Reluctant Panther Inn & Restaurant  

The romantic Reluctant Panther Inn & Restaurant is southern Vermont's newest small luxury hotel. With the completion of a major renovation, the inn and restaurant have been transformed into a chic boutique hotel offering elegant accommodations and fine dining in a sophisticated setting. Set in historic Manchester Village with views of Mount Equinox, the inn is next to great shopping and diverse four-season activities— and convenient from New York City (4½ hours) and Boston (3½ hours.)

All suites are newly refurbished with in-room fireplace (some with two!), hydrotherapy spa tubs (some for two), luxurious linens and wireless internet access. Some offer exceptional views of Mount Equinox or a private entrance. On-site fine dining offers a sleek, sophisticated dining experience featuring regional cuisine and a superb wine list.

Walk to spa, golf, shopping and four-season activities, including hiking, biking and tennis. Drive one mile to Manchester designer outlets, the Southern Vermont Arts Center, galleries, live theatre and restaurants, or travel twenty minutes to skiing at Bromley or Stratton Mountain. Seasonal and romantic packages available.

The Reluctant Panther provides an elegant site for small conferences, weddings and civil unions and we're happy to assist you in any way we can.

Amenities: Air conditioning, Gas Fireplace, Wood Fireplace, Fridge, Microwave, Coffee Maker, TV, Satellite TV, DVD Player, Telephone , Wireless Internet, Private deck(s), Shared deck(s), View of mountain hill, and more...

Cancellation Policy: 30 days cancellation notice required

We are wheelchair accessible. Children are welcome.

Breakfast: Hearty American breakfast cooked to order and served in our fabulous main dning room.

Driving Directions: From NY & NJ (4.5 hours from NYC) Take I-87 (NY Throughway) to Exit 23. Take I-787 to Exit 9E. Take NY Rt. 7E to Troy/Bennington, VT. Take Route 279 to U.S. Route 7 North Take Exit 3 onto Rt. 313 West. Turn right onto Historic Rt. 7A North and drive to Manchester. From the Equinox Hotel, go one block North and turn at small intersection semi-left onto West Road. We are the first two buildings on the left with driveway in between. From Albany Airport (1.5 hours) I-87 North to Exit 7 East. Take NY Rt. 7 East to Troy/Bennington, VT, then follow the directions above. From Western MA and CT (2.5 hours from Hartford) Take Rt. 7 North to Bennington, and follow the directions above. From Eastern MA and RI (3.5 hours from Boston) Take MA Rt. 2 to Greenfield, MA. Take I-91 North to Brattleboro Exit 2. Follow the signs to Rt. 30 North to Manchester. In Manchester, Rt. 30 comes to a T-stop with red blinking light. Turn left onto Historic Rt. 7A South. Go uphill on 7A South for 1.1 miles; on the right hand is the public library. Make a sharp, right U-turn around the public library and we're right in the back on 39 West Road. From the North (2.5 hours from Burlington, Vermont) From Burlington, VT, take VT Rt. 7 South to East Dorset. After the East Dorset Country Store, bear right and take the exit to Route 7A South (no exit number) Continue on Rt. 7A South to Manchester. At the yellow blinking light, continue South on Rt. 7A for 1.1 miles. The public library will be on the right. Make a right U- turn onto West Road (around the public library). Our driveway is immediately on the left, 39 West Road.

