RECREATION

Golf: Manchester is the hub of golf in Southern Vermont. Guests of the Reluctant Panther have playing privileges at an outstanding course located in or near Manchester: The Gleneagles Golf Club at the Equinox, a resort course located adjacent to the Reluctant Panther, originally designed by the legendary Walter Travis and recently renovated by Rees Jones. The Stratton Mountain Club, featuring 27 Geoffrey Cornish designed holes of classic New England mountain style golf. Stratton has hosted 6 LPGA events in recent years and is home to the well known Stratton Golf University and a David Ledbetter Golf Academy.

Fly-Fishing: Manchester is one of the nation’s premier fly-fishing destinations. Home to the well known Orvis, Manchester’s Battenkill River is located within a mile of the Panther as are many other great fishing spots. Don’t forget to visit the American Museum of Fly-Fishing and the Orvis Store located less than 1 mile from the Inn. 

Hiking: Manchester offers a multitude of on and off road hiking options including trails on Equinox and Stratton Mountains, trails within the Green Mountain National Forest and a local section of the famous “Long Trail” which runs the length of Vermont. In addition, the Merck Forest & Farmland Center just north of Manchester offers numerous scenic trails of varying levels of difficulty. The Viking Nordic Center in nearby Londonderry also has a number of excellent trails. The Panther has trail maps in house.

Biking: Excellent Biking abounds in the Manchester area. Bring your own bike. Route maps and suggested rides of all length and difficulty are available so you can choose your ideal ride.

Horseback Riding: A number of local stables offer terrific individual and group rides on scenic trails and fields. 

Health, Fitness and Spa: Manchester offers many options for healthy living.  The nearby Manchester Gym is a full service fitness center offering cardio, spinning, dance classes, free weights and other fitness programs. We can schedule massages for guests in our on-site treatment room or en suite (48 hours notice required). The East of Equinox Day Spa and Equinox Spas also offer a wide selection of Spa services.

Tennis: Tennis Courts are available at the nearby Equinox resort.

Canoeing and Kayaking: Guided or non-guided, group or individual canoe and kayak trips are offered by multiple area outfitters. Equipe Sports also rent canoes and kayaks by the hour and day and will arrange trip itineraries and pick-ups.

OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES

Mad Tom Orchard: Spend a morning or afternoon picking berries and enjoying Vermont’s fresh air and sensational views.

Back Road Discovery Tours: Discover the people and places that make Vermont so great. Get off the beaten path and explore Vermont’s back country with a guided tour in 6-8 person tour vehicles. The Yankee Travel Guide Editor’s Choice Award winner.

Land Rover Driving School: Learn to drive a Land Rover over a rugged off-road track. Hourly, Half Day and Full Day lessons are available.

Bromley Thrill Zone: Great for Kids! After the ski season, the Bromley ski lodge transforms into a family entertainment center. Attractions include the famous Bromley Alpine slide running down the ski slopes, miniature golf, numerous games and bumper boats. A fun time for the entire family, located a 15 minute drive from the Panther.

Vermont Summer Festival Horse Show: Located just ten minutes north of the Reluctant Panther, Beebe Farm is host to the summer-long Vermont Summer Festival Horse Show, a national hunter-jumper competition now five years in the running. A spectacular show course features Olympic caliber riders competing against the backdrop of the rolling Green Mountains, the Sunday Grand Prix is an event not to miss!

Stratton Gondola: The Stratton Mountain gondola continues to run after the ski season, taking a scenic journey to the top of the mountain and back. Pack a lunch box and camera to enjoy the amazing vistas.

SHOPPING

Manchester Designer Outlets: Manchester’s outlets offer the finest shopping venue in Vermont. Spend a day strolling thru charming streets and historic buildings and visit such well known shops as Giorgio Armani, Ralph Lauren, Marimekko, Brooks Brothers and many others. Outlet maps are available at the Panther. 

Northshire Bookstore: Named the #1 independent book seller on the East Coast, the shop features outstanding selections of fiction, non-fiction, music and media. The second floor is devoted to kid’s books, educational toys and games. Enjoy a café latte at Bonnet & Main.

Farmer’s Markets: Bring home fresh, locally grown produce directly from a nearby farmer’s market. Manchester’s farmer’s market is on Thursday, Dorset’s is on Sunday and Londonderry’s is on Saturday.

CULTURAL ACTIVITIES & THE ARTS

The Manchester Music Festival: A non-profit organization operating year round, the Festival provides gifted young musicians with opportunities to study and perform. The Festival presents concerts of classical music throughout the year at a number of outstanding nearby venues. Please call the Panther to learn about upcoming events, concerts and other music programs.

Hildene: The sprawling historic estate of Abraham Lincoln’s eldest son, Robert Todd, houses a museum dedicated to the former President and his family. The property also boasts beautiful gardens, spectacular views and a working dairy. Hildene is a popular venue for weddings and events, which can be catered by the Reluctant Panther. By the way, the exquisite cheeses produced at Hildene are served in the Reluctant Panther’s gourmet Restaurant.

Weston Playhouse Theatre: Vermont’s oldest professional theatre offers frequent “summer-stock” plays and has brought touring Broadway productions such as Chicago, The Full Monty and Urinetown to Vermont. Well known actors and actresses frequently appear on the Weston Playhouse stage. The theater is also home to Café at the Falls which offers light, pre-show fare as well as a late-evening cabaret. Open from mid-June thru October.

Dorset Theatre Festival: Offers community and professional productions in an authentic Vermont theatre experience with a rustic, country setting. Open mid-June to mid-September.

Southern Vermont Arts Center: Located in an historic mansion near the Panther, SVAC features ten art galleries exhibiting classic and contemporary art, a major exhibition space and a concert pavilion. The newly expanded space offers a store, café, sculpture gardens and botany trails. Classes and workshops with prominent artists are also a regular feature. Please call the Panther for information about upcoming exhibitions, events, concerts and workshops.

EPOCH Gallery: A Cooperative Art & Craft Gallery, featuring some of Vermont’s finest Artisans working in a variety of disciplines. Each day, the gallery is staffed by one of the Artisan members, offering their unique view of the creative process.

Weston, Vermont: Just a half-hour drive up scenic Route 100 from Manchester, Weston is a quintessential New England village and home to the original Vermont Country Store. Of mail order fame, the Vermont Country Store features an eclectic collection of old-timey products, local cheeses, classic toys and gifts. Truly a kick to visit!

Saratoga Springs, NY: Approximately a 1 hour drive from Manchester is historic Saratoga Springs, NY. Home of the famous Saratoga horse racing track, Saratoga also offers the Saratoga Performing Arts Center. SPAC is the summer home of the New York City Ballet and the Philadelphia Orchestra. This outdoors performing arts venue features classical music performances, the Saratoga Jazz Festival and major pop and rock concerts throughout the summer and fall.