Manchester, Vermont might be my new favorite weekend getaway destination (aside from Cape Cod, of course, from where I write this post)! It was my goal of the season to make it to Hildene to see the peonies, so when researching places to stay in the area, I found a brand new Kimpton hotel, that just opened in December. I had stayed at a few Kimpton hotels before – like the Sir Francis Drake in San Francisco – and have always had a great experience. I knew Taconic would be a good choice.
Immediately upon arrival, I knew I had come to the right place. The entire vibe of the hotel was so bright and airy. Everything smelled so clean and fresh – not to mention the peony bouquets that adorned many of the desks and tables in the lobby. Walking down the light and cheery hallways to our room, I knew already that I would be comfortable that night. Sometimes I don’t always sleep well in hotels, especially if it is not up to the cleanliness standard that I prefer, but right away, I knew I wouldn’t have a problem at Taconic. The smell of new wood, like the subtle smell of a brand new house, is so very invigorating. The sheets were clean and fresh and the bathrooms were pristine – the trendy subway tile was sparkling white!
We were blessed with a sunny and warm weekend, which was perfect for walking around beautiful Manchester. We found lots of cute places to eat, but I actually found the most enjoyable spot was right on the hotel patio. The shaded wrap around porch provided cover from the harsh sun, but still allowed us to soak up the warm weather all the same. The Copper Grouse, the hotel restaurant, was our first stop for lunch. I’ll be sharing more about our delicious dinner right here tomorrow (stay tuned…!), but here is a sneak preview of our colorful lunch. You may have already seen it on Instagram, but I have to say that the beet humus and the watermelon gazpacho were definitely my favorites.
You know, I used to be a firm believer that a beach vacation was the only vacation. I never really understood why anyone would choose to take a summer getaway to the mountains over the soft sand and saltwater of the ocean, but now I totally get it. I could have sat in one of these rockers with a good book in hand enjoying the views and the fresh mountain air all weekend long!
Do you prefer a summer getaway to the beach or to the mountains? I’d love to know in the comment section below!
xo -L
Thank you to Taconic for a wonderful weekend!
Seriously, it looks lovely!! Those bikes!