If you were once a fan of the now defunct sitcom "Newhart," which took place in a Vermont country inn, you might have a few conceptions of your own about life in Vermont: remote, isolated, inhabited by a populace who enjoys watching the grass grow and gossiping about the local townsfolk. Certainly, quirky innkeepers and locals like "Larry, Daryl and Daryl" aren't the norm in Vermont towns like Manchester. In fact, these towns are gaining quite a following among our nation's growing legion of telecommuters and those seeking a simpler existence. Consider the town of Manchester, and it's easy to understand why.

Of Manchester's cumulative 26,500 acres, approximately 16,000 acres are comprised of forest and mountain land, creating stunning scenes year-round. About 3,600 residents call Manchester their full-time home. A significant seasonal population descends on the town, particularly during the fall months. Manchester is a popular resort town and has many bed-and-breakfast accommodations, in addition to summer and winter homes.

The greater Manchester area, often referred to as "Manchester and the Mountains," has a combined population of 23,600. Manchester is the largest of nine towns in the Northshire region of Bennington County.

Manchester's climate is another draw for this region. Summertime temperatures average about 61 degrees. Winters, while lengthy and cold, aren't harsh like other regions of New England; this is due to Manchester's inland location. Average winter temperatures are 28 degrees. During the spring and fall months, days are warm and nights are brisk. Manchester's average annual rainfall of 52 inches, and snowfall ranges anywhere from 15 to 70 inches depending on elevation.

Imagine living in a town where local issues and budgetary matters are decided in an annual town meeting and voting session. That's the tradition in Manchester, where each March, registered voters convene in a floor meeting to discuss and vote on town business.

According to the Manchester and the Mountains Chamber of Commerce, the average price of single-family homes sold in the region during the past three years falls within the $150,000-$180,000 range. One-bedroom rentals range from $300 to $500 per month (astoundingly low for many of us apartment-dwellers).

In addition to stunning natural beauty, Manchester offers a wide variety of indoor and outdoor activities for its residents -- from camping to boating to golf and horseback riding, as well as skiing (at nearby Okemo, Stratton Mountain Resort or Bromley Mountain), snowboarding and ice fishing. Those who prefer the indoors will take a liking to Manchester's wealth of art shows. One of the most-loved shows is the annual four-week-long Stratton Art Festival, featuring the work of more than 200 local artisans. This is a must-see for collectors of New England art -- clocks, handmade clothing, quilts and more.

For visitors to Manchester, it's hard to resist the charm of local bed and breakfasts. While the town has many -- each one of them unique and hospitable -- perhaps the most noted accommodation is the Inn on Covered Bridge Green, the former home of artist Norman Rockwell (from 1943 to 1954). This antique-filled home and farmstead, built in the late 18th century, has preserved Rockwell's former art studios. Click here For a comprehensive list of local B&Bs.

If you're in the mood for shopping, one of the most unique aspects of Manchester (and greater Vermont) is its quaint country stores. A stop at any one of these stores represents a priceless opportunity to view and purchase local delicacies like pure Vermont maple syrup, as well as items like homemade quilts, candles and handcrafted decorative accessories made of wood, hand-blown glass and metal.

Whether it's the undeniable charm of the surrounding mountains, the brilliance of fall leaves or the opportunity to live in a slower-paced environment where townspeople know each other by first name, Manchester has a loyal and growing contingent of full-time and seasonal residents. A sizeable inventory of vacation rentals, seasonal rentals, new-home construction and existing home sales are keeping local Realtors busy. Best of all, land is plentiful here in the mountains. As long as Manchester keeps building, they will come -- in droves.

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