Who said Manchester is only a shopping town?" Undeniably it’s one of the most unique shopping communities on the East Coast! But there are other riches here too. Manchester, which has always been rich in art and history has been proactive in redefining its sense of community–and is actively publicizing that the region offers wonderful art, music, historical, and cultural events year ‘round.
Manchester and our neighboring towns boast unrivaled shopping, charming lodging accommodations, delicious dining, and art museums. Musical events include the Manchester Music Festival, the Vermont Symphony Orchestra, and an extraordinary billing of contemporary musicians and singers. The Southern Vermont Arts Center and Riley Rink at Hunter Park host a wide variety of musical programs including classical, jazz, pop, folk, and country. Add to this the Vermont Summer Festival Horse Show, a world-class horse jumping event, which is being held at the Beebe Farm in East Dorset for five weeks rounding out a summer of top attractions.
Last month the Manchester Film Festival held their first annual event, and the overall consensus was that it was a great success. Participants were pleased and the overall program was very aggressive in offering a wide variety of films and panel discussions. It was perfect for someone like myself who has always had an interest in the film industry. It was also fun to have the buzz around town and ask "What movie did you see today?" at various social events. I think this will be the beginning of a great annual event for our community. Many local residents and second-home owners generously volunteered their time to make event this a true community success.
Another attraction of our area is the opportunity parents have to enjoy both fun and cultural experiences with their children–in a beautiful and relaxed environment. There’s a wide-ranging slate of family-oriented activities to choose from and during the summer the list is virtually endless.
When the kids are literally bouncing off the walls, visit Bromley’s Thrill Zone! I took my family, which included three generations, and we all had something fun to do. The kids enjoyed everything–especially the rock climbing and zip line!
This month’s cover features Union Street Mercantile, a shop which is across from the Equinox Resort in Manchester Village. It’s a unique store that carries an eclectic assortment of clothes, gifts, and toiletries. It’s another shopping discovery for you to seek out.
As much as I hate to admit that the summer is half-over, we need to think about our back-to-school shopping for kids. Manchester has many stores that can help you with this annual task. And mark your calendar for Sidewalk Sale Days–August 16th-18th! Many retailers will have their own tent sales offering great discounts on summer close-outs.
RETAIL NEWS–
We welcome the Sanctuary Collection to Vermont Style. This new home furnishings store is located at Manchester Square; map H, and offers a unique blend of beautiful Turkish and Tibetan rugs and furniture.
Orvis is having their official grand opening the weekend of August 24th-25th. The new store is beautiful. Stop by for the festivities on this special weekend.
RESTAURANT NEWS–
Several restaurants are offering a special summer menu blending many of summer’s flavors and creating cool, refreshing dishes. Mother Nature has given us perfect weather over the past few weeks which makes it fun to sit outside and have lunch or dinner.
Angel’s, at the Village Country Inn, is now serving lunch outdoors on their marble patio Thursdays through Sunday. With umbrella-covered tables and a swimming pool in view, the setting is as beautiful as the menu is tempting. For a leisurely al fresco lunch–and something different–visit Angel’s.
