Curator’s statement
In April 2024, I went on a girls' trip with my best friends to Vermont, where we stayed at the Kimpton Taconic Hotel. The hotel feels very cozy and caters to its guests throughout the four seasons. It is dog-friendly, which is great while exploring the beautiful nature. Manchester, Vermont is a great nature escape, which also boasts a quiet luxury.
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We arrived on Friday and had a leisurely walk around the Pond Loop at the Equinox Preservation Trust. A more avid hiker could do the hikes with a relatively high elevation, with a 2,840 foot summit.
The Restaurant at Hill Farm was the best dinner we had, with great local produce in a beautiful red barn, and creatively, plated fresh vegetables.
On the next day, we went to the Southern Vermont Art Center, which is worth visiting for their fantastic collection. We had lunch with a beautiful view. At night, we had dinner amid the eclectic ambiance of the Dorset Inn. It felt like an old English cottage or pub. It is a truly historical hotel, as it was established in 1796.
Finally, we got one of the best massages I have ever had at the Equinox Resort. We enjoyed their spacious spa amenities, including the pool, sauna and hot tubs.
One of the highlights of the trip was relaxing at the Kimpton Taconic, which lights its fireplaces and makes you feel like you are in your own living room. Every evening, they invite their hotel guests to free wine and popcorn at the Social Hour. All the guests gather, mingle and play board games together in the lobby. It is a very beautiful hotel, which was recently taken over by the Kimpton. It has an old charm and very friendly staff. I would highly recommend this hotel and this part of Vermont to my clients for a visit during any season. In the summer, there is a chance to really enjoy the nature and the nearby lakes, and in the winter you can take advantage of skiing, which is available in the area.
Need to know
Manchester, Vermont and the neighbouring towns are a delightful blend of outdoor exploration, culinary delights, cultural experiences and cozy accommodations.
This trip report is part of our ongoing series on travel to Manchester, Vermont. In need of further inspiration? Check out Sylvia McFarlane’s trip report, Pet-Friendly Trip to Manchester, Vermont.
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Karen Kandelman
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