Update your home décor and wardrobe with a fabulous Manchester shopping expedition!
Manchester is a wonderful place to own a home. It’s also a great place to shop! In the middle of a gorgeous mountain valley, country roads surrounded by beautiful houses carve a winding and poetic path towards a vibrant town center. Inside of each house, the décor, furniture, and fabrics tell an equally compelling visual story. Manchester is well-known for the discerning aesthetic sensibilities of its residents. The streets are lined with enticing shops and boutiques, which are replete with stylish clothing and domestic products. Have the pressures of modern life prevented you from bringing your dream home and wardrobe into reality? Fear not! Whether you’re a lifelong local, a part-time resident or a recently relocated newcomer, there’s never been a better time to spruce up your Southern Vermont sanctuary with a revitalizing makeover. Here at Manchester Life, we’ve taken the liberty of compiling a comprehensive list of stores, which offer a wide selection of high-quality home goods, accessories, jewelry, and garments for your perusing pleasure. Get ready for some much-needed retail therapy – it’s time to begin your marvelous weekend shopping trip in Manchester!
SATURDAY- Clothing, Jewelry, and Accessories
8AM
Rise and greet the day with a wonderful morning meal at Up for Breakfast. Located in the heart of Downtown Manchester, this beloved eatery is well-known for its delicious food, courteous service, and relaxing atmosphere. In the mood for something hearty and filling? Try their “Hungry Hiker” meal or their vegetarian “Garden Omelette” with plant-based sausage. For those interested in lighter fare, their gluten-free granola is both tasty and revitalizing. Pair it with a hot and fresh cup of coffee – it’s the perfect energizing boost for your world-class shopping experience.
10AM
After you finish your breakfast, get ready to seize the day and embark on a memorable retail adventure! Walking out of Up For Breakfast onto Main Street, you will see a number of tempting shops, including the Spring & Harbor Boutique directly across the road. This inviting store is full of colorful and versatile print dresses, bags, and other fun and fashionable sartorial staples. Athletically inclined shoppers with an appetite for open-air exploration will revel in the selection of outdoor apparel and accessories at The Mountain Goat, and jewelry lovers will adore the meticulously crafted pieces at McWayne Jewelers at the corner of Bonnet Street and Main Street.
Walking northeast on Main Street, you will come across a lovely little triangular park at the intersection of Main Street and Center Hill Road. As you walk past the park, you will see Arson Skateboard Shop on your right. In addition to selling quality skateboarding gear for fantastic prices, this bold and distinctive store also features a well-curated selection of high-end streetwear from both international and local brands. After making a left at the intersection of Center Hill Road and Park Place, you will come across Miss Phyllis Fine Linens & Frocks on your right. Their charming collection of Bohemian-chic women’s clothing includes beautifully designed shirts, dresses, and custom jackets.
After completing your park-side promenade, make a left at the intersection of Main Street and Park Place. Bear left on Main Street at the intersection of Bonnet and Main. As you continue past the roundabout, you will come across a series of sensational stores. At Apricot Lane Boutique, shoppers can browse through a vast array of trendy and affordable women’s clothing pieces. At Gap, you will find fantastic deals on a wide assortment of stylish menswear and womenswear items. For premium women’s intimate apparel, stop by La Pêche Lingerie for a fitting and consultation with their knowledgeable employees and staff members. Marimekko and The Artisan’s Key Boutique are ideal places to find both delightfully expressive garments and unique home décor essentials, and Zippy Chicks is a must-visit for seasoned shoppers with a taste for high-quality consignment clothing. Those who wish to dive deeper into the world of secondhand shopping should turn around on Main Street and head north towards the VNA & Hospice Thrift Shop. Featuring a lovingly curated selection of pre-owned pieces at unbeatable prices, this philanthropically-minded “thrift boutique” uses their proceeds to support the VNA & Hospice of the Southwest Vermont Region.
Continuing southward on Main Street, Family Footwear and UGG provide the perfect opportunity to close out the morning portion of your shopping expedition on a solid and comfortable footing. Be sure to stop at the Orvis Flagship Store and Orvis Outlet further down Main Street for some iconic apparel from Vermont’s original outdoor lifestyle brand.
