A Vermont weekend getaway is best enjoyed at an unhurried pace. In Manchester, mountain scenery, historic New England character, outdoor recreation, shopping and arts and culture are all close enough to experience over two or three nights.
Make The Equinox your home for the weekend and build your stay around resort dining, spa time and seasonal adventures, with plenty of time left to explore Manchester and Southern Vermont.
Stay in the Heart of Historic Manchester
Your weekend starts at a resort that has been part of Manchester for more than 250 years.
Established in 1769, The Equinox is Vermont's oldest hotel and has welcomed American Revolutionaries, U.S. presidents and generations of travelers to Manchester. Today, the historic resort combines that heritage with contemporary comforts, dining, a full-service spa, golf and year-round recreation.
Choose the accommodation that suits your getaway. Stay amid the timeless character of the Main Inn, enjoy the rustic feel and additional space of the Orvis Inn, or make yourself at home in one of the resort's Vacation Rentals.
Day One: Arrive, Settle In & Taste Vermont
Start your weekend without a packed agenda. Check in, take time to explore the historic resort and settle into the slower rhythm of Manchester.
When evening arrives, keep things close to home with dining at The Equinox. Marsh Tavern has welcomed locals and travelers since 1769 and serves breakfast, lunch and dinner, while Falcon Bar offers drinks, evening dining and space to recap the day's adventures.
For couples, an easy first evening of dinner, drinks and a walk around Manchester Village sets the tone for a relaxed weekend away.
Day Two: Choose Your Vermont Adventure
After breakfast, make the day your own.
Head Outdoors
Golfers can spend the morning at The Golf Club at Equinox, a historic course originally designed by Walter Travis in 1927 and surrounded by Green Mountain views.
Prefer to explore on foot? Walk the trails of the Equinox Preserve, or choose from seasonal experiences including fly fishing, off-roading, tennis and other adventures available around the resort. The Equinox is designed as a four-season base, so a summer weekend can look very different from a fall foliage escape or winter getaway.
Slow Down at the Spa
A weekend away should leave room to do less, too.
Spend part of the afternoon at The Spa at The Equinox, where guests can book treatments or unwind with amenities including an indoor lap pool, sauna, steam room, fitness and yoga studio and outdoor hot tub.
For a couples' getaway, pairing an active morning with a spa afternoon gives you the best of both sides of Manchester.
Explore Shopping, Art & Culture in Manchester
Leave a little room on the weekend for Manchester itself.
The town combines independent boutiques, designer outlets, galleries and Vermont specialty shops, making it easy to spend a few hours browsing without turning the day into a major excursion.
For arts and culture, visit the Southern Vermont Arts Center, home to rotating exhibitions, classes and a sculpture-filled campus, or explore Manchester's historic streets and nearby heritage attractions.
Then return to The Equinox for another evening of dining, drinks and time together at the resort.
Day Three: One More Manchester Morning
A two-night stay still leaves time for a slow final morning.
Start with breakfast at the resort, take a last walk through the village or fit in an activity you missed the day before. Depending on the season, that might mean another trail, a round of golf, a visit to a gallery or simply a little more time at the spa.
If you're staying for three nights, use the extra day to venture farther into Southern Vermont before returning to Manchester for the evening.
Make Your Weekend Getaway Your Own
There is no single way to plan a weekend getaway in Vermont, and that is part of Manchester's appeal.
Come as a couple and fill the weekend with spa treatments, quiet dinners and mountain walks. Plan a golf trip around mornings on the course and afternoons in town. Visit in fall for foliage, winter for snow-covered mountain scenery, or warmer months for hiking, fly fishing and time outdoors.
Whatever brings you to Vermont, The Equinox puts accommodations, dining, wellness and recreation together in one historic Manchester setting.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Manchester, Vermont good for a weekend getaway?
Yes. Manchester combines outdoor recreation, shopping, dining, arts and culture within a compact Southern Vermont destination, making it well suited to a two or three-night trip.
How many days should I spend in Manchester, Vermont?
Two to three nights gives you time to enjoy the resort, explore Manchester and include a few outdoor or cultural experiences without overfilling the itinerary.
What can couples do during a weekend in Manchester?
Couples can combine spa treatments, resort dining, golf or hiking with shopping, galleries and relaxed time exploring Manchester Village. A stay at The Equinox also keeps many of these experiences close together.