Reggie's Guide to Southwestern Vermont
Outdoor Recreation
Explore the gorgeous, winding Battenkill river with a trip with this great local outfitter. You can rent canoes, kayaks, or tubes.
18 locals recommend
Battenkill Valley Outdoors
1414 NY-313Explore the gorgeous, winding Battenkill river with a trip with this great local outfitter. You can rent canoes, kayaks, or tubes.
A great state park with a lakefront for swimming and boating. And a scenic gentle hiking trail around the lake. Perfect for the whole family.
35 locals recommend
Lake Shaftsbury State Park
262 Lake Shaftsbury RdA great state park with a lakefront for swimming and boating. And a scenic gentle hiking trail around the lake. Perfect for the whole family.
This place is a gem. It is huge conserved property that hosts educational farming programs, nature walks, and more. Check out their website and calendar to find out what they've got going on during your visit.
66 locals recommend
Merck Forest & Farmland Center
3270 VT-315This place is a gem. It is huge conserved property that hosts educational farming programs, nature walks, and more. Check out their website and calendar to find out what they've got going on during your visit.
We love Bromley! This is a low-key, fun loving mountain. In the winter, this mountain has a bit of skiing and riding for everyone. In the summertime, they've got zip lines, ropes courses, waterslides, alpine slides and more. Fun, Fun, Fun!
187 locals recommend
Bromley Mountain Ski Resort
124 VT-11We love Bromley! This is a low-key, fun loving mountain. In the winter, this mountain has a bit of skiing and riding for everyone. In the summertime, they've got zip lines, ropes courses, waterslides, alpine slides and more. Fun, Fun, Fun!
Emerald Lake State Park
65 Emerald Lake LnBeautiful state park with swimming and boat rentals
Take an off-road driving lesson in the Green Mountains!
10 locals recommend
Land Rover Experience Driving School
80 Union St ForkTake an off-road driving lesson in the Green Mountains!
This stellar local bike shop has bikes for rent, and can recommend local routes to ride, and I think offers guided rides as well. Call ahead to confirm that.
8 locals recommend
Battenkill Bicycles
99 Bonnet StThis stellar local bike shop has bikes for rent, and can recommend local routes to ride, and I think offers guided rides as well. Call ahead to confirm that.
Sightseeing
Sugar Shack
29 Sugar Shack LnHildene, The Lincoln Family Home
1005 Hildene RdThis winding auto road leads to the summit of Mt. Equinox and overlooks Manchester and the mountains. PLUS you can look down to the west, and see the cabin you're staying in! The road is open May through mid-October.
Skyline Drive
Skyline DriveThis winding auto road leads to the summit of Mt. Equinox and overlooks Manchester and the mountains. PLUS you can look down to the west, and see the cabin you're staying in! The road is open May through mid-October.
This is one of the most picturesque covered bridges you can find. And it has room to park, have a picnic, or take a dip in the Battenkill River, if you're there in the summertime.
8 locals recommend
Arlington Covered Bridge
Covered Bridge RoadThis is one of the most picturesque covered bridges you can find. And it has room to park, have a picnic, or take a dip in the Battenkill River, if you're there in the summertime.
This is a farm where you can visit with the animals and buy some of their homemade cheeses and goods.
9 locals recommend
North Meadow Farm
726 N RdThis is a farm where you can visit with the animals and buy some of their homemade cheeses and goods.
Taylor farm makes fantastic farmstead cheeses (perhaps most famously, the smoke gouda). They also have horse-drawn sleigh rides in the winter.
51 locals recommend
Taylor Farm
825 VT-11Taylor farm makes fantastic farmstead cheeses (perhaps most famously, the smoke gouda). They also have horse-drawn sleigh rides in the winter.
Check out this museum and former home of the great American poet. They also host cool events like concerts, and readings. Open spring through fall.
32 locals recommend
Robert Frost Stone House Museum at Bennington College
121 Vermont Rte 7aCheck out this museum and former home of the great American poet. They also host cool events like concerts, and readings. Open spring through fall.
