Deals of the day
Piccolo Hotel Portofino
Hotel Piccolo Portofino, surrounded by the typical luxuriant vegetation of the Liguria Riviera, among the crystal clear water of Portofino and the blue sky, is a piece of art of the reception, unique of its kind. A hidden jewel, that has to be searched end discovered. Obtained from a refined period villa, today it is a boutique hotel, and from its generous terraces, a breathtaking view onto this exclusive stretch of coast…
Il San Pietro Di Positano
The San Pietro di Positano is more than a hotel. It is a journey within a journey, where memories are created and never forgotten. A haven of peace, immersed in nature, this elegant home harmonises old-world traditions of hospitality with contemporary, understated luxury. Escape to this small slice of paradise suspended between the sea and sky. Carved into the cliff overlooking the mediterranean Sea, our rooms are a…
Azulik Tulum
In the heart of the Mayan jungle, a revolutionary project is about to redefine human evolution. A new vision of the future that is guided by ancestral knowledge and creates community is beginning to shape up.The VILLAS of AZULIK Tulum are built in harmony with the Mayan jungle and the Caribbean Sea. With no electric light, A/C, or television, we present nature as our main amenity, setting the perfect mood for a…
Villa Principe Leopoldo Lugano
Live in a fairy tale, surrounded by prestige and nature. Imagine contemplating Lugano’s beauty in a princely residence. The former private home of German Emperor Wilhelm’s brother in law, the Villa is located on a picturesque promontory called the Collina d’Oro (Golden Hill), whose views and location are the best kept secret in town. If you’ve ever wondered what it would be like to live in a legendary home, a stay…
Château de La Chèvre d’Or
Nature is everywhere at Château de la Chèvre d’Or. There are lots of different gardens filled with sculptures, fountains, waterfalls, flowers, herbs, trees and shrubs. The area is perfumed with the scents of jasmine, bougainvillea and roses. The magnificent colors create a framework that blends into the horizon and the sea…
Relais Borgo Santo Pietro
Situated in the heart of Tuscany, Relais Borgo Santo Pietro was once a healing stopover for medieval pilgrims. Today it continues to provide a sanctuary for modern souls, merging a 5 star luxury hotel and spa concept with a ‘farm to plate’ philosophy on a 300-acre estate. A sumptuous feeling of home pervades the 800-year-old luxury farmhouse hotel, with its worn leather armchairs pulled up around open fires, fresh flower…
Laucala Island Fiji
A private island refuge in the South Pacific, Laucala unites dramatic rainforest-laced landscapes and white sandy beaches with unparalleled levels of luxury and privacy. No expense has been spared at the exclusive tropical hideaway, where 25 Fijian-styled villas are set amid coconut plantations, beside deserted beaches and atop the island’s volcanic mountains, overlooking fertile coral reefs and endless jungle. Style and…
Kudadoo Private Island
Kudadoo’s renowned eco-consciousness and sleek design extend to the Maldives island’s 15 over-water residences where your uninterrupted enjoyment of the private island charm and the splendid natural surrounds are the norm….
Gecko Hotel & Beach Club Formentera
In the beautiful and protected island of Formentera, Gecko Hotel & Beach Club was set out for like-minded individuals to unwind, connect with oneself and nature and above all celebrate life. Gecko brings to Formentera a new form of hospitality that unites our love for the island, the beach life and the elegance of a time in the past that continues to inspire us. Our clublike restaurant, in front of the Migjorn beach, offers a…
Il Sereno Como
Il Sereno brings a new era of luxury to the banks of Italy’s iconic Lake Como. Awarded the title of “Most Anticipated New Luxury Hotel Opening in 2016” by Luxury Travel Advisor magazine, Il Sereno’s ethos of understated elegance presents a freshness to this well-established destination. Designed by Patricia Urquiola, Wallpaper* Magazine Designer of The Year 2015, the all-suite hotel promises modern style and an authentic…
Cavo Tagoo Santorini
The exclusive Cavo Tagoo Santorini, twin of Cavo Tagoo Mykonos is located within walking distance from Fira and just a few kilometers from Oia, the resort offers luxurious suites, spectacular sunsets over the sea and a personalized service exceptional. All Suites are modern and feature a hot tub or private pool on the terrace style, design details, 43-inch LCD satellite TV, patio or terrace with stunning panoramic view…
Casa Casuarina Miami
