On The Road Series
Borrowing the name from Jack Kerouac’s classic beat generation tale of travels across the country, intermittently we’ll post tales about our life on the road. Whether you’re traveling by motorhome, fifthwheel, trailer, camper, or van, there is so much out there to explore, and we want to bring the very best to you to consider for your next adventure. Read on for our most recent excursion to witness the epic vistas and quaint New England towns of southern Vermont.
The leaves are quickly turning colors and soon will be falling to the ground. With Vermont’s first snow and winter sports season just around the corner, we’re taking you on the road to the Green Mountain Valley of southwestern Vermont where charming old New England towns meet the open road.
Manchester, VT
Located in southwestern Vermont’s Battenkill River Valley of the Green Mountains, Manchester is the star of the show, getting top nods from locals and visitors alike. Accessible to many cities in the northeast, Manchester stands alone for its distinctively New England charm. With two roundabouts, a picturesque downtown shopping center, and beautifully landscaped pedestrian walkways throughout Manchester Center, delight in the tranquil splendor of this historic town. There are no shortages of outdoor adventures in Manchester all year-round.
Take a leisure stroll along the banks of the Battenkill on the Manchester Riverwalk, for example, or enjoy some of the Northeast’s premier skiing at nearby Stratton Mountain or Bromley Resort. No trip to Manchester would be complete without a tour of Hildene, the Lincoln Family home and the historic estate of Robert Lincoln, the only surviving adult son of Mary Todd and President Lincoln’s. Over 12 miles of walking trails through beautifully manicured gardens, an onsite cheesemaking facility, and a 1903 Pullman railcar, there is much to see once you’ve completed a house tour.
And last but not least, any angler will be in heaven at The American Museum of Fly Fishing on Main Street. Be sure to also stop by the Orvis Flagship Store and see if you can snag a spot to their day-long Fly Fishing School.
The Orvis Flagship Store in Manchester
Dorset, VT
Also in Bennington County, you’ll find Dorset just up VT-30S. A quaint town with much to offer, be sure to swing by the famed Emerald Lake State Park where you’ll find the 20-acre Emerald Lake among many hiking and biking trails, picnic stations, nature center, and 66 RV sites for camping. The Dorset RV Camp is another favorite offering many sought-after amenities like shaded sites, water and sewer hookups, laundry, a camp store, playground, and more. Reopening next May, Dorset RV Camp is currently closed for the winter season.
Wallingford, VT
Over in Wallingford in Rutland County off of U.S. Route 7 you’ll find the charming Handmade in Vermont store featuring the world’s largest Hubbardton Forge Lighting showroom as well as artisan designs by local Vermonters. Located in a 1790 historic brick building equipped with solar paneling, the store is a must-see.
For a listing of all southern Vermont campgrounds, check out the Vermont Campground Associations top recommendations.
If you go
If you go, make sure you’re prepared with all the RV care and maintenance accessories you’ll need. RVbyLIFE’s Life-Calk polysulfide sealant and Life Seal silicone/polyurethane sealant are two staples to have on hand for any quick on the road repair. The Stick scrapping tool also comes in handy and works well with our Release Adhesive & Sealant Remover. Of course, no trip would be complete without a bottle of all-purpose sanitizer. Our Sanitizer for Hands and Surfaces is made with only Benzalkonium chloride and water, so it won’t leave an odor or irritate the skin on application. It also continues working on surfaces once dry unlike alcohol-based sanitizer. For all other RV repair and maintenance needs, visit our website for our full product catalog.
Make sure to check out our other travel tales to find your next RV travel destination. Happy RV travels!
