Manchester Village

Soaring pines reflect off the still waters of a quiet pond. Groves of red spruce and yellow birch rise from mineral-rich slopes where porcupines and bobcats roam among maidenhair ferns. An unrivaled paradise, this 914-acre preserve offers exceptional opportunities for year-round hiking, cross-country skiing and mountain biking.

Take the rare opportunity to work with trained hawks and release them to majestic flight under the guidance of a professional falconer at the picturesque Boorn Brook Farm. Learn to spot and fly hawks in one of several introductory experiences to this ancient sport.

Built in 905 by Robert Todd Lincoln, a chairman of the Pullman Company and the only child of Abraham and Mary Todd Lincoln to survive to adulthood, this was the summer residence of the President and his family. Tour the grand Georgian Revival mansion in 1905 packed with family heirlooms, including a 1,000-pipe organ, and wander through several gardens, walking trails and the Hildene Farm.

Marbled vessels, Venetian bowls and delicate sun catchers in a swirl of colors are just a few of the hand blown glass pieces available at Manchester Hot Glass. Shop for one-of-a-kind souvenirs or reserve a slot in a class to learn the basics of this ancient art form in just two hours.

Sift through the titles of this beloved family-run, independent bookstore. A central part of the community, Northshire Bookstore hosts a variety of local and national author events, public issues forums and has a thoughtfully curated children’s department.

A historic 1918 Georgian revival mansion sits at the heart of the Southern Vermont Arts Center, set on 120 acres of forest-clad land. Inspiring works by hundreds of artists fill the ten the museum galleries of this state-of-the-art museum complex, with a shop, cafe, studio facilities, a 400-seat auditorium, and the largest sculpture garden in Vermont.