Vermont has a way of making you feel like you’ve stepped into a postcard that hasn’t changed since the 19th century. But then there’s Manchester. Specifically, there’s the Equinox Golf Resort and Spa Manchester VT. It sits right at the base of Mount Equinox, looking every bit like the historic landmark it is, but don't let the white columns and the Revolutionary War history fool you. It isn't a museum. It’s a living, breathing ecosystem of luxury that somehow manages to feel both massive and incredibly intimate at the same time.
You’ve probably seen the photos. The sprawling white facade. The rocking chairs on the porch. It looks like the kind of place where people in wool sweaters sip cider and talk about the "good old days." And they do. But they also tackle the Land Rover Experience, get deep-tissue massages that actually work, and play one of the most frustratingly beautiful golf courses in New England.
It's been around since 1769. Think about that. Before the United States was even a country, people were gathering at Marsh Tavern, which is still part of the resort today. It was a meeting spot for the Green Mountain Boys. It hosted four different U.S. Presidents. Mary Todd Lincoln even spent summers here. There’s a weight to the floorboards that you just can't manufacture in a modern hotel.
What People Get Wrong About The Equinox Golf Resort and Spa Manchester VT
Most folks assume a place this old is going to be stuffy. Or worse, dusty. They expect creaky elevators and rooms that smell like your grandmother’s attic. Honestly? That’s not the vibe at all. The Equinox has undergone several massive renovations over the years, most recently under various luxury management groups, to ensure the infrastructure keeps up with modern expectations.
The guest rooms are divided among several buildings. You have the main hotel, but then there's the Charles Orvis Inn, the 1811 House, and the Meadow House. Each has a totally different energy. If you stay in the 1811 House—which used to be the home of Abraham Lincoln’s granddaughter—you’re getting a very traditional, upscale B&B experience with fireplaces and antiques. If you’re in the main resort building, it’s more "classic New England luxury."
One thing that surprises people is the sheer scale of the grounds. We aren't just talking about a hotel building and a parking lot. You have over 1,300 acres of land to play with. You can walk out the front door, cross the street, and be on a hiking trail leading up the mountain in five minutes. Or you can walk out the back and find yourself at the Falconry School. Yes, you can literally learn how to handle hawks here. It’s one of those "only at the Equinox" things that makes the price tag make sense.
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The Golf and The Spa: A Study in Contrasts
Let's talk about the Golf Club at the Equinox. It’s a par-71 Walter Travis design, later tweaked by Rees Jones. If you’re a golfer, those names mean something. If you aren't, basically it means the course is designed to be clever, not just long. It winds through the valley with the Green Mountains framing every single shot. It’s gorgeous. It’s also hilly. If you don't use a cart, your calves will hate you by the ninth hole.
The greens are tricky. They break in ways that seem to defy gravity because of the mountain's pull. Local tip: everything breaks toward the valley, even when your eyes tell you otherwise.
Then there’s the spa.
13,000 square feet of "leave me alone."
It’s called the Spa at Equinox, and they use a lot of local ingredients. Maple sugar scrubs. Pine-infused oils. It sounds a bit cliché until you’re actually laying there and the smell of Vermont forest hits you. The indoor lap pool is heated and surrounded by massive windows, so you can watch the snow fall while you’re swimming in 80-degree water. It’s a top-tier experience, though it can get crowded on Saturday afternoons when the wedding parties descend.
Eating Your Way Through History
The dining situation is where the resort really leans into its heritage. The Marsh Tavern is the heart of the property. It’s cozy. Dark wood, low ceilings, and a menu that focuses on New England comfort food. You want the pot pie or the burger. Don't overthink it. This is where the Green Mountain Boys allegedly plotted their resistance against the British. Eating a truffle fry in the same room where Ethan Allen might have stood is a weirdly cool experience.
If you want something more formal, there’s the Chop House. It’s a classic steakhouse vibe. It’s good—really good—but it’s the kind of meal that requires a nap afterward. For something more casual, the Falcon Ridge Terrace has some of the best views of the mountains while you eat.
