Maurie’s guidebook
Food Scene
This is not a complete list of all the choices around. PLEASE DOUBLECHECK HOURS OPEN. Hours can be fluid based on staffing availability. Be patient with staff. They work hard and deserve your respect.
I've included the distance from here, the 1850 Marble Path House!
Breakfast and lunch. 6 minute walk. Great location with wraparound porch. I recommend the cinnamon buns, scones, breakfast sandwiches quiche. Delicious soups and sandwiches for lunch.
7 Einheimische empfehlen
Charlie's Coffee House
39 Bonnet StBreakfast and lunch. 6 minute walk. Great location with wraparound porch. I recommend the cinnamon buns, scones, breakfast sandwiches quiche. Delicious soups and sandwiches for lunch.
Breakfast and lunch, located inside the Northshire Bookstore. 5 minute walk. The eating room is very large and comfortable. They have outdoor tables as well. Great spot for a rainy day.
12 Einheimische empfehlen
Bonnet & Main Café
15 Bonnet StBreakfast and lunch, located inside the Northshire Bookstore. 5 minute walk. The eating room is very large and comfortable. They have outdoor tables as well. Great spot for a rainy day.
Dinner, lunch on weekends too. ONE minute walk. MAKE RESERVATIONS. Thursday night margarita special. Love the burritos. Nice outdoor seating when weather is good.
37 Einheimische empfehlen
Gringo Jack's Southwestern Bar & Grill
5103 Main StDinner, lunch on weekends too. ONE minute walk. MAKE RESERVATIONS. Thursday night margarita special. Love the burritos. Nice outdoor seating when weather is good.
Dinner. 2 minute walk.. MAKE RESERVATIONS. This is in a very historic building, so has a nice old-feel atmosphere. They also have outdoor tables. Make sure to get the cranberry fritters w/maple butter.
47 Einheimische empfehlen
YE OLDE TAVERN
5183 Main StDinner. 2 minute walk.. MAKE RESERVATIONS. This is in a very historic building, so has a nice old-feel atmosphere. They also have outdoor tables. Make sure to get the cranberry fritters w/maple butter.
Lunch and Dinner. 3 minute walk. This place has the most consistent hours, so when all else fails, you can always have pizza! It is my favorite pizza place and I also love their turkey paninie and stuffed shells with garlic bread. Indoor and outdoor seating.
33 Einheimische empfehlen
Christos' Pizza and Pasta
4931 Main StLunch and Dinner. 3 minute walk. This place has the most consistent hours, so when all else fails, you can always have pizza! It is my favorite pizza place and I also love their turkey paninie and stuffed shells with garlic bread. Indoor and outdoor seating.
Breakfast and lunch. 5 minute drive, not walkable. It is in the direction of Bromley Mountain. Great variety of traditional diner favorites plus more updated meals . Fun spot to sit outside when weather is good.
36 Einheimische empfehlen
Bob's Diner
2279 Depot StreetBreakfast and lunch. 5 minute drive, not walkable. It is in the direction of Bromley Mountain. Great variety of traditional diner favorites plus more updated meals . Fun spot to sit outside when weather is good.
Breakfast and lunch. 10 minute walk. Bagel and sandwich joint. Great place to pick up a bagel sandwich to bring on a bike ride or hike. My favorite is the Farmer's veggie, which I request on a jalapeno cheese bagel.
18 Einheimische empfehlen
The Works Café
13 Riverside HeightsBreakfast and lunch. 10 minute walk. Bagel and sandwich joint. Great place to pick up a bagel sandwich to bring on a bike ride or hike. My favorite is the Farmer's veggie, which I request on a jalapeno cheese bagel.
Breakfast and lunch seasonally. 18 minute walk through town (shop on the way back). Just love this airstream food spot. My favorite is their breakfast burrito for any time - totally awesome. Say hi to Gary for me.
Amy’s on the Road
4361 Main StreetBreakfast and lunch seasonally. 18 minute walk through town (shop on the way back). Just love this airstream food spot. My favorite is their breakfast burrito for any time - totally awesome. Say hi to Gary for me.
Dinner. 30 minute walk through town, or 5 minute drive. If you don't have a reservation now, it's probably too late. Located in the old library, a unique historic building booming with atmosphere. I have not been there yet but it was rated the best "first date" place in the country! Perhaps you could go for just drinks?
59 Einheimische empfehlen
The Silver Fork
48 W RdDinner. 30 minute walk through town, or 5 minute drive. If you don't have a reservation now, it's probably too late. Located in the old library, a unique historic building booming with atmosphere. I have not been there yet but it was rated the best "first date" place in the country! Perhaps you could go for just drinks?
Dinners, sometimes lunch. 4 minute walk. This is a cool place with both an outdoor gazebo above the river and a cozy basement pub with pool table. I haven't been here in a while but they have a really excellent 'beet burger'.
