Middlebury Inn
Middlebury, Vermont

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By Pat Mestern
 

College town Middlebury lies in mid-Vermont at the foot of the Green Mountains, in the beautiful Champlain River Valley. Some of the best farmland in the mountainous state surrounds Middlebury. The town has one of the most intact historic districts in New England. For that reason its three village greens, four churches and more than 700 heritage buildings are well worth a visit. Otter Creek contributes greatly to the community's charm. Waters tumble over scenic Otter Creek Falls into a deep basin that is best seen from a footbridge linking Frog Hollow and the Marble Works. Because Middlebury is a college town it has a bustling, vibrant atmosphere but without any city-type clatter and clutter.

Middlebury Inn sits in the centre of the downtown area on a hill overlooking a white steepled Church, historic area and pretty treed square. The Inn's roots began in 1827 when Nathan Wood constructed a public house, calling it the Vermont House. By 1927, the imposing red brick structure, known as Middlebury Inn, was the premier mid-valley hostelry.

Today travelers still enjoy the charm and amenities of a nineteenth century inn. Visitors are given the chose of accommodation in three properties, all part of the Inn complex. Accommodation is offered in the Main House, the c1825 Porter House Mansion and a contemporary on-property motel. Rooms, including those in the motel, are beautifully decorated in keeping with the up-scale ambiance of the historic Inn.

Middlebury Inn is the epitome of hospitality. We arrived in time for complimentary afternoon tea, served between 3:00 - 4:30 p.m. and enjoyed a cuppa' in comfortable chairs by a cosy hearth-fire. Our room was on the second floor, overlooking the square. One of the nicest features was windows that opened to let in cool night breezes. The room had an air conditioner but we love the type of fresh air that can only be gotten by opening windows. Furnishings were tastefully done and in keeping with the historic nature of the Inn. The bed was comfortable too.

Dinners are served in the elegant and comfortable Founders Room or in the more casual atmosphere of the Morgan Tavern, Rose Room and Front Porch. During the busiest season, reservations are highly recommended for dining. If the Founders Room is offering their Old English Carvery, do enjoy it. The evening we dined, hubby had roast tip of sirloin which was melt-in-your-mouth good. My choice was thick-sliced hickory smoked ham. Hubby started with beef vegetable soup while I opted for their delicious chilled strawberry cup. If chilled blueberry cup is on the menu, do try it too. Home-made apple pie with a generous slice of Vermont cheese rounded out a superb meal.

Things to do and see in the area include Vermont Folk Art Center, Frog Hollow Vermont State Craft Centre, Historic Marble Works, The University of Vermont Morgan Horse Farm, Vermont Soapworks, Robert Frost Interpretive Trail and the Sheldon Museum. If you're yearning for Italian food, Angela's Italian Restaurant comes highly recommended. Try their shrimp pasta, any dish they prepare that boasts shrimp is great.

IF YOU GO:

• Middlebury Inn
On-the-Green
Middlebury, Vermont O5753-0798
#1-800-842-4666
www.middleburyinn.com
midinvt@sover.net