A CURATED GUIDE TO WHAT TO DO IN SOUTHERN VERMONT WHEN YOU’RE NOT HITTING THE SLOPES
STORY BY BENJAMIN LERNER
Southern Vermont offers a myriad of possibilities for visitors looking to explore activities beyond the Stratton slopes. From delectable dining to indulgent spas, charming shops, and exciting attractions, the greater Stratton area provides unforgettable experiences for everyone—including visitors who choose to not partake in winter sports. Whether you’re spending the day in Stratton Village or exploring the surrounding towns, this guide offers a perfect, accessible winter escape.
RESTAURANTS & CAFÉS
Southern Vermont’s dining scene is a tapestry of delicious experiences, from fine dining establishments and cozy cafés to creative eateries that highlight local ingredients and unique flavors.
Stratton Village
Stratton Village is a vibrant hub for foodies. Benedict’s, newly reopened in a prime location, serves brunch and dinner favorites like artisan eggs benedict and gourmet, savory entrees like their slow-cooked pot roast and herb-infused “Corn Chowdah,” named as a droll tribute to the longstanding New England culinary tradition. The recently added T-Bar tapas bar offers small plates and craft cocktails, perfect for a cultured après-ski experience. Mulligan’s remains a lively gathering spot with classic American dishes. Its Snowfish Sushi Room, serves fresh sushi in an intimate setting, and The Green Door Pub, a lively après hangout, offers a timeless, retro ski-town vibe.
The Drift, Stratton’s outdoor, heated bar, serves craft beers and signature cocktails in the fresh Vermont air. Burro Loco and Bar 802 serve up quality Mexican fare and drinks in relaxed, welcoming settings, respectively, and The Fire Tower Restaurant and Tavern is a wonderful après ski hub with inspired American fare and great drinks. For those staying at the Black Bear Lodge, there’s no need to venture beyond its cozy grounds for a nibble or nightcap. Stop in at Table 43.1 for a family-friendly, laid-back nosh, and wake up refreshed the next morning with a hot and uplifting beverage from Upper Standard, a lovely coffeeshop in the heart of the Village.
Manchester
Manchester offers a wide range of celebrated culinary landmarks. The Silver Fork, located in a beautifully-renovated historic library, specializes in gourmet dishes with a phenomenal wine list. (Reservations are recommended well in advance.) At The Copper Grouse, housed in the Taconic Hotel, you’ll find a modern American menu featuring hearty delights and locally-sourced produce. For a historic dining experience, Ye Olde Tavern offers comforting, elevated dishes in a classic New England setting, while the Crooked Ram has built a sterling reputation for their tasty, epicurean offerings and exceptional drink menu.
Coffee and brunch enthusiasts will love Up for Breakfast and The Little Rooster, Manchester’s celebrated breakfast mainstays. Dina’s Bakery Café provides inventive brunch takes like Challah French Toast, while the cozy Colburn Café serves expertly brewed coffee and fresh pastries. The Maple Reserve café offers an espresso bar, a full bar, and artisan Vermont-made snacks and gifts, making it an ideal spot for both sipping and shopping.
Bennington, Dorset & Jamaica
The Dorset Inn and Barrows House in Dorset are must-visits for fine dining. The Dorset Inn specializes in fantastic, upscale, classic American dishes, while Barrows House offers modern gastropub entrees and tasty cocktails, wines, and Vermont-brewed beer. In Bennington, The Publyk House pairs hearty comfort food with a wide selection of local craft beers and wines. For a flavorful meal in a remarkable setting, stop by Depot 62 in Manchester, where Turkish-Mediterranean dishes are served in an eclectic home furnishings store. Just down the road from Stratton on Route 30, Honeypie Burgers in Jamaica stands out for its gourmet, creative burgers.
RETAIL THERAPY
Stratton Village Shops
Stratton Village offers an array of charming shops that make for a delightful retail therapy experience. The North Face Summit Shop features outdoor apparel and gear for every season, combining style and functionality. Von Bargen’s Jewelry, a standout in the village, specializes in exceptional service and offers a wide range of jewelry at multiple price points, shining with elegance and thoughtful artistry. For gifts and keepsakes, Stratton Clothing Company and Stratton Sports offer a variety of branded merchandise items, from apparel to drinkware. Mountain Sweets tempts visitors of all ages with chocolates and nostalgic candies, making it a sweet addition to any winter shopping excursion.