Casa Casuarina was built in 1930 by Alden Freeman. Alden Freeman’s father, Joel Freeman was Treasurer of The Standard Oil Trust (also known as Rockefeller’s Company) and left Alden a fabulous wealth when he passed away. That gave the young and wealthy Alden the opportunity to retire at the age of 27 from being an architect and travel all over the world. Alden was also a descendent of the Mayflower on his mother’s side…
Villa Belvedere Taormina
Hotel Villa Belvedere is a delightful and charming boutique hotel, located at just a few minutes from Taormina’s lively town centre and from the world-famous Greek-Roman Theatre, which are both reachable by walking through the inspiring and panoramic Duca di Cesarò Botanic Gardens. The hotel benefits of wonderful views over the sea, the bay of Naxos and Mount Etna. The hotel has always been…
Mnemba Island Lodge
Steeped in culture and history, Zanzibar enticed adventurers, seafarers and traders from far and wide. Known as the spice island, from the centuries old trade of cloves, nutmeg and cinnamon, today the Zanzibar Archipelago is still bathed in the heady scents of spices and traditional dhows still drift across the horizon. A romantic hideaway, Mnemba Island is an exclusive paradise featuring twelve rustically chic beachside…
Palazzo Navona Rome
The innovative Palazzo Navona Hotel fully deserved of its role as being amongst one of the most qualified 4 star Hotels within the city “centro”, capable of fulfilling its own lifestyle qualities to satisfy even the most demanding guest. The intimate and charming ambience emits a feeling of almost magic by creating a special atmosphere which pervades this residence surrounded by its historical-art and ancient Roman…
Cocos Hotel Antigua
Perched on a lush green hillside, encircled by miles of heavenly blue sea and sandwiched between two gorgeous white sand beaches is COCOS Hotel, an all inclusive Antigua resort for couples and adults only. This rustic yet romantic and cozy boutique resort is located on the sunset side of the beautiful Caribbean Island of Antigua and comprises of a collection of 35 quaint wooden Cottages positioned on a pictoresque…
Meneghetti Wine Hotel & Winery
In search for unique places, sometimes you need to get off the main roads. However, let them lead you to Bale, Istria. Then slow down and follow the road that gets narrower with every mile, as nature draws closer. Slow down even more, and then make a turn into the white road. As the iron gates of the Meneghetti estate open up in front of you, stop for just one moment – and realize that the magic actually appears off the…
Aria Hotel Budapest
The Aria Hotel Budapest is a luxury boutique hotel with an exquisite design inspired by music. To compliment the musical concept, master designer Zoltan Varro’s vision was to simultaneously recreate the rich, lavish atmosphere of a historic Hungarian palace while also embracing visitors in the warmth and comfort of a private residence…
Bawah Reserve
A gorgeous tropical paradise surrounded by a blue ocean, Bawah Reserve sits in sheltered seclusion 160 nautical miles (300km) northeast of Singapore in the remote Anambas Archipelago, Indonesia. This pristine and previously uninhabited marine conservation area is surrounded by turquoise lagoons and coral reefs, which cater to outdoor adventurers looking to indulge as well as those looking to relax in paradise…
Cliveden House
Cliveden House is a privately owned 5 Red Star award-winning hotel, and sister to the world-renowned Chewton Glen Hotel & Spa in Hampshire. Our story is one of over 350 years of powerful personalities, iconic parties and scandalous affairs. Built in 1666 by the 2nd Duke of Buckingham, as a gift to his mistress, Cliveden House has remained a pinnacle of…
Juma Amazon Lodge
With its prime location in one of the most remote and preserved regions of the Amazon Rainforest, Juma Amazon Lodge is an intimate and inviting property harmoniously nestled into the forest environment which defines it. Juma Amazon Lodge features 19 intimate bungalows seamlessly nestled into the lush surroundings of the Amazon Rainforest. In order to accommodate the water levels of the wet season…
Boutique Hotel Die Alpbacherin
The history of DER ALPBACHERIN began in the former Angelika house. Some time ago, in the middle of Alpbach, at house number 405, stood the small bed and breakfast “Haus Angelika”. Georg and Lisa ran them with a lot of love. The success proved you right and so the desire for a new place for more guests was born. A dream came true. Together with daughter Valentina and her boyfriend Thomas, plans, dreams and…
Royal Mansour Marrakech
The Royal Mansour can be counted amongst the few establishments in the world that defy hotel excellence. Just a few steps away from the famous Jemaa El Fna square beats the heart of the Marrakesh Palace, offering travellers the unique concept of a medina within a medina.
