PASTIME PINBALL
Downtown Manchester just got a whole lot more fun! With dozens of pinball machines, classic arcade games, and deliciously tempting snacks, Pastime Pinball is a blast from the past and a breath of fresh air. Owners Beth and Marty Friedman have created a one-of-a-kind interactive entertainment experience that is both impeccably curated and innovatively compelling. Equal parts museum and arcade, every pinball machine at Pastime Pinball is fully functional and playable, with informational plaques lining the walls that trace the timeline of pinball’s evolution through the past seven decades.
The machines are artfully grouped together in chronological order. Each group has a distinct theme and pays expressive homage to the culture of its era. From the colorful carnival-inspired aesthetic of the earlier and simpler machines of the 1950s and ’60s, to the more polished, computerized, and sleek modern machines of today, every period in pinball’s history is represented. Highlights include a The Simpsons machine, an Oktoberfest machine, and a truly unique pinball machine with transparent glass walls around the base allowing one to see the inner mechanical workings in action while you play.
The atmosphere inside Pastime Pinball is open and welcoming. Red carpeted floors and custom-made pinball-theme modern art sculptures create a remarkably novel environment that incorporates style elements of both retro video arcades and 20th-century futurism. The owners are knowledgeable and approachable—and are happy to talk about the history of the machines as well as to give helpful tips and tricks to guide you in your pinball journey. The bottom two floors of the space are entirely dedicated to pinball, and the top floor has a snack bar complete with everyone’s favorite snacks and novelty beverages (such as root beer floats), in addition to beer and wine.
No matter your level of gaming experience, Pastime Pinball has something for everyone. Pinball wizards will be in a niche hobbyist nirvana as they marvel over an array of meticulously maintained and beautiful machines. Casual gamers will find a charmingly inviting space where they can share a smile and a lively laugh with friends as they indulge in some tasty treats and play classic games to their heart’s content. With all-inclusive 30-minute and 4-hour unlimited play options that allow you to play as many times as you want on all 60-plus machines, everyone who comes by gets a great deal on their pinball adventure whether their stay is short and sweet or long and lavish. 4802 Main St., Manchester. 802-366-1200 or pastimepinball.com
ARSON SKATE SHOP
Located less than a mile from Manchester’s new state-of-the-art public skatepark, Arson Skate Shop specializes in top-of-the-line skateboarding gear and fashionable premium streetwear apparel. Owner Bill Strecker is a veteran skater and an enthusiastically involved central figure in the local skateboarding community. Unique highlights of the store’s clothing and skate merchandise offerings include Arson’s own ethically manufactured clothing line, and locally originated brands such as Worble Skateboards and Kava Threads. The store is stocked with a comprehensive selection of stylish decks and high-quality skateboard hardware. Custom board setups assembled on-site are available to satisfy the needs of the most seasoned and serious skaters, and beginners and more casual skateboarders will find great deals on name-brand pre-assembled board packages. 345 Center Hill Rd., Manchester. 802-768-8364 or arsonshop.com
BODY LAB TRAINING
Body Lab Training now brings world-class, custom-tailored fitness programs to Manchester. Offering private one-on-one personal training as well as group classes, coaches work with clients on a case-by-case basis to create personalized exercise programs in order to help them better actualize their fitness goals. Specialty classes include yoga, Pilates, kickboxing, and specialized sports training programs for athletes. Each class is run by certified instructors with extensive experience in their fields. Owner Mel McManus has gone above and beyond to create a program that is ideal for top athletes, fitness beginners, and everyone in between. No matter your level of experience, Body Lab Training is the perfect gym to help you take the next steps in your fitness journey. 369 Depot St., Manchester. 617-447-0631 or thebodylabtraining.com
EAST OF EQUINOX DAY SPA
With a light and bright interior and location right on Main Street, East of Equinox has various talented artists ready to pamper its guests. Services include haircuts for both men and women, as well as skin and nail services and massage and body treatments to help de-stress. The welcoming staff has years of experience and is ready to help their clients look and feel their best. 4716 Main St., Manchester. 802-367-3308 or eastofequinoxdayspa.com
SOCIAL HOUSE
The newest addition to Southern Vermont’s upscale dining scene, Social House brings Mediterranean tapas–style gastronomic artistry to Manchester. Owners Luis and Debbie Pazos have used their decades of combined experience in the restaurant industry to create something truly special and original. After teaming up with Executive Chef Kyle Garell, they have developed an eclectic and delectable selection of unique and flavorful dishes with exquisite plating and presentation. With a menu that ranges from halibut carpaccio and quinoa salad to short rib ravioli and braised pork belly, diners of all palates are sure to find something tasty. Highlights of the dessert menu include seasonal sorbets, cornbread pudding with honey chipotle crème anglaise, and a chocolate cheesecake with dark chocolate caramel sauce. 1716 Depot St., Manchester. 802-367-3343 or socialhousevt.com
PHIL’S BARBER SHOP
Phil is a licensed barber and a Vermont native. In 2009, he began his barber career as an apprentice. Under the supervision of his instructors, he was instilled with old school barbering techniques that continue with him to this day. These skills and techniques are exclusive to barbers from the early 1900s era. Since that time, he has been honing his skills in straight razor shaving and modern hair styles. His professionalism shows in everything he does. 4965 Main St., Manchester. 802-774-8700 or vermontbarber.com
REST MOTEL
Rest Motel is a comfortably modern re-imagination of classic American motel–style lodging. Providing upscale accommodations at an affordable price, the motel is located between the ski resorts and downtown Manchester’s premium shopping and dining attractions. Luxurious amenities include a seasonally heated swimming pool and fiber-optic WiFi. The beautifully designed rooms feature gorgeously minimalist decorative touches, such as elegantly angular retro lamps and muted pastel walls with color-coordinated art pieces. Bathrooms are stocked with high-end beauty products, and rooms with heated Jacuzzi tubs and private decks are available upon request. Rest Motel proves that an opulent experience can come at a reasonable price point. 2066 Depot St., Manchester. 802-362-3620 or restamodernmotel.com