VERMONT INN to INN WALKING TOUR

The “Vermont Inn-to-Inn Walking Tour” is a four-day, selfguided walk averaging 10 miles a day, mainly through old country roads of gravel and through the villages of Chester, Weston and Ludlow. The four historic inns–Inn Victoria, Old Town Farm Inn, Golden Stage Inn, and The Colonial House Inn–are linked by their owners’ shared love of Vermont and a commitment to their under-the-radar walking tour. The oldest and longest running tour of its kind in the state, Vermont Innto-Inn Walking Tour is well established and focused on guest safety and comfort.

It’s simple and efficient. The innkeepers transport your bags door to door, Vermont sherpa-style; greet you at the end of the day with refreshments and a home-cooked meal; and, in the morning, send you on your way with a hearty breakfast,snacks for the road, a map of your walking route, and best wishes for a pleasant day. www.VermontInntoInnWalking.com 802-228-8799 or 802-875-4288

A final feature that sets this tour apart from so many others? You’re on your own, so you can set your own pace. Walk alone or with friends; do as much or as little of the walk as you like. Basically, the tour is as idiosyncratic as the state in which you’re walking. Join us from mid-May through the end of October.

The Walk

PART 1: (9 . 1 miles) INN VICTORIA TO OLD TOWN FARM INN

INN VICTORIA 321 Main St., Chester, VT 802-875-4288 InnVictoria.com

PART 2: (10 7 miles)

OLD TOWN FARM INN TO GOLDEN STAGE INN

OLD TOWN FARM INN 665 Route 10, Chester, VT 802-875-2346

Otfi.com

PART 3: (8 8 miles) GOLDEN STAGE INN TO THE COLONIAL HOUSE INN

GOLDEN STAGE INN 399 Depot St., Proctorsville, VT 802-226-7744 GoldenStageInn.com

PART 4: (11 2 miles) THE COLONIAL HOUSE INN TO INN VICTORIA

THE COLONIAL HOUSE INN 287 Route 100, Weston, VT 802-824-6286

CoHoInn.com

“It’s a meditative walk. Long before the village of Chester appears and I’ve come full circle, I realize that my life has become breathtakingly simple in the last few days. I walk; I look at wildflowers; I avoid poison ivy; I take a deep breath and listen to nature singing; I wonder what’s up ahead; I try to remember to look back from time to time. Occasionally I hum–and then try to get the song out of my head.

“And then I take another step. Am I closer or farther away? It’s my path, my walk. I get to decide.”

–Annie

Yankee especially exasperating). There’s also a driving range, plus batting cages that let you try your hand at slow-pitch and fast-pitch softball and baseball. 48 Upper Main St., Essex. 802-8728858; essexfamilyfunandentertainmentcenter.com

NATURE EXPERIENCE

VERMONT INSTITUTE OF NATURAL SCIENCE

Eagles, falcons, owls—the Vermont Institute of Natural Science gives a new lease on life to injured birds of all sorts while offering a unique window onto their world. The center’s 47-acre campus features 17 state-of-the-art raptor enclosures, and visitors can watch rehab specialists at work and see live bird programs daily. Try to plan a visit to the songbird aviary at feeding time. Bring a picnic, shop at the Nature Store, and stroll the three-quarter mile’s worth of interpretive trails. 6565 Woodstock Road (Rte. 4), Quechee. 802-359-5000; vinsweb.org

STATE PARK

SMUGGLERS’ NOTCH STATE PARK

Straddling a sharply ascending corkscrew of a road sentineled by 1,000-foot cliffs, one of Vermont’s most popular parks draws hikers, campers, and those who simply want to navigate the notch by car, narrowly squeezing through towering boulders. The Long Trail crosses the road at one point, and even those who are hikingaverse may be tempted to stroll the quarter-mile path to spectacular Bingham Falls. The steep, mile-long Sterling Pond Trail, which begins at the crest of the notch, summits at the eponymous jewel of a pond, one of the state’s highest bodies of water. 6443 Mountain Road, Stowe. 802-253-4014; vtstateparks.com