Each area has been designed to intuitively take guests on a sensory journey. Take a step into the secret and sumptuous history of one of the…
La Clef Champs-Élysées Paris
La Clef Champs-Élysées Paris, a 5-star hotel in the centre of Paris, offers you a unique stay in a typically Parisian atmosphere. The building was built in 1907 by the Hennessy family, during the enchanting interlude offered by the Paris of the “Belle Époque”. Reflecting this magical era, our luxury hotel in Paris embodies a certain French art de vivre. La Clef Champs-Élysées Paris enjoys an idyllic setting and immerses you in the…
The Reluctant Panther Inn and Restaurant is southern Vermont’s premier small luxury hotel.
Located in the heart of Manchester Village, the Reluctant Panther offers 20 luxurious rooms and suites in three distinct locations – the Main House, Mary Porter House and Carriage House – all featuring elegant design with antique furnishings, fireplaces, marble baths and original, museum quality artwork.
The Reluctant Panther Restaurant features contemporary American cooking in a relaxed yet elegantly upscale atmosphere.
With an emphasis on locally sourced products, our Chefs create a sophisticated dining experience that is unsurpassed in northern New England. A multiple year Wine Spectator award winning wine list complements the tasteful menu.
History of the Buildings
The Main House as it sits today was constructed in 2006 following the devastating fire of October 29, 2005. The fire had utterly consumed the original building, constructed in 1850.
This was the same building that had been converted into a B & B by the Cornells in 1962. The original Main House building was actually constructed on the lot across West Road from the present-day Panther.
In 1897, the widow of a local businessman—the original editor of The Manchester Journal—decided to build a library in his honor at the corner of Main Street, West Road, and Seminary Avenue. The only difficulty with this plan was the house that stood in the way.
Local lore has it that the house was simply put on wheels and dragged across the street to the location that it held for more that 100 years until it was destroyed by fire on that fateful Saturday morning.
The new construction of 2006 re-oriented the building so that a new main entrance is now on the East side facing the Mark Skinner Library rather than the South side. The South face of the new building is identical in its design to the original—with the notable exception of the color.
Why Purple?
Once the Cornells completed their renovations (about 1964) and got down to the business of running an inn and restaurant, Woody observed that few people traveling along what was then Route 7 (Main Street) were noticing his place.
It was all, he decided, a simple matter of attracting their attention—so he set out to do just that by painting the structure a brilliant purple and finishing it off with bright yellow shutters.
Needless to say, lots of people took notice—including the village elders, who promptly undertook a new regulation calling for architectural review and approval of all external design changes for buildings within the village limits.
But it was too late, of course, for the now-purple Panther was grandfathered, and it remained a remarkable landmark in the village for the next forty years.
In fact, when the reconstruction plan was presented to the Village Elders in 2005, several of them indicated strongly that they would have liked to retain the purple color since it now had sentimental, if not historical, value.
While the new Main House structure isn’t painted entirely purple, the color has been retained in numerous aspects of the building—including the shutters, doors, and some interior decorative highlights. At the same time, the out-buildings have been re-painted from their original white with green shutters.
Dining & Restaurant
Please visit accd.vermont.gov for up to date information regarding travel restrictions prior to booking your reservation! The Reluctant Panther Restaurant creates an intimate atmosphere offering the best of Southern Vermont’s local foods.
We strive to showcase the best of what Vermont has to offer in a unique and exciting way. We believe in sustainability, working with our farmers, cheesemakers and producers to bring you a memorable experience.
Under the direction of executive Chef Sigal Rocklin, the menu features innovative, farm-fresh classics that change with the seasons. The expansive list of fine wines, Vermont beers and specialty cocktails perfectly complements the decadent menu.
From the outdoor terrace to the cozy bar, the restaurant exudes an approachable sophistication that enables all of our guests to feel welcomed.
The outdoor covered terrace is open seasonally offering Al Fresco dining with views over the gardens and Mount Equinox, the terrace is a picturesque venue for a casual dinner or drinks with friends.
The Restaurant caters to events as large as 65 guests for a seated dinner. The Panther Pub, with it’s two rooms and dedicated bar, is the perfect space for cocktails and holiday parties for up to 60 guests and seated dinners for up to 30 guests.
