Take Me Back…to The Equinox Resort & Spa, Vermont

The Equinox Resort & Spa, Vermont

Even though the first day of Fall isn’t until September 23rd this year, I think it’s fair to say we all consider Summer over and done with after Labor Day. This past week, I’ve been dreaming about the leaves changing colors, the crisp, cool Autumn air, cozy sweaters & boots, and a warm cup of apple cider.  Unfortunately, there’s no chance of that here in Miami. But I know exactly where to go…The Equinox Resort & Spa in Manchester Village, Vermont, an iconic 195-room resort.

My husband and I were lucky enough to spend the weekend at The Equinox a few years ago when one of my best friends got married at the resort. It was an unbelievable wedding and a weekend away with close friends that I’ll always remember. The rehearsal dinner was at The Red Fox Inn, a rustic yet romantic restaurant in an old red barn which was the perfect choice for a taste of authentic Southern Vermont. This 50 year old favorite has a bar downstairs which is THE place for the St. Patrick’s Day Parade, Annual Halloween Party, & Open Mic Night. But I think it’s best for grabbing a pint of local beer, hitting the pinball machines, and listening to live music.

Up For Breakfast

Another highlight included Up for Breakfast, a locally run restaurant serving gingerbread apple french toast and cranberry peach buttermilk pancakes.  Don’t worry, you’ll work off some of the calories climbing the steep staircase up to the café on Main Street. The Manchester Designer outlets also weren’t far for me to get my shopping fix…thanks, Ralph Lauren.

The holidays were only a few weeks away and the resort’s traditional decor of warm burgandy & brown plaid and dark wood was complimented with festive touches of glimmering Christmas trees and fragrant garland throughout. The historic landmark hotel included a cute store off the lobby selling everything from local crafts to Vermont maple syrup, a brand new luxury spa with fabulous massages, and Marsh Tavern, one of their restaurants and the first building erected on the site, predating the Revolutionary War. Here you’ll find hearty New England fare including some pretty tasty burgers. The Equinox, and Manchester Village, had tons of character and I was so comfortable that I could have stayed for weeks…if only I didn’t have to get back to work in NYC.

Since then, The Equinox has been acquired by HEI Hotels & Resorts (it used to be part of Rock Resorts) and has undergone a multi-million dollar renovation and, from what I can tell and have heard, looks better than ever. The gorgeous new look was created by renowned designer Geoffrey Bradfield with famed architectural firm Baskervill Architects and was inspired by the work of famous Swiss sculptor Diego Giacometti. With cream walls and earth tones like forest green and chocolate brown, the resort now has a more modern feel without losing the original charm.

The Equinox Resort & Spa, Great Room

Homemade apple cider donuts are available for guests each morning and wine and cheese in the afternoon. You can listen to live music in the evenings in the Falcon Bar or snuggle up with blankets and hot chocolate by the firepit outside. Behind the resort you’ll find beautiful trails for easy hiking with your morning coffee or picnic lunch which is provided by request. As for dining post renovation, thankfully, Marsh Tavern is still going strong. One of the new restaurants, Chop House, is considered one of the finest steak houses in the Northeast and is known for their great service. The Colonnade provides grand country buffets during holidays in an elegant setting.

Dormy Grill

If you’re a golfer, head right to The Golf Club at Equinox which was ranked in the “The Top 3 Golf Courses in Vermont” by Golfweek and named one of the “Top 75 courses in the U.S.” by Golf Digest. After a round, have lunch at the seasonal Dormy Grill which can be found in The Equinox Golf Club clubhouse overlooking the beautiful Green Mountains.

More of the relaxing type? Then The Spa at the Equinox is not to be missed.  Afterall, The Equinox was awarded “Most Excellent Spa Resort” by Condé Nast in 2010. This 13,000 square foot full-service resort spa incorporates regional products such as maple sugar, mineral clay, and wildflowers into their massage, facial, and body treatment services.  You’ll also have access to a heated indoor pool, movement studio for yoga, pilates, or meditation, and a cardio room.

Adventurous and really want the full Vermont experience? Here are a few more options: Book a Hawk Walk with The British School of Falconry where a Harris hawk will fly from your gloved fist to the surrounding trees and back. Go off-roading on the rocky terrain with the Land Rover Experience Driving School while seeing the wildlife and wooded trails (they also pack you a picnic lunch). Learn how to shoot a shotgun or fly fish with the Orvis Shooting School or Orvis Fly Fishing School. Take a Field Archery class and learn how to shoot a bow and arrow through a guided woodland 3D targeted course. During winter months, downhill or cross-country ski Bromley and Stratton Mountains.

With the kids? Entertain them at the Montshire Museum of Science or the famous Northshire Bookstore, known for their outstanding children’s section. Go pumpkin picking, fly down alpine slides and stop for hot cider roadside. Snow shoeing, ice skating, tubing, and sleigh rides are also nearby during the colder months.

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