If there’s one place in New England that feels like a storybook in October, it’s Manchester, Vermont.
Tucked into the Green Mountains, this small town comes alive with fiery foliage, apple-scented breezes, cozy farm stops, and a perfect balance of outdoor adventure and small-town charm.
Whether you’re chasing mountain views, wandering through covered bridges, or browsing quaint shops, Manchester is at its peak in fall.
Here’s your ultimate list of 24 best things to do in Manchester, Vermont this October — a mix of classic icons, hidden gems, and seasonal experiences you can’t miss.
Read More: 20+ Best Places to Visit in Vermont in October
Iconic Historic & Cultural Landmarks
Hildene, The Lincoln Family Home
A visit to Manchester isn’t complete without walking through Hildene, the estate of Robert Todd Lincoln, son of President Abraham Lincoln.
Surrounded by gardens and mountain views, it’s especially stunning in October when the foliage frames the Georgian Revival mansion.
The working farm, goat dairy, and trails add even more charm.
Pro Tip: Visit late afternoon — the golden sunlight across the meadows makes for postcard-perfect photos.
- Nearby attractions or towns worth combining with the visit: Equinox Preserve Trails, Manchester Village Historic District
- Food and drink recommendations nearby: Silver Fork, The Copper Grouse
Southern Vermont Arts Center
This cultural hub tucked inside a forest is the perfect place to balance foliage drives with art appreciation.
Explore galleries filled with contemporary and traditional works, catch rotating exhibits, and take a quiet walk along the sculpture-studded woodland trails.
- Nearby attractions or towns worth combining with the visit: Lye Brook Falls Trail, Mount Equinox Skyline Drive
- Food and drink recommendations nearby: Zoey’s Double Hex, Thai Basil
American Museum of Fly Fishing
Fly fishing isn’t just a sport here — it’s part of Vermont’s heritage.
This quirky museum showcases historic rods, reels, and even presidential fishing gear.
It’s a niche stop, but in October it pairs perfectly with a riverside walk along the Battenkill.
- Nearby attractions or towns worth combining with the visit: Battenkill River, Manchester Hot Glass
- Food and drink recommendations nearby: Christos’ Pizza & Pasta, Depot 62
Manchester Hot Glass
Step inside a working studio where glassblowers turn molten glass into stunning art.
You can even try your hand at creating a piece.
Watching the fiery process feels cozy on a crisp fall day, and you’ll walk away with a one-of-a-kind Vermont souvenir.
- Nearby attractions or towns worth combining with the visit: Northshire Bookstore, Manchester Designer Outlets
- Food and drink recommendations nearby: Ye Olde Tavern, Raven’s Den Steakhouse
Manchester Village Historic District
With white church steeples, colonial inns, and tree-lined streets bursting with color, Manchester Village feels frozen in time.
Simply strolling here is like walking into a Vermont postcard.
- Nearby attractions or towns worth combining with the visit: Hildene, Equinox Preserve Trails
- Food and drink recommendations nearby: Marsh Tavern at Equinox Resort, Reluctant Panther Restaurant
Scenic Drives & Breathtaking Views
Mount Equinox Skyline Drive
One of Vermont’s most spectacular fall drives, this 5.2-mile toll road climbs to the summit of Mount Equinox, offering sweeping views across four states.
In October, the entire valley below is a quilt of red, gold, and orange.
Insider Tip: Aim for sunrise or late afternoon — fewer cars and more dramatic skies.
- Nearby attractions or towns worth combining with the visit: Prospect Rock Trail, Southern Vermont Arts Center
- Food and drink recommendations nearby: Bob’s Diner, Up For Breakfast
Stratton Mountain Gondola (Nearby Stratton)
If you prefer a ride over a hike, the Stratton gondola whisks you to the summit for panoramic views of southern Vermont’s fall canopy.
Perfect for families or anyone who wants the foliage thrill without the climb.
- Nearby attractions or towns worth combining with the visit: Long Trail section near Stratton, Bromley Mountain
- Food and drink recommendations nearby: Stratton Village eateries, Fire Tower Restaurant
Fall Hiking & Nature Walks
Lye Brook Falls Trail
A 4.6-mile hike through forested paths leading to one of Vermont’s tallest waterfalls.
The cascade, framed by autumn leaves, is worth every step.
- Nearby attractions or towns worth combining with the visit: Equinox Preserve Trails, Prospect Rock Trail
- Food and drink recommendations nearby: Cilantro Taco, Amy’s on the Road
Equinox Preserve Trails
Spread across 914 acres, these trails range from easy strolls to challenging hikes, all offering peaceful woodland scenes in peak fall colors.
- Nearby attractions or towns worth combining with the visit: Hildene, Manchester Village Historic District
- Food and drink recommendations nearby: Union Underground, Mulligans
Prospect Rock Trail
A shorter hike (about 3 miles round trip) with a rewarding cliffside view of Manchester Village and Mount Equinox — ideal for a quick October morning adventure.
- Nearby attractions or towns worth combining with the visit: Mount Equinox Skyline Drive, Lye Brook Falls Trail
- Food and drink recommendations nearby: The Works Café, Al Ducci’s Italian Pantry
Marble Rail Trail
Flat, scenic, and great for biking or a relaxed walk, this converted rail trail winds through wooded paths and historic quarry landscapes.
- Nearby attractions or towns worth combining with the visit: Dorset Quarry, J.K. Adams Kitchen Store
- Food and drink recommendations nearby: Dorset Rising Bakery, Barrows House
Long Trail
For serious hikers, the famous Long Trail slices through the region.
Even a short section in October offers breathtaking forest views and crisp mountain air.