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The real secret, though, is the 1811 House’s pub. It’s small. It feels like a secret. They have an incredible selection of single-malt Scotches and it’s the perfect place to hide when the main resort lobby gets too "busy" with tourists.
Why Manchester Matters
You can’t talk about the Equinox Golf Resort and Spa Manchester VT without talking about Manchester itself. This isn't your typical Vermont town. It’s split into two halves: Manchester Center and Manchester Village. The resort is in the Village, which is the "quiet, marble-sidewalks, historic-architecture" side.
A short walk or drive takes you into the Center, which is famous for the designer outlets. It’s a weird juxtaposition. You have Orvis (the flagship store is right next to the resort), North Face, and Ralph Lauren, all tucked into buildings that look like barns.
- Hildene: The Lincoln family summer home is just down the road. It’s a must-visit. They have a restored 1903 Pullman railcar and a working goat dairy.
- Northshire Bookstore: One of the best independent bookstores in the country. You could lose four hours in there.
- Mount Equinox Skyline Drive: If you don't feel like hiking, you can pay a toll to drive to the summit. The views of the Adirondacks and the White Mountains are insane on a clear day.
Dealing With the "Luxury" Reality
Look, the Equinox isn't cheap. You’re paying for the brand, the history, and the location. Because it’s an older property, soundproofing in some of the historic rooms isn't what you’d find in a Ritz-Carlton built last year. You might hear someone walking in the hallway. The Wi-Fi can be spotty if a storm rolls over the mountain.
But people don't come here for perfect fiber-optic internet. They come here to disconnect. The resort has this "estate" feel that makes you feel like a guest on a massive private farm rather than a number in a hotel database. The service is generally excellent, though like everywhere else in Vermont, the pace of life is slower. Don't expect "New York City fast." Expect "Vermont friendly."
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The resort also caters heavily to the outdoor crowd. The British School of Falconry is a big draw, as is the Land Rover Experience Center. Watching a $100,000 SUV crawl over boulders and through deep mud pits on the side of a mountain is pretty entertaining, even if you’re just watching from the sidelines. It adds a bit of grit to the otherwise polished atmosphere.
Practical Advice for Your Visit
If you’re planning a trip to the Equinox Golf Resort and Spa Manchester VT, timing is everything. Fall foliage is spectacular, but it’s also the most expensive and crowded time to be there.
Winter is underrated. Manchester is close to Stratton and Bromley mountains for skiing, but the resort itself becomes a quiet, snowy sanctuary. There’s something special about the outdoor fire pits when there’s two feet of snow on the ground.
Spring is "mud season" in Vermont. It’s quieter, cheaper, but the hiking trails can be a mess. If you’re coming for the golf, the season usually kicks off in May and runs through October.
- Book the Orvis Inn if you’re traveling with a group or family. The suites have kitchens and more living space.
- Visit the Copper Grouse at the nearby Kimpton for a change of pace in dining; it's a great local competitor.
- Bring layers. Even in the summer, the mountain air gets chilly the second the sun drops behind the peak.
- Check the event calendar. The Equinox hosts a lot of weddings and corporate retreats. If you want peace and quiet, try to book mid-week.
The Equinox remains a cornerstone of New England hospitality because it hasn't tried to reinvent itself as a trendy boutique hotel. It knows what it is: a grand, historic dame that offers a specific kind of mountain luxury. It’s about the smell of woodsmoke, the sight of the fog rolling off Mount Equinox, and the feeling that you’re part of a very long, very storied timeline.
Whether you're there to fly-fish, golf, or just sit in a rocking chair with a glass of bourbon, the place leaves a mark. It’s not just a hotel; it’s basically the heartbeat of Manchester.
Next Steps for Your Trip:
Check the resort’s official booking calendar specifically for "Value Dates" if you're on a budget, as rates can drop significantly during the mid-week "shoulder" seasons. Before you arrive, call the concierge to pre-book your Land Rover or Falconry sessions, as these are boutique operations with very limited daily slots that fill up weeks in advance. If you're planning to hike, download the AllTrails map for the Burr and Burton trail to the Equinox Lookout before you hit the trailhead, as cell service gets spotty once you start the ascent.