Manchester, Vermont

Manchester, Vermont is known more as a shopping mecca today than an archetypal New England town of yesteryear. With a small river gurgling past spectacular snow-topped mountains like Mt. Equinox and European-style mansion retreats, this village used to cater to the rich and famous. Robert Todd Lincoln, the son of President Abraham Lincoln built a 412-acre summer estate in 1903 he called Hildene. Today, it's home to a museum and numerous art, music, and recreational events. 10 years ago I did a television spot inside that featured the stovetop hat that Lincoln wore in several political paintings with a soundtrack up full of the 1908 Aeolian organ with 1,000 pipes. Right now the museum is closed for the season and re-opens in mid-May but the grounds welcome althetic types to miles of cross country ski trails in the winter. Mutti and I are venturing with high hopes of seeing, feeling and being in snow today. If not skiing, hiking and backpacking trails abound and we've got gear for a vigorous climb to the highest summit in the Taconic Range. Enjoy the weekend!