Marykate & Adam
Things To Do Around Dorset
Hiking
The Pinnacle - The Pinnacle Forest is a town forest in walking distance from the wedding venue with a short hike to a tower that should offer a nice view on the wedding weekend Merck Forest - Merck is 3,200 acres of farmland and forest on the top of a mountain, less than 10 minutes drive from the wedding venue. Not only is Merck a great place to get Maple syrup from the people who boil it, but they also sell wool and sheepskins from their own flock. Visit for a nice stroll around the working farm, an up close experience with farm animals, a hike, or more! Equinox Pond - Just shy of 1000 acres from the heart of Manchester Village to the summit of Equinox Mountain, the Equinox Preservation Trust manages multiple miles of beautiful trails. The pond loop is a super accessible stroll around a man-made fly fishing pond with views up the mountain and a favorite dog walking spot
More Hiking
Gettysburg Quarry - about 1 mile round trip with 800' of elevation gain, this hike will get your heart rate going, but you'll be rewarded with a very cool look into one of the quarries that provided marble for such buildings as the New York Public Library, and a phenomenal view of the Dorset Valley Lye Brook Falls - 4.6 miles round trip, this hike takes you into the 15,680 acre Lye Brook Wilderness, and more importantly, the 125' Lye Brook Falls Equinox Via the Blue Trail - 6.3 miles and 2,883' of elevation gain make this a hike not for the faint of heart. However, the views from the summit, and look our rock are not to be outdone! Make sure to bring food, water, and a second layer for the top.
Driving
Skyline Drive - Suppose you want the views of the Blue Trail, but you don't want to hike 6 miles (this is a wedding weekend after all), Skyline drive will take you 3,848' up to the top of the tallest peak in the Taconic Mountain Range. It's worth noting that prices are $20 for the car and driver, and $5 for each additional passenger so if you want to get your money's worth, make sure to get as many people in your car as you can, and bring a picnic (and a coat) Stratton or Bromley, our two Ski resorts should both be offering senic lift rides to the top and both offer great views down into the Manchester Valley.
Shopping
Manchester is known for it's shopping, and a list of many of the stores can be found here in the attached link however, there are a few below worth pointing out: Orvis - Manchester's own Orivs has it's flagship store right in the heart of town. Weather you're in the market for a new fly rod or just the comfiest dog bed in the world, this is the place to go. Pets are welcome if you want your little buddy to be able to try before you buy. Northshire Bookstore - one of Vermont if not New England's premier booksellers. Known for it's author events as well as it's book's, and right in the heart of downtown, Northshire is where you'll find your next book. Vermont Country Store - If you're looking for a drive through the country before the wedding, about 35 minutes away is Vermont Country store. In addition to penny candy and the like, they also specialize in "Brands from the past" including a shampoo with one of the greatest brand names "Gee Your Hair Smells Terrific"
Food
Cilantro - The best burritos in Vermont by a country mile Zoey's Deli - truly wonderful sandwiches with homemade chips and homemade pickles which I cannot more highly recomend Up For Breakfast - a small breakfast spot in downtown, lines can get long here, which is why I would instead recommend you try my next suggestion Ponce Bistro - a nice charming bistro which almost never has a wait. It's byob so you can bring your own champagne for mimosas and the parmesan peppercorn sauce on the ham and hash is exquisite The Copper Grouse - Steve's chef in Burlington has moved to Manchester to be Executive Chef at the Copper Grouse. Filled with fireplaces and nice chairs, this is a great place to eat.
Culture
American Museum of Fly Fishing - in Manchester, located right next to Orvis is the American Museum of Fly Fishing. Southern Vermont Art's Center - SVAC as it's locally known, is Manchester's spot for art and culture. With it's sculpture garden and indoor painting and photography exhibitions, this would be a great way to walk off breakfast. Hildene - If history is more your thing, visit Hildene, the Lincoln Family home in Manchester Village The Land Rover Driving School - Hosted by the Equinox and Land Rover, drive on a purpose built off-road driving course The Falconry School - Also hosted by the Equinox, lean about falconry and spend time with the trained birds The Museum of the Creative Process -We've never actually been here, but it kinda sounds interesting doesn't it?