Click here to utilize an interactive map of Arlington!
May in Vermont can be unpredictable! It is likely to be a terperate 65-75 degrees, and we will hope against spring showers; however, it is advisable to look ahead at the forecast and to come prepared with layers for heat or cold. Also note that high heels may sink into the grass, so, while this is a special occasion, please put comfort first!
If you will have an opportunity to explore the area during your stay, consider the following:
HIKING
There are several trails on the West Mountain Inn Grounds, of a variety of intensities. WMI Trail Map is available here. copies of this map will be available at the inn, and if your would like to join us on Saturday the 23rd, we will be headed out for a group hike on the PARTRIDGE PATH at 2 PM.
Hike the trails of the Green Mountain National Forest, Mount Equinox, or one of the State Parks in the area. There is access to the Appalachian Trail in our Green Mountain National Forest nearby. We can supply you with information on many of the trails in the area. For easy nature trails and challenging day long hikes visit the Merck Forest.Burr & Burton Trail (5 mi NE)
- Day Hike: 5.8 Miles (5 Hours); Vertical Rise: 2880 ft. Strenuous.
The trail is accessed through the Burr and Burton Seminary parking lot on Seminary Avenue in Manchester Village. The trailhead is located behind the school across the athletic field.
Stratton Mountain Easy Summits (19 mi NE)
· Lower Wanderer – Lower West Meadow – Work Road – Mike's WayA combination of gravel work road and mowed surface. Excellent views from West Meadow and Mike's Way. If you get tired, a mid-mountain turn around option is available via Interstate to Lower Standard. Approximately 2.5 miles from bottom to topAverage Hiking Time: 1.5 – 2 Hours (one way)
· Fire Tower Trail:Follow this trail from the Summit of Stratton to the old Fire Tower, which marks the true summit of Stratton Mountain and the crossing of the Long and Appalachian Trails. Check in with Tower hosts for the latest trail news, or climb the tower for 360 views of the surrounding area. Approximately .75 miles each way. Little to no elevation gain.
· Lower Mountain Beginner Loop:Old Log Road – Hemlock – Lower StandardModerate up and downhill climbs. Start on Lower Standard for a more challenging climb, or stick to Log Road for a warm up or hikes with smaller children.Approximately 1.1 miles round trip
Stratton Mountain/Pond Loop
- Day-hike 1: hike to top of Stratton Mountan with the group. Eat lunch at the summit, then return by the same route. 7.6 miles
- Day-hike 2: for a stronger hiker, go over Stratton Mountain and out to Stratton Pond, then take the Stratton Pond Trail out to the road. This is basically doing the (minimum) overnight hike as a day-hike, minus the time for hiking to the shelter or tenting areas. This isn't a very hard day-hike. I've done it in an easy afternoon, even with 3 foot drifts of snow on top of Stratton. 11.5 miles
FISHING:
The Battenkill: Come fish this famous trout river on your own, or contact a knowledgeable local guide who will also be able to supply you with all the equipment you need. Orvis approved guides include Peter Basta and Chuck Kashner. A fishing license is required and can be obtained online.
CANOEING, KAYAKING AND TUBING:
Enjoy canoeing down the Battenkill. Take in the sites along this picturesque river in your own canoe, or rent one from Battenkill Canoe LTD.
CYCLING:
Bring your bicycle and ride around the area- a great way to see the sights. Rentals are available at Battenkill Sports.
GOLF: Gleneagles Golf Course is nearby and tee times may be reserved up to a week in advance. Stratton Golf offers three separate 9-hole courses and you can reserve online.
HORSEBACK RIDING: Novices or expert riders are welcome at both Mountain View Ranch and Horses for Hire.
SWIMMING: (if it's a warm May or you're very brave!) Spend an afternoon at Emerald Lake in Manchester or Lake Shaftsbury a few miles south, where there are sandy beaches & rental boats.
MUSEUMS: Visit Hildene, Robert Todd Lincoln's restored Georgian mansion, the Bennington Museum, the Bennington Center for the Arts, the Normal Rockwell Gallery in Arlington, Robert Frost Museum and Home, the Park McCollough House, the Bennington Monument, the Southern Vermont Art Center, the Covered Bridge Museum, and the American Museum of Fly Fishing.
TOURING:
Tour the back roads of Southern Vermont. Mt. Equinox's Skyline Drive is nearby and offers a great view of the whole valley. Backroad Discovery Tours takes small groups off the beaten path, but be sure to reserve in advance.
SHOPPING: Nearly every town in Southern Vermont has an Antique Center and there are numerous antique fairs and shows throughout the summer and fall. The Manchester Designer Outlets offer over 50 name brand shops at a discount. A number of galleries offer a fine art and local arts, crafts and collectables, including the Vermont State Craft Center, Frog Hollow, in Manchester. Other favorites include the Orvis flagship store, the Vermont Country Store and Northshire Books.
THEATER AND LIVE PERFORMANCES: Enjoy a matinee or an evening performance at one of our area playhouses: the Dorset Theatre Festival, Old Castle Theatre Company in Bennington, and The Weston Playhouse. Concerts by The Vermont Symphony Orchestra, music festivals and touring performers are held at a number of local sites including the Southern Vermont Art Center, Hildene and Riley Rink.
Orvis Fly Fishing (7.8 mi NE) 74 Union St Manchester, VT 05254 Get Directions 802.362.6455
Battenkill Bicycle (9.6 mi NE) 1240 Depot Street, Jct Rt. 30 and Rt. 7 Manchester,Vermont Open 9 am to 5:30 pm 800.340.2734, 802.362.2734 www.battenkillsports.com
Pompanuck Farm Institute (7.2 mi SW) 494 Chestnut Hill Rd, Cambridge, NY Pompanuck Farm Institute is a non-profit educational eco-retreat center located in the hills of White Creek, in Washington County, NY. Please call ahead before visiting. 518.677.5552 www.pompanuck.org/
Or consider consulting the Manchester and the Mountains Chamber of Commerce