If you’re like me, you’re always looking for the perfect getaway where both you and your pup can enjoy a little bit of luxury and adventure. Recently, I found exactly that in Manchester, Vermont, a charming New England town with stunning landscapes, outdoor adventures, and some of the most dog-friendly places you can imagine. Gatsby and I stayed at Kimpton Taconic Manchester Hotel, a luxurious, dog-loving property I can’t recommend highly enough for anyone traveling to Vermont with their pup.
Kimpton Taconic Manchester Hotel: Luxury for You and Your Dog
Located in the heart of Manchester, Kimpton Taconic Manchester Hotel is the epitome of New England elegance. With its inviting wrap-around porch, warm fireplaces, and classic clapboard design, it gives you all the cozy vibes! The Kimpton Taconic is fully dog-obsessed, and that’s something I absolutely love!
When I arrived with Gatsby, I was welcomed by friendly staff members who made a point to say hello to both of us. Kimpton hotels are famous for their pet policy, and Kimpton Taconic takes it to another level. There are no extra fees or size restrictions for your pup, which is a huge bonus for travelers with larger dogs. Upon check-in, Gatsby received a little “welcome package” complete with treats, a cozy dog bed, and food and water bowls to use during our stay.
We stayed in the King Premium Suite, which featured a king-sized bed, fireplace, and soaking tub—perfect after a long day hiking the Vermont mountains.
After settling in, Gatsby and I were eager to explore all the dog-friendly activities around the hotel and what Manchester has to offer.
Dog-Friendly Activities at Kimpton Taconic and Nearby
Morning Coffee on the Porch
One of my favorite things about staying at Kimpton Taconic was starting my morning on their expansive porch. Grab a coffee from the hotel’s lounge (they also serve freshly brewed coffee in the mornings) and sit outside with your dog while taking in the mountain views. The Taconic’s cozy Adirondack chairs are perfect for lounging while your dog lounges right beside you. It’s the perfect way to start a slow morning in Vermont.
Wine and Social Hour By the Lounge
Every day from 5pm to 6pm, Kimpton Hotels hosts a wine hour for its guests. After a long day of hiking, it’s perfect to grab a glass of wine, relax by the fire at the lounge or on the porch, and socialize with other dog parents. Or, challenge them to a game of chess.
Explore the Equinox Preservation Trust Trails
The Equinox Preservation Trust is just a quick trip from the hotel—a 914-acre nature preserve with tons of dog-friendly trails. The shaded paths wind through beautiful woods. Gatsby had a blast exploring, while I soaked up the peace and quiet of the forest.
Take an Unforgettable Drive up to Mount Equinox
At 3848 feet above sea level, Mount Equinox offers amazing 360-degree views of Vermont, New Hampshire, Massachusetts, and even Montreal’s Mount Royal on clear sunny days!
Make sure to bring some food with you so you can picnic with your pup at the summit. All dogs must be on leash!
Tickets for the Mount Equinox Skyline Drive are $35 per car.
Dog-Friendly Shopping in Town
Manchester, VT has a bunch of cute shops and boutiques, and a lot of them are dog-friendly. A walk down Main Street will take you past some charming local spots where your dog can come inside too. Northshire Bookstore, one of the area’s favorites, even welcomes pups. It’s the perfect place to browse for a new book, grab a coffee from their café, and relax with your pup for the afternoon.
Visit Vermont’s Most Dog Friendly Cafe
Want to grab some coffee, some sweets, or a sandwich and soup? Charlie’s Coffee House is where you need to go! They are super dog-friendly, and your pup can even dine with you inside the cafe!
Visit The Orvis Flagship Store
Just a short walk from Kimpton Taconic Hotel, you have to check out the Orvis Flagship Store—it’s super dog-friendly! This iconic store has everything you need for outdoor adventures, and they’re all about welcoming pups inside. Chances are, your dog will score a treat (or two) from the staff while you browse their awesome outdoor gear. They even have a huge section of products just for dogs!
Explore Woodstock, VT
Woodstock, VT, is an awesome spot to visit with your dog! There are lots of dog-friendly shops and cafés around town. You can stroll through the picturesque village, pop into stores with your pup, or chill at a park. Make sure to snap an Instagram-worthy photo at the famous Middle Covered Bridge!
See How Maple Syrup is Made At Sugarbush Farm
Drive out to the famous Sugarbush Farm, and you’ll get a glimpse on how they make their maple syrup on a self guided tour. Stroll through their nature trail on the farm property and then make sure to buy a sample box of their maple syrup and variety of cheeses!
Dog-Friendly Dining in Manchester, VT
There are several restaurants in town with patio seating, but we dined at Copper Grouse, located right at our hotel. It’s so convenient! We didn’t need to drive around town looking for places to eat. The best part is that your pup can join you for a meal on their spacious porch! Also, don’t worry about being too cold to dine outside. There are overhead heat lamps throughout the porch dining area.
Final Thoughts: Vermont in the Fall is a Great Destination for a Dog-Friendly Getaway
If you love getaways with a bit of luxury and adventure with your dog, Manchester, Vermont, and the Kimpton Taconic Manchester Hotel are a perfect match. The hotel is super welcoming, and there are tons of dog-friendly activities around town. Whether you’re hitting the trails, exploring historic spots, or just kicking back and getting spoiled at the hotel, there’s something for every dog lover here.
Next time you’re planning a trip with your pup, definitely put Manchester at the top of your list. It’s the perfect mix of New England charm and dog-friendly vibes—and trust me, both you and your dog will leave happy (and probably tails wagging!).
Book Your Stay At Kimpton Taconic Manchester Hotel
This post may contain affiliate links, meaning when you click the links and make a purchase, we receive a commission. Thank you for your support of this blog.
See What It’s Like to Stay at the Kimpton Taconic Manchester Hotel
See What It’s Like to Visit Dog Friendly Vermont
Other Articles You May Like
