# The Inn at Ormsby Hill > A Romantic & Historic Inn > Generated by All in One SEO Pro v5.0.3, this is an llms-full.txt file, used by LLMs to index the site. ## Blog Post ### [Blog](https://www.ormsbyhill.com/blog.html) SEO Title: Read Our Blog at The Inn at Ormsby Hill in Manchester Vermont SEO Description: Read our blog, and keep up on events and happenings at The Inn at Ormsby Hill and in the Manchester area in Southern Vermont. Canonical: https://www.ormsbyhill.com/blog.html Alternate (text/markdown): https://www.ormsbyhill.com/blog.md **Content:** --- ### [Duplicate Placeholder (No Content - Exclude from Indexing)](https://www.ormsbyhill.com/blog.html) **Published:** November 3, 2011 **Author:** client-admin --- ### [Fly Fishing the Battenkill River in Manchester, Vermont: A Family's First Catch](https://www.ormsbyhill.com/blog/2025/05/fly-fishing-on-the-battenkill-river-vermont-04-30-2025) **Published:** May 1, 2025 **Author:** client-admin **Content:** Chasing “**The Fish**” on the Battenkill: A Guest’s Unforgettable Fly-Fishing Experience There’s something timeless about fly fishing on Vermont’s Battenkill River—where quiet patience meets the pulse of the water, and nature rewards those who listen closely. This spring, that magic became personal for us. My son, Jack, had his first-ever fly-fishing experience on the Battenkill, and it turned into a day none of us will forget. --- **A First Cast, and a First Fish** Just 15 minutes from our front door, a local guide with Trico and Fly Haus led Jack to a stretch of the Battenkill tucked beside one of Vermont’s iconic red covered bridges. With the Green Mountains budding in the background and the river glinting in the April sun, it was a setting for a first time on the water. Under the guide’s instruction, he worked the currents and classic pocket water – and before long, hooked and landed a strong, golden brown trout marked with vibrant red spots. For a first fly-fishing outing, it doesn’t get much better than that. “The river was cool and invigorating,” he shared, still riding the adrenaline from the catch. “The trout fought hard – this was the fish.” Having an experienced guide made all the difference. From reading the water to choosing the right fly, the guidance turned a first attempt into a genuine trophy catch – and a story Jack will be telling guests for years. --- **Why the Battenkill Is a Bucket-List River for Anglers** ![Brown Trout](https://www.ormsbyhill.com/wp-content/uploads/IMG_5582-1-1-300x157.jpg)Fisherman holding brown trout caught and released in the Battenkill River in Vermont The Battenkill isn’t just a beautiful place to cast a line – it’s a cornerstone of American fly fishing. The river has long drawn anglers from across the country for its wild trout population and technical, challenging conditions. Its reputation was cemented through the work of Orvis, the iconic fly-fishing outfitter founded right here in Manchester in 1856. Today, visitors can still explore that legacy. No trip to Manchester is complete without a stop at the Orvis flagship store, a casting demo, or a visit to the [American Museum of Fly Fishing](https://www.amff.org/), located just around the corner. The museum celebrates the sporting traditions that have shaped generations of anglers on rivers like the Battenkill. --- **Booking a Guide Through Fly Haus and Trico** The recently opened Fly Haus brings a boutique energy to Manchester’s fly-fishing scene. This small shop, run by passionate locals, carries both new and consignment gear and serves as a hub for connecting anglers with expert guides who know the Battenkill’s currents like the back of their hand. It was through Fly Haus and Trico that Jack’s son booked his guided trip – a great option whether you’re a first-timer like he was or a seasoned angler looking for local knowledge. We’re happy to help any of our guests set up the same experience. --- ![](https://www.ormsbyhill.com/wp-content/uploads/IMG_3532-225x300.jpg) **Plan Your Fly-Fishing Getaway at the Inn at Ormsby Hill** At the [Inn at Ormsby Hill](https://www.ormsbyhill.com/), we’re proud to be your home base for outdoor adventure in Manchester, Vermont. After a day spent wading the river, there’s no better place to unwind than on our patio overlooking the mountains, or in one of our cozy guest rooms. Browse more ways to fill your stay on our [Sporting and Outdoor Activities](https://www.ormsbyhill.com/hiking.html) page, or check current [Specials & Packages](https://www.ormsbyhill.com/packages.html). Want to plan your own fly-fishing experience? Just let us know when you book – we’re happy to connect you with trusted local guides through Fly Haus and Trico and help you cast into the same waters where **Jack** landed the fish of a lifetime. ![Fisherman holding brown trout](https://www.ormsbyhill.com/wp-content/uploads/IMG_5582-1-225x300.jpg)“The Fish” Brown Trout ![](https://www.ormsbyhill.com/wp-content/uploads/IMG_3521-225x300.jpg) **Frequently Asked Questions** ### **Where can I go fly fishing near the Inn at Ormsby Hill?** The Battenkill River is just 15 minutes from the Inn at Ormsby Hill in Manchester, Vermont, and is considered one of the premier wild trout rivers in the Northeast. ### **Do I need experience to fly fish the Battenkill River?** No. Local guides through Fly Haus and Trico work with anglers of all levels, including complete beginners. A guide can teach casting basics and read the water for you on your first trip. ### **How do I book a fly-fishing guide while staying at the Inn?** Let the innkeepers know when you book your stay, and they can connect you directly with trusted local guides through Fly Haus and Trico. ### **What makes the Battenkill River historically significant for fly fishing?** The Battenkill’s reputation was built alongside Orvis, the fly-fishing outfitter founded in Manchester, Vermont in 1856. The nearby American Museum of Fly Fishing celebrates that history. **Categories:** All blogs, Guests Experiences --- ### [The Marble Legacy of Manchester, Vermont](https://www.ormsbyhill.com/blog/2025/05/the-marble-legacy-of-manchester) **Published:** May 2, 2025 **Author:** client-admin **Content:** The Inn at Ormsby Hill stands as a testament to the rich history of Manchester, Vermont — a town deeply intertwined with the marble industry that once thrived across the region. This guide covers the historical significance of the marble trade in Manchester and neighboring Dorset and East Dorset, its lasting mark on local architecture and the economy, and where guests can still see and experience that legacy today. --- ## **How Marble Shaped Manchester, Vermont** Manchester’s prominence in the marble industry dates back to the late 18th century. The town’s abundant marble deposits attracted entrepreneurs and craftsmen, leading to the establishment of numerous quarries and mills. This industry didn’t just shape the local economy — it left an indelible mark on the town’s architecture, with many buildings still featuring marble facades and details today. In nearby East Dorset, the Freedley — also known as the Manchester Marble Company — operated large marble mills along the railroad, shipping stone to markets well beyond Vermont. --- ## **Dorset Quarry: The Oldest Commercial Marble Quarry in the United States** Just a short drive from the Inn, Dorset is home to the first commercial marble quarry in the United States, established in 1785. Marble from this site was used in significant projects far from Vermont, including the New York Public Library’s main branch building. Innkeeper Jack Orlando often points guests toward Dorset Quarry as a must-see stop — and it’s easy to understand why. After quarrying wound down in the early 20th century, natural springs gradually filled the excavated pit, transforming it into one of Vermont’s most striking swimming holes. Visitors today can see sheer white marble walls rising directly out of the clear water, with the old stone-cutting marks and quarry ledges still visible along the edges. It’s equal parts geology lesson and scenic swimming spot — a rare place where you can trace 200-plus years of Vermont industrial history while cooling off on a summer afternoon. The quarry sits on privately owned land with public access, so hours, seasonal availability, and any parking or access fees can vary — it’s worth checking current conditions before making the trip out from the Inn. --- ## **The Equinox Resort: A Neighboring Historical Landmark** Just a short distance from the Inn at Ormsby Hill lies the Equinox Resort, another establishment steeped in history. Founded in 1769 as the Marsh Tavern, the Equinox has hosted numerous notable figures over the centuries, including Mary Todd Lincoln and her children. The resort’s enduring presence underscores the region’s appeal and its rich historical tapestry. --- ## The Inn at Ormsby Hill: A Living Piece of History The Inn at Ormsby Hill itself reflects the area’s historical significance. Originally constructed in the 18th century, the Inn has witnessed the ebb and flow of the marble industry and the evolution of Manchester. Its preservation offers guests a unique opportunity to experience the charm and history of the region firsthand — read more on our [History of the Inn at Ormsby Hill](https://www.ormsbyhill.com/history.html) page. --- ## **Plan Your Visit to Manchester’s Marble Country** For those interested in delving deeper into the history of Manchester and its marble industry, the Manchester Historical Society offers a wealth of resources and exhibits. Pair a stop at Dorset Quarry with our [Museums and Antiquing](https://www.ormsbyhill.com/museums.html) page for more ways to explore the area’s history during your stay. Experience the rich history and timeless charm of Manchester by staying at the Inn at Ormsby Hill. Immerse yourself in a setting where the past and present harmoniously coexist. --- ## **Frequently Asked Questions** ### **Where is the oldest marble quarry in the United States?** Dorset, Vermont is home to the first commercial marble quarry in the U.S., established in 1785, located a short drive from the Inn at Ormsby Hill in Manchester. ### **Can you swim at Dorset Quarry?** Yes. After marble quarrying ended, natural springs filled the site, and it’s now a popular swimming hole with clear water and marble walls. It’s privately owned with public access, so check current hours and conditions before visiting. ### **What buildings were built with Manchester-area marble?** Marble quarried in Dorset was used in major projects including the New York Public Library’s main branch building, and locally shaped many of Manchester’s historic building facades. ### **What other historic sites are near the Inn at Ormsby Hill?** The Equinox Resort, founded in 1769 as the Marsh Tavern, is a short distance from the Inn and has hosted notable historical figures including Mary Todd Lincoln. **Categories:** General, Places Visited --- ### [The Pullman Car Connection: Robert Todd Lincoln, Hildene & the Inn at Ormsby Hill](https://www.ormsbyhill.com/blog/2025/12/the-pullman-company) **Published:** December 27, 2025 **Author:** client-admin **Content:** The Inn at Ormsby Hill shares a direct connection to one of the most famous names in American rail history — the Pullman Company — through the property’s original owner and his law partner’s son, Robert Todd Lincoln. **Edward Isham, Robert Todd Lincoln, and Ormsby Hill** Edward Swift Isham, an influential Chicago attorney, once owned the property he named Ormsby Hill. Isham co-founded the prominent law firm Isham, Lincoln and Beale, which specialized in representing the railroad industry. His law partner was Robert Todd Lincoln — son of President Abraham Lincoln — who went on to serve as president of the Pullman Company from 1897 to 1911, a period when Pullman was the largest manufacturing corporation in the country. Robert Todd Lincoln built the neighboring estate known today as [Hildene, The Lincoln Family Home](https://hildene.org/), which borders the Inn at Ormsby Hill. The Inn and Hildene also share a decorative detail from that era: the “Indian Tree” china pattern used aboard Pullman cars is displayed both in the Inn’s dining room and at Hildene today. --- ## **The Sunbeam: A Restored Pullman Car at Hildene** Guests curious to see this history up close can visit Hildene’s restored Pullman car, known as the Sunbeam. Built in 1888 and reconfigured for private charter service in 1903 during Robert Todd Lincoln’s tenure as Pullman president, the car carried a notable list of passengers over its working life, including President William McKinley and, later, correspondents traveling with Theodore Roosevelt’s 1912 campaign. After decades of restoration, the Sunbeam arrived at Hildene in 2011 and is now on permanent display near the estate’s welcome center — a short trip from the Inn. --- **How the Pullman Car Changed American Rail Travel** The Pullman car mattered because it transformed rail travel from an uncomfortable necessity into a genuinely comfortable long-distance experience. George Pullman’s original 1857 sleeping car, the *Pioneer*, introduced fold-down berths and hotel-inspired interiors — the idea that a railcar could function like a room rather than a bench. Over the following decades, Pullman cars introduced steel construction, electric lighting, heating, and eventually air conditioning, setting new standards that influenced train design for a century. Pullman’s legacy extends beyond engineering, too. The company played a major role in U.S. labor history through the Pullman Strike and the organization of Pullman porters, whose 1937 agreement with the company is considered by many historians to be an early milestone of the American civil rights movement. --- **Plan Your Visit** A stay at the Inn at Ormsby Hill puts you within easy reach of this piece of American history. Combine your visit with a tour of Hildene to see the Sunbeam in person, and read more about the Inn’s own 18th-century roots on our [History of the Inn at Ormsby Hill](https://www.ormsbyhill.com/history.html) page. --- **Frequently Asked Questions** ### **What is the connection between the Inn at Ormsby Hill and Robert Todd Lincoln?** Ormsby Hill was originally owned by Edward Isham, law partner of Robert Todd Lincoln, who later became president of the Pullman Company. Lincoln built the neighboring Hildene estate. ### **Where can I see a restored Pullman car near Manchester, Vermont?** Hildene, The Lincoln Family Home, displays a fully restored 1903 Pullman car called the Sunbeam, located a short distance from the Inn at Ormsby Hill. ### **Who was president of the Pullman Company?** Robert Todd Lincoln, son of President Abraham Lincoln, served as president of the Pullman Company from 1897 to 1911. ### **What is the “Indian Tree” china pattern?