1PM
It’s time to enjoy a lunchtime break at one of Manchester’s finest eateries! Looking to try something delicious and different? Stop in at Moonwink on Main Street to enjoy Burmese cuisine at its pinnacle. Their vegan-friendly “Falafel Salad” is flavorful and fresh, and their “Burma Bowl” is robust and restorative. Mystic Café on Main Street is well known for their diverse offerings, which range from their “Fresh Tuna Poké Bowl” to their “Green Goddess Chicken Salad Sandwich.” Down on Depot Street, Zoey’s Deli offers scrumptious fresh-made sandwiches, soups, cookies, and house-made potato chips, and the skilled chefs at Zoey’s Double Hex are celebrated for their delicious “Roasted Salmon” and “Maple-Glazed Chicken.” For lovers of contemporary American bistro fare, Firefly Restaurant & Bar on Depot Street expertly serves up sandwiches, salads, and other captivating delicacies. Before you go, make sure to try their “Go-Go Garlic Bread” with gorgonzola fondue.
3PM
Now that your hunger has been adequately sated, it’s time to resume your shopping expedition with newfound enthusiasm! Working your way eastward on Depot Street from the intersection of Depot Street and Main
Street, you will pass by the well-known Manchester Designer Outlets. Polo Ralph Lauren, Vineyard Vines, and J.Crew offer a vast range of preppy-chic wardrobe staples for men and women that never fail to make a powerful first impression, and Michael Kors and Kate Spade New York feature a wide variety of sophisticated handbags and accessories. Looking for beautifully fitting minimalist clothing? Theory is a treasure trove for timeless and well-fitted women’s and men’s wardrobe essentials, and Eileen Fisher provides elegant and comfortable women’s attire that adds depth to any closet.
Athletic shoe fanatics will fawn over the extensive stock of high-performance footwear at New Balance, and avid adventurers will flock to Eddie Bauer for cozy and luxurious outdoor apparel.
For elevated and refined suits, shirts, shoes, and other tailored garments, trust the experienced and tasteful clothiers at Armani or Brooks Brothers.
If you’re in the market for remarkable jewelry, stop in at Nina Jewelry to browse through a diverse collection of showstopping pieces. Afterward, head to the newly-opened TJ Maxx to peruse a wide range of clothes and home goods at unbeatable prices. Talbots is well-known for its quality selection of classic women’s garments and accessories, and Pendleton is celebrated for their comfortable flannel shirts, wool apparel, and blankets.
Before concluding your exciting afternoon of wardrobe enrichment, pay a visit to Jockey for some comfortable intimate wear and basics. Lastly, stop in at Tumi and snag some stylish luggage – what better way to carry all of your new clothes?
7PM
A long and successful day of shopping deserves an equally epic celebratory feast! Head back up to Main Street to enjoy a lavish dinner at one of Manchester’s preeminent culinary institutions. Those in the mood for classic traditional continental and New England food at its finest should look no further than Ye Olde Tavern. Located in a historic 18th-century building, Ye Olde Tavern offers an authentic old-world dining experience served in a warm and inviting setting. For a satisfying entrée, try their “Traditional Pot Roast” or their vegan “Quinoa and Lentil Meatballs”.
Diners with a penchant for Asian-Fusion cuisine should book a reservation at Thai Basil, where a variety of Asian culinary traditions coalesce into a unified gourmet vision to create an inspired and eclectic menu. Their “Signature Half Crispy Duck” is blissfully savory, and the subtly-spiced flavor of their “Massaman Curry with Tofu” is sure to delight even the most discerning of vegetarians. For toothsome American fare in a fun and casual setting, Union Underground never disappoints. While basking in the relaxed and jovial atmosphere of their basement dining room, be sure to sample some of their “Bar Room Bites”, including “Duck Rangoons”, “Fried Pickles”, and “German Pretzel Sticks.” As you pensively sip on your favorite relaxing beverage, reflect on your successful day of retail recreation. Don’t worry – your shopping adventure has only just begun!
SUNDAY – Home Décor
8AM
Greet the sunrise and head to the Little Rooster Café on Main Street. This sunny roadside diner is best known for its cheerful staff, rustic country décor, and delicious breakfast menu. Highlights include “Poached Eggs Mornay” with Vermont Colby cheese sauce and “Homemade Veggie Hash.”
10AM
Following your sensational morning meal, start your second day of shopping off right with a spirited romp down Manchester’s storied Depot Street. As you walk north on Main Street from Little Rooster Café towards the Depot Street intersection, you will come across Vermont Kitchen Supply. Home chefs, rejoice! You have stumbled upon untold treasures. This locally-celebrated culinary boutique is well-stocked with a broad variety of high-quality specialty items.