Local Area Attractions: Outdoor Activities Stratton Mountain Skiing & Snowboarding: The highest peak in southern Vermont, Stratton Mountain is home to the lifts and terrain parks rated #1 in SKI magazine's 2003 Reader Resort Survey. Bromley Mountain Skiing & Snowboarding: Located 7 miles from the inn, Bromley is a great location for families to enjoy a day on the slopes. Viking Nordic Center: Viking Nordic Center, which has been voted as Vermont’s best Cross Country Ski and Snowshoe area, is located a short drive from Manchester. Pfister Farm Sleigh Rides: Experience a truly historic Vermont tradition! Located in Landgrove, less than ten miles from downtown Manchester, Pfister Farm offers romantic sleigh rides throughout the winter. Reluctant Panther staff is always happy to make reservations for your ride, or call 802.824.4663. Equinox Snow Tours: Equinox Snow Tours offers guided snowmobile tours that capture the breathtaking panoramic views of the Green Mountains. Sunbowl Ranch: Visit Sun Bowl Ranch on Stratton Mountain to experience the breathtaking views of the valley on horseback. Sun Bowl offers several ride options, from sleigh rides to private trail rides. Equipe Sports: Located on Stratton Mountain, Equipe Sports rents ski equipment during the winter and bikes, canoes, and kayaks in the spring and summer. Falconry: Learn to handle a hawk on your winter vacation! Indoor falconry lessons are offered a the Equinox Resort, located a short walking distance from the Reluctant Panther. Viking Nordic Center: A wintertime ski resort, Viking Nordic Center offers 21 miles of wooded trails, great for hiking, biking, and experiencing the amazing views of Vermont's famous foliage season. Orvis: Located on Vermont's historic Batten Kill river and within a mile of the inn, the Orvis Outlet Store offers a variety of outdoor activities. Spend a weekend mastering the art of fly fishing or learning to wingshoot at one- or two- day schools Bromley Thrill Zone: Great for kids! This wintertime ski lodge transforms into a family entertainment park during the summer months. Attractions include the famous Bromley Alpine Slide, miniature golf, and bumper boats. Shopping & Spa Back to Top Avanyu Spa: Avanyu Spa at the Equinox Resort offers several unique specialty spa services, including a pre-natal massage for the expecting and a ritualistic Egyptian full-body treatment. A multitude of classic spa treatments are also available. Manchester Designer Outlets: Spend a day strolling through the charming streets of Manchester! Visit Ralph Lauren, Yves Delorme, Coach, Giorgio Armani, and many more designer outlets. Antiquing: Whether you're interested in original artwork, antique furniture, or even quilts and knick-knacks, the Manchester area offers countless possibilities. Northeastern Fine Jewelry: Vermont's exclusive dealer of many of the finest name brand designers. Featured collections include sterling silver fashion by David Yurman and John Hardy, versatile 18 karat gold designs by Marco Bicego and Roberto Coin, Swiss timepieces by Breitling and hand made platinum jewelry by Michael Beaudry. Anniversary and bridal designs are available from Scott Kay, Verragio and many others. Enjoy the warm inviting atmosphere and impeccable service that only a family owned business can provide. Specialty Stores: Looking for a more personal touch? Manchester offers plenty of specialty stores that are sure to earn a place in your heart - and wallet! Cultural & Arts Activities Back to Top The Manchester Music Festival is a nonprofit organization whose purpose is to provide gifted young musicians with opportunities to study and to perform, and to offer educational music programs throughout the Northeast. In addition, the Festival presents concerts of fine classical music for listeners/audiences of all ages. Hildene: This historic home of Robert Todd Lincoln, the eldest son of Abraham Lincoln, currently houses a museum dedicated to the former president and his family. The property also boasts a beautiful garden in the spring and summer months and spectacular views year-round. Southern Vermont Arts Center: Located in an historic mansion near the inn, SVAC features ten art galleries exhibiting classic and contemporary art for sale. The campus also offers an indoor/outdoor café, sculpture gardens, and botany trails. Frog Hollow: This nationally known gallery, which features the work of juried Vermont artisans is situated across from the Equinox Resort and within walking distance of the inn. Frog Hollow in Manchester also offers a variety of art lessons for children and adults. American Fly Fishing Museum: The museum, dedicated entirely to the history of fly fishing and contains an extensive collection of rods, reels, and flies on display. Enthusiasts will enjoy the museum store, which offers memorabilia from books to home décor. Museum of the Creative Process: Located at the Wilburton Inn a few miles from the Reluctant Panther, this museum promotes scientific interpretation of art and attempts to explain creativity as a measurable conflict resolution process. Dining Back to Top Fine Dining: Whether you're celebrating a special occasion or are simply looking for an elegant dining experience, the Manchester area offers a multitude of fine dining options year-round. Casual Dining: Looking for a break from shopping? Experience Manchester's small-town atmosphere at any of these casual dining restaurants.