From Here to There: Vermont is a state for all seasons

Getting there:

* Fly from Southwest International Airport on US Airways to Albany, N.Y. with a change of planes in Charlotte. The round-trip air during the fall season is about $240. Rent a car and drive the 60 miles to Manchester.

Accommodations:

* The Equinox, 3567 Main St., (800) 362-4747, is a famous hotel with a porch full of rocking chairs. The Equinox is what comes to mind when you think of a New England inn. You can play golf, tennis, swim in two pool, go fishing, ski, horseback ride or just sit outside on a rocker. You don't ever have to leave once you arrive.

* Reluctant Panther Inn, 17-39 West Road, (800) 822-2331, has Jacuzzis and fireplaces and is considered to be one of the best country inns in the state. The restaurant is great and if you don't stay here come back and try the food.

* Manchester View, Route 7A at High Meadows Way, (802) 362-2739, is a motel that has a wonderful setting. Some rooms have hot tubs and the property has a pool.

* Manchester Highlands, 216 Highland Ave., (800) 743-4565, is a century old home with 15 rooms. You get a complimentary breakfast and the facility has a pool.

* 1811 House, Route 7A, (800) 432-1811, this property was once owned by President Lincoln's granddaughter and has the feeling of a magnificent country home. Rooms are furnished with antiques and you might even be lucky to sleep under a four-poster bed. Complimentary breakfast and only children over 16 are allowed.

Restaurants:

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Mark Anthony's Ye Olde Tavern, 5183 Main St., (800) 450-1790, eat a casual lunch here or come for a traditional Yankee dinner.

* Chantecleer, Route 7A, East Dorset, (802) 362-1616, this French restaurant is only about five miles out of Manchester. Eat next to the fireplace in this former barn.

* Candeleros, Route 7A, (802) 362-0836, this Mexican restaurant closes in November to the middle of May, but if you are visiting before try the margaritas.

* Wilburton Inn, River Road, (800) 648-4944, continental food served in what was once the inn's billiard room.

* The Black Swan, Route 7A, (802) 362-3807, this restaurant is housed in a 19th century home with a variety of dishes and wonderful desserts.

* Village Country Inn, 3835 Main St., (800) 370-0300, the romantic feeling to this dining room makes this a great place for a special evening for two.

Things to do:

* American Museum of Fly Fishing, Seminary Ave. and Route 7A. Admission is $3 and hours are 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday to Saturday. See the rods, reels, flies and tackle of Bing Crosby, Jimmy Carter and others at this museum. It houses the largest collection of fly fishing equipment in the world.

* Bennington Museum, 75 Main St., Bennington, enjoy early Americana on your visit here. Bennington is also the home of Robert Frost's gravesite and a short drive from Manchester.

* Mt. Equinox, south of Manchester off Route 7A. The drive to the top takes you past the Battenkill trout stream and gives you a terrific view. The road is five miles long and is a toll road.

* Southern Vermont Arts Center, West Road, (802) 362-1405. This museum has a permanent collection of 19th and 20th century American art and exhibits rotating collections. Admission is $6 and hours are 10 a.m. to 5 Tuesday through Saturday from May until October and noon to 5 p.m. on Sunday. Hours from November to April are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday to Saturday.

Shopping:

Listed are just a few of the stores you will find as you travel around. There are many more and as you go from town to town you will find your own favorites.

* Jelly Mill, Historic 7A, five shops in one and The Buttery Restaurant make this an enjoyable place to buy gifts, toys and crafts and eat lunch.

* Manchester Designer Outlets, U.S. 7 and Route 11/30, houses Coach, Ralph Lauren, Cole-Haan, Giorgio Armani, Tumi, Movado, Baccarat, TSE and more.

* Manchester Square, Route 11/30 and Richville Road, houses Brooks Brothers, Escada, Vermont Toy Chest and more.

* Orvis, Route 7 A. This store specializes in outdoor equipment and clothing and is also famous for its fly fishing school. The store has one of the largest inventories of fishing gear. It also carries great gear for your dogs. Orvis also has an outlet on Union St.

* Vermont Country Store, 5650 Main St., is the place to find anything that is hard to locate. This store carries almost everything including penny candy from your youth. Even if you don't buy anything this is a fun place to explore.

You will also find crafts, antiques, art galleries and unique stores in around Manchester. Have fun driving around if the weather permits to find early American antiques and great Vermont cheddar and maple syrup. Enjoy the Green Mountains and savor the beauty of this lovely state no matter what season you happen to visit.