Manchester & Beyond
Exploring Southern Vermont’s shops offers a mix of local craftsmanship and global sophistication. The world-renowned Northshire Bookstore in Manchester is a must-visit for book lovers, as is the recently-opened Wheelwrite Imaginarium, where literary mavens will find a treasure trove of rare books and memorabilia. Throughout Manchester, well-stocked outlet stores feature well-known brands such as Ralph Lauren, Pendleton, Brooks Brothers, and Vineyard Vines. These shops are marvelously juxtaposed by boutique storefronts, featuring independent Vermont businesses like Vermont Flannel and Vermont Teddy Bear. Visiting fashionistas will rejoice in the offerings of COCO Goose and Zippy Chicks, featuring a vast assortment of sartorial pieces perfect for every style. The Orvis Flagship Store provides outdoor enthusiasts with high-quality gear and apparel, perfect for enjoying Vermont’s natural beauty in any season. Simon Pearce’s new Manchester shop showcases stunning glassware and pottery, making it an ideal stop for unique, artisanal gifts. J.K. Adams in Dorset is a culinary and kitchenware heaven, offering handcrafted cutting boards, slate coasters, and wooden and ceramic bowls, alongside high-quality kitchen utensils, local, Vermont-made food products, and party hosting essentials.
In Londonderry, In The Moment Records is a quirky and eclectic must-visit for music lovers. The store houses an impressive collection of vinyl LPs, spanning nearly every genre imaginable, from classic rock and jazz to obscure indie releases. Visitors can lose themselves browsing through shelves of vinyl or chatting with staff who are just as passionate about music as their customers. The colorful, retro-inspired décor adds to the unique charm of this must-visit destination for audiophiles and casual music fans alike.
GYMS, SPAS, & WELLNESS
On the mountain, the Stratton Training & Fitness Center offers an accessible, well-rounded approach to health and wellness. It’s more than a gym—it’s a destination for fitness enthusiasts and wellness seekers alike. The center features an indoor saltwater pool, yoga and Pilates classes, and a range of cardio and strength-training equipment. Of special note are the indoor tennis courts and pickleball courts, where players of all levels can enjoy this fast-growing sport in a welcoming environment. For climbers of all skill levels, the recently-opened CLIMB in Stratton Village offers a thrilling indoor rock climbing experience. Featuring self-belays, auto-belays, and bouldering walls, the facility accommodates all ages. Its design encourages both physical challenge and mental strategy, making it a perfect activity for families and groups of friends in the mood for an exciting adventure beyond the slopes.
Renu Lounge in Manchester is a sanctuary for relaxation and rejuvenation, offering state-of-the-art amenities like infrared saunas, red-light therapy, Hyperice massage wearables, and an indoor cold plunge. The Spa at The Equinox Golf Resort provides massages, facials, and body treatments in an elegant setting. LX Fitness, located in the heart of Manchester, redefines the gym experience with its thoughtfully curated, 5,000-square-foot facility. Designed to blend state-of-the-art fitness technology with understated luxury, LX Fitness offers an unparalleled environment for achieving personal health goals. Their cardio equipment includes everything from treadmills and ellipticals to stepmills, rowers, and ski ergs, ensuring diverse and effective workouts. Strength training enthusiasts will appreciate the platforms, racks, weights, and cable machines, while functional training options such as kettlebells, battle ropes, and plyometric boxes keep routines dynamic. Unique features like a reverse-hyper machine, glute-ham developer, and trolley lever arms elevate the experience beyond the ordinary. Beyond fitness, LX offers spa-like locker rooms with infrared saunas, a nutrition and wellness bar featuring pressed juices and healthy snacks, and private training sessions tailored to individual goals.
MUSEUMS
Southern Vermont Arts Center: A Cultural Haven
Nestled on a picturesque hillside in Manchester, the Southern Vermont Arts Center (SVAC) is a year-round destination for art and nature enthusiasts. Its Yester House features ten distinctive galleries showcasing contemporary and traditional works, while the Elizabeth de C. Wilson Museum & Galleries offers curated exhibits that appeal to a wide range of artistic tastes. Outside, the Stroup Family Sculpture Park integrates modern sculptures with the surrounding Green Mountain landscape. In the mood for a meal on the museum grounds? Stop by their on-site curATE Café for food every bit as creative and exceptional as the art lining the walls.
