-Story by Karen Bernecker
Many that race up route 7 to get to the outlet centers have missed the real Manchester. Yes, there are the outlet centers, fast food chains, and traffic, but ... there is also history, romance, and a slower pace that is there to be enjoyed by all who wish to partake.
Photo: Amanda and Stephanie enjoy a quiet moment in front of The Quality Restaurant after enjoying a wonderful meal there.
In 1902 there were two grand neighboring estates built by two friends, Albert Gilbert and Robert Todd Lincoln. The one once belonging to Albert Gilbert has been known as The Wilburton Inn since 1945. Today the grounds as well as the Inn are filled with spectacular art where any where else you would pay admission to see. Discover why the Wizard of Oz has a tear streaking down his face, or simply enjoy a walk through the sculpture gardens. Though no pets are allowed I am sure if you are in need of a dog to accompany you as you stroll the grounds the resident dog, Jackson, would be happy to oblige.
Above: Albert Levis discusses "Metaphors, Myself", a part of the extensive displays of art on the Wilburton grounds.
Martha Folsom, owner of the Old Game Store, discusses a game with customer Lee Ferris of Amsterdam, NY (right) and Grank Murphy of Dublin, Ireland (behind).
While you take a tour around Manchester stop in the Old Game Store on Routes 11 & 30 and see unique and unusual games as well as the favorites you may have grown up with. Did you know that before Skittles was a candy, it was a popular game? Come and discover what Wadjet is, besides being made and produced in Vermont. You will find learning games from Marsh Master to Chess. If your kids are tired of the same old games every chain store carries and all their friends have, excite them again with a game of Penny Hockey! You will also discover that there are no electronic games or battery operated items that have to be put on the shelf if the power goes off or there are no more fresh batteries. Owner Martha Folsom has been in business here for five years and has customers come back year after year and from what I saw during my visit, she had customers from NY and Ireland at that moment! Martha has played 98% of the games in her store and would be more than happy to match you up with something special to custom fit your personal tastes. She also works with many home-schoolers and teachers in the area and as far away as Africa.
During your travels take a break at The Quality Restaurant located at 735 Main Street, the blue building on Manchester's Main Street. This historic restaurant has been in business since 1920. When it first opened it was one of only two, now there about 50 places to eat in town, and at least that many that the Quality has seen come and go. As you step through the doors it is like stepping into the past and you are sure you feel Norman Rockwell sitting at the counter with a sketch pad like he did so many years ago. The Quality Restaurant seems to be part of the life blood of Manchester where the locals hang out, have UPS drop off their packages while they are gone and catch up on the news when they return. The owner Wayne Bell states the he's not the owner, but rather the caretaker and will in turn pass it on to someone else down the road. It is more than a restaurant; it's an institution! The food is great and the prices are terrific. This is the place that junior can bring his girlfriend or you can take the family. If you are not up to a whole meal, at least stop in and enjoy a piece of fantastic oatmeal pie and a cup of coffee. Ask for a window seat and enjoy a bit of the past brought into the future. All Norman Rockwell would have to do here is change the clothing style!
Each of the owners of these three places have come from someplace else other other than Vermont and say this is the greatest place to live and raise their families! There is a magical air about the place once you have spent even a few hours walking the streets that mountain men walked and colonial women followed with their children to help build the homes and close knit community of the Manchester you can see living on today, if you just slow down a bit.
Take me back to stories!
Take me back to This Is Vermont!
If the ride through the Green Mountains of Vermont does not take your breath away, what awaits you down River Road in Manchester will. As you take the drive leading up to the Wilburton Inn you will feel the tranquility, the romance, the history and art weaving a magic spell that will transport you to another place in history.
The Wilburton Inn of Manchester is history, romance, and Victorian elegance.
The owners since 1987, Georgette & Dr. Albert Levis would love to have you come and can help arrange a country wedding, corporate retreat, or any happy event. The Wilburton Inn, overlooking the Battenkill River, has had only four owners, the first and current both bearing the name Albert. Enjoy a morning cup of coffee on the terrace as you watch the mist rise up from the valley and over the mountains. Let Chef David Stoel (featured in Gourmet Magazine) create a wonderful Wilburton Inn dinner for you to dine on by the fireplace while listening to live music. You will also be treated to breads and desserts baked fresh at the Inn. Later, retire to your spacious room which has been decorated with quilts and antiques, all with private baths.
