Manchester is a year-round destination, though the experience varies considerably by season. Autumn (mid-September to mid-October) is the most popular time: the foliage along Route 7A and on the surrounding hillsides turns brilliant red, orange, and gold, the air is crisp, and the town is at its most lively. Accommodation books out weeks in advance for peak foliage weekends; if you want to come in autumn, book early or visit midweek.
Summer (June through August) is warm and green, with good hiking on Equinox Mountain and the Long Trail, swimming in local ponds, and fishing on the Battenkill. Winter brings cross-country skiing on groomed trails and a quieter, more local feel — the outlet stores thin out, restaurants have tables available, and the pace drops. Spring (April and May) is mud season in Vermont and is best avoided: the roads can be rough and the landscape is brown before the leaves come in.