** It’s a china pattern used aboard historic Pullman cars, and is displayed today both in the Inn at Ormsby Hill’s dining room and at Hildene. **Categories:** All blogs, General, Guests Experiences **Tags:** Hildene, Isham, Lincoln, Manchester Vermont, Pullman Company --- ### [Snowmobiling the Backcountry of the Vermont's Green Mountains](https://www.ormsbyhill.com/blog/2022/12/snowmobile-the-backcountry-of-the-green-mountains) **Published:** December 14, 2022 **Author:** client-admin **Content:** **A wonderful Vermont experience! Enjoy a backcountry guided tour through the Green Mountains and have the ride of your life – then come home to the [Inn at Ormsby Hill](https://www.ormsbyhill.com/) to warm up.** --- ## What to Expect on the Tour Every tour is guided, with at least one guide leading each group of 1-6 snowmobiles, or two guides for larger groups of 5-8 snowmobiles. It’s a great way to experience the Green Mountains’ backcountry in winter, whether you’re an experienced rider or trying it for the first time. ![Riderless Snowmobile](https://www.ormsbyhill.com/wp-content/uploads/IMG_0234mkt-300x229.jpg)Snowmobile just waiting for you!!! **Where You’ll Ride: The Green Mountain National Forest** Tours run on the VAST trail system through the Green Mountain National Forest, based near Bromley Mountain. The terrain mixes wide-open straightaways where you can pick up speed with narrower, more technical sections — so there’s variety whether you’re riding cautiously or looking for a bit more thrill. Along the way, the trails climb to views overlooking Manchester and the Equinox Mountain range, and depending on conditions, routes can extend out toward Griffith Lake or River Road. It’s remote terrain — part of what makes it feel like true backcountry — so cell service can be spotty. Guides carry radios and lead every group, which is part of why no snowmobiling experience is required to go. ![Four snowmobilers enjoying a day out in the Green Mountains](https://www.ormsbyhill.com/wp-content/uploads/IMG_0217mkt-300x180.jpg)Vermont Mountain Adventures snowmobile tour being led by a tour guide **Weather and Trail Conditions** Because this is a natural-snow trail system, tours depend on there being enough snow on the ground. If conditions don’t allow for a safe ride, tours are canceled in advance rather than run in poor conditions — so it’s worth checking in on conditions if you’re booking during a lighter snow year, and asking your outfitter about their weather policy when you book. --- **What You’ll Need** - A valid driver’s license is required to operate a snowmobile. - Passengers can be as young as 5 years old, making this a great option for families. - Arrive dressed and ready to be out in remote winter conditions for two-plus hours. --- **Booking Your Tour** The Inn at Ormsby Hill partners with Vermont Mountain Adventures for these backcountry snowmobile tours. You can book directly through [Vermont Mountain Adventures](https://vermontmountainadventures.com/), and a private tour option is available for larger groups. Ask us about a discount on your stay when you book a snowmobile tour with your visit – we’re happy to help you pair the two and answer questions about current packages. --- **End the Day the Ormsby Hill Way** After a few hours out in the cold chasing trails through the Green Mountains, there’s no better way to warm back up than at the Inn. Many of our rooms feature a private jacuzzi or a wood-burning fireplace – so once you’re back, pour a glass of wine, sink into the jacuzzi or settle in by the fire, and let the rest of the evening slow all the way down. --- **Frequently Asked Questions** ### **Do I need snowmobiling experience to take this tour?** No. Tours are fully guided, with a guide accompanying every group, so both first-timers and experienced riders can join. ### **How old do you have to be to ride along?** Passengers can be as young as 5 years old, making this a family-friendly winter activity. ### **Do I need my own driver’s license to operate a snowmobile?** Yes, a valid driver’s license is required to drive a snowmobile on the tour. ### **How long is the backcountry snowmobile tour?** Plan to be out in winter conditions for two or more hours, so dress accordingly. ### **Where can I book a snowmobile tour near the Inn at Ormsby Hill?** Tours are booked through Vermont Mountain Adventures, the Inn’s local partner for guided backcountry snowmobiling in the Green Mountains. ### **What will I see on a Green Mountain National Forest snowmobile tour?** Trails wind through the Green Mountain National Forest near Bromley Mountain, with overlooks of Manchester and the Equinox Mountain range, and a mix of open straightaways and narrower, technical sections. ### **What happens if there isn’t enough snow for the tour?** Since tours run on natural-snow trails, low-snow conditions can lead to cancellation ahead of time. Ask your outfitter about their weather and rebooking policy when you book. **Categories:** Guests Experiences, Uncategorized **Tags:** snowmobile, snowmobiling, Things to do in Vermont, vermont adventures, winter activities, winter sport --- ### [The Minuteman Model "A" Ford Club of Massachusetts](https://www.ormsbyhill.com/blog/2026/08/the-minuteman-model-a-ford-club-of-massachusetts) **Published:** August 7, 2026 **Author:** client-admin **Content:** ![7 1931 Model A Fords at the INN at Ormsby Hill](https://www.ormsbyhill.com/wp-content/uploads/IMG_2866-1024x768.jpeg)1931 Model A Fords lined up and ready to go In early August 2026, the quiet roads of southern Vermont echoed with the unmistakable sound of seven beautifully preserved Model A Fords as members of the [Minuteman Model “A” Ford Club of Massachusetts](http://www.oilleak.org/) arrived for a memorable touring adventure. Founded in 1963, the Minuteman Model “A” Ford Club has long brought together enthusiasts who share a passion for restoring, preserving, maintaining, and—most importantly—driving these remarkable automobiles. During this trip, seven couples made [The Inn at Ormsby Hill](https://www.ormsbyhill.com/) their home base while exploring Manchester and the surrounding countryside. The journey celebrated both Vermont’s scenic beauty and the enduring reliability of nearly century-old automobiles. The group traveled winding country roads to visit the historic covered bridges of Bennington and Arlington, where the timeless elegance of the Model A Fords seemed perfectly at home against the backdrop of New England’s historic landmarks. --- One of the tour’s highlights was the drive up the [5.2-mile Equinox Skyline Drive](https://equinoxmountain.com/). The climb rewarded the drivers with sweeping views of the Green Mountains, but every experienced Model A owner knew the descent required just as much attention. The cars eased down the mountain in first gear, allowing the engine to help control their speed. Relying too heavily on the mechanical brakes can quickly generate heat, reducing braking performance, so the careful downhill drive was both a practical lesson and a reminder of the driving techniques these vintage automobiles demand. Another unforgettable stop was [Hildene, the Lincoln Family Home](https://hildene.org/). The staff graciously welcomed the visitors and invited them to drive their Model A Fords directly up to the mansion. With the stately home as a backdrop, the club captured photographs that beautifully connected two pieces of American history—the legacy of Abraham Lincoln’s family and the automobiles that transformed travel during the early twentieth century. --- Beyond the miles driven, the tour was filled with fellowship. Evenings were spent enjoying meals together at several of Manchester’s restaurants, where stories of past restorations, memorable road trips, and roadside repairs flowed as easily as the conversation. Every stop reinforced what has made the Minuteman Model “A” Ford Club thrive for more than six decades: a shared appreciation for history, craftsmanship, and the friendships built around these remarkable automobiles. ![Vintage yellow convertible with orange-spoked wheels parked on a driveway beside a white house and green trees.](https://www.ormsbyhill.com/wp-content/uploads/IMG_0475-1024x768.jpeg) As the couples packed for the journey home, they carried with them more than photographs and souvenirs. They left with new memories of Vermont’s scenic roads, historic landmarks, and welcoming hospitality—proof that nearly 100 years after the Model A first rolled off the assembly line, these iconic automobiles continue to create adventures worth remembering. ![Vintage wood-sided pickup truck parked on a gravel driveway, garden in bloom with hills beyond.](https://www.ormsbyhill.com/wp-content/uploads/IMG_0463-1-1024x768.jpeg) ![Row of vintage antique cars parked in front of a white house with green shutters and trees nearby, sunny day](https://www.ormsbyhill.com/wp-content/uploads/IMG_0486-300x225.jpeg) ![Vintage black car with red wheels parked on a driveway, man visible in the driver's seat, greenery in the background.](https://www.ormsbyhill.com/wp-content/uploads/IMG_0466-225x300.jpeg) ![Two classic vintage cars parked on a paved road, beige/yellow on the left with red wheels and a glossy black car on the right, greenery behind them.](https://www.ormsbyhill.com/wp-content/uploads/IMG_0465-768x1024.jpeg) ![Row of vintage cars and a wooden wagon parked in a gravel lot, with green trees and a sunset sky in the background.](https://www.ormsbyhill.com/wp-content/uploads/IMG_0490-scaled.jpeg) **Categories:** Guests Experiences --- ### [Gideon Ormsby - Revolutionary Patriot](https://www.ormsbyhill.com/blog/2026/02/gideon-ormsby-revolutionary-patriot) **Published:** February 8, 2026 **Author:** client-admin **Content:** **Gideon Ormsby (1736–1804) was a prominent early settler, Revolutionary patriot, and political leader in Manchester, Vermont.** His legacy is memorialized on his gravestone in Dellwood Cemetery, which reads: *“Thus departed a Supporter of our Federal Constitution, and a friend of the Right,”* accompanied by a DAR marker recognizing his service as a Revolutionary soldier. Ormsby’s family journey reflects the broader westward movement of colonial New Englanders. His father, Jonathan Ormsby, moved the family from Rehoboth, Massachusetts, to Rhode Island, then to Amenia (Great Nine Partners), New York, before helping purchase and survey 23,000 acres in what would become Vermont in the 1760s. By about 1767, the family settled in Manchester, where Gideon raised his family and became deeply involved in the region’s development. During the turbulent years leading up to the American Revolution, Vermont—then known as the New Hampshire Grants—was marked by fierce conflict between Loyalists (“Tories”) and independence-minded settlers (“Whigs”). Gideon Ormsby and his family were firmly Whigs. He served on Manchester’s Committee of Safety in 1777, participated in the Dorset and Windsor Conventions, and was present when Vermont declared itself a free and independent state. He later served as one of Vermont’s first state legislators in 1778 and again in 1802. Ormsby’s loyalty to the Patriot cause made him a target. In a dramatic episode around 1777, Tories abducted his son Daniel and carried him into the forests of Rupert. Daniel cleverly marked his trail, allowing a rescue party to track and save him just in time. Another Ormsby child, Mary, became locally celebrated for bravely warning her father of Tory activity—an act later honored when the Mary Ormsby Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution was named for her. Artifacts connected to Ormsby, including a Revolutionary-era fowler musket made in Connecticut between 1777 and 1779, further anchor his story in the material culture of the time. Today, Gideon Ormsby is remembered as a steadfast patriot whose life captures the dangers, ideals, and determination that shaped early Vermont during the American Revolution. *For more information see [Genealogy Website – Gideon Ormsby](http://Genealogy%20Website%20for%20more%20information%20https://www.geni.com/people/Gideon-Ormsby/5650454057130084489 "Genealogy Website")* *Gideon Ormsby’s gravesite is in Dellwood Cemetery – [Find a Gravesite – Dellwood Cemetery](https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/39879758/gideon-ormsby)* **How did Ormsby Hill get its name** ![Grave Stone of Gideon Ormsby](https://www.ormsbyhill.com/wp-content/uploads/GRave-Stone-Gideon-Prsmby-295x300.png)Gideon Ormsby was a prominent early settler, Revolutionary patriot, **Ormsby Hill in Manchester, Vermont** wasn’t formally *named* at a specific documented moment like some official geographic designation. Instead, the name evolved over time from local usage tied to one of Manchester’s earliest and most prominent settlers, **Major Gideon Ormsby**. Early settlers laid out the town’s roads in the 1760s, and the long slope rising from the flats came to be known locally as *Ormsby Hill* (as well as *Purdy Hill* after another early owner) because Gideon Ormsby’s farm was located partway up the hill and he was a leading figure in the community. This informal naming likely took shape during the late 18th or early 19th century as the settlement grew and residents referred to the area by the names of its well-known residents and landowners. Later, in the **1880s and 1890s**, the name was reinforced when the prominent Chicago lawyer **Edward Swift Isham** purchased the property and developed a large summer estate there, officially calling it *Ormsby Hill* and linking the historic place name with the substantial estate that became a local landmark. In short: the hill’s name emerged organically from its association with Gideon Ormsby and was solidified by later usage in the 19th century, especially after Isham’s estate adopted the historic name. **Categories:** Uncategorized --- ### [Winter 2026 Snowstorm: A Night of Lobsters, Firelight, and Community](https://www.ormsbyhill.com/blog/2026/01/winter-2026-snowstorm-a-night-of-lobsters-firelight-and-community) **Published:** January 29, 2026 **Author:** client-admin **Content:** **Winter 2026 Snowstorm: A Night of Lobsters, Firelight, and Community** ![Lobsters steaming in the pot](https://www.ormsbyhill.com/wp-content/uploads/IMG_9519-300x225.jpeg)Lobsters steaming in the pot *January 25th, 2026 – Vermont* The Winter 2026 snowstorm made its presence known well before January 25th arrived. Across a great portion of the United States—and here in Vermont—there was real concern about what the storm might bring. Forecasts warned of dangerous road conditions, possible closures, and difficult travel both during and after the snowfall. Like many others, we worried about what this would mean for our guests: Would restaurants be open? Would travel be safe? Would plans need to change? As expected, we did have a few cancellations due to concerns about bad road conditions. Thankfully, Vermont did what Vermont does best—roads were quickly cleared, and while travel required care, the storm became far less disruptive than initially feared. Still, the uncertainty shaped the