Vermont at Christmas

When I think of the quintessential Christmas getaway spot Vermont immediately comes to mind. Perhaps this is due to my childhood ski trips to Okemo and Killington over Christmas break, or movie nights watching White Christmas. The rustic charm of the Green Mountains really shines in the weeks leading up to holidays as the small inns and country stores all don their evergreen wreaths with bright red bows, Christmas trees glitter behind front windows, and sleepy towns curl up under a blanket of snow.

STAY.

We were thrilled to return to Vermont this year with our baby boy for a long weekend in this winter wonderland. We stayed at Hill Farm Inn in 2018 and absolutely loved it, and it was just as good this time around. About 8 minutes outside of Manchester, there's an unfussiness to the property, which is part farm (and home to several alpacas) and part inn with a very good restaurant. The setting is incredibly picturesque, centered on a handsome white farmhouse and massive red barn with incredible views of the mountains. I love the big tree swing on the back lawn and we were lucky enough to have light snowfall throughout our trip which just added to the charm! The rooms are simple and comfy, most have little stoves in the corner and the main living room space has a big fireplace, the perfect spot to curl up with a drink from their bar.

EAT & DO.

The Restaurant at Hill Farm - The restaurant on property is a relatively recent addition (opened in 2022) and is excellent. We loved it so much we ate here twice on our short trip.

Dorset Bakery - A European style cafe with wonderful baked goods and breakfast menu.

Up for Breakfast - This diner in the center of Manchester has quirky grandma decor, lots of local patrons and really good blueberry pancakes with Vermont Maple Syrup!

Colburn Cafe - Tucked inside the expansive Northshire Bookstore in Manchester they serve a small menu of yummy soups and salads and it's a cozy spot to grab a bite to eat after shopping for books. Their children's section is really special and worth a visit with your little one!

JJ Hapgoods - This small country store and deli has wonderfully delicious food, and is worth going out of your way for a meal here.

Johnny Seesaw's - This alpine themed restaurant at the foot of Bromeley Mountain feels like a European chalet with lots of wood paneling and quintessential alpine chairs with hearts cut into the back. We didn't get to go on this trip because we forgot they're closed on Sundays but definitely will try to stop through on our next trip!

Vermont Country Store - The mother of all country stores, this outpost in Weston, VT is an endless emporium of everything you could want, including candy, games, decorative items, Christmas ornaments, cheese, dry goods, clothing (socks!) and more. The products are displayed in wonderful antique furniture pieces from glass Coca-Colas in a vintage ice box to beautiful soaps arranged in a wood carved dispensary counter. We picked up an adorable nutcracker ornament to commemorate the trip!

Dorset Union Store - A small country store with a lovely selection, worth popping in after breakfast at the Dorsey Bakery!

Hiking around Equinox Pond - this pond at the foot of equinox mountain beautifully reflects the mountain in its water and has an easy loop for some light exercise.

If you're interested in venturing a little further, Woodstock is about 90 minutes away and you can find our favorite Woodstock spots here.

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