In addition to being a beautiful garden center, in the fall, this place has incredible hot cider and cider donuts. They often have a corn maze and scarecrow pumpkin patch set up as well.
Equinox Valley Nursery
1158 Main StIn addition to being a beautiful garden center, in the fall, this place has incredible hot cider and cider donuts. They often have a corn maze and scarecrow pumpkin patch set up as well.
Wonderful outdoor sculpture park on scenic grounds, plus vibrant gallery shows in the indoor buildings.
51 locals recommend
Southern Vermont Arts Center
860 Southern Vermont Arts Center DrWonderful outdoor sculpture park on scenic grounds, plus vibrant gallery shows in the indoor buildings.
Food Scene
A classic Vermont country store. Deli counter, baked goods, nice wine selection, and more.
26 locals recommend
Wayside Country Store
3307 VT-313A classic Vermont country store. Deli counter, baked goods, nice wine selection, and more.
One of the best farm stands anywhere! Organic produce, meats, cheeses, baked goods and more. Open May through mid-October.
15 locals recommend
Clear Brook Farm
47 Hidden Valley RdOne of the best farm stands anywhere! Organic produce, meats, cheeses, baked goods and more. Open May through mid-October.
This is a great place to enjoy a special meal, or just some appetizers and drinks at the bar.
50 locals recommend
Copper Grouse
3835 Main StThis is a great place to enjoy a special meal, or just some appetizers and drinks at the bar.
MOONWINK
4479 Main StAuthentic Bermese cuisine--very yummy!
We love sushi boat! This place is a local favorite, and with good reason.
13 locals recommend
Sushi Boat
4971 Main StWe love sushi boat! This place is a local favorite, and with good reason.
This restaurant has some of the best Thai food we've ever had. It's a little more on the grown up end, but we do see young families there from time to time.
60 locals recommend
Thai Basil Restaurant
4940 Main StThis restaurant has some of the best Thai food we've ever had. It's a little more on the grown up end, but we do see young families there from time to time.
If you need a casual place to get pizza, subs, and pasta for the whole family, Christos is a great bet.
33 locals recommend
Christos' Pizza and Pasta
4931 Main StIf you need a casual place to get pizza, subs, and pasta for the whole family, Christos is a great bet.
The Mystic has a nice, contemporary menu of fresh foods and flavors, and lots of great drinks to pair along with them. Highly recommend the tamarind margarita!
11 locals recommend
Mystic Cafe & Wine Bar
4928 Main StThe Mystic has a nice, contemporary menu of fresh foods and flavors, and lots of great drinks to pair along with them. Highly recommend the tamarind margarita!
On the weekends, the line can be long for this local favorite, but these folks do breakfast right!
56 locals recommend
Up For Breakfast
4935 Main StOn the weekends, the line can be long for this local favorite, but these folks do breakfast right!
Bistro Henry
1942 Depot StLovely spot for a special night out.
Depot Street Burgers
468 Depot StCasual, modern burgers and fixins' for the whole family.
Homemade breads and killer sandwiches have kept Zooey's a favorite for lunch spot for decades.
27 locals recommend
Zoey's Deli
539 Depot StHomemade breads and killer sandwiches have kept Zooey's a favorite for lunch spot for decades.
Serious, homemade donuts, as well as other breakfast favorites too.
10 locals recommend
Mrs Murphy Donuts
374 Depot StSerious, homemade donuts, as well as other breakfast favorites too.
Sams Wood Fired Pizza
4478 Main StSome of the best pizza in the area. Eat in or take out.
The organic farm and bakery is a neat place. On weekends in the summertime, they host outdoor concerts, with wood fired pizza and dancing on the lawn.
14 locals recommend
Earth Sky Time Community Farm
1547 Main StThe organic farm and bakery is a neat place. On weekends in the summertime, they host outdoor concerts, with wood fired pizza and dancing on the lawn.