day and ultimately led to one of the most memorable evenings we’ve ever shared at the inn. ![Lobsters ready for serving](https://www.ormsbyhill.com/wp-content/uploads/IMG_9522-300x225.jpeg)Lobsters ready for serving Every year, Jeff and Angela—lobster fisherman and his wife Angela from Maine—visit the inn, arriving with what can only be described as a boatload of fresh Maine lobsters. It’s a tradition we treasure. Typically, we celebrate their visit with a lobster and steak dinner shared with a few local couples. This year, however, the storm changed things. Our local friends understandably didn’t want to risk being out on the roads during the snowfall. Rather than cancel the tradition, we adapted. ![Come and get it!](https://www.ormsbyhill.com/wp-content/uploads/IMG_9528-1-300x225.jpeg)Come and get it! Several of our inn guests had decided to stay the course with us through the storm, and we invited them to join the evening. Together, Jeff, Angela, Maryann, and I prepared a lobster and steak dinner while snow fell steadily outside. What might have been a quiet, scaled-back night turned into something far richer—a shared experience born from circumstance. Stacy and Kip, who have been visiting the inn several times a year for more than 25 years, remarked that this stay was a tremendous adventure. They’ve known three different innkeeper couples over the years and told us how special it felt to be gathered around the dining room fire, eating Maine lobsters while riding out a winter storm, safe and warm inside the inn. Another couple, Yunuo and Gabriel, were staying with us that night. They had endured a truly rough day. Their rental car had to be returned due to a mechanical issue, costing them a good portion of what was meant to be a ski day. We were especially glad to be able to offer them a better ending than beginning—an unexpected seat at a table filled with good food, good company, and shared stories. As the storm continued outside, the inn became exactly what it’s meant to be: a refuge. The fire burned steadily, conversation flowed easily, and the snowstorm—once a concern—became part of the magic. It reminded us that some of the best moments happen when plans shift, when people come together, and when nature sets the pace. The Winter 2026 Snowstorm may be remembered for its forecasts and warnings, but for us, January 25th will always be remembered for lobster shells piled high, laughter by the fire, and a dining room full of guests who became part of the story. The next time you eat lobster remember this YouTube [I Got a Job on a Real Lobster Boat in Maine](https://www.google.com/search?hl=en-US&client=safari&hs=K5u9&channel=iphone_bm&sca_esv=2dd93a768402da25&q=can+one+man+operate+a+lobster+boat&docid=lk70MaIij_xOoM&ibp=video&shem=bdsle,shrtsdl&shndl=41&shmd=H4sIAAAAAAAA_3WQTU7cQBCFBSgbjpBVrbJIYIYJigJIKJoZxAiUyY-zgVVUdpft1rS7TFfNGGeVm-RKuUOukAOkbCR22b3uKr331Tv8e3D45gYqVkC45Rw4msgIA3zkXJQSLBgVfIQ1-kgvN7VqKxfTKcUi9a2SO9Y8nkwqUVRfTApupr7BiuTDw6VNLuaf3PmqyOj72dJ1mdN8FbLF49t5vMf39-vT069pvfpx_K38vFy_a--Wszxku6vqlVzOTl7_3r-JoLUX2HlHDB0BJgJpKTofKxsROOwH6Pl_oL2DglH0CX_4QpAGQzDLEIwTbHHwUd8Cl6O07Yo42ewLRS_bgEfQea2hxIa3AlJQpNQDRgfsLAC1qEmOAAMb1bgq3BAE5o0MmTV39nhCu_ZSU2ooQrTWOYYeOk6bIVkIcgMXyLcDVPI7GkOKRKgmoas5mK0vSbQPNIFAOpQjXv2IPoOFneWtkCu289JzIeWY2j_-efFz79fBPztN2Dn3AQAA&shmds=v1_ATWGeePbQ9Fv8B7tyUDrgiSMlGZsluR5Sur7CoFIObQjbT-zeg&source=sh/x/vid/m1/3&kgs=ffa80d5de93b48c4&utm_source=bdsle,shrtsdl,sh/x/vid/m1/3#fpstate=ive&vld=cid:2cbfbf35,vid:sCMip6jTMaA,st:0) **Categories:** General, Guests Experiences --- ### [Ormsby Hill: A Chronological History](https://www.ormsbyhill.com/blog/2025/12/ormsby-hill-a-chronological-history) **Published:** December 26, 2025 **Author:** client-admin **Content:** **Ormsby Hill: A Chronological History** *From the booklet written by Mary Hard Bort – January 1998 (edited for clarity and order December 2026)* **Early Settlement of Manchester (1761–1764)** Manchester was chartered in 1761 by Colonial Governor Benning Wentworth of New Hampshire. The original grantees soon sold their rights to a group of settlers from Amenia, New York. Before arriving, these proprietors carefully organized their town: they laid out one-hundred-acre lots, traded and consolidated landholdings, elected officers, and selected two men—**Jeremiah French and Gideon Ormsby**—to come ahead and lay out the first roads. The Amenia settlers arrived in 1764. Among the earliest were **Gideon Ormsby**, **Benjamin Purdy**, **Richard Skinner**, and members of the **Isham** and **Canfield** families. The long slope of today’s Route 7A, rising from Wilcox Flats to the crest of the hill, became known as **Ormsby Hill** or **Purdy Hill**, reflecting the prominence of those early landowners. **Gideon Ormsby and the Revolutionary Era** Gideon Ormsby, son of the wealthy landowner **Jonathan Ormsby**, quickly emerged as a leader in the new settlement. He served as Manchester’s **first town treasurer**, represented the town at regional conventions, and was elected to the **Vermont Legislature**, where he served for seventeen years. During the American Revolution, Ormsby served with distinction, rising to the rank of **Major** and earning recognition as a Revolutionary hero. While he was frequently absent, his wife **Mercy Ormsby** managed the farm and raised their twelve children. The Ormsby farm lay on the **west side of the main road**, about halfway up the hill, and included fertile land and an apple orchard. During the war, Tories attempted to burn the orchard while Mercy was alone. Mercy Ormsby, along with the wives of other Revolutionary soldiers, played a key role in organizing Manchester’s **Congregational Church**. Though Gideon himself was not religious, he lent his strong support to the effort. Gideon Ormsby died in **1804** at age sixty-eight. By then, all of his children had settled elsewhere. He had invested heavily in land rather than cash, leaving Mercy little financial security. The original Ormsby house burned around **1808**. **Benjamin Purdy and the Purdy District** Another early settler, **Benjamin Purdy**, owned land primarily on the **east side of the highway**, stretching from the base of the hill to its crest. Benjamin and his wife **Deborah** raised twelve children. When Deborah died in **1804**, ninety-three descendants marched in her funeral procession. Over time, Purdy distributed his land among his sons. Much of it remained in the family well into the twentieth century, and the area became known as the **Purdy District**, with its own school, the **Purdy District School**. Though less politically active than Ormsby, Benjamin Purdy and his sons served as **fence-viewers, path-masters, and selectmen**, while remaining primarily farmers. **The Purdy Family Line and Thompson Purdy (1795–1832)** Benjamin’s descendants intermarried with other Amenia families—Hatch, Mead, Bullis, Roberts, Sutherland, and Powel. His son **Reuben Purdy** married **Anna Powel**, daughter of **Martin Powel**, Manchester’s first town clerk and keeper of the Marsh Tavern. Reuben and Anna had eleven children, including twins **Thompson** and **Rhoda**, born in **1795**. Thompson married **Eleanor Collins** and became a farmer. In **1823**, he purchased eleven acres for $70, and in **1826**, acquired an additional 105 acres from his father for $2,000. This land lay at the **top of the hill on the east side of the highway**. The property became known as the **Thompson Purdy Farm**. An 1825 storekeeper’s ledger reveals Thompson’s regular purchases of household staples—and generous quantities of rum and tobacco. He also earned income hauling marble to Troy and returning with salt. In **1832**, Thompson sold the farm for $1,875 to **Major Hawley** and moved to Ohio. One account notes that “he did not prosper.” **From Hawley to Isham (1832–1885)** The farm remained in the Hawley family for thirty-seven years, used as rental property, until it was sold in **1869** to **Levi Lampson** for $3,000. In **1885**, local attorney **Loveland Munson** purchased the property for $3,000 and immediately transferred it to **Edward Swift Isham of Chicago**. **The Isham Family Roots** Edward Swift Isham descended from **Dr. Ezra Isham**, who came to Manchester around **1800** from Connecticut. Ezra purchased land on the west side of the main road from **Richard Skinner**, later Governor of Vermont. He practiced medicine in Manchester and married **Nancy Pierrepont**, daughter of the owner of the Pierrepont Tavern. Their eldest son, **Pierrepont Isham** (born 1802), attended Burr Seminary, studied law under Judge Richard Skinner, and became a distinguished jurist, eventually serving on the Vermont Supreme Court. **Edward Swift Isham (1836–1902)** Edward Swift Isham was born in **1836** in Bennington. He attended **Burr Seminary**, **Lawrence Academy**, and **Williams College**, graduating Phi Beta Kappa in 1857. After studying law with his father and at Harvard, he moved to **Chicago in 1858**, where he built an extraordinary legal career. In **1872**, Isham formed the law firm **Isham & Lincoln** with **Robert Todd Lincoln**, son of President Abraham Lincoln. The firm later became **Isham, Lincoln & Beale**, specializing in major corporate and railroad litigation. Despite his demanding career, Isham remained deeply attached to Vermont. **Creation of Ormsby Hill (1885–1894)** After purchasing the Thompson Purdy Farm in **1885**, Isham transformed it into a grand summer estate named **Ormsby Hill**. He worked with architect **F. W. Stickney** to remodel the house, add a tower, verandas, barns, greenhouses, a sugarhouse, stone walls, and modern water and electrical systems. The estate became a social and cultural center, hosting prominent guests including **Robert Todd Lincoln**, **Mrs. Ulysses S. Grant**, and other national figures. Isham was generous to Manchester institutions, supporting the **Congregational Church**, **Dellwood Cemetery**, **Mark Skinner Library**, and **Burr & Burton Seminary**. **Tragedy and Later Years (1894–1902)** In **1894**, Isham’s wife **Frances** died after a fall on ice at Ormsby Hill. Despite this loss, Isham continued improving the estate and contributing to the community. He played a major role in founding the **Ekwanok Country Club**, serving as its first president and donating the **Isham Cup**. Edward Swift Isham died in **February 1902** in New York City. He was buried in Dellwood Cemetery beneath a monument he had commissioned. **Ormsby Hill After Isham** After his death, the estate continued as a summer home for his descendants. Family tragedies followed, including the loss of **Ann Eliza Isham** on the **Titanic** in 1912 and the death of **Edward Pierrepont Isham** in 1929. In **1944**, the Hardyman family established a trust that transformed Ormsby Hill into a **summer camp—and later a year-round home—for underprivileged boys**, many of whom went on to college and successful lives. **Modern Era and Preservation (1985–Present)** In the 1980s, administration of the trust passed to **Burr & Burton Seminary**, and the main house was eventually sold. In **1987**, Ormsby Hill became a **bed-and-breakfast inn**, undergoing careful renovation while retaining its historic character. Today, Ormsby Hill stands as a testament to over two centuries of Manchester history—shaped by settlers, statesmen, philanthropists, families, and generations of children who found refuge, learning, and joy on its grounds. **Timeline of Ormsby Hill** **17th–18th Century Foundations** - **1674** – William Randolph emigrates from England to Virginia - **1678** – Randolph marries **Mary Isham**, establishing the Isham–Randolph line later connected to Thomas Jefferson - **1761** – Manchester chartered by Gov. Benning Wentworth - **1764** – Settlers from Amenia, NY arrive; Gideon Ormsby and Benjamin Purdy among the earliest **Revolutionary Era** - **1775–1783** – American Revolution - Gideon Ormsby serves with distinction, rising to Major - Mercy Ormsby manages the farm and helps organize the Congregational Church - **1804** – Deaths of Gideon Ormsby and Deborah Purdy - **c. 1808** – Original Ormsby house burns **The Purdy Years** - **1795** – Birth of twins **Thompson Purdy** and **Rhoda Purdy** - **1823** – Thompson Purdy purchases 11 acres - **1825** – Thompson appears in storekeeper’s account book - **1826** – Thompson acquires 105 additional acres - **1832** – Thompson Purdy sells the farm and moves to Ohio **Transition of Ownership** - **1832–1869** – Farm owned by Major Hawley family (rental property) - **1869** – Sold to Levi Lampson - **1885** – Purchased by Edward Swift Isham **The Isham Era** - **1836** – Birth of **Edward Swift Isham** - **1857** – Isham graduates Phi Beta Kappa from Williams College - **1858** – Moves to Chicago; begins law career - **1872** – Forms law firm Isham & Lincoln with Robert Todd Lincoln - **1885** – Isham purchases Thompson Purdy Farm - **1887–1889** – Major construction and remodeling at Ormsby Hill - **1888** – Modern sugarhouse completed - **1894** – Death of Frances Isham after fall on ice - **1895** – Notable dinner party at Ormsby Hill - **1897** – Mark Skinner Library dedicated - **1899** – Isham elected first president of Ekwanok Country Club - **1902** – Death of Edward Swift Isham **After Isham** - **1905** – Robert Todd Lincoln occupies Hildene - **1912** – Ann Eliza Isham dies in the Titanic sinking - **1929** – Death of Edward Pierrepont Isham - **1944** – Ormsby Hill Trust established as children’s summer camp - **1954** – Year-round residential program begins - **1985** – Trust administration transferred to Burr & Burton Seminary - **1987** – Ormsby Hill becomes a bed-and-breakfast inn - **1989** – Isham stained-glass window presented to Harvard University **Family Trees** **The Ormsby Family** Jonathan Ormsby └── Gideon Ormsby (c.1736–1804) ── Mercy Ormsby ├── 12 children (all later settled elsewhere) **The Purdy Family** Benjamin Purdy ── Deborah Purdy (d.1804) └── Reuben Purdy ── Anna Powel ├── Thompson Purdy (1795–after 1832) ── Eleanor Collins │ └── 5 children └── Rhoda Purdy (1795– ) ── (moved to Ohio) **The Isham Family (Manchester Line)** Henry Isham └── Mary Isham ── William Randolph └── Randolph lineage └── Jane Randolph ── Peter Jefferson └── Thomas Jefferson **The Isham Family (Ormsby Hill Line)** Dr. Ezra Isham ── Nancy Pierrepont └── Pierrepont Isham (1802–1877) ── Samantha Swift ├── Edward Swift Isham (1836–1902) ── Frances Burch │ ├── Ann Eliza Isham (1862–1912) │ ├── Pierrepont Isham (1865–1906) │ ├── Edward Swift Isham Jr. ── Laura Miller │ │ ├── Frances P. Isham ── Dr. Paul Colonna │ │ ├── Edward Pierrepont Isham (1903–1929) │ │ └── Susan D. Isham ── Hugh Hardyman │ └── Frances Isham ── Henry Shelton └── Mary Isham ── Maj. Sartell Prentice **The Hardyman Legacy** Susan Isham ── Hugh Hardyman └── Pierrepont Hardyman (d.1944) └── Memorial Trust → Ormsby Hill children’s programs ![American Architect and Building New - June 22, 