After making a right off of Main Street onto Depot Street, you will come across a number of enticing shops that feature a wide swath of domestically-oriented products. Le Creuset is a legendary French cooking goods store that specializes in high-quality kitchenware in a variety of material mediums, including enameled cast-iron cookware, stoneware, and beyond. At Manchester Woodcraft, shoppers can choose from a variety of handcrafted wooden pieces, including furniture, toys, boxes, utensils, and more. Looking to bring some warmth and personality to your hearth, patio, or windowsill? Friends of the Sun is here to help. Offering a vast array of wood and gas fireplaces and stoves, patio furniture, outdoor grills, shades, blinds, and window awnings, their installation services make it easy to bring your home improvement vision to life in an efficient and brisk manner. In search of a kitschy and crafty touch of Vermont flair? Stop in at Above All Vermont for a lighthearted souvenir to add to your home décor collection.
For some tasteful art to decorate your home, be sure to pay a visit to one of the three distinguished galleries on Depot Street: Ellenbogen Gallery, Helmholz Fine Art, and Tilting at Windmills Gallery. (For more on these fabulous galleries, be sure to check out our exclusive Q&A feature with Southern Vermont’s Gallery owners.)
As you continue to proceed eastward on Depot Street, you will come across rk Miles. This renowned Southern
Vermont hardware store has grown into a successful business with multiple locations in two states, largely due to their never-ending commitment to customer satisfaction. Their courteous staff is happy to offer advice on home improvement projects of all kinds.
Village Tile offers a diverse selection of tiles that are ideal for kitchen, bathroom, entryway, and mudroom renovations. As the premier tile showroom in Southern Vermont, they are readily equipped to tackle any home project regardless of its size. For a broad selection of first-rate furniture and mattresses, stop in at Bennington Furniture + Mattress. With an inventory that encompasses everything from living room sets to entertainment centers, bookcases, and kitchen islands, this expansive and abundantly-stocked store is the perfect “one-stop-shop” for affordable home furnishings.
Homeowners in search of an air conditioner, stove, grill, laundry machine, dishwasher, refrigerator, vacuum, hot tub, or home theater system will delight in the extensive offerings of Brook Valley Appliance. Known for their affordable pricing and speedy delivery, they also offer a wide array of small appliances, including coffee makers, toaster ovens, irons, blenders, and water dispensers.
Looking for some knowledgeable oversight for your kitchen renovation? Kitchens of Vermont is happy to lend a helping hand. With brand name cabinetry, countertops, plumbing fixtures, lighting, and flooring, their comprehensive design and construction services help to guide and advise you through the entire renovation process.
As your journey down Depot Street comes to a close, pay a visit to Aubuchon Hardware to stock up on a range of helpful home and gardening products before turning back around towards town. As you reach the intersection of Depot Street and Richville Road heading westbound, take a left and head south towards Chandler 4 Corners. This delightful shop is full of fetching fine home accessories, including hand-hooked rugs, wool pillows, and accent furniture. Once you are finished immersing yourself in their beguiling range of woolen products, turn around on Richville Road and head north until you reach Elm Street. After making a right onto Elm Street, you will come across Manchester Hot Glass. Their stunning custom hand-blown light fixtures are the perfect way to make an impressive statement in any room. Trendy stemless glassware and beautiful custom-blown abstract ornaments complement this striking store’s eye-catching collection.
For home glass repair and installation, The Glass Shop Inc on Elm Street and Southern Vermont Glass & Shower Door on nearby Spruce Street provide exemplary services. Both shops feature technicians with decades of industry experience. Further down on Elm Street, Al Ducci’s Italian Pantry is stocked to the brim with rare rare Italian cheeses and palate-pleasing Italian takeout fare. It’s a wonderful place to find some perfectly tempting snacks to pad a woefully empty kitchen storeroom. For those in search of decorative consultation, ABODE Kitchen & Design Studio offers comprehensive bathroom, kitchen, and home interior redesign and renovation services. With a design philosophy focused on blending aesthetic cohesion with intuitive functionality, they utilize high-end name-brand fixtures, cabinetry, and counters to create stunning interior layouts for their clients.
1PM
It’s time to power up with a nourishing lunchtime nosh at one of Manchester’s favorite cafés. For flavorful fast-casual Mexican food, stop in at Cilantro on Main Street for some delectable tacos, burritos, or a tortilla-free “Hill of Beans” made with fresh and sustainably-sourced ingredients. Further up on Main Street, Dina’s Bakery Café offers a wide assortment of pastries, coffee beverages, and inventive versions of brunch favorites, including their “Challah French Toast” and “Black Bean Sweet Potato Patty.” For an integrative experience that combines elevated dining with home decoration shopping, head to Depot 62 Fine Home Furnishings on Depot Street. After sampling some of their appetizing Turkish-Mediterranean delicacies, such as their “Konya Lamb Kebabs”, “Red Lentil Soup” and “Anatolian Hummus”, take a moment to browse through their dazzling selection of European and Mediterranean rugs and furniture. Their decorative offerings are equally as complex and cultured as the flavors of their food.