Cilantro Restaurant
5036 Main StFresh and flavorful burritos, tacos, and salads. Yummmmmm.
YE OLDE TAVERN
5183 Main StA classic New England menu, served in a cozy historic old tavern.
This is a special place—great for breakfast, brunch, lunch, and dinners on Thursdays and Fridays.
15 locals recommend
Round House Bakery Cafe
25 E Main StThis is a special place—great for breakfast, brunch, lunch, and dinners on Thursdays and Fridays.
Country Gals Cafe'
9 E Main StGreat breakfast spot!
Union Underground
4928 Main StFull bar and food menu, open later than most places in town!
We always walk out happy after an evening at Allegro. Don't miss the gnocchi!!!
22 locals recommend
Allegro
520 Main StWe always walk out happy after an evening at Allegro. Don't miss the gnocchi!!!
Lots on tap, and good eats from the kitchen. Cool atmosphere.
13 locals recommend
The Tap House at Catamount Glass
309 County StLots on tap, and good eats from the kitchen. Cool atmosphere.
One of the best diners you'll find. The wait for tables is often out the door at peak breakfast and lunch, but you can usually snag a spot at the counter, too. Sourdough french toast, crunch berry pancakes, and the Rueben, just to name a few favorites.
40 locals recommend
The Blue Benn
314 North StOne of the best diners you'll find. The wait for tables is often out the door at peak breakfast and lunch, but you can usually snag a spot at the counter, too. Sourdough french toast, crunch berry pancakes, and the Rueben, just to name a few favorites.
This classic spot is open early spring through fall. Personal favorite is a garden burger, onion rings, and a vanilla shake :)
7 locals recommend
Arlington Dairy Bar
3158 Vermont Rte 7aThis classic spot is open early spring through fall. Personal favorite is a garden burger, onion rings, and a vanilla shake :)
Homemade ice cream, folks. This is the good stuff. Plus a whole store full of other scrumptious chocolates and candies.
14 locals recommend
Chocolate Barn
Homemade ice cream, folks. This is the good stuff. Plus a whole store full of other scrumptious chocolates and candies.
Enjoy dinner in this historic inn in the center of piecturesque Arlington.
6 locals recommend
The Arlington Inn
3904 Vermont Rte 7aEnjoy dinner in this historic inn in the center of piecturesque Arlington.
The West Mountain Inn has an exceptional restaurant and tavern, which uses local, seasonal ingredients. We highly, highly recommend making time for a special meal here, and they are very busy, so you should call ahead for a reservation!
6 locals recommend
West Mountain Inn
144 W Mountain Inn RdThe West Mountain Inn has an exceptional restaurant and tavern, which uses local, seasonal ingredients. We highly, highly recommend making time for a special meal here, and they are very busy, so you should call ahead for a reservation!
If you're looking for a truly special meal, this is one of our best recommendations for a high-end dinner.
24 locals recommend
The Reluctant Panther Inn and Restaurant
39 W RdIf you're looking for a truly special meal, this is one of our best recommendations for a high-end dinner.
This year round farmers market is held every Sunday, rain or shine. It is a great mix of lots of local produce, meats, cheeses, and craft goods, as well as music and prepared foods as well.
30 locals recommend
Dorset Farmers Market
1430 VT-30This year round farmers market is held every Sunday, rain or shine. It is a great mix of lots of local produce, meats, cheeses, and craft goods, as well as music and prepared foods as well.
Shopping
This is a world class book store—and more. It has multiple floors and is a joy to explore. The kids section is fantastic too. There is an adjoining cafe, Bonnet & Main that serves great lunches, beverages, and baked treats as well.
126 locals recommend
Northshire Bookstore
4869 Main StThis is a world class book store—and more. It has multiple floors and is a joy to explore. The kids section is fantastic too. There is an adjoining cafe, Bonnet & Main that serves great lunches, beverages, and baked treats as well.