Bennington Museum: Exploring History & Heritage
In Bennington, the Bennington Museum offers an unforgettable journey of history and artistry. Home to the world’s largest collection of Grandma Moses paintings, the museum highlights the life and work of this iconic folk artist. Exhibits also include Revolutionary War artifacts, a glimpse into Vermont’s Gilded Age, and a rotating selection of modernist works by 20th-century Vermont artists. The newly renovated Grandma Moses Gallery is a must-see, featuring her evocative depictions of rural life alongside personal artifacts and rare photographs. A visit here provides a fascinating dive into Vermont’s cultural and historical fabric, perfect for a reflective winter afternoon. After visiting Bennington Museum, stop in at The Four Chimneys for a delicious meal, made by expert chefs with gourmet flair on the grounds of a beautiful, historic Vermont bed-and-breakfast.
GALLERIES & HOME DÉCOR
Southern Vermont’s artistic and home décor offerings extend well beyond the renowned Southern Vermont Arts Center and Bennington Museum, with smaller galleries and unique furnishing shops providing a treasure trove of inspiration and craftsmanship.
EPOCH Artisan Gallery in Manchester is a cooperative space housed in a historic building on the town’s main traffic circle. This expansive gallery features two levels showcasing works by its 16 full-time members and numerous guest artists. Visitors can admire a diverse collection, including fine art paintings, wildlife sculptures, functional ceramics, sterling silver jewelry, fiber arts, and unique charcuterie boards. The gallery’s outdoor display of metal animal sculptures and brass flamingos adds a whimsical touch to the vibrant artistry within.
Ellenbogen Gallery, located in Manchester’s Town Center, is an artist-owned space offering an eclectic mix of contemporary artwork by Carolina and Michael Ellenbogen and other selected artists. The gallery’s Eg.Shop features gourmet provisions such as wine, artisan chocolate, craft bitters, and conservas, blending fine art with culinary sophistication for a unique shopping experience. 3 Pears Gallery, with its newly-opened Manchester location, showcases a curated collection of fine art and artisan pieces that celebrate the beauty of Vermont. Founders Greg DeLuca and Judith Cohen bring their expertise in performance and visual arts to create a space where significant works and treasured gifts meet.
Helmholz Fine Art, also in Manchester, specializes in contemporary large-scale works, street art, and fine art photography, curated by the knowledgeable and passionate Lisa Helmholz-Adams. The gallery’s ambiance reflects Helmholz-Adams’ global influences and commitment to philanthropy, supporting organizations like Hunger Free Vermont and Global Reach. Tilting at Windmills Gallery in Manchester offers one of New England’s largest collections of fine art. With a focus on investment-quality pieces, the gallery features works by prominent regional, national, and international artists in a variety of mediums.
Perfectpiece Consignments in Manchester is a haven for those seeking distinctive home furnishings, oriental rugs, and fine art. Spanning multiple buildings and over 11,000 square feet, this unique destination provides everything from antique farm tables to modern club chairs, catering to diverse tastes and budgets.
Regional Character, located in downtown Manchester, celebrates New England craftsmanship with a thoughtfully curated collection of home goods and gifts. The store emphasizes sustainable practices and showcases items like hand-turned maple bowls by Spencer Peterman and custom-scented candles by Dorset Daughters. Founder Sean Osborne’s dedication to regional commerce ensures every piece tells a story of artisanal skill and tradition. Squirrel Art + Gathered Goods in Manchester combines fine art with a carefully selected array of home luxuries and vintage finds. This gallery and shop offers original works by emerging and established artists, creating an inviting space for discovery.
FAMILY FUN
Pastime Pinball in Manchester is a playable museum where vintage pinball machines and arcade games delight visitors of all ages. Tasty snacks and beverages are served on-site, and this delightful, retro arcade is perfect for memorable family and corporate events. At Dana L. Thompson Memorial Park, Manchester visitors and locals alike can enjoy a public, mile-long running track perfect for winter jogs, as well as a welcoming, enclosed dog park that is open in all seasons. The Equinox Preservation Trust Trails provide serene hiking paths, leading to natural treasures like Equinox Pond. The trails are open in the winter, and visitors are encouraged to dress appropriately and read up on weather reports before beginning any winter hiking, trail running, or snowshoeing activities there. Need some Vermont-ready hiking gear? Stop in at The Mountain Goat in Manchester for expert advice and apparel. After picking up a Vermont-inspired winter Skida hat there, head to Marimekko in Manchester for a colorful and warm scarf or sweater made with exceptional fabrics.
FILM, THEATER, & LIVE PERFORMANCES
Southern Vermont’s arts and entertainment scene offers a rich variety of cinematic venues, live performances, and theatrical productions, perfect for adding a cultural dimension to your winter escape. Whether you’re exploring historic theaters or attending a comedy show, you’ll find a wide array of experiences to captivate visitors of all interests.