Chef Sigal Rocklin
Executive Chef Sigal Rocklin grew up in a small town in northern Israel. After finishing service in the Israeli Navy, Sigal came to the United States to travel. She began her kitchen career as a dishwasher but quickly realized she shared her father’s passion for cooking.
This same passion led her to Vermont, where she attended the New England Culinary Institute. During her time at NECI, Sigal not only fell in love with Vermont, but her husband as well.
Graduating at the top of her class, she continued her travels through the United States, working in numerous regions including California, South Carolina and Wyoming. Sigal worked in small private restaurants and bigger hotels like the Four Seasons and The Equinox Resort.
Once it was time to settle down, Sigal and her husband knew, without question, that Vermont was their first choice. The sense of community and abundance of local farms and purveyors was the main draw to Vermont, as Sigal remained focused on her culinary career.
For Sigal, coming to the Reluctant Panther Inn and Restaurant felt like coming home. In 2017, Chef’s Lobster and Brie Fondue was awarded best tasting dish at the ‘Taste of Vermont’ event as well as being featured in the Small Luxury Hotel cookbook.
Her passion for food grew as she created a strong farm-to-table kitchen through close relationships with local farmers, producers, and the team at the Reluctant Panther. For that, Sigal was awarded “Vermont Chef of the Year” in 2018.
Vermont Weddings & Receptions
For intimate elopements to garden weddings of up to 100 guests we can customize your day to create lasting memories. Wedding groups enjoy the ultimate exclusive experience: by reserving the entire hotel your group has a private estate in the heart of Manchester Village.
From rehearsal dinner to bridesmaids’ luncheon, reception to after-party, or simply booking luxurious accommodations for you, your family and friends — we’re more than ready to handle every aspect of your wedding needs.
Superb service, elegant dining and unending attention to detail ensures the two of you can relax and enjoy one another in the first few days of your life together.
Plan Your Event
We highly recommend planning your special events in advance of your arrival. Our Restaurant, as well as numerous local options, fill up quick! We are delighted to assist with reservations in our Restaurant and favorites throughout Manchester and the area.
Our December dinner hours are Monday through Saturday 5.30pm – 9.00pm. Please note, the Restaurant is generally closed on Sundays, except for Public Holiday weekends. We will be closed for dinner on Christmas Day and New Year’s Day.
Elegant Well-appointed Spaces
The Reluctant Panther has been carefully designed to provide the optimum luxury atmosphere for your dining event, corporate retreat or strategic planning session. We understand that flexibility is key and are ready to accommodate your needs, working to create environments in keeping with your objectives.
The property is in close proximity to four-season team building activities and features twenty well-appointed guest rooms and suites.
Our unparalleled food and beverage program offers the best in fine dining: local, sustainable cuisine paired with a multi-year Wine Spectator Award-Winning wine list means your group will enjoy nothing short of a delicious and elegant evening.
RECREATION
Golf: Manchester is the hub of golf in Southern Vermont. Guests of the Reluctant Panther have playing privileges at three outstanding courses located in or near Manchester: Manchester Country Club, a private club featuring a 6,675 yard, par 72, Geoffrey Cornish design.
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 Outfitters, Manchester’s Battenkill River is located within a mile of the Panther as are many other great fishing spots.
Orvis’ famous fly-fishing schools run throughout the spring, summer and fall and can be booked thru the Panther. Also, the concierge staff can arrange private guided fishing trips with some of America’s top instructors and guides thru the Panther.
Don’t forget to visit the American Museum of Fly-Fishing and the Orvis Store located less than 1 mile from the Inn. Please call the Panther to inquire about our fly-fishing packages.
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 and at Manchester Country Club.
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, Kate Spade 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.
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. Lunch is available at the historic Bryant House, just next door. 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.
FOLIAGE
Manchester has been acclaimed as one of America’s top foliage towns. The foliage season runs from mid-September thru late October as the mountains and valleys of our area explode in a last gasp of color before the coming winter.
Virtually all fall season activities will bring you in contact with the amazing scenery surrounding us. This is truly one of the highlights of the Vermont year. During the foliage season, the Panther is extremely busy so make your plans and reservations as early as possible.
RECREATION
Golf: Manchester is the hub of golf in Southern Vermont. Guests of the Reluctant Panther have playing privileges at three outstanding courses located in or near Manchester: Manchester Country Club, a private club featuring a 6,675 yard, par 72, Geoffrey Cornish design.
