A few friends and I, all stay at home moms, are looking to do a girls weekend possibly in Vermont. We don't want to ski, but rather would love a relaxing weekend at a bed and breakfast. We would also like to be in a town with great shopping, restuarants, etc. Any suggestions would be very much appreciated. We are looking to go in March/April. Thanks so much.

I was just skiing in the Manchester Vermont area, and there are a TON of great outlet shops there, like Coach, Escada, Versace, TSE, Johnson Murphy, the Company Store, the selection of stores was amazing and prices were very good. You can also take horse-drawn sleigh rides and cross-country ski in the surrounding area. Take a look at http://www.manchestervermont.com/

If you want to splurge, the Equinox Resort is beautiful and has a great spa. Take a look at http://equinox.rockresorts.com

If you want a list of some good restaurants in Manchester, write back on this thread.

We stayed at the Equinox in Manchester VT a few years ago. It had a lovely dining room, a nice pub and a beautiful spa. There is tons of shopping at the outlets in Manchester too. Might be something to look into. I've read comments here that some posters don't think its very luxurious which I would agree with but its also not what I would have expected. Our room has a contemporary New England look to - country without being cutsy.

Another favorite place is Stowe but not sure what to do there in March/April. We've stayed there in the summer.

Quechee is also nice. Its the home of the Simon Peirce crystal factory plus some restaurants, inns, antiques etc. Its close to Hanover NH - home of Dartmouth College.

Thank you for the advice. I have actually heard great things about manchester -- I am familiar with Equinox -- could you recommend any additional places to stay and any restuarants would be wonderful. Thanks.

I also enjoy Mancester for shopping and a weekend away. It has been a few years since we have been there as we moved to Atlanta 5 years ago. We have stayed at both the Village Country Inn and the Reluctant Panther - both in Manchester. Both price their rooms per couple - including breakfast, so you would have to check out pricing if you were staying in a room as a single. We enjoyed both places, but Village Country Inn had a more "frilly and lacy" atmosphere. Have fun on your girl's weekend!

first of alll forgive me terrinle typing...i have a broken hand.

anyway...manchester would be a great place for a girls weekend. i do the same thingwith friends, but on the west coast and it is the best thing to relax! i have not stayed in manchester...we lived in upstate ny so would just drive over. the equinox looks gorgeous though. you can drive to the top of the mountain and hike around too...great views! stowe would be another place. smaller town though so less to do...the outlets in mamchester are just perfect for a bunch of girls wherever you go, do have some spa treatments done...that really is a treat for us stay at home moms

Sorry but girls weekends MUST be in NYC! Ours is SO fun! Eating, shopping, shows, there is no place better.

It's been years, but we loved going to Burlington, Vermount, a very hep place for that state.

I've done a couple of girls weekends in the Manchester area. We always visit the Sirloin Saloon, right on the main drag with all the outlet stores. It's a fairly casual place and a lot of fun if you are meat eaters. The Reluctant Panther is a fancier place, but also nice. We didn't stay in town, but rented a 2-br house about 45 minutes away from Manchester, near Weston, at the Frog's Leap Inn. It was very reasonable, included breakfast, and had it's own kitchen, which is good if you are looking to save some pennies on dinner one night. (Dining can be expensive in the area.)

It's a great place to do a girls weekend. Have fun!