Looking for things to do near Stratton? There is lots going on in the surrounding area so we figured we would share some of our personal favorites with you. Use Stratton as your base camp by staying with us in one of our great lodging options, almost all of which are within walking distance to the Main Base Area. Wake up, get ready, grab a bite to eat in the village and start your Southern Vermont adventure!
Hildene, the Lincoln Family Home
Only 30 minutes from the mountain is Hildene, the Lincoln Family Home. Hildene is the former summer home of Robert Todd Lincoln and his wife Mary Harlan Lincoln, located at 1005 Hildene Road in Manchester Center, Vermont. Tours of the Lincoln home, grounds and walking trails are offered to the public year-round. For a more intimate tour experience, Hildene offers “Archive Tours”, which take place in spaces of the estate that aren’t accessible for viewing to the general public. If you’d rather stroll the estate without a tour guide, that’s an option as well – pack lunch and set up a picnic in the designated picnic area.
Swimming
Pikes Falls
Just a 10 minute drive from the resort is Pikes Falls. Everything that you are looking for in a Vermont swimming hole can be found here, and then some. Take a quick half-mile walk down the trail head and find yourself surrounded by tall, lively trees encapsulating the flowing waterfall that is ‘Pikes Falls’ leading into a quaint swimming hole, fantastic for lounging in on a hot day. Find a spot on the shoreline and dip your toes in if you aren’t looking to fully submerge… though we highly recommend it if the temperature is right.
Emerald Lake
This one is a bit further off the resort, though only a half hour down the mountain and a scenic ride nonetheless. Located in the town of Dorset is Emerald Lake, the center piece of beautiful Emerald Lake State Park. Restricted to non-motorized watercraft, the lake is quintessential for swimming and paddling. If you have fishing gear, be sure to cast a few lines as there are plenty of yellow perch, small mouth bass, northern pike and other warm-water species. Emerald State Park is an ideal destination for hikers, with the Long Trail and Appalachian Trail in close proximity, and trails available throughout Dorset Mountain.
Pastime Pinball
Pastime Pinball is a family-friendly playable, pinball museum located in Manchester, VT. Stop in, pay for admission and play on over 60 top-rated pinball machines from every major American manufacturer, all of which are set to FREE PLAY. Hungry or thirsty? No worries – Pastime Pinball offers a number of snack and drink options including Vermont craft beer, hard cider and wine as well as specialty nonalcoholic beverages. Manchester is filled with plenty of dining and retail options – when you’re done pinball-ing take a stroll through town and find a nice place to sit, dine and wind down.
Land Rover Driving Experience
Located at the gorgeous Equinox Golf Resort & Spa is the Land Rover Driving Experience. Stop in, choose your rental option, and tour the stunning Green Mountains of southern Vermont in one of Land Rover’s luxurious all-terrain vehicles. You will be paired up with an experienced coach who will talk you through how to make the most out of your Land Rover Driving Experience. They offer one hour, two hour, half day, and full day experiences – whether you are solo or with a group, they’ve got something for you.
Orvis Flagship Store and Fly-Fishing School
“The Largest Orvis Store on Planet Earth”
Whether you are a die-hard angler or have never picked up a fishing rod, the Orvis Flagship Store in Manchester is a must-visit. Explore this two-floor store that offers tons of great outdoor gear, apparel, pet supplies and so much more. Stop in, get your shop on and don’t forget to feed the fish!
Looking to learn how to fly-fish? The Orvis Fly-Fishing School offers one-day and two-day classes where you can get paired up with one of their expert instructors who will help you with everything from setting up the rod, to fly selection and knots, to how to safely release your catch. Fishing classes are held across from the Orvis Flagship Store in their state-of-the-art schoolhouse, on our fully-stocked casting pond and out on the famed Battenkill.
Directions from Stratton
- Hildene, The Lincoln Family Home
- Pikes Falls
- Emerald Lake
- Pastime Pinball
- Land Rover Driving Experience
- Orvis Flagship Store
In Summary…
Why not get the most out of your stay with us? Despite there being lots to do on resort, we understand that our guests want to see all that they can when traveling – to get the full “Vermont Experience”. With that being said, we are happy to be able to share some of these nearby attractions with you, and hope you are able to check some of them out. At the end of the day, you will have comfort in knowing that all it takes is a quick drive and you are back at your base camp here at Stratton.
Published by Harley Smith