Within a short drive, the Manchester, Vermont area has much to offer.

Shopping - We are very fortunate to have four important Vermont-owned shops for our guests to enjoy. Visit Orvis's new flagship store complete with fly-fishing school and trout-filled ponds. This is also the home of the Vermont Country Store. Also visit Northshire Bookstore, a well-known family-run bookstore and Epoch 18, a gallery of Vermont artisans.

Outdoor Activities - From golf - Glen Eagles at Equinox, Stratton and TaterHill, to skiing - Stratton Mountain and Bromley Mountain - to Merck Forest and Farmland Center - there are endless outdoor activities. The famous BattenKill River in which to fly fish or canoe is very close. Two local outfitters are: Fly Fishing Guide Service & Outfitter and Vermont Guided Fishing Vacations. Get off the beaten track with Backroad Discovery Tours. Our valley is also perfect for bicycling.

Antiquing - Vermont is known for its antiquing. (Antique Quilts).

Art - Visit the Southern Vermont Arts Center with its changing exhibitions. Also visit the finest art gallery in Vermont - Tilting at Windmills.

Performing Arts - Close by are the Manchester Music Festival, Dorset Theatre, Weston Theatre, and the Riley Center at Hunter Park.

Restaurants - Within a short drive you will find everything from white tablecloth dining to more casual dining. Some of our guests' favorites are: Chantecleer Restaurant, Mistral's at Toll Gate, Pangaea, Inn at West View Farm, Perfect Wife and Laney's Restaurant.

Historical Site
Hildene is an estate built by Robert Todd Lincoln who summered at Hildene between 1905 and his death in 1926. Lincoln and our own Edward Isham became best of friends and law partners, and Lincoln was a frequent visitor to Ormsby Hill. It wasn't until Isham died that Robert Todd Lincoln was able to purchase the land behind Ormsby Hill now known as Hildene. The 24-room home and gardens have been meticulously restored and are well worth the tour. The gardens, designed to look like a stained glass window, are known particularly for their peonies. From the end of the garden there is an impressive view of the valley and of Mount Equinox.