THINGS TO DO

Welcome to Southern Vermont, where the possibilities for adventure and relaxation are boundless, regardless of the season. At Rockwell's Retreat, you're perfectly positioned to dive into the region's most cherished activities. Cast a line into the famed Battenkill for some of the best fly fishing around, or ascend the trails of Equinox Mountain for breathtaking views. And if it's local flavors you crave, treat yourself to the area's finest Maple Creamy. No matter your interests, Rockwell's Retreat stands at the center of it all, ready to enhance your Vermont getaway.

Fly Fishing

Embark on a memorable fly fishing adventure on the infamous Battenkill River, renowned for its rich history and breathtaking beauty, particularly along the West Arlington stretch. Whether you’re casting your first line or you’re an experienced angler eager to master this special river, Trico Unlimited offers guided sessions tailored to every skill level. Immerse yourself in the serene landscapes and historical allure that this area has to offer. Conveniently located just a stone’s throw from some of the best fishing spots on the river, Rockwell's Retreat is the ideal base for your angling journey. Experience the charm and challenge of the Battenkill with us at your side.

Outdoor Recreation

Biking

Plenty of Biking in the area including right in front of our inn - River Road, you can ride for miles (gravel/dirt road, but also great riding throughout the area on regular roads – check in with Kevin – he has some great routes that meander through covered bridges – long ones or short ones!) http://bikemanchestervt.com/

Skiing

Local skiing-within an hour of Bromley, Stratton, and Magic Mountains. Nordic skiing at nearby Wild Wings in Peru, Viking Nordic Center in Londonderry, or Prospect Nordic in Bennington.

Hiking

Merck Forest and Farmland - Hiking, educational programs and more.

Hildene - Historic Mansion of Robert Todd Lincoln.

Arts

Southern Vermont Art Center - Ten galleries featuring classic and contemporary art.

Manchester Hot Glass - Glass blowing studio & gallery open daily to the public located in the beautiful historic Depot section of Manchester, Vermont 

Robert Frost Stone House and Museum -  Located in Shaftsbury, a short ride south on 7A.

Green Mountain Blue Grass and Roots Festival- A music festival featuring a variety of bluegrass, roots and Americana music from both icons of the industry and innovative up-and-coming artists.

MANCHESTER DINING & SHOPPING

Just a short 15-minute drive from Rockwell's Retreat, Manchester awaits with its vibrant blend of culinary delights and exceptional shopping experiences. This charming town is a hub for food lovers and shoppers alike, offering an array of exquisite restaurants that cater to every palate, alongside unique boutiques and high-end shops. Whether you're in search of a leisurely meal crafted by local chefs or looking to indulge in some retail therapy, Manchester provides the perfect excursion to complement your stay at Rockwell’s Retreat. Explore the local flavors and treasures in this lively Vermont town.

Shopping

Manchester Designer Outlets - If you forgot something or feel like doing some outlet shopping - don't forget to stop by the Orvis Outlet.

Orvis Flagship Store

Northshire Book Store -Your Independent Bookstore, is a family-owned, independent bookstore.

Dinning

Arlington / Sunderland 5-10 min drive

  • West Arlington – Wayside Country Market – sandwiches, soups, drinks, snacks, desserts, ice cream, wine, beer – open 6 am – 7 pm every day except Monday.

  • Bronwyn’s on the Battenkill - in town on 7A. Bronwyn-on-Battenkill is an authentic German restaurant and bar nestled between the Green and Taconic Mountains on the banks of the Battenkill river in Arlington, VT. Chef Tim Wiechmann draws on his cultural heritage to create hand-crafted sausages (kielbasa and brats to name a few…) pork schnitzels (that Beat Bobby Flay!), traditional noodles (think cheesy-cheddar Spaetzle with bacon) and other specialties like Riesling sauerkraut or giant fresh baked pretzels. An extensive list of german and vermont craft beers make what’s coming out of the kitchen even better.

  • The Restaurant at Hill Farm - Nestled in the Equinox Valley Chef Austin Poulin sources from their own market garden, as well as the neighboring community, wonderful farm to table menus.

