Charles Orvis Inn 4928 Main Street
Following your visit to the Factory Point National Bank building , head west on Main Street , then continue south at the roundabout . After passing the Northshire Bookstore and the Orvis Fly Fishing School , you will come across the Charles Orvis Inn on your left .
The Charles Orvis Inn was named after the founder of the legendary Orvis fly fishing and outdoor apparel company , Charles Orvis , who purchased the inn in 1883 . Charles Orvis opened his tackle shop in Manchester in 1856 . Over the following century-and-ahalf , Southern Vermont became a renowned destination for fly fishing enthusiasts , and Orvis grew into one of the most beloved and well-known outdoor lifestyle brands in the world . Orvis ’ initial success was catalyzed by the creation of the world-famous original Orvis fly reel in 1874 . It was the first vertically-mounted reel with a ventilated spool , which set the stage
for the development of modern reels that have come to dominate the modern market , such as disc brake reels . Today , anglers of all skill levels come from far and wide to attend classes at the Orvis Fly Fishing School , which are taught by skilled fly fishers who are passionate about the sport and Southern Vermont ’ s fly fishing culture . The legacy of the Orvis family also lives on through the nearby Equinox Resort , which was brought into existence through the efforts of Charles Orvis ’ brother , Franklin Orvis .
Equinox
Resort
3567 Main Street
Located just south of the Charles Orvis Inn , the Equinox Golf Resort & Spa ’ s main building is comprised of two separate structures , which are joined together by a small connecting section in the middle . One of the structures served as the site of the Equinox House , which has longstanding ties to both the Orvis Family and the Lincoln Family . The other building , which once housed the Marsh Tavern and the original Taconic Hotel , served as a welcoming haven for revolutionary fighters at a critical point in American history .
The Marsh tavern was built in 1769 by its proprietor , William Marsh , and hosted numerous meetings of the Council of Safety during the onset of the American Revolution . Following the Battle of Saratoga in 1777 , Marsh decided to change his allegiance and align himself with the Tories . Soon after , he fled from Vermont and headed to Canada . Several of his properties were ultimately confiscated , and the Marsh Tavern was bought and sold by multiple owners over the course of the next half-century . In 1839 , The Marsh Tavern was purchased by Martin Vanderlip , who transformed the property with a comprehensive reconstruction project . The renovated structure became the original Taconic Hotel , which featured the same fluted columns that are visible outside of the Equinox Resort ’ s main building today .
Martin Vanderlip ’ s neighbor , Levi Orvis , operated a store and boarding
manchester life magazine 2022 81