Shires lodging choices as diverse as its experiences
exhibits. For more information, go to svc.edu.
And then there are the special spots. J.J. Hapgood (305 Main St., Peru) is a historic general store with a contemporary focus on food and community gathering. But it’s way more than that. It’s a chance to soak in history, craftsmanship, scenery and taste (most of all taste!) in a quintessential Vermont way.
J.J. Hapgood is, at the end of the day, all about the food. Serving breakfast, lunch and dinner (dinner Thursday through Sunday), each meal is a farm-to-table celebration of Vermont with a giant dollop of innovation. Farm egg and Vermont cheddar on a housemade buttermilk chive biscuit? Yes, please! BLT with Vermont bacon? Bring it. Or locally raised stuffed chicken for dinner? Fresh and perfect. It is famed, too, for wood-fired pizza and craft cocktails. Learn more at jjhapgood.com. WHERE TO STAY
Lodging choices in the Shires are as diverse as the experiences.
Toward the northern end of the Shires, a great choice is the Casablanca Motel (5927 Main St., Historic Route 7A, Manchester Center). Motel is a word that underserves this lovely spot. Tucked into hills overlooking the breathtaking fall foliage on the mountain range are quaint, beautiful and individually themed cottages,
like your own perfect little home in the Vermont hills. Cabins are themed to celebrate what makes Vermont special. The grounds themselves capture the magic of a simpler time so that you can escape, explore and unwind. Relax on the porch, toss a few horseshoes or fire up the grill — it feels like you’re part of a quaint neighborhood. Learn more at casablancamotel.com.
The Inn at Manchester (3967 Main St.) is a familyowned, historic inn with 21 classically appointed rooms that blend casual comfort with impeccable amenities and service. The main inn and carriage house are listed on the National Register of Historic Places and its new celebration barn is designed to match that look and ambience with modern amenities. It is tucked into four lush acres surrounded by mountains, yet is just a quick jaunt to the town of Manchester. Learn more at innatmanchester.com.
In Sunderland, calling Hill Farm Inn (458 Hill Farm Road) your Shires home is a great choice. Upscale yet with an “unplugged” feeling, the inn has plenty of that old-fashioned appeal that makes a vacation in the Vermont countryside great: chatting around the fire pit, stargazing, meandering along their walking paths — it’s all part of life at the Hill Farm Inn. Close to town yet tucked into its own little world of 50 beautiful acres, it’s an escape within your escape. Farm-to-table breakfasts are served daily, and long, leisurely spells sitting on the porch are practically a requirement. Learn more at hillfarminn.com.
For a combination of a trusted national name that’s still authentically Vermont, the just-a-yearold Hampton Inn & Suites Manchester serves beautifully. The 97-room hotel (one of the only chain hotels in the region) is in the center of Manchester (4519 Main St.), just steps away from shopping as well as a fly fishing school. But don’t let the idea of “chain” worry you. This is a true Vermont setting. Reminiscent of a historic New England farmhouse, this uniquely designed hotel embodies tradition with modern sensibilities. Covered patios, outdoor seating areas with a fire pit and lush landscaping make you feel right at home.
It offers standard guest rooms and studio suites, with microwaves, small refrigerators and coffee makers in every room. Learn more at hamptoninn3.hilton.com/en/ hotels/vermont/hamptoninn-and-suites-manchesterRUTMVHX/index.html.
And how about settling into your own home while in the region? Vermont Vacation Rentals can help you do just that. Their two spots in Manchester Center are true “homes” exclusively designed for vacationers. The bedrooms all have bathroom suites, meaning you can travel with the family (or crew of friends) and still have private space, along with great rooms for gathering and entertainment. Learn more at vermontvacation-rentals.com.
And what if you decide to stay forever? The Shires region makes it easy for you (and it happens all the time!). The region has been hosting “Stay to Stay” programs (as have other Vermont areas), where they invite you up for a weekend to have some fun and learn about career and housing opportunities at the same time.
For that special home, KW Vermont-Brenda Jones Real Estate is a great choice to find your Forever Shires home. KW offers a teamoriented approach to help you learn about the region, the state and what it is like to live there full time.
KW advises clients about the Shires — how the region is laid back and slower paced, yet is still located near larger metropolitan areas in Southern Vermont and neighboring states. Such a lifestyle, offering rich history, small theatres and farmers markets can appeal not only to retirees, but to second home owners and telecommuters. Learn more at benningtonhomes. com.
The Shires is tucked away from all the stress and bustle. It seamlessly weaves together foliage and fields, water and wildlife, culture and creativity into an experiential delight. For a weekend or a lifetime, you will want to make it part of your world. Learn more at exploretheshires.com.