SUMMER STOCK

WESTON PLAYHOUSE

This season marks 80 years since a renovated church on a classic village green became the Weston Playhouse, now Vermont’s oldest professional theater. The church was lost to fire in 1962, but its stately Greek Revival replacement is home to talented equity companies that bring drama, comedy, and musicals to Weston with six productions each summer. Downstairs, the West Town Eatery offers dinner before the show, and cabaret after. 703 Main St., Weston. 802-824-8167; westonplayhouse.org

USED/ANTIQUARIAN BOOKSTORE

HERMIT HILL BOOKS

Every college town should have a good used bookstore, and Poultney—home of Green Mountain College—is where Homer, “the literary corgi,” and his fellow canine and feline staffers welcome browsers to a collection of more than 30,000 used, rare, and collectible volumes. Specialties include history, poetry, nature, Vermontiana, and modern first editions, shelved in the aisles and alcoves of the snug Main Street shop. Can’t find the title you’re looking for? Owner Patty McWilliams will be happy to search for it. 95 Main St., Poultney. 802-287-5757; hermithillbooks.com

Lodging

BOUTIQUE INN

506 ON THE RIVER INN

Just a few miles from the center of Woodstock, along the scenic Ottauquechee River, the area’s newest lodging combines the best features of a small resort with those of an intimate inn. At guests’ disposal are river-facing rooms and suites with balconies and rocking chairs, an antiquesfilled bistro and bar, a game area for young adults, a toddler playroom, an indoor pool and sauna, and a sweeping lawn dotted with lounge chairs, tiki lamps, and fire pits for evening s’mores. 1653 W. Woodstock Road (Rte. 4), Woodstock. 802-457-5000; ontheriverwoodstock.com

CITY HOTEL HOTEL VERMONT

This rare independent hotel in downtown Burlington offers bright, modern accommodations featuring wood and stone accents from Vermont forests and quarries. Locally sourced ingredients are the rule at Juniper restaurant; other hotel dining options include a satellite location of the James Beard Award–nominated Hen of the Wood and seafoodoriented Bleu. 41 Cherry St., Burlington. 802651-0080; hotelvt.com

FAMILY LODGING

MOUNTAIN TOP INN & RESORT

A lofty aerie among Vermont’s resorts, the Mountain Top boasts 350 scenic acres hugging the shore of the Chittenden Reservoir within the Green Mountain National Forest. Accommodations range from rooms and suites in the main lodge to spacious cabins to larger guesthouses, all furnished in traditional “great camp” style (massive fireplaces, wrought iron and roughhewn timber, big leather armchairs). Canoe, kayak, swim, or take a guided pontoon boat ride on the reservoir, or take a dip in the heated outdoor pool. Other activities include tennis, trap shooting, a full equestrian program, and a kids’ adventure camp. 195 Mountain Top Road, Chittenden. 802-483-2311; mountaintopinn.com

FARM STAY

COLD MOON FARM

Although it’s just a half hour’s drive from Manchester’s factory outlets, this family-friendly working farm with five lovely guest rooms and suites feels a world away. Guests young and old can help do farm chores, spend an afternoon fishing and canoeing on the pond, or enjoy a yoga class in the meadow. When the kids are ready for bed, the owners will arrange for babysitting services so that parents can slip away for dinner. 251 Pratt Bridge Road, Jamaica. 802297-3258; coldmoonfarm.com

Golfing Getaway

Lake Morey Resort

Tucked along the north shore of forest-rimmed Lake Morey in the Connecticut River Valley, this resort has been home to the Vermont Open Golf Championship for more than 50 years. Amateurs also enjoy the challenges of the meticulously maintained 6,024-yard course, where a relatively level front gives way to a rolling back nine. Not a golfer? Choose from tennis, volleyball, an indoor pool, paddling on the lake, and a 5-mile hike or bike ride around the shore. More than half of the 130 rooms and suites offer lake views, and three cottages accommodate six to 14 guests. 1 Clubhouse Road, Fairlee. 800-4231211; lakemoreyresort.com

