Manchester Life Magazine

Hi, Friends! This week's issue of The Guide is in your inbox!

Springtime brings rain showers, sunshine, flowers, and vibrant shades of green all over The Shires. It also brings more exciting announcements from our local cultural institutions!

The Manchester Music Festival is gearing up for its 52nd season with Sounding America: Music That Shaped Us, inspired by the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence. The season opens with a Community Kick-Off Party on July 7 at Southern Vermont Arts Center .

Be on the lookout for all the 250th celebrations happening in our area coming soon!

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Photos by Patrick McCormack, courtesy of the Manchester Music Festival.

It's National Puppy Day!

Is it time to add a fur baby to your family? Adopt your next family member at Rutland County Humane Society , Second Chance Animal Center , or your local adoption center!

Already have a pup (or more) at home? Stop by Pets Etc VT or Charlie's Coffee House in Manchester and pick them up a special treat to celebrate!

You can meet Cruz and Prince at Rutland County Humane Society!

Hi, Friends! The latest issue of The Guide is in your inbox with a little chocolate decadence straight from curATE Cafe at the Southern Vermont Arts Center!

Chef Julie Heins' Chocolate Budino was featured in Manchester Life Magazine's Holiday '25/Winter '26 issue in our dessert special, "Sweet Things." There's a little something sweet for everyone inside!

Be sure to check it out at manchesterlifemagazine.com.

We also give a shout out to all the Olympians with strong Vermont ties.

Special congratulations to 2026 Winter Olympic Silver Medalists Ryan Cochran-Siegle (Alpine Ski, Men's Super-G) & Ben Ogden (Men's Cross-Country Skiing) and Bronze Medalist Paula Moltzan (Olympic Alpine Team)!!!!!!

Hi, Friends! This week’s Guide Grab Bag is all about hygge, that warm, cozy atmosphere we find so welcoming during the frigid months of winter.

The classic definition of "hygge" (hyoo-guh) is: a quality of coziness and comfortable conviviality that engenders a feeling of contentment or well-being (regarded as a defining characteristic of Danish culture). I learned all about it during a trip to Copenhagen, Denmark 10 years ago.

Vermont has its very own version of hygge- how do you capture that cozy, comfy feeling of contentment during the winter months? Hygge is tasty snacks, warmly-spiced beverages, a toasty fireplace, and people who make you smile.

Sign up for The Guide today at Manchester life magazine.com

Vermont Symphony Orchestra invites audiences across the state to celebrate the holiday season with its beloved annual Brass Quintet and Counterpoint Chorus holiday concert tour, visiting Manchester this Sunday, December 14 at 4pm at the First Congregational Church!

This year’s performances include timeless carols such as “Silent Night”, “Deck the Halls”, and “The First Noel”. Burr & Burton Academy’s student singers take part in the concert! Free for ages 18 and under; $24 for ages 65+; $28 for ages 19-64 (plus tax/fees).

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/brass-quintet-and-counterpoint-manchester-tickets-1761467920969?aff=oddtdtcreator

Photo provided courtesy of the Vermont Symphony Orchestra