  • Arlington Dairy Bar - (summer only) - Ice cream and fast food

  • Arlington farmers Market is Friday afternoons at the Arlington rec park on 7A

Manchester - 15-20 min drive

  •  The Silver Fork – Great vibe, great food and drinks and great new location. Call Melody for reservations and let her know we sent you! (they book well in advance). They also have a private dining room for 6-8 guests with a fireplace!

  • The Reluctant Panther - high end, beautiful inside and out – expensive but great food and good service. Make reservations way ahead of time for sure.

  • Mistral’s at Toll Gate - French cuisine at its finest is the basic fare, classically prepared and plated with care.

  • The Crooked Ram -  Full restaurant and bar with three distinct experiences living together under one roof: The Bar, The Dining Room and The Yard. Each experience offers its own menu and setting,

  • Mystic Restaurant & Bar - high end, handmade pastas, fish, etc. Reservations generally required.  

  • Umami - traditional Chinese takeout and Asian eat-in restaurant. Open June 2024.

  • Union Underground - pub, but fun and has music some weekends.

  • Seasons - great spot in Manchester, cozy, great casual dinners and excellent menu.

  • Ye Olde Tavern – 18th century feel, classic American food – large plates – simple and more of hearty New England fare.

  • Thai Basil - to go or onsite (great little patio) – not open on Wednesday nights.

  • Gringo Jack's - Mexican and great margaritas – you can generally get a reservation same day or 1 day ahead.

  • Copper Grouse - in the Kimpton Hotel - nice bar area and drinks. Generally dinner only.

  • Sam's Wood Fired Pizza - best pizza in the area.

  • Zoey’s Double Hex for quality family dining

  • Zoey's Deli for sandwiches and soups to go.

  • Al Ducci's Italian market - prepared foods to go, great everything - good if you want to take out and eat back at the inn.

  • Big Poppa’s - food truck right on 7A – serves lunches and breakfast and  snacks (summer only)

  • Bob’s Diner - a great little diner (breakfast all day plus lunch items).

  • Manchester has their Farmers’ Market on Thursdays 3-6 at 709 Depot St., Summer only.

Dorset - 25 min drive

  • Barrows House - beautiful setting, great service, great food – occasionally they have music on the patio. I had the best steak frites there recently. Make reservations early.

  • Dorset Inn is serving dinner now too – haven’t tried it but it looks yummy! Beautiful spot right on the green in Dorset (check out the little market across the street and 3 Pears Gallery with amazing art).

  • H N Williams store (where the farmers’ market is in summer) – has sandwiches, coffee, and snacks to go (wine, beer, etc.).

  • Dorset Bakery – great little spot in Rt. 30. Breakfast, lunch, snacks and coffee. They also have wine and beer by the glass!

  • Mach’s Market – in Pawlet, VT (about 20 minutes or so past Manchester) has great sandwiches and great takeout available (fried chicken, usually salmon and wonderful sides, etc.). Call ahead to see what they have available and bring it back to the inn!

  • Dorset has their farmers' market on Sunday 11-2 right on Rt. 30 in Dorset – in summer across from HN Williams store, in winter in the JK Adams warehouse on the main road there - amazing stuff and a great farmers market!

Bennington - about 25 min away 

  • Pangaea - fantastic actually! Beautiful spot and great food – also doubles as a coffee shop most weekdays.

  • Publyk House – run by the same group that owns/runs Dorset Inn, Barrows House, Reluctant Panther, etc.

  • 421 Craft Bar - on main street in Bennington. Cute place, good drinks.

  • Madison’s Brewery – Pub food

Peru – 30 min drive

  • Johnny Seesaw’s – Great rustic inside seating (reserved) and to-go on the outside grass area (with a bonfire). First come first serve for the to go with a few outdoor tables. Fun menu, great drinks. Busy area near Bromley ski mountain.

  • Bromley Market – great sandwiches to go, picnic tables available.

  • JJ Hapgood General Store & Eatery –  great sandwiches, pizzas, etc.

Liquor/Wine/Beer

●        Wine and beer can be purchased at the country store a mile from us – Wayside (not open on Mondays, and open most weekdays until 6 or 7)

●        Liquor in Vermont are at VT liquor stores – there is one in the center of
Arlington (about 5 miles into town) and one in Manchester and one in Bennington. Not open on Sundays.