1889](https://www.ormsbyhill.com/wp-content/uploads/Rendering-of-IOH-1889-240x300.jpeg)American Architect and Building News – June 22, 1889 **Categories:** All blogs, General --- ### [Fall in Love with Vermont: Your Autumn Escape at the Inn at Ormsby Hill](https://www.ormsbyhill.com/blog/2025/07/fall-in-love-with-vermont-your-autumn-escape-at-the-inn-at-ormsby-hill) **Published:** July 10, 2025 **Author:** client-admin **Content:** ![Outdoor back view of the white shingled inn with covered porch, wide center stairs with railing, large stone patio with 3 large outdoor tables with 4 ratan arm chairs each and three kelly green umbrellas with 3 sets of natural wood adironack chair and table vignettes.](https://www.ormsbyhill.com/wp-content/uploads/gallery-rev-1-70-300x164.jpg) **Experience Fall in Vermont: A Perfect Autumn Itinerary from The Inn at Ormsby Hill** There’s something undeniably magical about fall in Vermont. Crisp mountain air, blazing foliage, and the scent of cider and woodsmoke in the breeze—it’s the season when the Green Mountains come alive in hues of gold, amber, and crimson. Nestled in the heart of it all, [The Inn at Ormsby Hill](https://www.ormsbyhill.com/) in Manchester provides the perfect home base for exploring quintessential [Vermont](https://vermontvacation.com/). Whether you’re chasing waterfalls, leaf-peeping, or savoring locally made chocolate, here’s your ideal autumn itinerary: --- # 🍁 **Chase Vermont’s Waterfalls** Start your journey with breathtaking views at: - [**Moss Glen Falls**](https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/vermont/moss-glen-falls-trail--3), Granville – A stunning cascade right off Route 100, surrounded by brilliant foliage. - [**Texas Falls**](https://vermontexplored.com/texas-falls-hancock-vermont/), Hancock – Located off VT-125, this accessible series of falls is especially photogenic in late September and early October. --- # 🧺 **Savor Local Flavor** - [**Mach’s Market**](https://machsmarket.com/), Pawlet – Grab a Vermont sandwich, maple cider, and admire local artisan goods. - [**The Vermont Country Store**](https://www.vermontcountrystore.com/), Weston – A charming general store experience with nostalgic treasures, flannel pajamas, and classic Vermont treats. - [**Chocolate Barn**](https://thechocolatebarn.com/), Shaftsbury – A sweet stop for house-made ice cream and hand-dipped chocolate. - [**Village Peddler & Chocolatorium**](https://www.villagepeddlervt.com/), East Arlington – A chocolate lover’s dream paired with quaint shopping. --- # 🚗 **Take a Scenic Drive** From winding country roads to postcard-perfect hillsides: - Cruise [**Route 100**](https://vermontvacation.com/things-to-do/trip-ideas-itineraries/scenic-drives/vermont-byways/) north from Manchester to Warren for the ultimate foliage drive. - Meander along **Route 30** for views of farmhouses, church spires, and covered bridges. - Stop and photograph **covered bridges** like: - **Chiselville Bridge**, Sunderland - **West Arlington Bridge**, near the Norman Rockwell House - **Silk Road, Paper Mill, and Burt Henry Bridges**, Bennington These “kissing bridges” once offered horse-and-buggy couples a moment of privacy—and today they’re picture-perfect fall backdrops. --- # 🥾 **Hike Into the Season** - **Lye Brook Falls Trail** – A moderate hike to one of Vermont’s tallest waterfalls. Stunning in peak foliage. - **Equinox Preserve Pond Loop** – Easy to moderate trails with serene views of the pond and surrounding mountain ridges ablaze in color. --- # 📚 **Step Into Vermont History** - [**Bennington Monument**](https://benningtonbattlemonument.com/) – Towering tribute to the Revolutionary War battle. Climb for panoramic views. - **Bennington Battlefield** – Explore the grounds and learn about Vermont’s vital role in early American history. - **Northshire Bookstore**, Manchester – Cozy up with a book from one of New England’s best independent bookstores. --- # 🛍️ **Shop, Stroll, and Savor** - [**Manchester Designer Outlets**](https://manchesterdesigneroutlets.com/) – From J.Crew to Theory, shop premium brands amid a quaint New England townscape. - **Local Farms & Apple Orchards** – Pick apples, sip cider, and snack on cider donuts at family-run orchards around Manchester and Dorset. --- # 🌿 **Forest Bathing & Fall Serenity** Unplug with: - A slow wander under the canopy of the [**Equinox Preserve**](https://www.equinoxpreservationtrust.org/). - Meditation and “forest bathing” along mossy trails or beneath golden sugar maples. - Admiring **historic farm machinery** displayed in villages and roadside barns—a nod to Vermont’s agricultural roots. --- # 🥣 **A Breakfast Legacy** Did you know [The Inn at Ormsby Hill](https://www.ormsbyhill.com/dining.html) was once featured on a **Kellogg’s cereal box**? Selected for its charm and history, it was part of the “Country Inn Specialties” line alongside Greyfield Inn in Georgia and Green Gables Inn in California. --- # 🍂 Stay Where History Meets Hospitality After your fall explorations, return to the warmth of [The Inn at Ormsby Hill](https://www.ormsbyhill.com/)—where history lives on in [every room](https://www.ormsbyhill.com/rooms.html) and leaf peeping begins at your window. Built by Edward Isham, law partner to Robert Todd Lincoln, this home once hosted dignitaries, cavalry regiments, and the family of Abraham Lincoln himself. Book your **mid-week fall getaway** today and enjoy special rates for stays from Sunday to Thursday. # 🍁 [www.ormsbyhill.com](http://www.ormsbyhill.com/) \| Direct booking = best rates! --- **Categories:** General, Guests Experiences, Recommended Trips **Tags:** Explore Vermont, Green Mountains, Hildene, Historic Machinery, Local Farms, Things to do in Vermont, Things to See in Vermont, Vermont Experience, Visit Vermont, Visiting Vermont --- ### [History of The INN at Ormsby HilL](https://www.ormsbyhill.com/blog/2025/06/history-of-the-inn-at-ormsby-hill) **Published:** June 12, 2025 **Author:** client-admin **Content:** 🏡 The Storied History of the Inn at Ormsby Hill, Manchester VT A Historic Vermont Inn With Presidential Connections, Revolutionary Roots & Cereal Box Fame Welcome to The Inn at Ormsby Hill, one of the most historically significant and beautifully preserved bed and breakfasts in Manchester, Vermont. Long before this luxury inn welcomed modern travelers, it was home to Revolutionary War heroes, Gilded Age elites, and even appeared on a Kellogg’s cereal box. Here’s a look at the extraordinary timeline that shaped this iconic estate. 🗺️ 1764: Founding of Manchester and the Birth of Ormsby Hill In 1764, settlers from Amenia, New York established the town of Manchester VT. Among the pioneers were Gideon Ormsby and Benjamin Purdy, who became foundational figures in the town’s early days. Ormsby, a Revolutionary War officer, left such a mark on the community that the hill bearing his name would one day house the estate that became our beloved inn. 🏡 1820s–1880s: The Purdy Farm Legacy In the 1820s, Thompson Purdy constructed a large home on the east side of Route 7A. This home, later known as the Thompson Purdy Farm, set the stage for what would become the Inn at Ormsby Hill. The land passed through several hands before being purchased by one of the most influential figures in Vermont history: Edward Swift Isham. 👔 1885–1902: Edward Isham, Robert Todd Lincoln & the Gilded Age When Edward Swift Isham, a successful Chicago attorney and law partner of Robert Todd Lincoln, acquired the estate in 1885, he transformed it into a grand summer retreat. Isham: – Constructed the estate’s iconicOfficewith help from architect F.W. Stickney – Built elaborate greenhouses and a sugarhouse for maple syrup production – Hosted distinguished guests including President William Howard Taft and Mrs. Ulysses S. Grant This era cemented Ormsby Hill’s reputation as one of Vermont’s most elegant summer estates. 🏰 1905: Robert Todd Lincoln Builds Hildene Next Door Following Edward Isham’s death in 1902, his son sold land behind Ormsby Hill to Robert Todd Lincoln, who built Hildene, now one of Vermont’s most visited historical attractions. The proximity of Hildene and Ormsby Hill links the two estates forever in Manchester’s cultural fabric. 1944–1980s: Ormsby Hill Becomes a Boys’ Summer Camp and School In a touching transformation, the estate became home to underprivileged boys from New York City in 1944, thanks to the Hardyman family. Later, it evolved into a residential group home where students attended Burr & Burton Seminary. This era exemplified the enduring mission of the Isham family: using Ormsby Hill to inspire and support the next generation. 🛏️ 1987–Present: A Bed and Breakfast Inn is Born After a long chapter of charitable use, the estate was lovingly restored and reopened as a Luxury Manchester VT bed and breakfast in 1987. Since then, it has seen a series of passionate innkeepers expand and preserve the property, turning it into a beloved escape for travelers. 🥣 1999: The Inn at Ormsby Hill Featured on a Kellogg’s Cereal Box In one of the Inn’s most unexpected honors, Kellogg’s selected it to represent their Country Inn Specialties line of premium cereal. Alongside The Greyfield Inn in Georgia and Green Gables Inn in California, Ormsby Hill appeared on cereal boxes across the country, becoming an ambassador for Vermont hospitality at breakfast tables nationwide. 👨‍👩‍👧 2016–Today: A New Chapter with the Orlando Family In 2016, current owners Jack and MaryAnn Orlando took over stewardship of the Inn. Maryann’s homemade granola is served everyday as part of the morning parfait. Under their care, the Inn continues its long tradition of warm, gracious hospitality while celebrating the rich legacy of the Isham, Purdy, and Ormsby families. ✨ Plan Your Stay at a Historic Manchester VT Inn Whether you’re here to explore the Green Mountains, tour [Hildene](https://hildene.org/), play golf at the [Equinox Golf Club](https://www.equinoxresort.com/southern_vt_golf/?msclkid=bebceca2779c15e21a1a84f3f61a984b&utm_source=bing&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=Equinox%20Resort%20Branded%20Ads&utm_term=equinox%20golf%20course&utm_content=Resort%20Branded%20Ad%20Group) or Ekwanok Country Club, or simply relax in a beautifully restored estate, The Inn at Ormsby Hill offers a one-of-a-kind experience. 📍 Book directly to enjoy the best rates: 👉 \[https://www.ormsbyhill.com\](https://www.ormsbyhill.com) [BOOK NOW](https://secure.thinkreservations.com/ormsbyhill/reservations?_gl=1%2Aovtgec%2A_gcl_au%2AODA1NzgwMjE2LjE3NDY4NzQ4MTI.%2A_ga%2AODM2MTU2MzcwLjE3MTk3MDk5NDA.%2A_ga_KCCQ44X2TG%2AczE3NDk1NjAwMDIkbzc2JGcxJHQxNzQ5NTYwMzMyJGo2MCRsMCRoMA.. "BOOK NOW") — **Categories:** General, Places Visited, Uncategorized --- ### [RAINY DAYS THINGS TO DO](https://www.ormsbyhill.com/blog/2025/05/rainy-days-things-to-do) **Published:** May 23, 2025 **Author:** client-admin **Content:** **RAINY DAYS THINGS TO DO WHEN VISITING THE INN AT ORMSBY HILL** When the weather isn’t quite the best, here are some ideas of things to do. Whether you’re a local or just visiting, here’s your guide to making the most of a wet and wonderful day in Manchester. **PARK – MCCULLOUGH HISTORIC GOVERNOR’S MANSION – Bennington, VT** **SEASON OPENING: 7/4/2025!** The mansion will be open for group tours and private events prior to July 4. **Regular opening hours for 2025: Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, 10 am – 2 pm. July 4 – October 12, 2025**. Advanced reservations are not required. Do not hesitate to contact us with questions, or for additional information on group tours and events. <https://www.parkmccullough.org/> NORTHSHIRE BOOKSTORE – Manchester, VT** **Northshire Bookstore** is a family-owned, independent, community bookstore dedicated to the art of bookselling and the highest standard of service. With locations in **Manchester Center, Vermont,** and **Saratoga Springs, New York**, Northshire is proud to offer one of the finest and largest collections of new, used and rare books in New England, with over 300,000 items. Additionally, we offer a curated collection of vinyl records, stationery, gifts and home goods, with a focus on featuring the work of local artisans. <https://www.northshire.com/> **SARATOGA AUTOMOBILE MUSEUM – Saratoga, NY** The Saratoga Automobile Museum opened in 2002 to celebrate the rich history, innovation, and cultural impact of the automobile. They strive to ignite a passion for automotive heritage with engaging exhibits, dynamic events, and educational programs. <https://www.saratogaautomuseum.org/> **HILDENE – THE LINCOLN FAMILY HOME – Manchester, VT** His father, Abraham Lincoln, was born in a log cabin and called from the humblest rank in life to preside over our nation during the most momentous period of its history. One generation later, Robert Todd Lincoln, the only child of Abraham and Mary Todd Lincoln to survive to adulthood, became president of the Pullman Company, the largest manufacturing corporation at the turn of the 20th century. He built Hildene in the early 1900s where he and wife Mary lived and enjoyed the beauty of Manchester Vermont. <https://hildene.org/> **SOUTHERN VERMONT ART CENTER** The mission of SVAC is to promote and nurture the arts by creating an inviting environment for our community to meet, enjoy, and participate in the arts. The SVAC community includes children, young adults, full time residents, summer residents, visitors, donors, and artists. Visit this beautiful 100-acre campus at the foot of the Taconic Mountains. Connect with SVAC today! <https://www.svac.org/> **MANCHESTER HOT GLASS** – **Manchester, VT** **Manchester Hot Glass** is a glass blowing studio & gallery open daily to the public. L located in the beautiful historic Depot section of Manchester, Vermont. Stop in and shop the gallery or call and book one of their popular Glassblowing classes! They offer a full line of beautiful hand-blown glass & jewelry. Custom orders are a specialty, along with bridal party gifts & wedding registries. Other services include glass & crystal repair. Get off the beaten path of Manchester, Vermont and find them in the Depot section of town. <https://www.manchesterhotglass.com/> **BENNINGTON MUSEUM – Bennington, VT** Bennington Museum presents and explores the rich culture of southern Vermont, eastern New York State, northwestern Massachusetts, and southern New Hampshire in all its forms, from the 18th century to the present. Connect with objects of art and history, and put them into context across time and place through innovative exhibitions and programming, virtually and in-person, year-round. <https://benningtonmuseum.org/> **THE VERMONT COUNTRY STORE – Weston & Rockingham, Vt** Visit the Vermont Country Store – You’ll be glad you did. Vermont’s most famous general stores – filled with a vast selection of both fun and useful products as well as brands from the past. VCS are purveyors of practical and hard-to-find items. You will be pleased with the selection of high-quality bedding, houseware, apparel, and gifts that are perfect for any occasion. The next time you visit the great state of Vermont, drop into one of their general stores. They are in both Weston and Rockingham, Vermont.