FEBRUARY VACATION WEEK: WINTER ADVENTURES AND APRES AWESOME

Originally Published on ManchesterVermont.com

We’ve had SO much snow this month we’re starting to re-think peak. Kidding of course, but this winter’s amazing! It feels like old school Vermont and is the best way to celebrate vacation week. Out in front of us (and you!) are epic skiing and riding, lots of live music, fun stuff for kids, and après so good you’ll wish it would snow until April.

Bromley and Stratton are running at 100% so pretty much, the world is your oyster. Horse drawn sleigh rides at Taylor Farm are completely wonderful from the hosts to the horses to the scenery. Try to book ahead. Cross country ski and snowshoe trails are open at Hildene, the Lincoln Estate while the house is also open for tours. Outside the box adventures include BMW demos at Stratton — scenic test drives and pro instruction in an xDrive Beamer of your choice 2/24-26. On Saturday 2/25, a Stargazer Snowshoe Hike goes off-grid through the Nordic Center beneath a starry sky. Off-roading too? At Manchester’s Land Rover Experience, expert instructors customize classes to match your skills and schedule. Drive for an hour or spend the entire day. Book ahead, and through the week!

Foodies, catch three-time James Beard semi-finalist and chef/author Evan Mallet at Northshire Bookstore on 2/24 when he presents (and signs) Black Trumpet: A Chef’s Journey Through Eight New England Seasons. Also this weekend, AMFF’s annual Iron Fly Tourney. Check to see if there are spots left here or just plan a visit to check out the cool collections.

We love these upcoming events: Bromley hosts VINS (Vermont Institute of Natural Science) on 2/19 for a special “birds of prey” exhibit. Real live hawks and owls! Also, an apres ski dance party with DJ Joe Bell on 2/24 from 4-6 pm (ski boots off, rock out) and a Snowman Making Contest on 2/25. Tons of fun at Big Brom. Don’t forget, kid’s ski school with options for every age and level.

Through the week, Manchester Arts hosts Winter Break Art Camp so you can set your mini-makers to crafting. When evening comes, pizza and a movie. Plenty of pies to choose from (Christo’s, Sam’s Wood Fired, Manchester Pizza, Depot Cafe) and Lego Batman at Village Picture Shows, our local indie theater. PS If the crew behaves, bring them to Mother Myrick’s. A treat for everyone!

We’d be lying if we said we weren’t looking forward a couple fine apres evenings. Inspo: Sip a Moscow Mule at Raven’s Den or work through their wines on tap. Chase down Gringo Jack’s margarita and don’t leave without sampling their signature guac and chips. For epic Après, go to Copper Grouse. Perfect drinks, clever menu, and that outdoor firepit. Yaaaas.

For tonic and tunes, try the Falcon Bar at Equinox Hotel — live music late night throughout the week. On Friday 2/24 Moose Crossing plays jazz at Firefly and Muddy Hollow’s downstairs at the Panther Pub. Also on Friday night, Luke DeRoy and Molly Mehlsack of SONA at the Perfect Wife (they’re awesome!) and Josh Panda at Stratton on 2/25. And, if all you want to do this week is ski and ski some more, Bromley’s got your après answer. Spend the day on the slopes and hit the tavern before sundown. Friendliest folks, music most days, and just up the road.

Enjoy the week and tag your pics with #ManchesterVT so we can share your adventures!