Somewhere between Bromley and your shopping, head to the Jelly Mill, a barn of a shop with a Christmas touch and a jukebox organ that never stops playing. There are four lively floors and on the top they have an adorable café called The Buttery. While you might have to wait a short while for a table, the food tastes just like your mom's--dare I say, better--and is certainly worth it. Besides, the Jelly Mill has lots of fun things to look at, be it Native Indian jewelry or folk art or... jelly!
At some point during your stay, be sure to park your car near the Equinox (if you don't stay nearby) and walk to Prospect Street, where the enormous houses on the block are breathtaking. Continue to where Prospect Street meets Taconic Road (about a third of a mile) and up the dirt road slightly to the left. Walk to the top of the road and then a bit deeper into the woods. Off to your left, you will find one of the most beautiful views you will ever see: a large, gorgeous lake at the base of the Green Mountains. The vast lake perfectly reflects the endless mountain trees. It is an incredibly peaceful sight, made more tranquil by the lack of even one other visitor. Rumor has it that way back when, this lake was created for the posh guests of the Equinox. Whatever the case, you'll be thankful someone created it.
The great thing about Manchester Village, Vermont, is that it is small enough to navigate but large enough to drive around and discover such brilliant finds as Hildene. The 412-acre former estate of Robert Todd Lincoln, President Abraham Lincoln's son, features polo matches, walking tours, antique shows, etc.
Manchester Village never has and never will have a thriving nightlife (greatly due to strict town codes), but the town does have good restaurants. For a casual dining experience, try Mulligan's, a restaurant that reminds me of the bar in Cheers: good people, excellent food and a gorgeous wooden bar. Whether it is the gargantuan nachos or the enormous burgers, this place not only does food right, it is the rare restaurant that feels like home... with better lighting.
On your way back to lady Manhattan, take the time to drive up the Mount Equinox Skyline Drive toll road, located just outside Manchester Village. If you can survive the heart-stopping drive up, you will be greeted with a stunning, five-state view of New England.
As you head home, it is normal to ponder living in Manchester full-time. Matter of fact, I'm convinced Manchester realtors put something in the water at that mystical pipe in Lebanon that leaves every visitor wanting more Manchester.
