Manchester Hot Glass — Attraction in Manchester

Took a family day trip up to Manchester from Albany on a Sunday and stopped in at Manchester hot glass for the blown glass object class. Reservations are mandatory but making them is a two minute phone call. All three of us participated in the glass blowing. My father and I made pint glasses and my mother made a vase. You get to pick out two colors from a selection of about 15 or so and there are a few ways to incorporate the colors depending on what you are making. The owner and instructor Andrew guides you threw the entire process and will help with any decisions that need to be made. Andrew will gather and work with the glass when anything particularly difficult needs to be done. Other than that you really are the one blowing and shaping the glass with your own two hands. Andrew instructs and pretty much let’s you give it a go completely hands off. It’s only when you need help that he steps in, he doesn’t take over for you but rather guides your hands to make the correct movements to manipulate the glass into whatever you make. The end result is a one of a kind hand made peice that your own personal ineptitude is present in but with Andrews guidance in no way is ruined by. Now the man himself, Andrew is the reason you want to come here. Aside from his skills in teaching and glass blowing he is one of the most fun people to be around I’ve ever meet. He is hilarious, quick witted, and full of stories that will leave your cheeks sore from smiling so much. Learning and actually physically glass blowing is exciting and rewarding on its own but Andrew makes it so much fun too. We were there for about two hours but it felt like five minutes because we were having so much fun. I truly cannot recommend Manchester hot glass enough. You will leave with a beautiful piece of glass and a huge smile on your face. Absolutely come here absolutely take a class with Andrew and you will absolutely have...

Went here yesterday with my friends family, there good friends with the owner and they’ve blow glass multiple times before and I myself have never done it. So I went in very nervous, but he (being the owner) helped me step by step which is great because he literally helps you do everything, he gives you direct orders so you know exactly the right way to do it. He really cares about your safety and really cares about making you happy with the end result of your object you chose to make. (You get to pick an object: a vase, paperweight or a cup. Once you’ve chosen your shape you choose 2 colors of glass that are on the wall and then he helps you make it.) I’m gonna include pictures of my experience, all in all I took one of his cards so I can show my family so we can go back, I had a great first time blowing glass and definitely would 100% go back. -Some points that will help make your decision to come here easier- -You have to make an appointment to go!! -Make sure to be on time!! -Take lots of pictures it’s definitely an experience. -probably not the best place for kids 5 and under. -don’t be afraid, trust me I told him I was nervous and he told me as long as you listen to my directions and do them you’ll be fine. -just do what he says and you won’t get burned!! -wear a T-shirt, when your making the blown glass you have to put it in fire (he does that for you) but it gets really hot in the room so your definitely get super hot if you don’t. -it’s $50 to do it but you have to get it shipped to your house so it becomes $75 Definitely worth it for the experience and for the awesome vase, cup or paper weight you choose to make. I hope this helps in making the decision to go here; if I were you I would definitely go, it’s a...

Best memory making ever! We spent a week in Stratton and glass blowing was all everyone still talks about.

We were a party of 7 with 4 young children from ages 6 through 11. We split our party up to do the paper weights and glass blowing. We were greeted by the Owner Andrew and in spite of his snarky initial impression was incredibly warm and endearing. He gave very serious instructions to us on what to do and how to behave in his workshop and all for our own safety. After the first 15 minutes I've felt like I've known him my whole life.

We started by choosing our colors and then with heavy instruction from Andrew and his assistant Alice (who was exceptional and informative) began creating our object. Andrew went to far as to even tell us where to get the best photos and made a conscious effort to ensure that at least a few shots were without him in the frame.

The children were initially terrified but Andrew was incredibly reassuring and supporting even showing us pictures of his daughter blowing glass at age 1! Incredible!

Manchester Hot Glass is definitely a must do for any family visiting Stratton/Manchester. In fact it would be worth your while to go out of your way to visit you will not be dissappointed. Please be aware do not save this for your last day as the glass will not be cool enough for pick up until the next day. Also they close Tuesday and Weds and are in hot demand so call early to book. Do it early in your visit as you might want to return to make another object. We regret saving this toward the end of our trip and as much as we wanted to created another object we simply did not have time.

Go there and have some fun! You'll...