Historic Inn Brandon Inn

Overlooking Brandon’s town green on a site occupied by inns since 1786, this gambrelroofed treasure is more small hotel than country inn. The Victorian character of the airy public rooms carries throughout the 37 guest rooms and two suites on the three floors above, all with private baths. Rates include a full breakfast, and you’re in luck if your morning’s fare includes owner-chef Louis Pattis’s scrambled eggs, the creamiest you’ll ever taste. 20 Park St., Brandon. 802-247-5766; brandoninn.com

LAKESIDE LODGING WILLOUGHVALE INN & COTTAGES

Lake Willoughby is the deep blue jewel of Northeast Kingdom lakes, and Willoughvale is perched invitingly on its shores. Accommodations include 10 handsomely furnished inn rooms and suites, some with fireplace and Jacuzzi, along with four lakeside and four lakeview cottages. Guests can use the inn’s canoes, kayaks, and bikes, and the swimming beach features a water trampoline. Gil’s bar and grill (dinner only) overlooks the lake, and continental breakfast is included for guests. 793 Rte. 5A S., Westmore. 802-525-4123; willoughvale.com

Romantic Getaway Stone Hill Inn

Luxury is the hallmark of this couples-only retreat nestled on nearly 10 acres in the heart of Stowe. Each of the nine rooms has a king bed, Jacuzzi tub for two, and bedroom/bath fireplace. The spacious Mansfield Suite, with a kitchen and an outdoor porch, is perfect for longer stays. Couples are seated at private tables in the sunlit breakfast room, and can enjoy a stroll around the manicured grounds before settling in for massages in the comfort of their own guest rooms. 89 Houston Farm Road, Stowe. 802-253-6282; stonehillinn.com

Rustic Retreat Sterling Ridge Resort

Situated on 370 acres above scenic Smugglers Notch, the resort’s 23 cabins and three larger units seamlessly blend rustic style with full modern amenities. Choose from studio, one-, and two-bedroom cabins, or stay in the luxe log home with soaring two-story stone fireplace that was featured in Field & Stream magazine. Guests can hike the resort’s private trails, fish

Lang House on Main Street combines 19th-century charm with 21st-century service. A beautifully appointed Queen Anne Victorian inn and carriage house, the property features historic elegance while maintaining environmentally conscientious practices. In fact, it’s a designated Green Hotel in the state of Vermont! You’ll find the staff warm, knowledgeable, and willing to help; and their inventive, locally sourced breakfast is a great start to your day. Lang House is conveniently located within walking distance of Church Street Marketplace, Lake Champlain Waterfront Park, and the University of Vermont campus. 802-652-2500; langhouse.com

Church Street Marketplace pulses at the heart of the downtown. Extending four blocks, the pedestrian open-air mall offers year-round festivals, street entertainers, music, and plenty of historic architecture— plus more than 100 restaurants and shops. With a host of establishments featuring sidewalk seating, the atmosphere is social and lively—a perfect locale for people-watching. And, on summer Saturdays include a visit to nearby City Hall Park, the site of a bustling farmers’ market. 802-863-1648; churchstmarketplace.com

Nestled in Burlington’s Historic Hill District is the family-owned-and-operated Willard Street Inn. This stunning property offers casually elegant accommodations while highlighting the craftsmanship of an 1881 Victorian mansion. Enjoy their chef-plated breakfast before taking a short walk to Church Street Marketplace, Lake Champlain Waterfront Park, Champlain College, or the University of Vermont. The inn’s tagline rings true, “Service of Yesteryear with the Amenities of Today.” Rates include off-street parking, WiFi, private baths, locally roasted coffee, and fresh-baked cookies delivered to your room, making the Willard Street Inn a great home base during your stay in Vermont. 802-651-8710; willardstreetinn.com