32 Einheimische empfehlen
Union Underground
4928 Main StDinners, sometimes lunch. 4 minute walk. This is a cool place with both an outdoor gazebo above the river and a cozy basement pub with pool table. I haven't been here in a while but they have a really excellent 'beet burger'.
Dinner. 13 minute walk through town. My gal pals could not find a place to eat on a busy holiday weekend and we ended up here and had a great time.
9 Einheimische empfehlen
Haig's Restaurant & Sports Bar
4566 Main Street Dinner. 13 minute walk through town. My gal pals could not find a place to eat on a busy holiday weekend and we ended up here and had a great time.
7 minute drive. This very special cafe at the Southern Vermont Arts Center is in the Yester House and has indoor and outdoor seating with lovely views and fabulous food. Check for hours. Reservations recommended.
Curate
860 Southern Vermont Arts Center Dr7 minute drive. This very special cafe at the Southern Vermont Arts Center is in the Yester House and has indoor and outdoor seating with lovely views and fabulous food. Check for hours. Reservations recommended.
Dinner, sometimes late lunch. 25 minute walk through town. Excellent excellent food and craft beer! This is one walkable mile through town.
40 Einheimische empfehlen
The Crooked Ram
4026 Main St Dinner, sometimes late lunch. 25 minute walk through town. Excellent excellent food and craft beer! This is one walkable mile through town.
Lunch and dinner. ONE minute walk. Very causal indoor seating or takeout. Good burritos, tacos, and bean salad.
The Avocado Pit - Manchester
5036 Main StreetLunch and dinner. ONE minute walk. Very causal indoor seating or takeout. Good burritos, tacos, and bean salad.
Dinner. 4 minute drive, not walkable. I can't afford it but I've heard that they have world-class food!
25 Einheimische empfehlen
Social House
1716 Depot StDinner. 4 minute drive, not walkable. I can't afford it but I've heard that they have world-class food!
Dinner, sometimes lunch. 4 minute drive, not walkable. This is a great casual dining place for everyone in your party even if one person is very frugal. Everyone will find something on the menu. I highly recommend the steak fries as a side.
35 Einheimische empfehlen
Zoey's Double Hex Restaurant station
1568 Depot StreetDinner, sometimes lunch. 4 minute drive, not walkable. This is a great casual dining place for everyone in your party even if one person is very frugal. Everyone will find something on the menu. I highly recommend the steak fries as a side.
Zoey's Deli
539 Depot StLunch to go - great sandwiches and soup. 9 minute walk
Sightseeing around Manchester
Something for every mode of transportation or recreation - car, bike, mountain bike, walk, hike, snowshoe, nordic ski, downhill ski, kayak, canoe. Let me know what you want to do.
There is a yellow binder of maps and ideas when you get to the 1850 Marble Path House. Here are some helpful web links:
bikemanchestervt
dorsetvt /hike
Plan to spend at LEAST a few hours here. You won't regret. Stunning beauty any season. Make sure to go see the Pullman railroad car. Go visit the goats at the fam if you have kids. The view of the gardens from the second floor of the Lincoln home is stunning. Outside, make sure go to the southeast corner of the gardens and take in the view. I also highly recommend visiting the wetlands area down on River Road. Tall grass, deer, birds - very quiet and relaxing. In winter, you can rent corss country skis there and ski the trails.
158 Einheimische empfehlen
Hildene, The Lincoln Family Home
1005 Hildene RdPlan to spend at LEAST a few hours here. You won't regret. Stunning beauty any season. Make sure to go see the Pullman railroad car. Go visit the goats at the fam if you have kids. The view of the gardens from the second floor of the Lincoln home is stunning. Outside, make sure go to the southeast corner of the gardens and take in the view. I also highly recommend visiting the wetlands area down on River Road. Tall grass, deer, birds - very quiet and relaxing. In winter, you can rent corss country skis there and ski the trails.
The Yester House is a free art gallery with stunning views. There is also a lovely cafe with indoor and outdoor seating. Check the hours. Check out what the current display in the building where the gift shop is. It is usually worth the money. There are also walking trails that connect to the Equinox Preserve - trails to Equinox Pond but there are closer places to park for that on West Union Street.
51 Einheimische empfehlen
Southern Vermont Arts Center
860 Southern Vermont Arts Center DrThe Yester House is a free art gallery with stunning views. There is also a lovely cafe with indoor and outdoor seating. Check the hours. Check out what the current display in the building where the gift shop is. It is usually worth the money. There are also walking trails that connect to the Equinox Preserve - trails to Equinox Pond but there are closer places to park for that on West Union Street.
It is closer to walk or bike here than drive. It has a 1 mile loop around the perimeter of the park and connects to the Historic Marlbe Rail Trail (map is included in the yellow binder in the living room). To get to the start of the trail, walk across the street to Nature's Market, go west to the crosswalk by Maplefiels Mobil station. Go up Memorial Ave to the end (in front of the school), The trail starts across from the crosswalk.
