What he touts in Vermont

By Chris Liggio, Chronicle Staff Writer

Several weeks back, some of you may recall a piece written by Mark Frost about his weekend getaway to Dorset, Vermont.

This quaint little town is one over from a more familiar territory to me, Manchester Center, Vermont. While Dorset has its own special appeal for those looking to get away from it all, if you’re looking for more variety of things to do, Manchester is the town for it in southern Vermont.

My knowledge of the area stems from a close friend’s residence here for four years now. Prior to him moving for work, I had never stepped foot into this portion of Vermont. In the years that have passed, I have built an extensive knowledge of things to do in and around this focal point, so I hope the following helps in the planning of your next getaway.

For me, in the winter months there is one overarching destination above all others — Stratton Mountain.

The southern portion of the Green Mountains’ tallest peak, this 97-trail, 600-acre, 2,000-foot vertical drop ski resort is the full infrastructure operation other local mountains aim to be.

With everything a powder enthusiast could ask for (besides lights for night sessions), Stratton, a half hour trek from downtown Manchester, is more than worth it.

Even if you are not a skier or snowboarder, the resort boasts a Swiss-inspired ski village with a bevy of restaurant and shopping options to pass the time while others in your party hit the slopes.

As a resident of Glens Falls, much as I also enjoy skiing at Gore, West, and Whiteface — Stratton Mountain just has a certain draw that keeps bringing me back, year after year.

There’s not much on the route between the mountain and Manchester. As any Vermont resident would tell you, “walking distance” between destinations just isn’t a thing.

My suggestion would be to just get back to your hotel in Manchester, freshen up and then, it’s time to hit downtown.

Two major strong points: Food and shopping. Below, I list several dining options, but you really cannot go wrong with anywhere you find yourself (although there are some must-do’s).

For shopping, there are plenty of outlet options, including Ralph Lauren, Armani, and Michael Kors amongst others.

Here’s a list of some of my favorite haunts. Most are in the heart of downtown, with some on its outskirts.

Chris’s suggested places

Weekend Getaway for Two: Red Fox Inn, Winhall Vt. (currently closed for COVID).

Breakfast location: Up For Breakfast. Suggested meal: The Hungry Hiker ($20with tip, full smorgasbord, coffee included)

Lunch location: Zoey’s Double Hex. Meal: Any sandwich on their house-made breads (I suggest the Reuben on marble rye with steak fries)

Dinner, casual: Gringo Jack’s. Meal: Baja Fish Tacos (legitimate fish taco, well-presented).

Dinner, upscale: Ye Olde Tavern (candlelit!). Meal: Crispy Duck with Blackberry Demi & Grand Marnier Flambé.

Nightlife/Drinks: Mulligan’s Manchester (sports bar). Haigs (bar games), Union Underground (for the atmosphere and clientele), Copper Grouse (cocktails). Crooked Ram is every hipster’s dream craft beverage house. Ask for something new; do not order the obvious Sip of Sunshine or Heady Topper.

Random and unique places: Earth, Sky, Time (artisan bread on a Rock Hill level). Orvis Flagship Store. Northshire Bookstore (longstanding parent to the Saratoga store), Hildene (Lincoln family estate), Equinox Golf Course (for the unparalleled backdrop). Finally, Mount Equinox has a paved roadway to the summit, much like Prospect Mountain. You can see four states from the top.

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