A wedding weekend in VERMONT
Vermont brings to mind rolling green hills, bales of hay, maple syrup, berries, red barns and birkenstocks. It did not disappoint. Last weekend we celebrated with friends at their wedding in Waitsfield, Vermont and although the weather was a little wet, it did clear from time to time so we could explore a little bit... and so they could get married outdoors!
The weekend kicked off Thursday night in East Middlebury, Vermont (the next town over from Middlebury College) at the Waybury Inn, an inn which has been in business since 1810. The rooms are cute and cozy-- our room, Dunmore Room, was actually quite tiny, but well appointed and the included breakfast the next morning was delicious- blueberry pancakes, anyone?
Dinner Thursday night was a Mexican feast in the Pine Room of the Inn and was very good from the service to the quality of the food. They also have The Pub at the Inn which is a charming quintessential New England spot that used to serve Robert Frost dinner!
Friday brought torrential downpours and a chilly temperature so those of us that did not want to go on the four hour hike (?!) in a monsoon, opted to go into the town of Waitsfield and explore. We found a few spots worth mentioning. We warmed up with tea and fresh baked coffee cake at The Green Cup which was busy with locals trying to stay dry. Intimate and inviting, it was hard to leave to head back out into the rain.
We browsed a thrift store with no luck, but did find warm Patagonia fleeces for $25 on sale at Clearwater Sports as well as books to while away a rainy afternoon at Tempest Book Shop.
We checked into the 1824 House Inn in Waitsfield for the rest of the weekend. Emily runs this 8 bedroom inn which used to be a working farmhouse and she is the perfect balance of helpful without being one of those innkeepers who talks your ears off. Our room was once again tiny, but cute, clean with lots of windows and also affordable at $125/night including breakfast.
Also, do not fear the communal breakfast table that some inns force upon you! I for one hate having to make small talk with strangers first thing in the morning. Not here, Emily does have one big table, but ample tables for two are set up on the sun porch which overlooks a pond, a vegetable garden and a red barn. The 1824 House Inn also has the Barn Door Restaurant which is only open for dinner. It looks charming and I would have liked to try it!
The day of the wedding started out rainy so we drove one town over to Warren which just oozes New England country charm! From it's covered bridge, to General Store, to white church and clapboard houses, if you're planning a weekend up in Vermont, this little town would be my pick. Splurge and stay at The Pitcher Inn located right on Main St. in Warren, with a river running just behind it.
Tracks, their informal dining room and bar downstairs is just the place for an apres ski drink or tea by the river on the adjacent verandah in summer.
Just across the street from the Inn is The Warren Store, a charming general store with wood plank creaky floors, old fashioned ice boxes, a full array of hearty sandwiches, baked goods, wine, clothes, jewelry, you name it.
The sun came out just in time for an afternoon walk and the wedding which was beautiful at the Inn at Lareau Farms!!
Congrats to Dave and Kate and thank you for a fabulous weekend in Vermont! xo