Manchester, Vermont, is actually two towns that combine to cover the bases for visitors. Pristine Manchester Village is crisscrossed with white marble sidewalks, ideal for strolling; Manchester Center is a commercial hub with a thriving independent bookstore and a number of top designer outlets. For pure beauty, there’s the Battenkill River, a haven for fly-fishing — and while the Battenkill’s catch-and-release policy means you won’t be eating what you catch, Manchester boasts a rich assortment of eateries, from New American cuisine to Mexican street food.

For a uniquely Manchester experience, though, head to Boorn Brook Farm, once the home of famed Vermont painter Ogden Pleissner and now the headquarters of Green Mountain Falconry School. With the protection of a thick leather gauntlet and some instruction from owner Rob Waite, you can truly go “medieval” as a captive-bred hawk swoops down from the sky to land on your outstretched arm.

Scenes from Manchester, Vermont

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Heather Marcus

Heather Marcus is the senior photo editor for Yankee. She works closely with the art director and contributing photographers to tell our stories about people and place in a compelling way. Living and growing up in New England, she continues to be inspired by the communities, the landscape, and the wonderful visual opportunities the region affords.

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