Manchester, Vermont: Culture, Green Mountains, Villages and Adventure

Hildene, the Lincoln Family Home, in Manchester, Vermont

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Hildene’s goat farm in Manchester, Vermont

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Pullman Railcar at Hildene in Manchester, Vermont

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Shopping at Manchester Village in Southern Vermont

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States:

Vermont

As I look around me, all I can see are green mountains with the mist burning off them in the morning sun.

It’s a breath-taking sight that has me momentarily silent. I have wanted to visit the area of Southern Vermont known as the Shires of Vermont for many years, so when this opportunity arose, I jumped at it.

Total Serenity at Hildene, The Lincoln Family Home

I start my explorations at Hildene, The Lincoln Family Home, located in Manchester at the foot of Mount Equinox. As I cross the dene on its floating boardwalk, the sun is getting warmer and I can now see the peaks of the mountains. There are butterflies and dragonflies fluttering about, and I feel a tranquillity that consumes me and makes me want to stay just a bit longer.

Soon, I remember that I have signed up for a tour of the estate, so I make my way toward the old home of Robert Lincoln, Abraham Lincoln’s son. Hildene is a beautiful historic home with one of the most gorgeously landscaped gardens I have ever seen. After the tour, I wander down to the Farm in the Dene where I can meet the resident goats, and witness them being milked as well as the cheese-making process. I’m in awe of how pet-like they are, and it takes me no time at all to fall in love with these playful creatures.

Goat at Farm in the Dene in Manchester, Vermont

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Experience

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Artsy Village Charm in Manchester

After my exhilarating time at Bromley Mountain, I head back into Manchester for a coffee, shopping and dinner. First, I browse the famed Northshire Bookstore; it has the biggest selection of books and gifts in a local book shop that I’ve ever seen. I even get to meet the owner, who couldn’t have been more accommodating. Just across the street, I notice a gallery called EPOCH Artisans Gallery, so I make my way over to have a look. Not only do I discover an eclectic and beautiful collection of artwork, I also learn that every day, a different artisan runs the gallery and offers information about his or her creative process.

I spent a long time browsing then crossed the street to a Thai restaurant and ordered food to go. I make my way back to The Arlington Inn, my hotel for the night, where I enjoy my meal in a gazebo under the stars. What a perfect ending to my perfect day in Southern Vermont.