Something to Warm Your Heart
- The Guide's Grab Bag
- 4 days ago
- 3 min read
Hi, Friends! For the past several years, we have had the pleasure of celebrating Manchester Merriment and all it brings to this area over the holiday season. I was so happy to hear that one of Manchester Merriment’s anchor events, the Shires Holiday Inn Tours, just recently hit a fundraising milestone.
We extend our sincere thanks to the Manchester Business Association and The Shires of Southwestern Vermont Destination Marketing Organization for coordinating this welcoming, heartwarming event each year and donating the funds to local organizations that address food insecurity in our region.
Shires Holiday Inn Tours Celebrates Record-Breaking 2025 Season
The Manchester Business Association, in partnership with The Shires of Southwestern Vermont Destination Marketing Organization, proudly presented the Shires Holiday Inn Tours during the 2025 holiday season, marking a record-breaking year for fundraising in the event’s more than 30-year history.
Held on December 6 and December 13, the beloved holiday tradition welcomed more than 310 attendees to tour 17 festively decorated lodging properties throughout Bennington County. Guests experienced the warmth and charm of historic hotels, cozy inns, welcoming bed-and-breakfasts, and scenic lodges, all while enjoying seasonal beverages, local treats, and the signature hospitality Vermont is known for.
Thanks to strong support from both locals and visitors, along with enthusiastic participation from lodging partners, the 2025 Shires Holiday Inn Tours raised more than $6,400 — the highest total in the event’s history. All proceeds from ticket sales were distributed on January 21, benefiting the Manchester Community Food Cupboard, the Arlington Food Shelf, and Meals on Wheels of Bennington County, and directly supporting efforts to address food insecurity across the region.
Attendees were just as delighted to share their praise for the experience and its impact.
“What a lovely way to share holiday greetings with locals and visitors alike in the beautiful atmosphere of our local inns and B&Bs at their holiday best,” said attendee Kathe Dillmann. “It’s a festive kickoff to the holiday season and a great way for us locals to become more familiar with these establishments.”
“It was indeed an extreme and happy pleasure for my daughter and me to visit nine historic Vermont inns,” said attendee Norm Therrien. “What a unique opportunity to experience the stunning beauty of these priceless Vermont landmarks. The tour is a Christmas memory we will always cherish.”
“We enjoy visiting the inns and seeing their beautiful festive decorations,” added attendee Patricia Bogucki. “The snow was an added bonus! We love our Vermont weekend away and have participated for many years — now with added family members who enjoy it as well.”
Lodging partners echoed the sentiment.
“We loved being part of the Shires Holiday Inn Tours this year,” said Joseph Polito, proprietor of the South Shire Inn. “It was truly special to welcome so many visitors and share in the holiday spirit. Knowing this event supports local food banks makes the experience even more meaningful. It’s a wonderful reminder of how this cherished tradition brings our community together for a great cause.”
“This event perfectly reflects the generosity and collaborative spirit of our region,” said Matt Harrington of The Shires of Southwestern Vermont DMO. “Every ticket purchased and every door opened helped turn a cherished holiday tradition into real support for local food shelves. We are incredibly grateful to our partners, participants, and everyone who helped make this record-setting year possible.”
The 17 properties that participated in the 2025 Shires Holiday Inn Tours were: South Shire Inn, Four Chimneys Inn, West Mountain Inn, Rockwell’s Retreat, Hill Farm, North Shire Lodge, The Inn at Ormsby Hill, Kimpton Taconic Hotel, The Wilburton, The Equinox Golf Resort & Spa, The Reluctant Panther, Hampton Inn & Suites, Barnstead Inn, Barrows House, The Dorset Inn, Squire House Bed & Breakfast, and The Wilson House.
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