Things To Do

Things to Do in Arlington & Manchester, Vermont

Warm Brook Farm sits in a quiet corner of Arlington, Vermont, perfectly positioned between Manchester and Bennington. Whether you’re here to hike, ski, shop, eat well, or simply slow down, this page is your guest-ready guide to the best activities, day trips, and local experiences near our historic Vermont farmhouse vacation rental.

Use this guide to plan your days, then come “home” to Warm Brook Farm for evenings in the hot tub, by the fire pit, or around the table in the farmhouse kitchen. When you’re ready, you can check availability and book direct.

Why Warm Brook Farm Is the Perfect Home Base

From our location in Arlington, VT, you can reach Manchester, Bennington, Bromley, Stratton, and the Battenkill River in well under an hour. Most of your favorite outings will be a scenic drive of 10–30 minutes, which means less time in the car and more time actually enjoying Vermont.

10 minutes to Manchester Village (shopping, dining, history)
About 20–25 minutes to Bromley Mountain
About 45–50 minutes to Stratton Mountain
Minutes to the Battenkill River for fishing and paddling
Easy day trips to Bennington and other Southern Vermont towns

Think of Warm Brook Farm as your own private, central Southern Vermont base camp.

Explore Arlington, Vermont

Arlington is a classic small Vermont village with mountain views, historic homes, and the legendary Battenkill River. It’s quieter than Manchester, but that’s part of the charm—you get a slower pace without giving up access to great food, scenery, and outdoor time.

Battenkill River: Floating, Fishing & Relaxing by the Water

The Battenkill is one of the most famous rivers in the Northeast for fly fishing, tubing, kayaking, and canoeing. In summer, you’ll see people drifting quietly past mountain views and covered bridges.

Spend a day tubing or paddling on the Battenkill.
Hire a local guide for fly fishing or bring your own gear.
Pack a picnic and find a quiet spot along the riverbank.

Covered Bridges & Norman Rockwell Country

Arlington is surrounded by scenes that look like they came straight out of a painting—because some of them did. Norman Rockwell lived and worked in the area, and you can still visit local spots tied to his time here.

Arlington Green Covered Bridge — picturesque bridge and swimming hole area, great for photos and a short stroll.
Nearby covered bridges and back roads make for beautiful short drives from Warm Brook Farm.
Norman Rockwell-themed stops in the area highlight the town’s connection to his work.

Simple Local Favorites

Within a short drive of Warm Brook Farm you’ll find:

Seasonal ice cream stands and farm stands.
Arlington Recreation Park-style spaces with swimming, tennis, or walking paths depending on the season.
Scenic walks and short hikes that don’t require a full-day commitment but still deliver great views.

Manchester: Shopping, Dining & History

Just a short, beautiful drive north, Manchester, VT offers a little bit of everything—historic sites, boutiques, outlets, cafés, galleries, and year-round events. It’s the perfect pairing with the quieter pace back at Warm Brook Farm.

Hildene, The Lincoln Family Home

Hildene, the former home of Abraham Lincoln’s son Robert, is one of Southern Vermont’s most-loved historic estates. Wander the house, gardens, and walking paths, take in mountain views, and learn about the Lincoln family’s time in Vermont.

Downtown Manchester & Northshire Bookstore

Manchester’s compact downtown is easy to walk and fun to explore:

Northshire Bookstore — a beloved independent bookstore with a deep Vermont section, great kids’ area, and staff recommendations.
Bakeries and cafés for coffee, pastries, and light lunches.
Unique local shops alongside classic Vermont general-store vibes.

Manchester Designer Outlets & Farm-to-Table Dining

Manchester is known for its combination of outlet shopping and locally-driven food.

Manchester Designer Outlets for brand-name shopping in a walkable, village setting.
Farm-to-table restaurants, cozy taverns, and wine bars for evenings out.
Breweries, cocktail bars, and casual spots if you want something more low key after a day outdoors.

Arts, Culture & Events

Depending on the season, you may also find:

Exhibits and events at the Southern Vermont Arts Center.
Local theater, live music, and seasonal festivals.
Workshops, markets, and rotating pop-up events.

Four-Season Outdoor Adventures

One of the biggest reasons guests choose Warm Brook Farm is how easy it is to get outside in every season. From skiing and snowshoeing to hiking and foliage drives, you can build your whole trip around fresh air and views.

Winter: Skiing, Riding & Snowshoeing

Bromley Mountain — a family-friendly mountain with alpine skiing, riding, lessons, and a relaxed feel.
Stratton Mountain — a larger resort with more terrain, a walkable base village, tubing, and plenty of on-mountain activities.
Magic Mountain — a classic Vermont ski area with a loyal following and a more old-school vibe.
Prospect Mountain Nordic Center (near Bennington) for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing on groomed trails.

Warm Brook Farm’s hot tub, fireplaces, and cozy interiors make coming back from the mountain just as enjoyable as being on the slopes.

Summer & Fall: Hiking, Water & Foliage

Equinox Preserve & Skyline Drive — hike for views or drive to the summit for sweeping lookouts over Southern Vermont.
Lye Brook Falls — a rewarding hike through the forest to one of the area’s taller waterfalls.
Bromley Mountain Adventure Park (in season) with alpine slide, scenic chairlift rides, and family activities.
Quiet walks on local trails, along back roads, or in nearby state parks for peak fall foliage.
Swimming holes, lakes, and ponds within easy driving distance for hot summer days.

Rainy-Day & Year-Round Favorites

Not every day has to be an epic adventure—some of the best Vermont memories are simple ones. When the weather is mixed or you’re ready for a slower pace, consider:

Bennington day trips for museums, historic sites, and local breweries.
Antique shops and galleries scattered between Arlington, Manchester, and Bennington.
Long, relaxed meals at local restaurants, bakeries, and cafés.
Staying in at Warm Brook Farm with a fire, a good book, and board games.

Our photo gallery will give you a feel for how cozy it is to settle in at the farmhouse when the weather turns truly Vermont-y.

Planning Your Stay at Warm Brook Farm

As you plan your Vermont itinerary, think of each day as a balance: one outing, one great meal, and one slow moment back at the farmhouse. That might mean:

Morning tubing on the Battenkill, lunch in Manchester, and an evening soak in the hot tub.
A full ski day at Bromley or Stratton, then a cozy night by the fire.
A quiet hike and picnic followed by grilling dinner in the outdoor kitchen.

If you’re planning a small retreat, celebration, or gathering, you can also read more about using the property as an intimate event venue on our Event Space page.

Ready to start mapping out your own Southern Vermont getaway? Visit our Availability page for dates and rates, or click Book Now in the menu to reserve your stay at Warm Brook Farm.