3PM
With another fantastic Manchester lunch in the books, the time has come to head to Main Street to continue your decorative shopping extravaganza!
For award-winning home remodel and interior design services, stop and see the experts at Northshire Living at the intersection of Main Street and Center Hill Road. The happily-married dynamic duo behind this flourishing Manchester business work together in symbiotic harmony to bring their clients’ visions to life with exceptional efficiency. Homeowners looking to enlist the services of a skilled and esteemed architect and designer should head northeast on Main Street to Ramsay Gourd Architects. Over the years, Ramsay’s projects have been featured in multiple regional and nationwide publications. After overseeing a wide variety of ambitious home renovation and interior design projects, he has developed a stellar reputation in the industry. He is known as a talented designer who reinterprets traditional architecture and design principles to offer a “fresh take on classical ideas.”
As you proceed westward on Main Street, you will come across Flying Cow Signs and Southern Vermont Signworks. Offering competitive pricing on painstakingly hand-crafted and custom-painted wooden signs, these two adjacent shops offer homeowners the opportunity to create expressive tributary waymarks in a variety of styles.
Looking to preserve a favorite family photograph or priceless artwork with grace and elegance? Stop in to The Image Loft and Jenner Custom Framing to peruse a diverse array of stylish frames. Stock up on delicious imported Italian products to line your pantry at Fortuna’s Sausage & Italian Market, and then stop in at Total Fitness Equipment to build up your home gym arsenal. They offer installation and delivery on an extensive selection of name-brand exercise machines, so it’s never been easier to bring your home fitness goals into reality! For decorative essentials and sage advice from qualified industry veterans, stop in at Downtown Window and Design. Their inventory includes a broad variety of attractive blinds and shades, stylish high-end rugs, and wallpaper selections from name-brand houses such as Thibaut Design and Osborne and Little. They also offer custom upholstery services, and custom-fabricated drapery.
Shoppers on the hunt for unique and finely-crafted art and jewelry should stop in at Epoch Artisans Gallery and Long Ago & Far Away. Epoch Artisan’s Gallery features a wide selection of inspired creations that are made by local Vermont artisans and craftspeople. (For more about Epoch Artisans Gallery, be sure to check out our exclusive Q&A feature with Southern Vermont’s gallery owners.) At Long Ago & Far Away, patrons can peruse a stunning assortment of Native American jewelry and art, including Navajo weavings, Canadian Inuit sculptures, and Native Alaskan arts and crafts.
As you approach the intersection of Main Street and Bonnet Street, you will be presented with the opportunity to head north on Route 30 towards the enchanting village of Dorset. On your way towards Dorset, you will pass by MJG Interiors and P&F Appliance. MJG Interiors is a versatile and well-respected interior design firm that has built strong and lasting relationships throughout the region over the past several decades. Putting the needs of their customers first, they work step-by-step with their clients to exceed their expectations and provide them with the help and resources necessary to create a happy home.
With free delivery and affordable installation rates, P&F Appliance makes it easy to navigate the oft-stressful world of appliance shopping. Offering competitive pricing on a comprehensive array of quality name brand machines, they work within a wide range of budgets to help their customers determine which products best suit their needs.
Proceeding northward on Route 30 towards Dorset, you will come across The Kitchen Store at JK Adams. This extensively stocked store offers a diverse assortment of lovingly crafted kitchen and baking products, including
custom-engraved and custom-carved slate coasters and cutting boards, kitchen utensils, wooden bowls, table linens, and so much more!
After reaching the charming town of Dorset, park your car and enjoy an ambling stroll through the gorgeous town green on Church Street. Pop into the 3 Pears Gallery to browse through a gracefully curated collection of rustic and refined artworks, and then stop by the Dorset Exchange on Route 30 for some charming decorative memorabilia and vintage garments. (For more on the 3 Pears Gallery, be sure to check out our exclusive Q&A feature with Southern Vermont’s Gallery owners).
Further north on Route 30, the Mettowee Mint nursery offers topnotch landscape consultation services, as well as a fetching variety of flowers and plants. Head to their on-site café for a rejuvenating cup of coffee, and take a moment to sit down and bask in the bucolic ambience.
Those who opt to stay on foot in Manchester should head southward at the intersection of Bonnet Street and Main Street. Before walking past the roundabout, you will pass the Northshire Bookstore. With an outstanding selection of literary treasures, this beloved Manchester institution is the perfect place to find some beautiful books to fill out your shelves and line your coffee tables.
