup.
Hill Farm is the kind of place that makes you want to sit and stay awhile. For someone like me that is constantly planning the next activity, this is the perfect place to just be.
What to Do
There’s plenty to do nearby (though cozying up by the fire at Hill Farm the entire time is a perfectly good choice too!). Here are a few of our favorites from this trip:
Get Lost! My favorite part of any road trip is venturing off the beaten path. The best views are typically on the back roads, and we just turn down any road that looks promising. Between Manchester, Dorset, Arlington, and Sunderland, you're bound to find plenty of old barns, covered bridges, historic homes, and country stores (check out the West Arlington Covered Bridge and the Dorset Union Store, pictured here!).
Visit Hildene Tour the gorgeous estate of Robert Todd Lincoln (son of Abraham Lincoln!) - don't miss the gardens and of course, the farm!
Shopping The Manchester outlets are just minutes up the road and have all the favorites (J. Crew Factory, Loft, Brooks Brothers, etc), and don't miss Northshire Bookstore (grab coffee and a cinnamon roll at Spiral Press next door!).
On our list for next trip: A visit to Merck Forest and Farm, a cruise up Skyline Drive, hike and picnic at Equinox Pond, a jaunt to nearby Weston and the Vermont Country Store.
Where to Eat
Hill Farm Inn Included in (and one of the best parts!) of the stay here. You definitely won’t need lunch after this spread!
Copper Grouse Part of the Taconic hotel in town, this came highly recommended. Cocktails by the fire to start, and the coziest atmosphere inside (not to mention the food!). Topped off with Brown Sugar Molasses Cheesecake, this is a must.
Dorset Inn Our second night, this was a top pick from Innkeeper Mariah at Hill Farm and it did not disappoint. The food was perfect and the small town atmosphere sitting at the bar in the tavern was even better.
Mother Myrick's If you’re looking for a little dessert to take back to the Inn after dinner, this is our pick. The Buttercrunch is a must and don't leave without a Lemon Lulu Cake (grab a six pack of minis to go!).
On our list for next trip: Ye Olde Tavern (we've eaten here in the past and loved it), Silver Fork, Al Ducci's Market, Dorset Rising, Barrows House
As perfect as the trip to Hill Farm Inn was in the fall for the sunny days and chilly evenings by the fire, I can only imagine how cozy this place will be in the winter with a fresh blanket of snow on the ground. If you're looking for me in January, you know where I’ll be ;) And if you have any suggestions for the Manchester area, I’d love to hear!
Until next time, Hill Farm Inn!
In my bag this trip: Bag / Travel Cases / Plaid Shirt / Bean Boots / Gingham Shirt / Black Watch Flannel / Plaid Shirtdress /
*This trip was in partnership with Vermont Department of Tourism. A huge thank you to Hill Farm Inn and Copper Grouse for welcoming us as their guests. As always, all opinions are my own.