There are tons of things to see and do as you drive through the best small towns in Vermont. For instance, Manchester, Vermont is one place with history, beauty, nostalgia, and charm. Because there’s so much to do outside, it’s an ideal destination for an inexpensive day out too. So, if you’re looking for a family outing that includes a little bit of everything, Manchester is one of the best small towns in Vermont to visit.

As you’ll soon learn, there are plenty of things to do in Manchester. This includes spending time in nature, visiting historic sites, and exploring delightful little cafes and eateries when you wander around downtown Manchester. If you’re eager to learn more, read on to discover some of the things you’ll explore during an outing to Manchester, Vermont with your family.

Since there are plenty of things to do in Manchester, you can easily plan to spend the day discovering why it's one of the best small towns in Vermont.
Manchester, VT 05255, USA
Skeezix1000/wikipedia
The town of Manchester is a sweet and charming place with a population of around 4300. Although it's small, there are plenty of things to do in Manchester throughout the year.
Doug Kerr/flickr
One of the highlights of visiting Manchester, Vermont is the Northshire Bookstore in the downtown area.
Northshire Bookstore, 4869 Main St, Manchester Center, VT 05255, USA
unnamed photographer/googlemaps
The bookstore has been a favorite in New England for more than 40 years. This independent bookstore has a warm and cozy feel and offers more than just books. They have a children's section with eco-friendly clothing, fun, and quirky souvenirs.
Erin Nudi/googlemaps

Related Stories

This Speakeasy Hidden In Downtown Burlington In Vermont Is Perfect For A Date Night

This Speakeasy Hidden In Downtown Burlington In Vermont Is Perfect For A Date Night

 7 Waterfront Retreats In Vermont That Are Perfect For Warm Weather Adventures

7 Waterfront Retreats In Vermont That Are Perfect For Warm Weather Adventures

 This Easy 2.8-Mile Trail In Vermont Is Covered In Wildflower Blooms In The Springtime

This Easy 2.8-Mile Trail In Vermont Is Covered In Wildflower Blooms In The Springtime
There are also several fun things to do in the near vicinity of Manchester, Vermont. The first place worth checking out is the Hildene, the family summer home of Robert Todd Lincoln and his wife Mary Harlan Lincoln.
Hildene, The Lincoln Family Home- Welcome Center, 1005 Hildene Rd, Manchester, VT 05255, USA
Rick Neilsen/googlemaps
When you visit this historic home during your time in Manchester, Vermont, you'll be treated to stunning grounds that include a peony and butterfly garden.
Stuart Ferguson/googlemaps
You won't want to visit Manchester without exploring some of the amazingly beautiful natural surroundings.
Lye Brook Falls Trailhead, Lye Brook Falls Trail, Manchester Center, VT 05255, USA
Sudarshan Venkatraman/googlemaps
Just a few miles from the city center, you'll find the Lye Brook Falls Trail right off Route 7. The trail is a 4.7-mile out and back hike which culminates at the gorgeous falls. At more than 125 feet, Lye Brook Falls is one of the largest and most impressive in all of Vermont.
You'll also want to check out Equinox Valley Nursery.
Equinox Valley Nursery
Dave Lasker/googlemaps
And you can't forget about Mount Equinox Skyline Drive on your list of things to do in Manchester.
Ron Mosocco/googlemaps

Now that you’ve learned a bit more about Manchester, Vermont. do you agree that it’s one of the best small towns in the state? If you have other favorite spots on your list of places to visit in the Green Mountain state, feel free to share in the following comment section too.

OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

More to Explore

Machester Vermont

Marla S. | June 27, 2022

What is the most beautiful small town in Vermont?

Manchester's charm, size, and list of things to do make it one of the best towns to visit in the Green Mountain state. In addition to its accessible and cute downtown, Manchester is a scenic spot to enjoy breathtaking views of nature and take in some history too.

While it's fair to call Manchester picturesque, the small towns mentioned in this Only in Your State article rival downtown Manchester for their character, eclectic style, and history. Since there are too many small towns worthy of being named the most beautiful, it's all up to interpretation.

If you define beauty as a town that has a little bit of everything for everyone in your family to enjoy, Woodstock might lead your list as the most beautiful town in Vermont. However, if you're looking for a day destination with scenery, a downtown area filled with cafes, and opportunities to hike, look no further than Manchester, Vermont.

Stowe has also been named one of the most beautiful small towns in Vermont for its access to nature, charming downtown area, nearby hikes such as Bingham Falls, and historical Von Trapp Family Lodge.

Which town in Vermont has the best restaurants?

Vermont is a food lover's dream. There is far from a shortage of farm-to-table dining experiences, pubs, diners, and unique restaurants worth trying in downtown Manchester and beyond. And since the competition is fierce, deciding which town in Vermont has the best restaurants can be a tasty challenge and excuse for an outing. To help you decide where to go, consider starting in Waterbury, Vermont. Here, you'll find pubs, cafes, and one of the most popular farm-to-table restaurants in the Green Mountain state.

If you're having a hard time deciding where to dine, feel free to also take a look at this ultimate list of restaurants to try in Vermont any time of year!

What are the friendliest towns in Vermont?

Did you know that some of the best small towns in Vermont are also some of the friendliest? While Manchester, Vermont is full of warm and welcoming people, Watsfield, Vermont also tops Only in Your State's List as the friendliest small town in the Green Mountain state for its homey vibe, access to nature, community activities, and quintessential New England charm.  

Related Articles