Continuing southward on Main Street, you will come across Yves Delorme. This venerated French home décor design house is best known for its luxury bedding and bath products, as well as its posh and beguiling home accents. At knit 1 purl 1, customers can browse through a wonderful array of quality yarns. Well-informed and considerate staff members are happy to assist you with all of your knitting and crochet needs.
A second trip to Marimekko and The Artisan’s Key Boutique is a must for homeowners looking to snatch up some vibrant and chic bedding and home décor pieces, and those in search of a hand-shaped wooden masterpiece will adore the walnut, apple, ash, and cherry wood bowls at the Vermont Bowl Mill.
For artistically-minded shoppers looking to find a fascinating piece of cultural memorabilia, Gremlin Fine Art and Custom Framing is widely known for its encyclopedic collection of animation art, vintage ski posters, and storybook art. In addition to their vast cache of vintage animation artworks, they also feature the works of local artists and provide expedient and affordable framing services.
For first-rate interior design services custom-tailored to meet your budget, book an appointment at Laura’s Interior Design. Whether you’re looking to refurbish a mountain getaway, decorate a dignified country residence in the hills of Dorset, or furnish a modern Manchester Village mansion, they will work with you to create an inviting and harmonious ambiance in your home. At Decorative Interiors, clients can peruse an exclusive and opulent selection of high-end furnishings and accessories, and also book the services of an experienced and admired home designer who is well-known for crafting sophisticated home spaces.
In search of some elegant, timeless, and unique furniture for your home? Perfectpiece Consignments has you covered. Offering an appealing assortment of secondhand furniture and decorative pieces, this intriguing and tastefully curated shop is staffed by a passionate team of expert salespeople.
For gorgeous and remarkable chinaware, pop into Herend Shop to browse through a magnificent collection of ornate decorative accessories and extraordinary figurines. At Asia Minor Carpets, shoppers will find a spectacular assortment of antique, vintage, and semi-antique Turkish carpets in a variety of colors and styles.
Designs for Living is an interior design firm that is celebrated for expertise in the field of kitchen and bathroom renovation. With an in-depth approach that emphasizes the importance of every stage of planning from color coordination to product selection, they always go above and beyond to accommodate the particular considerations of their discerning clientele. Whether your aesthetic ideal is closer to “classic cottage” or “modern manor”, they work tirelessly to bring your ideal vision into existence.
After your exciting afternoon at Manchester’s Main Street shops has come to a close, hop in your car and head south to Equinox Valley Nursery. As you browse through their striking collection of trees, shrubs, and flowers, take a moment to savor a deep breath of fresh mountain air and soak up the rural atmosphere.
7PM
Whether you’ve spent your afternoon in Manchester or Dorset, you deserve to commemorate the successful completion of your shopping weekend with an excellent meal!
On the southern end of Main Street, The Silver Fork has recently relocated to a brilliantly-renovated building that formerly housed the historic town library. With an award-winning chef and phenomenal wine menu, this intimate eatery is the perfect place for an unforgettable romantic dinner. Try their flavorful “Paella Mixta for two”
with chorizo, mussels, shrimp, and cod, or sample their healthy and appetizing “Roasted Rainbow Carrots” for a taste of vegetarian splendor.
For a fun casual evening excursion, head to Mulligans, where hearty American fare is served in bountiful portions in a merry and friendly setting. Their “Outside-In” sandwich is perfect for vegetarian diners, and their “Really Great Burger” certainly lives up to its name. Trendy gourmands in search of authentic local American craft cooking should head to The Copper Grouse, where imaginative delicacies are served alongside craft cocktails made with artisan spirits. Diners with a preference for pasta will favor their “Butternut Ravioli”, and cultured carnivores will lean towards their “New York Strip Steak with Lyonnaise Potatoes.”
If you find yourself in Dorset for the evening, treat yourself to a memorable Vermont fine-dining experience at The Dorset Inn. Classic American dishes are prepared with loving care and masterful finesse by their exceptionally-gifted chef team – and served in the elegant setting of a historic 18th century Vermont inn. Vegetarian gourmands will cherish their “Moroccan Chick Pea Stew”, and famished epicures will revel in the satisfying glory of their “Roast Turkey Croquettes.”
For a contemporary gastropub experience, stop in at Barrows House and enjoy a delicious and creatively-conceived meal made with locally-sourced ingredients. Try their “Eggplant Parmesan” or “Steak Au Poivre” for a gloriously gratifying entrée, and order a “CBD Collins” or “Smoked Maple Old Fashioned” to toast to your triumphant weekend of shopping in Manchester!
Visit manchestervermont.com for up-to-date details and listings.