RAINY DAYS THINGS TO DO WHEN VISITING THE INN AT ORMSBY HILL
When the weather isn’t quite the best, here are some ideas of things to do. Whether you’re a local or just visiting, here’s your guide to making the most of a wet and wonderful day in Manchester.
PARK – MCCULLOUGH HISTORIC GOVERNOR’S MANSION – Bennington, VT
SEASON OPENING: 7/4/2025! The mansion will be open for group tours and private events prior to July 4. Regular opening hours for 2025: Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, 10 am – 2 pm. July 4 – October 12, 2025. Advanced reservations are not required. Do not hesitate to contact us with questions, or for additional information on group tours and events. https://www.parkmccullough.org/
NORTHSHIRE BOOKSTORE – Manchester, VT
Northshire Bookstore is a family-owned, independent, community bookstore dedicated to the art of bookselling and the highest standard of service. With locations in Manchester Center, Vermont, and Saratoga Springs, New York, Northshire is proud to offer one of the finest and largest collections of new, used and rare books in New England, with over 300,000 items. Additionally, we offer a curated collection of vinyl records, stationery, gifts and home goods, with a focus on featuring the work of local artisans. https://www.northshire.com/
SARATOGA AUTOMOBILE MUSEUM – Saratoga, NY
The Saratoga Automobile Museum opened in 2002 to celebrate the rich history, innovation, and cultural impact of the automobile. They strive to ignite a passion for automotive heritage with engaging exhibits, dynamic events, and educational programs. https://www.saratogaautomuseum.org/
HILDENE – THE LINCOLN FAMILY HOME – Manchester, VT
His father, Abraham Lincoln, was born in a log cabin and called from the humblest rank in life to preside over our nation during the most momentous period of its history. One generation later, Robert Todd Lincoln, the only child of Abraham and Mary Todd Lincoln to survive to adulthood, became president of the Pullman Company, the largest manufacturing corporation at the turn of the 20th century. He built Hildene in the early 1900s where he and wife Mary lived and enjoyed the beauty of Manchester Vermont. https://hildene.org/
SOUTHERN VERMONT ART CENTER
The mission of SVAC is to promote and nurture the arts by creating an inviting environment for our community to meet, enjoy, and participate in the arts. The SVAC community includes children, young adults, full time residents, summer residents, visitors, donors, and artists.
Visit this beautiful 100-acre campus at the foot of the Taconic Mountains. Connect with SVAC today! https://www.svac.org/
MANCHESTER HOT GLASS – Manchester, VT
Manchester Hot Glass is a glass blowing studio & gallery open daily to the public. L located in the beautiful historic Depot section of Manchester, Vermont. Stop in and shop the gallery or call and book one of their popular Glassblowing classes! They offer a full line of beautiful hand-blown glass & jewelry. Custom orders are a specialty, along with bridal party gifts & wedding registries.
Other services include glass & crystal repair. Get off the beaten path of Manchester, Vermont and find them in the Depot section of town. https://www.manchesterhotglass.com/
BENNINGTON MUSEUM – Bennington, VT
Bennington Museum presents and explores the rich culture of southern Vermont, eastern New York State, northwestern Massachusetts, and southern New Hampshire in all its forms, from the 18th century to the present. Connect with objects of art and history, and put them into context across time and place through innovative exhibitions and programming, virtually and in-person, year-round. https://benningtonmuseum.org/
THE VERMONT COUNTRY STORE – Weston & Rockingham, Vt
Visit the Vermont Country Store – You’ll be glad you did. Vermont’s most famous general stores – filled with a vast selection of both fun and useful products as well as brands from the past. VCS are purveyors of practical and hard-to-find items. You will be pleased with the selection of high-quality bedding, houseware, apparel, and gifts that are perfect for any occasion.
The next time you visit the great state of Vermont, drop into one of their general stores. They are in both Weston and Rockingham, Vermont. .https://www.vermontcountrystore.com/
D. LASSER CERAMICS – Londonderry, VT
Visit the studio Mondays through Fridays to watch them throwing pots, glazing, loading and firing kilns. It’s a fun and interesting sight to see. https://lasserceramics.com/
SIMON PEARCE – Quechee, VT
Since the beginning, Simon’s life has centered around functional, sophisticated design. Growing up in Ireland with a family of artisans, attention to detail and aesthetics were part of his everyday experience.
At age 16, Simon began his craft as an apprentice at his father’s pottery studio. From there, he went on to work with notable glassmakers all over Europe before opening his namesake studio. Inspired by centuries-old Georgian glassmaking techniques and using the finest natural materials,
Simon set out to create designs that bring pleasure and inspiration with every use, every day. Simon set out to create designs that bring pleasure and inspiration with every use, every day.
The website alone is worth a tour, but best to see it in person and have lunch in the restaurant. https://simonpearce.com/
3 PEARS GALLERY – Manchester, VT
Proprietors Greg DeLuca & Judith Cohen
The founders of 3 Pears Gallery have spent their lifetime in the arts, both performance and visual including interior, product and event design. They understand an artist’s process and the needs of a client which is evident in this unique and thriving gallery. https://3pearsgallery.com/
VERMONT’S ONLY PLAYABLE PINBALL MUSEUM – Manchester, VT
THE PERFECT PASTIME FOR PLAYERS OF ALL AGES!
Do you long for the simple joys of days gone by? That world still exists at Pastime Pinball in the Green Mountains of southern Vermont! Come discover the dazzling art, music and mechanics of a pop culture icon that has been around for 75+ years.
Pastime Pinball is a family-friendly playable pinball museum in the heart of beautiful Manchester Center, Vermont. It features 66 top-rated pinball machines from every major American manufacturer set to FREE PLAY. Just pay admission at the door for unlimited fun! https://pastimepinball.com/
MANCHESTER DESIGNER OUTLETS – Manchester, VT
Since the grand opening of the very first building in the summer of 1985, Manchester Designer Outlets has become known throughout the outlet industry as a “legacy” center.
Now, at 135,000 square feet, Manchester Designer Outlets is a world-renowned, distinct outlet shopping destination comprised of 24 individual buildings.
Offering customers a one-of-a-kind shopping experience with an unmatched collection of brands. https://manchesterdesigneroutlets.com/
