Reconnect with your playful side this summer at the Kimpton Taconic Hotel in Manchester, Vermont. The hotel is hosting Kimpton’s Camp Taconic, an adults-only summer camp that celebrates the four elements — earth, wind, fire and water — through immersive outdoor adventures, hands-on workshops and communal meals.
Camp Taconic runs two sessions: June 23–26 and August 25–28. Each three-night session bundles accommodations, all meals and a full program of activities. Highlights include backcountry hikes, kayaking and tubing on the Battenkill River, kite-making, glassblowing and ziplining. Attendees receive camp t-shirts and enjoy classic camp traditions like s’mores by the fire. Pricing is $1,400 per person or $2,100 per couple; optional extra nights and add-on activities such as Orvis fly fishing or a Land Rover off-road driving experience are available based on availability.
The camp is run with a playful, authentic camp spirit: counselors lead trumpet-bugle wake-up calls, issue lights-out reminders and organize campfire sing-alongs. Camp Taconic suits adventure seekers and travelers looking for a distinctive getaway. Each session requires a minimum of eight participants and is capped at 16 people to preserve an intimate, curated atmosphere.
Core elements of the Camp Taconic program include:
- Guided hikes through Battenkill Valley and the scenic Manchester area, spotlighting local landscapes and natural history
- Dining experiences at The Copper Grouse, led by chef Adam Rafterty, featuring locally inspired menus
- Mornings dedicated to invigorating sweat sessions to boost energy for the day’s adventures
- Afternoon excursions to hidden swimming holes for a refreshing escape in nature
- Hands-on glassblowing classes at Manchester Hot Glass, where participants can create a blown-glass bowl or vase
- A photography expedition with a local photographer to capture the region’s scenery and candid camp moments
- Kayaking or tubing down the Battenkill River for a mix of relaxation and mild thrills
- Outdoor barbecue lessons focused on pit cooking, followed by an alfresco dinner with Chef Rafterty
- Evening campfires with s’mores, scotch tastings and communal sing-alongs
- A picnic lunch at Hildene, the Lincoln family home, with the chance to bottle-feed baby goats for a memorable rural experience
- Kite-making and flying sessions at the South Vermont Arts Center to celebrate wind and creativity
Camp Taconic offers a blend of outdoor adventure, creative workshops and relaxed social moments, designed to evoke the best parts of summer camp while providing upscale accommodations and attentive service. With small group sizes and a curated schedule, the program balances active days with leisurely evenings, making it a compelling choice for adults who want a spirited, restorative escape in Vermont.