[ .https://www.vermontcountrystore.com/](https://www.vermontcountrystore.com/) **D. LASSER CERAMICS – Londonderry, VT** Visit the studio Mondays through Fridays to watch them throwing pots, glazing, loading and firing kilns. It’s a fun and interesting sight to see. <https://lasserceramics.com/> **SIMON PEARCE – Quechee, VT** Since the beginning, Simon’s life has centered around functional, sophisticated design. Growing up in Ireland with a family of artisans, attention to detail and aesthetics were part of his everyday experience. At age 16, Simon began his craft as an apprentice at his father’s pottery studio. From there, he went on to work with notable glassmakers all over Europe before opening his namesake studio. Inspired by centuries-old Georgian glassmaking techniques and using the finest natural materials, Simon set out to create designs that bring pleasure and inspiration with every use, every day. Simon set out to create designs that bring pleasure and inspiration with every use, every day. The website alone is worth a tour, but best to see it in person and have lunch in the restaurant. <https://simonpearce.com/> **3 PEARS GALLERY – Manchester, VT** Proprietors Greg DeLuca & Judith Cohen The founders of 3 Pears Gallery have spent their lifetime in the arts, both performance and visual including interior, product and event design. They understand an artist’s process and the needs of a client which is evident in this unique and thriving gallery. <https://3pearsgallery.com/> **VERMONT’S ONLY PLAYABLE PINBALL MUSEUM – Manchester, VT** **THE PERFECT PASTIME FOR PLAYERS OF ALL AGES!** Do you long for the simple joys of days gone by? That world still exists at Pastime Pinball in the Green Mountains of southern Vermont! Come discover the dazzling art, music and mechanics of a pop culture icon that has been around for 75+ years. Pastime Pinball is a family-friendly playable pinball museum in the heart of beautiful Manchester Center, Vermont. It features 66 top-rated pinball machines from every major American manufacturer set to FREE PLAY. Just pay admission at the door for unlimited fun! <https://pastimepinball.com/> **MANCHESTER DESIGNER OUTLETS – Manchester, VT** Since the grand opening of the very first building in the summer of 1985, Manchester Designer Outlets has become known throughout the outlet industry as a “legacy” center. Now, at 135,000 square feet, Manchester Designer Outlets is a world-renowned, distinct outlet shopping destination comprised of 24 individual buildings. Offering customers a one-of-a-kind shopping experience with an unmatched collection of brands. <https://manchesterdesigneroutlets.com/> **Categories:** General, Places Visited, Recommended Trips --- ### [Pecan Crumble Baked French Toast with Bourbon Maple Syrup](https://www.ormsbyhill.com/blog/2023/06/pecan-crumble-baked-french-toast-with-bourbon-maple-syrup) **Published:** June 26, 2023 **Author:** client-admin **Content:** **Pecan Crumble Baked French Toast with Bourbon Maple Syrup** This recipe makes 1 – 9 X 13 casserole – serves 6 to 8: ![Pecan Crumble Baked French toast for breakfast in bowls with Vermont Maple syrup mixed with Village Bourbon](https://www.ormsbyhill.com/wp-content/uploads/IMG_4375-Breakfast-Baked-French-Toast-rotated-e1687631810664-225x300.jpg)Pecan Crumble Baked French toast for breakfast in bowls with Vermont Maple syrup mixed with Village Bourbon **Ingredients** - 1 (1-pound) loaf of challah bread (12 to 14 cups of bread cubes) - 1 tablespoon *softened* unsalted butter, - 5 cups half and half or whole milk, - 6 large eggs, - 1 cup granulated sugar, - 2 teaspoons vanilla extract, - 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional,) - 1/8 teaspoon salt **Equipment** - 9×13-inch baking dish - 2 baking sheets - Mixing bowl **Preparing the Bread and Custard** - Heat the oven to 350°F arranging 2 racks to divide the oven into thirds. - Slice the bread into bite sized cubes – leave the crust for a more rustic look. - Divide the bread cubes into 2 rimmed baking sheets and spread evenly. Toast stirring halfway through, until the cubes are still pale feeling dry and hard to the touch (about 15 to 20 minutes total.) Remove and set aside to cool slightly. - Coat a 9×13-inch baking dish with the butter and add bread cubes and gently patting the cubes down so they settle into place. - In a large bowl combine the milk, eggs, sugar, vanilla, cinnamon (optional), and salt and whisk the custard. - Pour the custard into the bread cubes baking dish making sure to get it into all the nooks and crannies to just below the top of the bread (edges and corners can poke out.) - Refrigerate overnight (1 hour if you are in a hurry.) Cover and refrigerate overnight giving the bread time to absorb the custard. **Baking the casserole** Heat the oven to 350°F. Arrange a rack in the middle of the oven and heat to 350°F. Uncover the bread pudding and bake for approximately 45 to 55 minutes (try inserting a tooth pick into the middle of the pudding and comes out clean and the tips of the bread on top are beginning to toast, If the top seems like it’s getting dark before the custard is done, tent the dish loosely with aluminum foil. Set the baking dish aside on a wire cooling rack letting it cool for 10 minutes. **Bourbon Maple syrup** We use Village Garage Distillery’s “Village Bourbon” and Sugar Shack Maple Syrup – Mix ¾ cup maple syrup (we use dark robust) to 2 Tbsp bourbon whiskey and ½ tsp of good vanilla extract. Heat in a small pot over low heat to lower the alcohol content (about 5 minutes) or use straight. **Preparing the Pecan Crumble** **Ingredients for 1 casserole dish** - 1 cup of pecan halves - 4 tablespoons chilled salted butter cut into pieces. - 4 tablespoons light brown sugar. Pulse pecans, butter, brown sugar in a food processor until nuts are coarsely chopped. Refigerate and sprinkle onto bread before baking in the oven. ***MY NOTES*** *We make this fresh, but you can make this ahead of time. Cover tightly and refrigerate for up to 4 days. Reheat – its delicious and I promise to not tell.* *Individual bread puddings: You can also prepare this pudding in individual ramekins. Divide the ingredients between as many ramekins as you have, filling them with custard mixture to just below the top. Chill and bake as normal, but start checking the puddings after about 20 minutes to gauge baking speed.* ***BREAKFAST AT THE INN*** *We serve breakfast between 8:30 and 9:30 and prepare the entrees individually as guests come down. So, when we do this fabulous bread pudding I let them know the night before the breakfast schedule. We serve a parfait consisting of blueberries and strawberries, yogurt (that’s mixed with Vermont maple syrup, topped with the Inn’s homemade granola before the breakfast entrée.* **Categories:** All blogs, Breakfasts **Tags:** Baked French Toast, breakfast, Breakfast Recipe, Farm Fresh --- ### [Top Five Reasons to visit Manchester Vermont 2025](https://www.ormsbyhill.com/blog/2025/03/top-five-reasons-to-visit-manchester-vermont-2023) **Published:** March 19, 2025 **Author:** client-admin **Content:** - **10 – Vintage cars race up Skyline Drive to the top of Mount Equinox in Sunderland Vermont – *Saturday and Sunday Aug 9 – Aug 10*** - Great for spectators and photographers – the vehicles are prepped and staged in the parking area and you are welcome to visit the cars and drivers. ![Steering Wheel in Vintage Race Car](https://www.ormsbyhill.com/wp-content/uploads/DSC_3132XcoppedX1-1024x481.jpg)Ready to race up the Equinox Toll Road – Sky Line Drive in Manchester Vermont - **9 – Drive through covered bridges** - Bridges were covered to keep the wood dry and thereby avoid rot. This became the trend in 1805 when a bridge designed by architect Timothy Palmer proved most durable. - Most covered bridges are painted red because iron ochre was an inexpensive pigment. Here is an early recipe for bridge paint: 2 quarts skim milk, buttermilk or whey; 8 oz. newly slaked lime, 6 oz. oil from ground flaxseed, 2 oz. turpentine; 1.5 lbs. pulverized ochre. - The most common type of covered bridge is Town Lattice. All the covered bridges in Bennington County fall under this category. ![Red painted covered bridge with one lane road surrounded by trees and bright blue skies.](https://www.ormsbyhill.com/wp-content/uploads/Chiselville-Bridge-1-1.jpg)Chiselville Covered Bridge - **8 – Fly Fishing the Battenkill River** – [Vermont Fish & Wildlife Department](https://vtfishandwildlife.com/sites/fishandwildlife/files/documents/Fish/SMA-maps/BattenKillSMA_Final.pdf) - One of New England’s most iconic trout fishing rivers and is considered by many to be the home of fly fishing. It flows from East Dorset, through Manchester, Sunderland, and Arlington before entering New York and continuing to the Hudson River. - Wild Brook and Brown Trout can be found throughout the Vermont portion of the river, with fish generally larger further downstream. - The fish in this all-wild fishery are notoriously wily, making it the perfect place for any angler to test their skill. South of the Route 11/30 bridge, trout are catch-and-release only, and they are seasonally catch-and-release further upstream. - ****7 –** Music and Arts – Manchester, VT** - Green Mountain Bluegrass and Roots Festival – August 14-17, 2025 – [Info](https://www.greenmountainbluegrass.com/) - Dead of Summer Festival – July 11-13, 2025 – [Info](https://www.deadofsummermusicfestival.com/) - Dorset Theatre Festival – [Info](https://dorsettheatrefestival.org/) - Taconic Music Summer Festival 2025 –[Info](https://taconicmusic.org/) - **6 – Celebrate with family and friends** ![Couple in the mist under an umbrella](https://www.ormsbyhill.com/wp-content/uploads/201205__BARRIE-FISHER-PHOTO_-215-683x1024.jpg)Don and Beth Fantine - **5 – Winter Sports – Skiing, Cross Country and downhill skiing, snowmobiling and snowshoeing** ![Four snowmobilers enjoying a day out in the Green Mountains](https://www.ormsbyhill.com/wp-content/uploads/IMG_0217mkt-1024x614.jpg)Vermont Mountain Adventures snowmobile tour led by a tour guide - **4 – Shopping – outlets and unique retail stores** - ****3 – **March Maple Madness – Tour and Taste [Info](https://www.manchestervermont.com/vermont-maple-syrup/)****** Visit a Sugar House in March and seeing how maple syrup is made - The Sugar Shack in Arlington, Vermont is a family owned and operated business that stocks a full line of Vermont made products, including our very own Pure VT Maple Syrup (made onsite) Maple Creemees, Homemade Cider Donuts, Pies, Cookies, Candies, Jams, Cheese, Meats and a huge selection of VT gifts, apparel, and much more! [SUGAR SHACK](https://www.sugarshackvt.com/) ![](https://www.ormsbyhill.com/wp-content/uploads/IMG_5626-1024x768.jpg)Boiling equipment to make maple syrup at the Sugar Shack ![View of the Sugar Shack ](https://www.ormsbyhill.com/wp-content/uploads/IMG_5621-1024x768.jpg)The Sugar Shack sellers of all things Maple Syrup and more! - **2 – History – Hildene – the Lincoln Family home – built by Abraham Lincoln’s son Robert Todd Lincoln** - Vermont’s independent spirit played a significant role in America’s fight for freedom. Visit the many historic sites in Vermont and learn more about its history at [Vermont History](https://vermontvacation.com/vermont-history/) - **Hildene – the Lincoln Family Home** – the summer home of Robert Todd Lincoln and his wife Mary Harlan Lincoln, located at 1005 Hildene Road in Manchester Center, Vermont. Robert Todd Lincoln was the son of Abraham and Mary Todd Lincoln. - Explore the 400 plus acres and visit the formal gardens, a restored Pullman car, the Hildene goat farm and dairy, and the trail system – 12 miles of walking trails. [The Lincoln Family Home](https://hildene.org/) ![Exterior rear of large two-story house with a green awning and well-maintained garden.](https://www.ormsbyhill.com/wp-content/uploads/header-museums-1024x456.jpg)The gardens of Hildene are spectacular - ****1 – Unique lodging experiences at a Bed and Breakfast.**** - Built in 1764 by Thompson Purdy, the INN at Ormsby Hill is one of the oldest structures in Manchester. The basement portion of the inn still contains the marble slabs that were abundant in the 18th Century. In the foyer of the old entrance is the smoke room where meats were hung and cured. It is believed that Ethan Allen hid in this “room” during the Revolutionary War. The house also may have served as a safe house for the Underground Railroad. Stay at this iconic Vermont Bed and Breakfast. ![Colonial white house with dark green shutters, large circular driveway with stone gates with gas lamps and wrought iron gates open.](https://www.ormsbyhill.com/wp-content/uploads/home-rotation-rev-1-105-300x134.jpg)South gate entrance to The INN at Ormsby Hill - **Honorable Mentions** - Canoeing, tubing and kayaking - Fall foliage - Falconry - ![Barn Owl coming to perch on Cheryl's gloved hand](https://www.ormsbyhill.com/wp-content/uploads/IMG_8812-Cheryl-05.09.2021-300x214.jpg)Barn Owl coming to perch on Cheryl’s gloved hand See a more detailed list of Vermont Experiences and things to do on **our website.