Pro Tip: Dress in layers — October mornings can be frosty, but afternoons warm up quickly.
- Nearby attractions or towns worth combining with the visit: Stratton Mountain Gondola, Bromley Mountain
- Food and drink recommendations nearby: Stratton Village Grille, Benedict’s
Outdoor Adventures & Unique Experiences
Battenkill River
The Battenkill is legendary for fly fishing, but in fall it’s equally magical for kayaking or simply picnicking by its banks.
With fiery leaves reflecting off the water, it’s a photographer’s dream.
- Nearby attractions or towns worth combining with the visit: American Museum of Fly Fishing, Arlington Covered Bridges
- Food and drink recommendations nearby: The Arlington Inn Tavern, Jonathon’s Table
Land Rover Experience Driving Center
For something completely different, test-drive rugged Land Rovers on a real off-road course through Vermont’s forests.
October foliage makes the ride feel like an adrenaline-filled nature tour.
- Nearby attractions or towns worth combining with the visit: Equinox Preserve Trails, Mount Equinox Skyline Drive
- Food and drink recommendations nearby: Silver Fork, Marsh Tavern
Bromley Mountain Adventure Park
When the ski slopes rest, Bromley transforms into a playground of alpine slides, zip lines, and outdoor fun.
Add in crisp fall air and mountain foliage, and it’s as thrilling as it is scenic.
- Nearby attractions or towns worth combining with the visit: Stratton Mountain Gondola, Long Trail
- Food and drink recommendations nearby: Johnny Seesaw’s, Bromley Market
Local Farms, Orchards & Fall Festivities
Mad Tom Orchard
October means apple season, and Mad Tom Orchard is where you’ll want to pick your own crisp Vermont apples straight from the trees.
Fresh cider doughnuts seal the deal.
- Nearby attractions or towns worth combining with the visit: Equinox Valley Nursery, Dorset Quarry
- Food and drink recommendations nearby: Dorset Union Store, Mother Myrick’s Confectionery
Equinox Valley Nursery
This isn’t just a nursery — it’s a fall wonderland.
With giant pumpkins, festive displays, and a whimsical corn maze, it’s the definition of October charm.
- Nearby attractions or towns worth combining with the visit: Mad Tom Orchard, Manchester Farmers’ Market
- Food and drink recommendations nearby: Sam’s Wood Fired Pizza, The Crooked Ram
Merck Forest & Farmland Center (Nearby Rupert)
A working farm and wilderness preserve where you can hike trails, visit animals, and soak up rustic Vermont life.
In October, it’s pure countryside magic.
- Nearby attractions or towns worth combining with the visit: Dorset Quarry, Arlington Covered Bridge
- Food and drink recommendations nearby: Rupert Rising Bakery, Dorset Inn
Manchester Farmers’ Market
One of Vermont’s liveliest markets, running until mid-October.
Expect artisan breads, fresh produce, handmade crafts, and the friendly vibe of a true local gathering.
- Nearby attractions or towns worth combining with the visit: Northshire Bookstore, Equinox Valley Nursery
- Food and drink recommendations nearby: Depot 62 Bistro, Christos’ Pizza
Earth Sky Time Community Farm
Part farm, part music venue, part bakery — this community space is as Vermont as it gets.
Fresh breads and wood-fired pizzas make it a tasty October stop.
- Nearby attractions or towns worth combining with the visit: Manchester Farmers’ Market, Dorset Quarry
- Food and drink recommendations nearby: Earth Sky Time Café, JJ Hapgood General Store (Peru)
Hidden Gems & Small-Town Treasures
Dorset Quarry (Nearby Dorset)
America’s first commercial marble quarry has turned into a scenic swimming hole.
While October is too chilly to swim, the mirrored reflections of foliage on the water are stunning.
- Nearby attractions or towns worth combining with the visit: Marble Rail Trail, J.K. Adams Kitchen Store
- Food and drink recommendations nearby: Dorset Rising, Barrows House
Chiselville Covered Bridge (Nearby Arlington)
A picture-perfect 1870s bridge draped in fall colors — ideal for photographers and leaf peepers.
- Nearby attractions or towns worth combining with the visit: Battenkill River, Arlington town center
- Food and drink recommendations nearby: Arlington Dairy Bar, Chauncey’s Family Dining
J.K. Adams Kitchen Store (Nearby Dorset)
A must for foodies and home cooks.
This Vermont-made kitchenware shop has been around since the 1940s, and October is perfect for stocking up before holiday cooking.
- Nearby attractions or towns worth combining with the visit: Dorset Quarry, Marble Rail Trail
- Food and drink recommendations nearby: Dorset Union Store, Dorset Bakery
Northshire Bookstore
Manchester’s literary landmark, perfect for browsing on a crisp October afternoon.
Grab a hot drink and lose yourself in Vermont’s most famous independent bookstore.
- Nearby attractions or towns worth combining with the visit: Manchester Designer Outlets, Manchester Farmers’ Market
- Food and drink recommendations nearby: Spiral Press Café, The Works Café
Manchester Designer Outlets
From Ralph Lauren to small local boutiques, these outlets are tucked into colonial-style buildings.
A fun mix of fall shopping and small-town vibes.
- Nearby attractions or towns worth combining with the visit: Northshire Bookstore, Manchester Hot Glass
- Food and drink recommendations nearby: Cilantro Taco, Thai Basil
Conclusion: Why Manchester in October is Pure Magic
Manchester, Vermont in October feels like it was designed for fall lovers.
With fiery foliage, mountain hikes, apple orchards, covered bridges, and a dose of culture, it’s the kind of place you’ll want to revisit year after year.
Whether you’re here for a weekend or a full week, this charming town guarantees an unforgettable autumn escape.
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