Things to Do in Vermont in the Fall

Prefer a set of clubs to a walking stick? We’ve got you covered – contact our front desk for exclusive preferred rates on tee times at Manchester Country Club .

If you’re ready to depart dry land and spend the day traversing the waters in a kayak or canoe, our friends at Vermont River Runners will help you plan your ideal day on the Battenkill.

Seeing Manchester by bicycle is a fun and relaxing way to explore the town. No need to bring your own, as the Taconic offers free use of our Public Bikes ! Hop on and go for a ride in style.

Pumpkin picking (or gourd picking, or squash picking) is a fun fall activity you can try for yourself. Equinox Valley Nursery is open daily in season, right here in Manchester. And you don’t have to pick your own! The farm store has plenty of pre-picked options for you too.

The Southern Vermont Arts Center offers a world-class arts experience of the arts to Manchester locals and visitors. Situated on 100 acres of pristine forest, you’ll find permanent and rotating gallery exhibitions, workshops and programs for all ages, performing arts, and Vermont’s largest sculpture park. SVAC is open to the public through November 18 of 2018.

Art galleries nearby include Helmholz Fine Art , Epoch 18 Vermont Artisans Gallery and the Three Pears Gallery in neighboring Dorset. You can also take a self-guided tour of the studios of craftspeople and other artisans during Vermont Open Studio Weekend each fall.

Located in the beautiful historic Depot section of town, Manchester Hot Glass is a glassblowing studio and gallery owned by artist Andrew Weill. Imagine the experience of blowing your own glass objet d’art, and bringing it home with you as a souvenir! Reservations required for glass-blowing classes.

In the fall, you can have a great time walking up and down charming Depot Street exploring at Manchester Designer Outlets , featuring values on designer brands including Brooks Brothers, Johnston & Murphy, Marimekko, Le Creuset and so many more. Think of the gifts you could cross off your list!

After you make your way through the variety of outlet shops, you’ll find even more boutique shopping. Manchester area businesses offer intimate apparel at Le Peche Lingerie , and must-have antique home furnishings at The Perfect Piece . To see intricate needlework on hand-stitched lampshades, visit Vermont’s own “lampshade lady” in nearby Pawlet, at Lake’s Lampshades .

When you’ve made your way through the variety of outlet shops, you’ll find even more boutique shopping. Area local businesses offer outdoor apparel and gear at Bradley’s Pro Shop Ski & Sport , high-quality hand-crafted wooden gifts and items at Manchester Woodcraft , and the can’t miss J.K. Adams Kitchen Store in neighboring Dorset.

A visit to Manchester would not be complete without a stop in the sprawling yet cozy Northshire Bookstore , boasting multiple floors of books, keepsakes, gifts and souvenirs in an eclectic classic-Vermont setting.  In 1856, Charles F. Orvis founded the Orvis Company in Manchester, Vermont, offering superior fly-fishing equipment, and priding himself on customer satisfaction and service. Today, Orvis is the trusted source of discover and adventure in the natural world. Manchester is home to the Orvis Flagship Store .

Let the experts take the wheel while you sit in comfort for a fun and informative ride with Backroad Discovery Tours . If you want a relaxing and educational experience of picturesque Southern Vermont in its gorgeous fall glory, these affordable tours come highly recommended – and will help you decide what to do on your next visit!

Merck Forest & Farmland Center is a truly special experience just a short drive from the Taconic. With a mission to teach and demonstrate the benefits of innovative, sustainable management of forest and farmland, Merck truly has something for everyone. From walking trails to workshops and demonstrations, to camping and purchasing farm-produced goods at the visitors center, Merck, is a great place to make memories in the fall.

Hildene , the family home of Robert Todd Lincoln, is situated on 412 acres of forestland that offer a great glimpse of foliage (with a healthy dose of history thrown in). Hildene is a quick drive from the Taconic. Start with the informative Visitor’s Center, then enjoy your self-guided house tour, and explore the idyllic walking trails.

See, feel and taste the bounty of Vermont in autumn, at two unforgettable farmer’s markets near the Taconic. Our own town’s Manchester Farmer’s Market is open Thursdays 3PM-6PM, through October 4, at nearby Adams Park. In our neighboring town of Dorset, the Dorset Farmer’s Market is open year-round on Sundays 10AM – 2PM.