** [Visit Manchester Vermont](https://www.ormsbyhill.com/hiking.html) **Categories:** All blogs, Events, General, Places Visited, Recommended Trips, Uncategorized --- ### [Winter Activities 2024 - Ski and Snowmobile Experiences, Sleigh Rides and Equipment Rentals](https://www.ormsbyhill.com/blog/2024/01/5738) **Published:** January 8, 2024 **Author:** client-admin **Content:** Enjoy great winter fun in Southern Vermont and later relax in your private jacuzzi and enjoy the in-room fireplace at The INN at Ormsby Hill. Below are links for ski rentals, snowmobiling, cross country skiing and sleigh rides. Visit their websites for more details. ![](https://www.ormsbyhill.com/wp-content/uploads/SkiButlers_Primary_Logo_Dark-Green-300x225.png)Ski Butlers We have your ski rentals covered. Skis and equipment rental brought to you. See link below. [Ski Butlers Rentals](https://www.skibutlers.com/portal/ormsbyhill "Ski Butlers Retals") ![Four snowmobilers enjoying a day out in the Green Mountains](https://www.ormsbyhill.com/wp-content/uploads/IMG_0217mkt-300x180.jpg)Vermont Mountain Adventures snowmobile tour led by a tour guide [Vermont Mountain Adventures Snowmobile](https://vermontmountainadventures.com/ "Vermont Mountain Adventures Snowmobile") ![Image of two peopple skiing](https://www.ormsbyhill.com/wp-content/uploads/dylan-malcolm-skate-skiing_orig-1-300x196.jpg)Image from the Viking Nordic Center ***Cross Country Skiing in Vermont*** [Viking Nordic Center](https://www.vikingnordic.com/ "Viking Nordic Center") [Wild Wings Cross Country Skiing](https://wildwingsski.com/ "Wild Wings Cross Country Skiing") **Categories:** All blogs, General, Guests Experiences, Uncategorized --- ### [Bennington Potters, Bennington, Vermont](https://www.ormsbyhill.com/blog/2019/04/bennington-potters) **Published:** April 24, 2019 **Author:** client-admin **Content:** We took a trip to Bennington today for provisions for the Inn and took a much-anticipated side trip to Bennington Potters. We stopped off in the store first and fell in love with the place. The ladies in the store were so helpful and accommodating. After picking out some items for the inn, they encouraged us to visit the factory behind the shop and meet with Terry. Terry has been around there for a long time and knows so much of the history of the building (an old grist mill and depot) and the workings of the pottery factory. Terry gave us a tour of the entire factory that took over 30 minutes. He told us about the late David Gil founder of Bennington Potters. David Gil’s ceramics are amazing and can be found in museums throughout the world. The business has continued since his death at 79 in 2002. Check him out on Google – quite an amazing story. Terry explained the clay making process – all the ceramics are made of a special clay formulated by David Gil. He showed us the press process and the molding process. He asked us if we could smell any chemicals in the factory – we couldn’t because there are no chemicals in the process of glazing – all natural products are used. Terry brought us to the kiln where the ceramics are dried – a 20 foot long multi-level truck of various clay pieces gets pulled into and out of the kiln by cable. It takes hours to dry the pieces and harden them for use. Spoiler alert – the pieces come out at about 75% of the size that went in.[](http://blog.ormsbyhill.com/2017/03/26/bennington-pottery-bennington-vermont-march-26-2017/img_1567/) The best day to see the factory is, I believe, Sunday when Terry is there. The shop is quite and there is a certain reverence that you can feel in the quiet. Tours are available during the week as well and the employees will show you around and explain the processes, too. The logo which can be seen above the factory entrance looks like a fork –no spoiler alert required here – it is not. But I will let Terry tell about it you when you get there. After the tour of the factory, we returned to the store and of course bought some more ceramics. Be forewarned, when you visit you will be more than tempted to go away with bags full of ceramics. **Categories:** All blogs, Places Visited **Tags:** business, local, pottery, Tour --- ### [We visited Manchester Vermont for several reasons](https://www.ormsbyhill.com/blog/2023/12/5732) **Published:** December 15, 2023 **Author:** client-admin **Content:** We visited Manchester Vermont for several reasons. Manchester is the quintessential Vermont town with restaurants offering a wide range of cuisines, local breweries, art galleries, shopping, hiking and scenic rides. It was only a few hours’ drive from Westchester NY and the start of a relaxing three-day getaway. The last hour of our drive was especially easy and peaceful as the busy interstate gave way to scenic country roads. Driving between the granite pillars and iron gates you get your first glimpse of this historic building – it felt like we were home. Truly the centerpiece of Manchester is the Lincoln Family Home – Hildene. The formal gardens, the restored Sunbeam Pullman train car, the goat farm, walking trails and the Dene are stretched over the 400-acre property. The mansion is beautifully maintained in the turn of the 20th century style. We felt like we stepped back in time. Built by Robert Todd Lincoln and has President Abraham Lincoln’s stovepipe hat on display. Interestingly, Robert Todd Lincoln was law partners with Edward Isham who owned the Ormsby Hill property and summered in the building now known as The Inn at Ormsby Hill. North on 7A and only two miles from the inn is Manchester’s retail area. We visited the Orvis Flagship Store and Outlet, Catbird Studio, Northshire Book Store, Mountain Goat and the other outlet stores on Route 30. We stopped for lunch at RoadRunner tucked away just off Main Street. During breakfast at the inn another guest suggested that we visit the Southern Vermont Art Center to see “The Wee Worlds of Salley Mavor” and Ahley Bryant’s “The Spirit of Joy.” Finally, dinner at the nearby Silver Fork where we had Wiener schnitzel with German Potato Salad and Swordfish with Gondulez Stew. We found out that reservations need to be made well in advance, yet but were lucky to get a call back for a last-minute cancelation. We returned to The INN at Ormsby Hill for a relaxing evening by the fire in The Gathering Room. The next day we hiked the Equinox Preservation Trust’s trail around the pond loop. The Mount Equinox Skyline Drive was already closed for the season so we missed out on driving up to the top…which we will do when we come back next August. A trip to the Vermont Country Store in Weston is another step back in time visiting this general store. Across the street are other shops – the Weston Village Christmas Shop provided some holiday spirited shopping. Our Christmas decorations are now complete? (Well, I am sure we will return for more next visit.) We dined at Chantecleer Restaurant in East Dorset (7 miles from the inn) – a remodeled dairy barn featuring a magnificent stone fireplace decorated with numerous roosters (thus the name Chantecleer – French for rooster.) The Roasted Long Island Duck and Whole Dover Sole were wonderfully delicious. Later, we enjoyed some wine from the inn’s wine shoppe and planned the other things to do in the area for our next visit. Matt and Ellen **Categories:** General, Guests Experiences **Tags:** Explore Vermont, hiking, Relaxation, Things to Do, Vermont Experience, Visit Vermont --- ### [Christmas is coming to The INN at Ormsby Hill 2023](https://www.ormsbyhill.com/blog/2023/12/christmas-is-coming-to-the-inn-at-ormsby-hill-2023) **Published:** December 5, 2023 **Author:** client-admin **Content:** **Christmas 2023 – Our 8th year celebrating Christmas at The INN at Ormsby Hill.** We purchased the inn on November 22, 2016 and immediately started decorating for the Southern Vermont Shires Holiday Inn Tours which was held on the first weekend in December. ![Dining Room at Christmas](https://www.ormsbyhill.com/wp-content/uploads/IMG_5557-300x225.jpeg) We served wine and cheese, cookies, mulled apple cider and hot fudge from New England Hot Fudge. This year we decorated just a few days before Thanksgiving and are looking forward to participating in the Inn Tours again. We are thrilled to have so many people that either live in the area or are just visiting stop in to share the holiday mood. The money collected for the Inn Tour tickets is raised to benefit local food shelf charities. Over the years many people have stopped in and said how often they passed the inn and wished to get a look inside – they are always thrilled to visit. If you would like a quick video tour of the inn decorated for Christmas, press the Youtube link below, but please come by on Saturday December 9th and visit The INN at Ormsby Hill and all the other participating inns in the area. [https://youtube.com/shorts/0wEG\_u1OIak?si=q6VLIf1IB6khviNx](https://youtube.com/shorts/0wEG_u1OIak?si=q6VLIf1IB6khviNx) *We wish everyone and Merry Christmas and a Joyous Holiday Season* ![Stairs decorated for Christmas](https://www.ormsbyhill.com/wp-content/uploads/IMG_5536-225x300.jpeg) ![](https://www.ormsbyhill.com/wp-content/uploads/IMG_5538-225x300.jpeg) ![](https://www.ormsbyhill.com/wp-content/uploads/IMG_5547-225x300.jpeg) ![](https://www.ormsbyhill.com/wp-content/uploads/IMG_5549-225x300.jpeg) ![](https://www.ormsbyhill.com/wp-content/uploads/IMG_5559-300x225.jpeg) ![The Living Room at Christmas](https://www.ormsbyhill.com/wp-content/uploads/IMG_5560-300x225.jpeg) ![](https://www.ormsbyhill.com/wp-content/uploads/IMG_5556-1-300x225.jpeg) ![Inn Tour 2023](https://www.ormsbyhill.com/wp-content/uploads/image003-4-300x90.jpg) *Click on Manchester Merriment below for details regarding the Inn Tours and other holiday happenings in Manchester Vermont.* > [Manchester Merriment](https://www.manchestervermont.com/manchester-merriment/) **Categories:** All blogs, Events --- ### [French Toast inspired by Ina Garten](https://www.ormsbyhill.com/blog/2020/03/french-toast-inspired-by-ina-garten) **Published:** March 12, 2020 **Author:** client-admin **Content:** **![French Toast on white dish](https://www.ormsbyhill.com/wp-content/uploads/IMG_5478X-Xcropped-300x246.jpeg)![](https://www.ormsbyhill.com/wp-content/uploads/IMG_5474-300x225.jpeg)** **Serves 6 – 12 slices of Challah bread** Who hasn’t tried to make French toast? Jack claims he was cooking it in 1st grade (although he admits that results varied … and still do.) Leave the challah, or other bread (remember experimenting is fun) out for a day to make it a bit stale. Some recipes say you must use stale or frozen, but I have had no problem using fresh bread. Cut to 3/4 of an inch. Cook in equal amounts of oil and butter – butter helps it brown and the oil keeps it from smoking up while you cook. **Ingredients for the Custard** - 9 large eggs – beat lightly - 2 1/4 cups of milk (half-and-half or milk (Lactaid, too) - 1 1/2 teaspoons grated orange zest - 3/4 teaspoons of pure vanilla extract - 1 1/2 tablespoon honey - 3/4 teaspoons salt **Custard** - In a large bowl whisk together the ingredients above - I pour the custard in to a shallow casserole pan and dip each piece for about 5 seconds and then turning over for another 5. - I cook on a cast iron grill and brush on the mixture of melted butter and oil - Cook for about 2 to 3 minutes on each side until golden brown - We serve immediately, but you can place the cooked French toast on a cookie sheet and keep warm in the oven and serve at one time. **Serving the French Toast** Top with confectionery sugar. Sometimes we add sliced bananas, sliced strawberries, or maple bourbon syrup. We always have Vermont maple syrup warmed and ready to pour. **Warning** If Jack is cooking, don’t ask for the recipe…it varies! ![](https://www.ormsbyhill.com/wp-content/uploads/IMG_5478X-XcroppedX2-300x159.jpeg) ![Challah from Klinger's in South Burlington](https://www.ormsbyhill.com/wp-content/uploads/IMG_5646Xchallah-300x300.jpeg)Challah from Klinger’s in South Burlington ***BREAKFAST AT THE INN*** *We serve breakfast between 8:30 and 9:30 and prepare the entrees individually as guests come down. So, when we do this fabulous bread pudding I let them know the night before the breakfast schedule. We serve a parfait consisting of blueberries and strawberries, yogurt (that’s mixed with Vermont maple syrup, topped with the Inn’s homemade granola before the breakfast entree.* **Categories:** All blogs, Breakfasts **Tags:** Bread, Breakfast Recipe, Farm Fresh, Local Farms --- ### [Buttermilk Belgian Waffles](https://www.ormsbyhill.com/blog/2020/03/buttermilk-belgian-waffles) **Published:** March 12, 2020 **Author:** client-admin **Content:** ![](https://www.ormsbyhill.com/wp-content/uploads/IMG_5459-225x300.jpeg)We purchased a Belgian Waffle iron at Williams Sonoma and it’s always fun to make them. *Of course we have to hear Jack’s story that Belgian Waffles were introduced to the USA in 1964 at the New York World’s Fair and how much he loved gong to the fair which was only a few miles from his home in Queens. So as not to annoy our guests, Jack is assigned to the griddle and is not allowed out to tell his story to unsuspecting guests.* **Makes about 6 waffles – we serve two per guest** **INGREDIENTS FOR WAFFLE MIXTURE** - 2 cups of (10 ounces) all-purpose flour (we use King Arthur Flour from Vermont) - 1/2 cup dried buttermilk powder (ask your supermarket where to find it) - 1 tablespoon sugar - 3/4 teaspoon salt - 1/2 teaspoon baking soda - 1/2 cup sour cream - 2 large eggs - 1/4 teaspoon pure vanilla extract - 1 1/4 cups seltzer - 1/4 cup vegetable oil **INSTRUCTIONS** - Preheat oven to 300 degrees F - (this is to crisp the waffles for a few minutes after they come off the iron) - Place a wire rack onto a rimmed cookie sheet **MIXING THE BATTER** - In a large bowl mix whisk the following ingredients and set aside - Flour - Buttermilk powder - Sugar - Salt - In a medium bowl whisk the following wet ingredients - Sour cream - Eggs - Vanilla - Oil - Gently stir in the seltzer to the wet ingredients - Make a well in the dry ingredients – pour in the wet ingredients - Gently stir in with a rubber spatula - batter will be lumpy and should have a few streaks of dry mix **COOKING THE WAFFLE – Here’s where the fun begins** - Carefully follow the directions from the waffle maker – Then wing it - A few pointers - The iron has to be hot, so don’t try to make waffles one after another - Close the iron after you remove waffles and let it heat up again - *On ours a light turns green when its ready to pour in the batter* - We use about 1/2 cup in each compartment (ours has 4) - We cook about 4 minutes using a timer - Don’t forget to reset the timer after you pour in the batter - Watch for the steam to stop coming out of the iron - What to do when the steams continues to come out well after 4 minutes - *Here’s where winging it really comes into play ..*. - Use your judgement – record the time that gave good results - and 10 minutes is definitely far too long - Remove the waffles from the iron and place onto the wire rack in the oven to crisp them a bit (at 300 degrees two minutes should be enough) ![Belgian waffles with strawberry](https://www.ormsbyhill.com/wp-content/uploads/IMG_5459X-XcroppedX2-300x190.jpeg) ***BREAKFAST AT THE INN*** *We serve breakfast between 8:30 and 9:30 and prepare the entrees individually as guests come down. So, when we do this fabulous bread pudding I let them know the night before the breakfast schedule. We serve a parfait consisting of blueberries and strawberries, yogurt (that’s mixed with Vermont maple syrup, topped with the Inn’s homemade granola before the breakfast entree.* **Categories:** All blogs, Breakfasts **Tags:** Belgian waffles, breakfast, Buttermilk waffles --- ### [Bread Pudding with Bourbon Glaze](https://www.ormsbyhill.com/blog/2020/03/4874) **Published:** March 11, 2020 **Author:** client-admin **Content:** ![Bread Pudding in white ramakin on green plate with utentensil](https://www.ormsbyhill.com/wp-content/uploads///IMG_1835-225x300.jpeg) **Serves 6 using 16 ounce ramekins** I love to experiment with different glazes and filings – I will sometimes chop and mash bananas and add with the raisin, too. Or glaze with Bananas foster. Try it, you’ll like it! **Here is my basic recipe**. