visit
arlington
CHERISE MADIGAN
Built in 1852, the Arlington
Green Covered Bridge, for
example, is one of the oldest
surviving covered bridges in the
state. Spanning for approximately
80 feet over the Battenkill
River, the bridge is a can’t-miss
excursion—as is the Chiselville
Bridge in neighboring Sunderland.
Constructed in 1870, the imposing
yet elegant structure will carry
you over the Roaring Branch
Brook under an intricate lattice
truss. Diane Keaton fans may even
recognize the covered bridge from
its appearance in the 1987 film
Baby Boom.
If the babbling Battenkill below
piques your sense of adventure,
its crystal-clear waters won’t
disappoint. Rent a tube or kayak
to traverse the almost-60-mile
river, flowing into nearby New
York, or enjoy a guided day of
fly fishing if patience is your
virtue. Those enamored by the
art of angling will be interested
to learn that the craft has roots
in Southern Vermont, with The
Orvis Company’s flagship retail
store and rod shop, and the
American Museum of Fly Fishing
just a quick drive north. If you
can’t get enough of the outdoors,
pitch a tent along the banks of
the Battenkill to immerse yourself
in all of the natural beauty that
Arlington has to offer.
More comfortable with your head
in the clouds? Take a drive up the
Mount Equinox Skyline Drive to
soak in the panoramic views from
the 3,848-foot summit.
36 manchester life | manchesterlifemagazine.com
the community and soak up the
unique Southern Vermont culture.
Dinner at one of the town’s
bustling restaurants, which are
populated with Arlington natives
more often than not, will guarantee
a taste of everyday life. You’ll find
no shortage of small-town heart,
hospitality, and humor within the
walls of these establishments.
To truly experience
Arlington, however, be
sure to connect with the
community and soak
up the unique Southern
Vermont culture.
For those exploring with the
little ones in tow there’s no lack
of family fun to be found at the
town’s recreation park—more
suited for a community twice its
size. Spend the afternoon enjoying
a rousing round of basketball,
baseball, soccer, volleyball, or
tennis at the park’s pristine fields,
or embark on a quick excurs ion
along its nature trail. If you’re
looking to hone your golf swing,
take advantage of the town’s nine-
hole golf course, available within
the park for a small donation of
five dollars.
To truly experience Arlington,
however, be sure to connect with
Comfort food abounds at
Chauncey’s Family Dining, where
the welcoming rural atmosphere
will make you feel at home the
minute you walk in the door.
A family-owned and -operated
eatery, their maple-seared pork
chops will leave you satisfied
and there are plenty of choices
for children.
If you’re craving classic New
England fare featuring farm-fresh
ingredients, look no farther than
the West Mountain Inn, situated
on 150 acres of picturesque
woodlands. Enjoy the local and
sustainable cuisine from the inn’s
outdoor seating and plan your
trip for a Wednesday to catch live
music accompanied by a slice of
wood-fired pizza.
For a more refined rendezvous,
reserve a table at The Arlington
Inn, which also boasts a full-service
tavern. After your meal, indulge
in a romantic stroll through the
inn’s meticulously maintained and
fragrant gardens to conclude the
picture-perfect evening.
By investing a day in this small
town you’ll begin to understand
why artists such as Rockwell