19 Einheimische empfehlen
Dana L. Thompson Memorial Park
340 Rec Park RdIt is closer to walk or bike here than drive. It has a 1 mile loop around the perimeter of the park and connects to the Historic Marlbe Rail Trail (map is included in the yellow binder in the living room). To get to the start of the trail, walk across the street to Nature's Market, go west to the crosswalk by Maplefiels Mobil station. Go up Memorial Ave to the end (in front of the school), The trail starts across from the crosswalk.
In my opinion, this is the biggest bang for your buck as far as big payoff for a pretty easy hike. It is in the Equinox Preserve and the trailhead parking lot is at the top of West Union Street. If that lot is full, go down to a high school parking lot (Burr and Burton Academy - BBA). Take the Red gate trail, to the Flatlander trail to Equinox Pond and walk all the way around it for a lovely time. Robin's Lookout also has a nice view.
28 Einheimische empfehlen
Equinox Pond
In my opinion, this is the biggest bang for your buck as far as big payoff for a pretty easy hike. It is in the Equinox Preserve and the trailhead parking lot is at the top of West Union Street. If that lot is full, go down to a high school parking lot (Burr and Burton Academy - BBA). Take the Red gate trail, to the Flatlander trail to Equinox Pond and walk all the way around it for a lovely time. Robin's Lookout also has a nice view.
If you are not up for the all day hike, go to Skyline Drive in Sunderland and drive up it for a spectacular view. There is a fee. Make sure to follow the directions for driving down so you do NOT burn out your brakes.
69 Einheimische empfehlen
Equinox Mountain
If you are not up for the all day hike, go to Skyline Drive in Sunderland and drive up it for a spectacular view. There is a fee. Make sure to follow the directions for driving down so you do NOT burn out your brakes.
Things to do
Ask and you shall find. There is a blue binder of ideas when you get to the 1850 Marble Path House.
There is something for everybody at this beautiful library which is only a few hundred yards away at the corner of Cemetery Ave and Main St. Hang out on the marble patio or take part in one of their many events. Inside, there is a large space for each age range. Check for COVID rules.
Manchester Community Library
138 Cemetery AveThere is something for everybody at this beautiful library which is only a few hundred yards away at the corner of Cemetery Ave and Main St. Hang out on the marble patio or take part in one of their many events. Inside, there is a large space for each age range. Check for COVID rules.
Browse the bookstore on a rainy day. It is independently owned and constantly adjusts to the times yet keeps its original feel. It has a great kids section on the second floor with books and toys - a great place for gift shopping for any age. The Bonnet & Main Cafe is located here, which is very handy.
126 Einheimische empfehlen
Northshire Bookstore
4869 Main StBrowse the bookstore on a rainy day. It is independently owned and constantly adjusts to the times yet keeps its original feel. It has a great kids section on the second floor with books and toys - a great place for gift shopping for any age. The Bonnet & Main Cafe is located here, which is very handy.
Dorset is very close and has many good walking, hiking, and mountain biking trials, short and long with awesome views. Check out https://dorsetvt.org/hike.html form maps and more information.
34 Einheimische empfehlen
Dorset
Dorset is very close and has many good walking, hiking, and mountain biking trials, short and long with awesome views. Check out https://dorsetvt.org/hike.html form maps and more information.
Groceries
No plastic grocery bags provided in stores. Bring reusable bags located in 1st floor closet, or pay for paper bags at store.
Open Mon - Sat 9 AM-6 PM. CLSOSED SUNDAYS. It is right across the street!! Owner, John, can help you pick out wine in the price range and taste you choose. Interesting beers. They have a nice assortment of organic vegetables and excellent local meats. Be alert when crossing the street as cars are pulling out and not looking for pedestrians crossing.
15 Einheimische empfehlen
Natures Market
303 Center Hill RdOpen Mon - Sat 9 AM-6 PM. CLSOSED SUNDAYS. It is right across the street!! Owner, John, can help you pick out wine in the price range and taste you choose. Interesting beers. They have a nice assortment of organic vegetables and excellent local meats. Be alert when crossing the street as cars are pulling out and not looking for pedestrians crossing.
Go down Center Hill Road, take right at the lights. It's on the right, next to TJ Maxx. This is a small Price Chopper so stuff is easy to find. It is cheaper than Shaws and has good vegetables.
43 Einheimische empfehlen
Price Chopper
263 Depot StGo down Center Hill Road, take right at the lights. It's on the right, next to TJ Maxx. This is a small Price Chopper so stuff is easy to find. It is cheaper than Shaws and has good vegetables.
Less than a mile, go south on Route 7A (Main Street). It is on the left. It is the largest supermarket in town with the most variety.
133 Einheimische empfehlen
Shaw's
213 Main StLess than a mile, go south on Route 7A (Main Street). It is on the left. It is the largest supermarket in town with the most variety.