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees – I set the rack to the lower third of the oven. Prepare the ramekins by lightly buttering them and put off to the side. Also, I use a baking sheet to place the ramekins onto when later putting them into the oven. **Ingredients for the Pudding** - 12 tbls unsalted butter - 1 and 1/2 lbs of either challah or french brioche cut into 1 inch cubes - 2 cups of heavy cream - 2 cups of milk - 3 teaspoons of vanilla - 1/2 cup of granulated sugar - 1 cup packed light-brown sugar - 1 cup of golden raisins - 6 large eggs – beat lightly **Ingredients for the Glaze** - 4 tbls unsalted butter - 2 tbls of Bourbon - 1/2 cup of heavy cream - 1 cup powdered (confectioner’s) sugar **Preparing the Pudding** - Pour the cream and milk over the bread in a large bowl to soak – - set aside and maintain at room temperature - Melt the butter over medium heat in a medium sauce pan - Remove from heat - add vanilla and both sugars - Stir until smooth - Whisk the eggs in a medium bowl - Whisk in the butter mixture until well combined and smooth - Add raisins - Pour over bread and toss until well combined - Divide the bread mixture into the ramekins - Place the six ramekins onto a rimmed baking sheet. - Cover with parchment and aluminum foil and bake for 20 minutes. - Remove the foil and parchment, continue cooking for about 20 to 30 minutes more or until golden brown. **Making the Glaze** - Melt the butter over medium heat in a medium sauce pan - Remove from heat - add bourbon and powdered sugar - stir until combined - Add cream and mix smooth **Serving the Bread Pudding** Remove the bread pudding from the oven and lightly pour the bourbon glaze over the pudding. Serve warm. *I will prepare this when we have up to 6 or less for breakfast (adjusting the measurement as appropriate). It takes about 40 minutes to cook and we aim to have it ready by 8:30.* ***BREAKFAST AT THE INN*** *Most days we serve breakfast between 8:30 and 9:30 and prepare the entrees individually as guests come down. So, when we do this fabulous bread pudding I let them know the night before the breakfast schedule. We serve a parfait consisting of blueberries and strawberries, yogurt (that’s mixed with Vermont maple syrup, topped with the Inn’s homemade granola before the breakfast entree.* *We make this fresh, but you can make this ahead of time. Cover tightly and refrigerate for up to 4 days. Reheat – its delicious and I promise to not tell.* ![Bread Pudding in white ramakin on green plate with utentensil](https://www.ormsbyhill.com/wp-content/uploads/IMG_1835-225x300.jpeg) **Categories:** All blogs, Breakfasts --- ### [College Reunion - The Iona College Gaels Football Team](https://www.ormsbyhill.com/blog/2023/06/college-reunion-the-iona-college-gaels-football-team) **Published:** June 18, 2023 **Author:** client-admin **Content:** ![Collage of of friends gathered for a golf tournament](https://www.ormsbyhill.com/wp-content/uploads/portrait.jpg)Iona College Football We had a great time visiting with our friends from college. The Iona Gaels 1973 Met Bowl champion football team (and cheerleaders) came to celebrate our victory 50 years ago and had the fun of having a 70th birthday party for one of our distinguished cheerleaders, Ellen. ![Friends at Dinner](https://www.ormsbyhill.com/wp-content/uploads/Dinner-Sunday-at-Barrows-House-1024x768.jpg)Sunday night Dinner We had a scrumptious dinner on Sunday at the Barrows House in Dorset, a birthday party on Monday night with pizza from Mach’s Market – cake from Mother Myrick’s, a golf outing on Tuesday at the Equinox Golf Club in Manchester, and followed by an outstanding dinner back at the inn catered by Mach’s Market. ![Jeannie Gaston golf swing](https://www.ormsbyhill.com/wp-content/uploads/jeannie.jpg)Jeannie Gaston Golf Swing It was a wonderful few days being able to spend time with such good friends. The Inn at Ormsby Hill has hosted several family and friends reunions as well as small weddings on occasion. It is always a pleasure seeing people relaxing and enjoying our inn and Manchester Vermont. ![Ellen wearing a tiara 70 Years of Awesome](https://www.ormsbyhill.com/wp-content/uploads/IMG_9559-S.jpg)70 Years of Awesome ![wearing funny hats for birthday celebration](https://www.ormsbyhill.com/wp-content/uploads/IMG_9573-S.jpg)John and Tommy ![So what do you think of the new helmets?](https://www.ormsbyhill.com/wp-content/uploads/IMG_9581-S-text.jpg)So what do you think of the new helmets? ![Golf Trio at the Equinox](https://www.ormsbyhill.com/wp-content/uploads/Donna-Tony-and-Jeannie-Golf-1024x768.jpg)Golf Trio at the Equinox **Categories:** Uncategorized --- ### [Shinrin-yoku](https://www.ormsbyhill.com/blog/2023/01/shinrin-yoku) **Published:** January 31, 2023 **Author:** client-admin **Content:** ![Woman walking through forest with walking stick](https://www.ormsbyhill.com/wp-content/uploads/IMG_4205-mao-hiking-2-1024x696.jpg)A walk in the forest - In 1982, the Japanese Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry, and Fisheries coined the term “Shinrin-yoku” which translates to “Forest Bathing.” This Japanese practice is a process of relaxation. The simple method of being calm and quiet amongst the trees, observing nature around you whilst breathing deeply can help de-stress and boost health and wellbeing in a natural way. ## **Where to Forest Bath** - Any park or wooded area is a good starting point. - A great place is in the mountains of Vermont – the Taconic range and the Green Mountains offer more trails than can be traversed in one lifetime. - We have a pamphlet compliments of “The Mountain Goat – Outdoor Clothing & Gear” that features 9 trails in or near Manchester*.* Here’s a sampling. - The Equinox Preservation Trust trails offer several choices including a walk around Equinox pond, or a 2,800 foot elevation gain to the top of Mount Equinox. - Lye Brook Falls leads to one of the highest waterfalls in Vermont. - The Long Trail – visit the Green Mountain Club website <https://www.greenmountainclub.org/the-long-trail/> for more information. ## **Some tips on Forest Bathing** - Turn off the phone and any other electronic devices – watches, etc. - Breath long breaths – inhale deeply into the abdomen and exhale twice as long as the inhalation sending the message to your body to relax. - Breath through your nose and smell the air and what’s around you. - Nature’s greens and blues are soothing. Breath them in. - Sit for a while – be mindful and enjoy the forest experience. - Use your senses and take in the surrounding environment. ![Walking thru forest after passing over a wooden bridge](https://www.ormsbyhill.com/wp-content/uploads/IMG_2388-hiking-5.jpg)Walking thru forest after passing over a wooden bridge ## **Benefits of Forest Bathing** As little as 10 to 20 minutes can provide many benefits. It is said that forest bathing can lower your blood pressure and heart rate and reduce harmful levels of certain hormones – leaving you in a calmer and more relaxed state. **Categories:** Uncategorized **Tags:** Explore Vermont, forest bathing, Green Mountains, health, hiking, mindfullness, nature, Relaxation, Relaxing, Things to do in Vermont, Things to See in Vermont, Vermont Experience, Visiting Vermont, walking --- ### [Needlepoint](https://www.ormsbyhill.com/blog/2022/12/needlepoint) **Published:** December 10, 2022 **Author:** client-admin **Content:** ![Maria and Maryann ](https://www.ormsbyhill.com/wp-content/uploads/4D902BF6-3B90-4B23-8403-0B65F18C6860-1024x768.jpg)Maryann and Maria at In-stitches Fine Needlepoint in Dorset Vermont ![Hand-painted needlepoint templates on display](https://www.ormsbyhill.com/wp-content/uploads/IMG_2756-300x225.jpg)Hand-painted needlepoint templates on display ![Examples of fine needlepoint items for sale](https://www.ormsbyhill.com/wp-content/uploads/A44325F1-22EF-4DB0-9B16-AEFCBD54D53A-300x225.jpg)Examples of fine needlepoint items for sale We visited this lovely shop in Dorset, Vermont that is dedicated to fine needlepointing. We met with the owner Maria and she was so gracious in discussing what she has to offer. All the needlepoint templates are hand-painted by many local artists. Maria can have custom templates made for your stitching projects. ![Needlepoint Christmas ornaments on display](https://www.ormsbyhill.com/wp-content/uploads/IMG_2758-225x300.jpg)Needlepoint Christmas ornaments on display ![Needlepoint Silks on display](https://www.ormsbyhill.com/wp-content/uploads/IMG_2755-300x225.jpg)Needlepoint silk fibers on display If you are a needlepoint enthusiast, visit this wonderful shop in Dorset Vermont – it’s worth the trip from anywhere. Visit the website for shop hours or online purchases – [In Stitches Fine Needlepoint – Needlepoint – Dorset, Vermont](https://institchesfineneedlepoint.com/) **Categories:** Uncategorized **Tags:** Discover Vermont, Explore Vermont, hand painted templates, hobbies, local artists, needlepoint, New Design, stitching, Things to Do, Vermont, Visiting Vermont, visitng --- ### [A Tour of Green Mountain Spinnery - Putney Vermont](https://www.ormsbyhill.com/blog/2022/12/a-tour-of-green-mountain-spinnery-putney-vermont) **Published:** December 9, 2022 **Author:** client-admin **Content:** ![](https://www.ormsbyhill.com/wp-content/uploads/IMG_1862-300x225.jpeg) **Green Mountain Spinnery Natural Fiber Yarn – A Worker-Owned Cooperative** in Putney, Vermont. Since its founding in 1981, they have been designing and producing richly colored, must-touch classic and contemporary yarns. To this day, their goals remain unchanged: to create yarns of the highest quality, to help sustain regional sheep farming, and to develop environmentally sound ways to process natural fibers. Most of the fibers used — alpaca, mohair, wool, TENCEL®, and organic cotton — are grown in the United States. Every effort is made to purchase directly from individual growers. Unlike most commercial mills, the Green Mountain Spinnery uses no chemicals to bleach, moth-proof or shrink-proof yarns. [https://www.spinnery.com/](https://www.spinnery.com/ "Green Mountain Spinnery Website - click here") We visited the Green Mountain Spinnery and were greeted warmly and were given a tour of the entire facility. We were able to learn about the taking the sheared wool from the lambs and watched the entire process. The machines date back to 1986 and 1916 and were humming along as we toured. They sell their yarn and knitting supplies online and if you are a knitter, you must visit this spinnery. <https://www.ormsbyhill.com/wp-content/uploads/Untitled-video.mp4> [https://www.ormsbyhill.com/wp-content/uploads/IMG\_1841.mp4](https://www.ormsbyhill.com/wp-content/uploads/IMG_1841.mp4) [https://www.ormsbyhill.com/wp-content/uploads/IMG\_1850.mp4](https://www.ormsbyhill.com/wp-content/uploads/IMG_1850.mp4) **Categories:** Uncategorized **Tags:** Explore Vermont, Historic Machinery, Knitting, Spinning Wool, Things to do in Vermont, Things to See in Vermont, Vermont Experience, Visit Vermont --- ### [What's on your bucket list?](https://www.ormsbyhill.com/blog/2021/08/whats-on-your-bucket-list) **Published:** August 23, 2021 **Author:** client-admin **Content:** Ellen and Don visited us this weekend. He fulfilled an item on his bucket list – to stay at the home of Edward Isham – now the INN at Ormsby Hill. In the late 1800’s Isham founded the Chicago law firm of Isham, Lincoln (Robert Todd Lincoln) and Beale. Don joined the firm in 1979 over 100 years after the firm was founded and became a partner within 7 years. He stayed until the firm’s demise in 1988. This year would have been the 150th anniversary of this prestigious and noted Chicago law firm. Don and Ellen stayed in the Library Room and browsed through Edward Isham’s books that are still here at the inn. Don contributed to the Isham library with a book that he authored entitled “Summary Judgement.” It is a recount of his efforts to defend a client accused of killing his boss in 1984. There are references in the book to Isham’s law firm and the connection with Robert Todd Lincoln. A must read for history buffs. There have been many people that have come to the inn fulfilling their bucket list of visiting. We have not documented those visits (regrettably.) Some of those returning once lived at the inn when it was a private home, others were beneficiaries of a foundation that was established to provide housing and a great education at Burr and Burton Academy in Manchester. We are so glad to have met them all and hear their stories and memories of Ormsby Hill. ![Ellen and Don Clark standing in the Gathering Room at the in. ](https://www.ormsbyhill.com/wp-content/uploads/IMG_9687-300x225.jpg)Ellen and Don Clark visiting the inn ![Book entitled "Summary Judgement" by Donald Cameron Clark, Jr.](https://www.ormsbyhill.com/wp-content/uploads/IMG_9691-225x300.jpg)Book written by our guest Donald Cameron Clark, Jr. **Categories:** Uncategorized **Tags:** Bucket List, Hildene, hsitory, Lincoln --- ### [Stay Safe - Stay Small - Stay INN](https://www.ormsbyhill.com/blog/2020/04/stay-safe-stay-small-stay-inn) **Published:** April 27, 2020 **Author:** client-admin **Content:** We hope you are well and ready to travel to Vermont. Vermont Governor Phil Scott recently announced that 80.2% of Vermont’s eligible population have received at least one dose of the COVID-19 vaccine, making it the first state to reach this major milestone and has rescinded all state COVID-19 restrictions. Welcome back to Vermont. In our communications with guests and other innkeepers, the theme “**Stay Safe – Stay Small**” keeps coming up. Bed and Breakfasts around the country provide smaller lodging facilities and you can trust that the owners and staff are doing their utmost to provide a safe and enjoyable stay. One of the many things that makes Vermont a great place to visit is it’s not exceedingly difficult to adhere to social distancing. Vermont, and our county especially, has had very few cases of Covid-19 – Vermonters did a great job of containing this situation and is now welcoming visitors with some restrictions. **Current travel restrictions** The CDC recently announced that fully vaccinated people no longer need to wear a mask or physically distance in most settings. Unvaccinated guests are encouraged to wear face-coverings at all times and practice physical distancing. ![](https://www.ormsbyhill.com/wp-content/uploads/stay-ormsby-hill-300x187.jpg) **What we’ve been up to.** We shut the doors on March 16th last year to avoid any problems with the virus. During that time we accelerated our usual maintenance of the property. We took on some additional projects as well which we would be delighted to show you. The Pierrepont has been given a new look in June – see the updated room photos. So many of our guests always comment on the cleanliness of the inn. Please know that we have fine-tuned our procedures to assure your maximum protection. We are constantly reviewing guidelines from the CDC for lodging and food services and will comply with them for your safety and ours. Our goal is to meet and exceed your expectations for a healthy stay while at the Inn. *Please Book Direct with any of the Bed and Breakfasts of your choose. Unfortunately, there are many distractions when booking online and reservations are easily made through other sites that extract a hefty fee from the B&Bs. Feel free to call us if you prefer to make a reservation over the phone.