The flagship store in Manchester is a cool place to explore. There are even indoor trout.
53 locals recommend
Orvis
4180 Main StThe flagship store in Manchester is a cool place to explore. There are even indoor trout.
Downtown Manchester is home to a walkable shopping scene that is a mix of designer outlets and small local shops too.
139 locals recommend
Manchester Designer Outlets
65 Depot StDowntown Manchester is home to a walkable shopping scene that is a mix of designer outlets and small local shops too.
A beautiful selection of housewares plus their famous line of hand-crafted pottery.
33 locals recommend
Bennington Potters
324 County StA beautiful selection of housewares plus their famous line of hand-crafted pottery.
If you're looking for serious outdoor clothing, footwear, and gear, this is the spot. The friendly, knowledgable staff can help get you outfitted for all manner of outdoor adventuring.
10 locals recommend
The Mountain Goat
4886 Main StIf you're looking for serious outdoor clothing, footwear, and gear, this is the spot. The friendly, knowledgable staff can help get you outfitted for all manner of outdoor adventuring.
Heinel's Clothiers
4964 Main StThe mothership of Vermont plaid essentials! Get your Woolwich wool jacket here.
Beer & Wine
Argyle Brewing Company Cambridge NY
6 Broad StLocal brew pub in a historic train station
This is a super cool tasting room for craft beers and ciders. They've just added some light eats that pair with the drinks too. You can leave with a growler of the ever-changing brews on tap, or with packaged goods as well. We love this place!
40 locals recommend
The Crooked Ram
4026 Main StThis is a super cool tasting room for craft beers and ciders. They've just added some light eats that pair with the drinks too. You can leave with a growler of the ever-changing brews on tap, or with packaged goods as well. We love this place!
Big selection of local (and global) craft beers, ciders, and wines.
11 locals recommend
Manchester Discount Beverage
380 Depot StBig selection of local (and global) craft beers, ciders, and wines.
We love Harvest! Great brews on tap, in-house and regionally. Plus a funky, contemporary menu of oh-so-cool bar eats.
16 locals recommend
Harvest Brewing
201 South StWe love Harvest! Great brews on tap, in-house and regionally. Plus a funky, contemporary menu of oh-so-cool bar eats.
Worth the drive to this beautiful historic factory, turned modern craft brewery. They have a great contemporary menu. CHECK HOURS BEFORE HEADING OUT. They're only open Thursday-Sunday at certain times of year.
36 locals recommend
Brown's Brewing Company's Walloomsac Taproom and Brewery
50 Factory Hill RdWorth the drive to this beautiful historic factory, turned modern craft brewery. They have a great contemporary menu. CHECK HOURS BEFORE HEADING OUT. They're only open Thursday-Sunday at certain times of year.
Casual atmosphere with great brews and full dinner menu. Favorites are the Bog Salad and the CHICKEN NACHOS.
42 locals recommend
Madison Brewing Company Pub & Restaurant
428 Main StCasual atmosphere with great brews and full dinner menu. Favorites are the Bog Salad and the CHICKEN NACHOS.
This charming historic-farm-turned-inn, has weekly pub nights in the summer and early fall. Every Thursday evening they have food, music, and drinks open to the public. Enjoy at cocktail and delicious eats on the porch!
Hill Farm Inn
458 Hill Farm RdThis charming historic-farm-turned-inn, has weekly pub nights in the summer and early fall. Every Thursday evening they have food, music, and drinks open to the public. Enjoy at cocktail and delicious eats on the porch!
This charming historic-farm-turned-inn, has weekly pub nights in the summer and early fall. Every Thursday evening they have food, music, and drinks open to the public. Enjoy at cocktail and delicious eats on the porch!
Hill Farm Inn
458 Hill Farm RdThis charming historic-farm-turned-inn, has weekly pub nights in the summer and early fall. Every Thursday evening they have food, music, and drinks open to the public. Enjoy at cocktail and delicious eats on the porch!