The Bennington Theater in the heart of Bennington’s historic downtown embodies a vibrant commitment to community and creativity. This winter, its stage comes alive with engaging events like Trivia Night Live! on February 13, a lively evening of friendly competition hosted by trivia master Jim Thatch, and comedian Karen Morgan’s relatable and laugh-out-loud performance on February 22. March brings the sharp wit of Julia Shiplett on March 7 and the harmonious sounds of Americana Women on March 8, delivering an evening of folk music that celebrates women in American roots music.
For cinema lovers, Bennington Cinemas provides a cozy retreat with its heated recliners and seven-screen lineup featuring the latest Hollywood releases. Meanwhile, the Latchis Theater in Brattleboro combines historic grandeur with contemporary entertainment. Its Main Theatre, adorned with Greek-themed murals, hosts both blockbuster film screenings and unique events, such as the upcoming winter series Devised & Directed: The Films of Mike Leigh. This curated program features screenings of Leigh’s critically acclaimed works, offering both introductions and post-film discussions.
The Monument Arts & Cultural Center in Bennington serves as a hub for creativity, hosting theater performances, artist exhibits, and workshops that engage the community year-round. The venue’s versatile programming ensures there’s something for everyone, from dance classes to art installations. Be sure to catch Juliet Mills and Maxwell Caufield when they return to the Vermont stage in The Petition on March 8 and 9.
For lovers of live theater, the Dorset Players bring community spirit to life at the Dorset Playhouse with productions like Stones in His Pockets, a tragicomedy about an Irish film shoot, running this March, and Steve Martin’s hilarious Meteor Shower in April. Nearby, the Weston Theater Company continues its tradition of exceptional storytelling, with phenomenal summertime productions complemented by its annual Weston Winter Cabaret, a festive celebration of music and comedy guaranteed to brighten the winter season.
Jazz enthusiasts will find a cornucopia of cultural enrichment at the Vermont Jazz Center in Brattleboro. This premier venue presents world-class performances, including the Billy Childs Quartet on February 9 and the vibrant funk of Huntertones on March 8. The season concludes with a Heat Fund Benefit concert on March 29, featuring the Rhythm Future Quartet playing gypsy jazz to support neighbors in need.
In Manchester, the Southern Vermont Arts Center’s Arkell Pavilion is an incredible venue for live performances in the warmer months. Set against the backdrop of SVAC’s 100-acre campus, the venue offers a serene blend of cultural enrichment and natural beauty. The Manchester-based artistic organization, Taconic Music enriches Southern Vermont with year-round concerts, lessons, and educational programs that celebrate the rich traditions of classical music. Taconic Music offers inclusive, engaging experiences across a variety of genres, welcoming people of all ages and backgrounds who value music as a vital part of their lives.
OUTDOOR ADVENTURES & VT 30 COLLECTIVE
Vermont Mountain Adventures delivers thrilling snowmobile tours through the scenic Green Mountain National Forest, combining exhilarating rides with breathtaking views. Their meticulously maintained trail system caters to riders of all levels. Whether you’re an experienced rider or a first-timer, the tours are perfect for anyone seeking to explore the beauty of Southern Vermont’s winter landscapes in a unique and exciting way.
Vermont 30 Collective is a dynamic network of merchants, artists, farmers, and non-profit organizations dedicated to enhancing the vitality of Route 30 in Windham County. This collaborative effort weaves together the area’s cultural and entrepreneurial spirit, offering unique destinations that enrich the region. For those seeking balance and mindfulness, Newfane Village Yoga provides a serene space in the heart of Newfane, offering a wide array of yoga and meditation classes, private sessions, and advanced training opportunities. Just outside Brattleboro, Retreat Farm invites visitors to explore its historic barns, grassy square, and 10 miles of scenic trails. The picturesque barns are perfect for booking for a variety of events, including corporate retreats, celebrations, and gatherings.
Art enthusiasts can visit the Robert DuGrenier Glass Art Gallery in Townshend, where stunning hand-blown glassworks come to life through weekly glassblowing demonstrations. From delicate ornaments to grand chandeliers, DuGrenier’s creations exemplify the blend of beauty and functionality. The West River Community Project in West Townshend embodies the spirit of giving back, with a locally curated market, a donation-based thrift store, and live music events that bring people together. Their farm-to-table meals offer an opportunity to connect and celebrate the local community.