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. Please call the Reluctant Panther for Golf Packages.
Fly-Fishing: Manchester is one of the nation’s premier fly-fishing destinations. Home to the well known OrvisOutfitters, Manchester’s Battenkill River is located within a mile of the Panther as are many other great fishing spots.
Orvis’ famous fly-fishing schools run throughout the spring, summer and fall and can be booked thru the Panther. Also, the concierge staff can arrange private guided fishing trips with some of America’s top instructors and guides thru the Panther.
Don’t forget to visit the American Museum of Fly-Fishing and the Orvis Store located less than 1 mile from the Inn. Please call the Panther to inquire about our fly-fishing packages.
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 Reluctant Panther has trail maps in house.
Biking: Excellent Biking abounds in the Manchester area. Bring your own bike or rent via Manchester’s BattenkillSports Bicycle Shop. 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. Stratton’s Sun Bowl rides are a favorite, offering breathtaking views of the mountains and valleys.
Health, Fitness and Spa: Manchester offers many options for healthy living. Heart of the Village is just down the Street from the Panther and offers various Yoga and Pilates classes and massage services throughout the year.
The nearby Manchester Gym is a full service fitness center offering cardio, spinning, dance classes, free weights and other fitness programs. The Green Door and Equinox Spas also offer a wide selection of Spa services.
Tennis: Tennis Courts are available at the nearby Equinox resort and at Manchester Country Club.
Canoeing and Kayaking: Guided or non-guided, group or individual canoe and kayak trips are offered by Vermont River Runners. Vermont River Runners and Equipe Sports also rent canoes and kayaks by the hour and day and will arrange trip itineraries and pick-ups.
Warming Winter Solace
Things To Do This Winter
Snow Skiing: Manchester is an easy drive to both Stratton and Bromley Mountain ski areas. Stratton Mountain is a 30 minute drive from Manchester. Stratton is the highest peak in southern Vermont and offers one of the top skiing experiences in New England.
With over 600 acres of skiable terrain, fourteen lifts including a high speed base to summit gondola and four 6-passenger lifts, 90% snowmaking coverage and over 2000 feet of vertical, Stratton offers all that any skier could ask for. Bromley Mountain is a family friendly ski area just 7 miles from Manchester.
Offering 10 lifts and 45 trails, Bromley is a great sized area for a full day of family skiing. A local tip: Bromley faces to the south so its slopes get sun all day! Please call the Reluctant Panther to check on our winter ski inclusive packages and specials.
Snow Boarding and Freestyling: Both Stratton and Bromley have extensive areas dedicated to snowboarders and freestyle skiing.
The home of the 2010 Snowboarding National Championships, Stratton’s Sun Bowl half pipe is one of New England’s top competitive venues. Please call the Panther for package and specials information.
Cross Country Skiing: Manchester offers numerous outstanding cross country and Nordic skiing options. The Viking Nordic Center features miles of trails for skiers of all ages and ability levels. Rental equipment and instructional classes are available.
In addition, Stratton offers an extensive cross country facility at their sun bowl and golf course areas and Wild Wings, on Route 100 past Bromley mountain, offers beautifully maintained snow shoe and ski trails through a lightly wooded forest. Hildene also offers cross country ski trails nearby to the Panther.
Sleigh Rides: Pfister Farm, in nearby Landgrove VT, features a truly memorable Vermont winter experience. Horse drawn carriages and sleighs take visitors thru a winter wonderland.
Snowmobiling: Equinox Snow Tours offers guided snowmobile tours that capture the panoramic vistas of the green mountains.
Ice Skating: Indoor ice skating is available at Manchester’s Riley rink. Skates are available for rental. Also, we know of a few nearby ponds that offer a wonderful outdoor skating experience, weather permitting.
Health, Fitness and Spa: Manchester offers many options for healthy living. The Breathing Room Yoga is just down the Street from the Panther and offers various Yoga and Pilates classes and massage services throughout the year. The nearby Manchester Gym is a full service fitness center offering cardio, spinning, dance classes, free weights and other fitness programs. The Green Door and Equinox Spas also offer a wide selection of Spa services.
Indoor Tennis: Indoor tennis Courts are available at the nearby Stratton resort.
OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES
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. A Yankee Travel Guide Editor’s Choice Award winner.
Range Rover School: Learn to drive a Range Rover over a rugged off-road track.
