Manchester Vermont Outlets: What's Worth Shopping and What Isn't

Manchester's outlet district on Route 7A is real, and some of it is worth a stop. Here's an honest rundown of what's actually worth your time.

The Orvis Flagship -- Worth It

This is the company's main retail location, carrying the full line including things you won't find in a standard Orvis location. The fly fishing department has knowledgeable staff and genuine inventory. The store runs sales that aren't always reflected on the website -- ask at the counter if there are current promotions.

Manchester Designer Outlets

The main outlet mall has a mix of national brands. Polo Ralph Lauren usually has a reasonable selection with genuine discounts from retail. Yankee Candle has a wider selection and lower prices than mall stores. These are real outlets -- genuine overstock and prior-season merchandise -- not goods made specifically for outlet pricing.

Northshire Bookstore

One of the better independent bookstores in New England. Large selection, well-curated, and the kind of place that's easy to spend an hour in. If you want a book to read in the evenings at the house, this is your stop. Worth the trip on its own.

Vermont Specialty Food Shops

Several stores carry Vermont-made products -- maple syrup, cheeses, local honey, apple products. If you're looking for something to bring home as a gift, these shops have the real Vermont food items rather than airport gift shop versions.

Practical Information

Manchester is about 25-30 minutes from Stratton on Route 30. The outlet district is concentrated on Route 7A in Manchester Center -- easy to navigate on foot once you're parked. On peak foliage weekends, the Route 7A traffic can back up; give yourself extra time.

A half-day in Manchester -- shopping, a coffee at Spiral Press, lunch -- fits easily into a ski trip without feeling like you've sacrificed a ski day. Far Away is a short drive from Manchester. Check availability for your dates.