* **We hope we can all regain confidence and get on with our lives – all the best and stay healthy!** **Categories:** All blogs, Events --- ### [Falconery in the Green Mountains](https://www.ormsbyhill.com/blog/2021/05/falconery-in-the-green-mountains) **Published:** May 8, 2021 **Author:** client-admin **Content:** As guests return to Vermont we started looking back to some of the activities we enjoyed over the past few years and to provide some ideas for our guests to enjoy as well. Maryann and I visited the Green Mountain Falconry School in Manchester back in June 2018. *Time flies, (apologies for the pun!)* It was an amazing experience to spend some time with Master Falconer Rob Waite and learn from someone with over 40 years experience. Visit their website for more details – http://www.greenmountainfalconryschool.com For inquiries or to make a reservation, please email Rob Waite at greenmountainfalconry@comcast.net ![Maryann with a falcon perched on her gloved hand](https://www.ormsbyhill.com/wp-content/uploads/IMG_4008-300x225.jpg)Maryann with a falcon perched on her gloved hand Our guest Bill and Cheryl recently visited the New England Falconry in Woodstock and reported having a great experience as well – visit their website for more information – https://www.falconryatwoodstockvt.com/ ![Barn Owl coming to perch on Cheryl's gloved hand](https://www.ormsbyhill.com/wp-content/uploads/IMG_8812-Cheryl-05.09.2021-300x214.jpg)Barn Owl coming to perch on Cheryl’s gloved hand **Categories:** Uncategorized **Tags:** Falconry, Green Mountains, Things to Do --- ### [Wedding - Beth and Don Fantine](https://www.ormsbyhill.com/blog/2021/02/wedding-beth-and-don-fantine) **Published:** February 12, 2021 **Author:** client-admin **Content:** Beth and Don were married at the inn on December 5th, 2020 in front of family in a beautiful ceremony. Beth and Don are frequent guests and planned the wedding over a year ago for this date – they did everything in their power to make it happen despite the many obstacles due to Covid. Everyone had been quarantined and tested so that all would be safe. They are a close family and it was evident that they all had a great weekend. It was our pleasure to have their wedding here. Beth and Don returned in February 2021 and presented us with an album to keep on display here and a framed picture of the two of them which resides in the Gathering Room. They visited the Friesians of Majesty and met with the owner who gave them a tour of the facilities and a wonderous sleigh ride around the property. *Photos by Barrie Fisher Photos* ![Couple in the mist under an umbrella](https://www.ormsbyhill.com/wp-content/uploads/201205__BARRIE-FISHER-PHOTO_-215-200x300.jpg)Don and Beth Fantine ![](https://www.ormsbyhill.com/wp-content/uploads/201205__BARRIE-FISHER-PHOTO_-52-200x300.jpg)![](https://www.ormsbyhill.com/wp-content/uploads/201205__BARRIE-FISHER-PHOTO_-66-200x300.jpg)![](https://www.ormsbyhill.com/wp-content/uploads/201205__BARRIE-FISHER-PHOTO_-25-300x200.jpg)![](https://www.ormsbyhill.com/wp-content/uploads/201205__BARRIE-FISHER-PHOTO_-156-300x200.jpg) ![](https://www.ormsbyhill.com/wp-content/uploads/201205__BARRIE-FISHER-PHOTO_-209-300x200.jpg) ![](https://www.ormsbyhill.com/wp-content/uploads/201205__BARRIE-FISHER-PHOTO_-65-300x200.jpg)![](https://www.ormsbyhill.com/wp-content/uploads/201205__BARRIE-FISHER-PHOTO_-87-200x300.jpg)![](https://www.ormsbyhill.com/wp-content/uploads/201205__BARRIE-FISHER-PHOTO_-88-300x200.jpg) ![](https://www.ormsbyhill.com/wp-content/uploads/201205__BARRIE-FISHER-PHOTO_-101-300x200.jpg)![](https://www.ormsbyhill.com/wp-content/uploads/201205__BARRIE-FISHER-PHOTO_-105-300x200.jpg) ![](https://www.ormsbyhill.com/wp-content/uploads/201205__BARRIE-FISHER-PHOTO_-122-200x300.jpg) ![](https://www.ormsbyhill.com/wp-content/uploads/201205__BARRIE-FISHER-PHOTO_-149-200x300.jpg) ![](https://www.ormsbyhill.com/wp-content/uploads/201205__BARRIE-FISHER-PHOTO_-156-1-300x200.jpg)![](https://www.ormsbyhill.com/wp-content/uploads/201205__BARRIE-FISHER-PHOTO_-181-200x300.jpg)![](https://www.ormsbyhill.com/wp-content/uploads/201205__BARRIE-FISHER-PHOTO_-36-300x200.jpg)![](https://www.ormsbyhill.com/wp-content/uploads/201205__BARRIE-FISHER-PHOTO_-205-300x200.jpg) **Categories:** Uncategorized **Tags:** intimate wedding, marriage, wedding --- ### [Reflecting on 2020](https://www.ormsbyhill.com/blog/2021/01/reflecting-on-2020) **Published:** January 2, 2021 **Author:** client-admin **Content:** Maryann and I took a few minutes today to review our experiences this past year. We have been blessed with so many wonderful guests that have come for a variety of reasons. - Relaxing getaways that were so sorely needed - Intimate weddings and elopements – beautiful and romantic - Romantic getaways - Ski week in Vermont - First time leaf peeping experiences - First time staying at a Bed and Breakfast - A gathering of 20 college friends celebrating a birthday - Anniversary and birthday celebrations - Marriage proposals (and none turned down) - Babymoons - Visits from old friends - Guests traveling away from home for the first time in 2020 - Several groups of friends getting a chance to reconnect - A new addition to our staff – Candi’s daughter Scarlett was born in April We enjoyed seeing returning guests once again and meeting new guests this past year – many shared touching stories and how their stay here was good for their heart, mind, and soul So thank you all for making our experience as innkeepers so special. We wish everyone a Happy and Healthy New Year. ![decorated christmas tree flanked by wing chairs](https://www.ormsbyhill.com/wp-content/uploads/IMG_7725-1-281x300.jpeg) **Categories:** Uncategorized --- ### [Waiting for Fall - Great Drive through Vermont’s Countryside - with Directions](https://www.ormsbyhill.com/blog/2020/08/great-drive-through-vermonts-countryside-with-directions) **Published:** August 23, 2020 **Author:** client-admin **Content:** Looking for Great Fall Color? – You can take an unhurried drive anytime and enjoy the Vermont beautiful bucolic countryside, but during leaf peeping season you will be treated to wonderful views you won’t see from the main routes. Travel over Vermont’s back-country dirt roads, through hills and dales with spectacular views of the mountains and surrounding farms. From the Inn you will head north on Route 7, over and through Danby Mountain and then south on Route 30 though the Mettawee Valley on your way back to the Inn at Ormsby Hill. Drive time is about 1 hour and fifteen minutes, but if you stop and take pictures along the way (it is safe to do so) it could take about three hours. And don’t forget to stop for lunch at Mach’s Market in Pawlet. Directions from the INN at Ormsby Hill - Turn right to go North on Route 7A (Ethan Allen Highway) - Follow 7A until the 2nd Rotary and take the second exit on the Rotary to stay on 7A North - Merge onto Route 7 North (about 5 miles after the rotary) - Turn left onto Depot Street (look for a yellow sign – Safari Supply – Guns – Depot Street is a few hundred yards after the sign) - Turn right at the end of Depot Street – (Danby’s Veterans Memorial is on the right at that corner) - Turn left at the first Stop Sign (all way stop) - Bear right at the sign “Chipman Stables” and “TO COLVIN HILL” onto Danby Hill Road - Stay on Danby Hill Road (avoid going onto Colvin Hill Road) - Go straight at Stop Sign (Name changes to Smokey House Road) - Turn left at next Stop Sign (end of Smokey House Road) – *you’ll be coming back here shortly* - Stay left at fork (Don’t take Danby Mountain Road) - Turn left at the next street Keeller Road - Turn left at next Stop Sign (there is no sign, but this is Brook Road) - Turn left at stop sign – you are traveling on Smokey House Road again. - At next Stop Sign (you’ve been here before) turn right this time - Turn Left at Danby-Pawlet Road, Chipman Stable will be on your left after the turn - Stay on this road (Route 133 into Pawlet) - In Pawlet (don’t blink) Mach’s Market will be across Route 30 at the Stop Sign where 133 runs into Route 30. Stop by the deli for some great food*. They are planning a tavern and look forward to opening in 2021. The market was a general store owned by the same family since 1947. The store was built over the gorge. See the pictures of the gorge from the tavern windows. In the middle of the tavern is a counter height box that looks down into the gorge below. **Awesome!*** - Take Route 30 South and drive through the Mettawee Valley and enjoy more mountain views - Turn Right onto West Road to head back to the Inn - Stay straight at the stop sign and merge onto 7A South - The Inn is approximately 1.7 miles south See the pictures below to help in your navigation and share your photos with us, too. Thanks – MaryAnn and Jack To check availability and book now – [https://secure.thinkreservations.com/ormsbyhill/reservations?\_ga=2.184284335.849377371.1599339238-](https://secure.thinkreservations.com/ormsbyhill/reservations?_ga=2.184284335.849377371.1599339238-888797370.1575677533 "Book Now") ![](https://www.ormsbyhill.com/wp-content/uploads/IMG_6719-300x225.jpg)Safari Supplies and Guns on Route 7 ![](https://www.ormsbyhill.com/wp-content/uploads/IMG_6723-300x300.jpg)Depot Street just after this sign ![Danby's Verteran's Memorial](https://www.ormsbyhill.com/wp-content/uploads/IMG_6725-300x300.jpg)Danby’s Verteran’s Memorial ![Danby Mountain ](https://www.ormsbyhill.com/wp-content/uploads/IMG_6731-300x300.jpg)Danby Moutain ![Silo on Keeler Road](https://www.ormsbyhill.com/wp-content/uploads/IMG_6745-300x225.jpg)Silo on Keeller Road ![](https://www.ormsbyhill.com/wp-content/uploads/IMG_6747-300x225.jpg)View of silo on Keeller Road from Brook Road ![](https://www.ormsbyhill.com/wp-content/uploads/IMG_6735-300x225.jpg) ![](https://www.ormsbyhill.com/wp-content/uploads/IMG_6759-cropped-black-WHite-300x190.jpg) ![](https://www.ormsbyhill.com/wp-content/uploads/IMG_6763-300x225.jpg) ![](https://www.ormsbyhill.com/wp-content/uploads/IMG_6762-1-225x300.jpg) **Categories:** Uncategorized **Tags:** fall color, fall colour, Fall leaf peeping, thisisvt, Vermont in Fall --- ### [Banana Bread Minis](https://www.ormsbyhill.com/blog/2020/03/banana-bread-minis) **Published:** March 22, 2020 **Author:** client-admin **Content:** ![](https://www.ormsbyhill.com/wp-content/uploads/BananaXBreadsXMiniX-XCandi-225x300.jpg)Candi’s Mini Banana Breads While we are shutdown to at least April 6th we are keeping busy getting the inn ready for returning guests. Candi thought she would test out her recipe with gluten free flour for MaryAnn (it was great.) Here’s Candi’s recipe for Banana Bread. ![Candi holding white mixing bowl](https://www.ormsbyhill.com/wp-content/uploads/IMG_5759-300x225.jpg) *We have to give credit to Candi’s Grandma Beauchemin. There is lots of love in this bread. The recipe can be used for one large loaf or 13 mini loafs (pictures.)* Warm the oven to 350 degrees Gather the ingredients below **Ingredients** - 1/2 cup – oil - 1 cup – sugar - 2 – eggs - 3 – bananas - 2 cups – flour – we use King Arthur’s - but, this batch was with gluten free flour (same measurements) - 1 tsp – baking powder - 1/2 tsp – baking soda - 1/2 tsp – sea salt - 1/2 tsp – vanilla **Optional** - 1/2 cup – chopped pecans, or - 1/2 cup – chocolate chips Now, quick as a flash, use a cake mixer and mix the above ingredients until smooth. - - Add the pecans or chips after mixing the batter. Grease the pans with Crisco – Pour the mixture (about 3/4 full) into the pans and place in the oven. Bamm! (Candi’s narration) you are done. Our mini loaf pan hold 8 – but we get only 13 mini loafs out of this mixture – its ok 1 pan is short 3. Bake at 350 degrees Large Loaf Pan – Bake 40 minutes until done (about 65 minutes) Mini loaf pan – Mini 22 minutes ![](https://www.ormsbyhill.com/wp-content/uploads/IMG_5207X2-300x167.jpg) **Categories:** All blogs, Breakfasts --- ### [Mount Equinox Hill Climb August 10th and 11th, 2019](https://www.ormsbyhill.com/blog/2020/03/mount-equinox-hill-climb-august-10th-and-11th-2019) **Published:** March 13, 2020 **Author:** client-admin **Content:** ![](https://www.ormsbyhill.com/wp-content/uploads/DSC_3114-300x199.jpg) Just two miles from The INN at Ormsby Hill you can hear the roar of vintage automobiles as they leave the starting gate and ascend the Equinox Mountain. The Mt. Equinox Hill Climb is the hill climb circuit with the longest road that has been consecutively run. ![](https://www.ormsbyhill.com/wp-content/uploads/DSC_3127-300x199.jpg) ![](https://www.ormsbyhill.com/wp-content/uploads/DSC_3128-300x199.jpg) We took these pictures over the two day event. It is quite a sight to see these vintage cars and drivers (some of them are vintage, too) as they prepare and line up for their individual start. ![](https://www.ormsbyhill.com/wp-content/uploads/DSC_3181-300x199.jpg) The start begins at the toll gate. They are green flagged on a timed race to the top of this 5 mile course with a 3,140 foot ascent. Best times are around 6 minutes as they navigate some very severe turns on their way up. The engine revs echoing over the mountains We have been fortunate to have some of the competitors stay at the inn and learn about the event. ![](https://www.ormsbyhill.com/wp-content/uploads/DSC_3146-300x199.jpg) ![](https://www.ormsbyhill.com/wp-content/uploads/DSC_3138-300x199.jpg) ![](https://www.ormsbyhill.com/wp-content/uploads/DSC_3136-300x199.jpg) ![](https://www.ormsbyhill.com/wp-content/uploads/DSC_3132XcoppedX1-300x141.jpg) ![](https://www.ormsbyhill.com/wp-content/uploads/DSC_3123-300x199.jpg) ![](https://www.ormsbyhill.com/wp-content/uploads/DSC_3122-300x199.jpg) ![](https://www.ormsbyhill.com/wp-content/uploads/DSC_3118-300x199.jpg) ![](https://www.ormsbyhill.com/wp-content/uploads/DSC_3114-300x199.jpg) ![](https://www.ormsbyhill.com/wp-content/uploads/DSC_3111-300x199.jpg) ![](https://www.ormsbyhill.com/wp-content/uploads/DSC_3109-300x199.jpg) ![](https://www.ormsbyhill.com/wp-content/uploads/DSC_3107-300x199.jpg) The Vintage Sports Car Club of America (VSCCA) was founded in Boston December 1958. to focus on the cars and their history as well as preserving these vintage autos. Visit their website for more information – *https://www.vscca.org/about-us/vscca-history* – ***Next event August 8-9, 2020*** ![Logo in green script on a white background: The Inn at Ormsby Hill Manchester Center, Vermont](https://www.ormsbyhill.com/wp-content/uploads/Innlogo-649x133pxXX2X-300x58.png) A few days after the event we took a more leisurely ride up Mt. Equinox to get a first hand experience of the circuit and to enjoy the view from 3,800 feet above Manchester. Plus we get a view of the Inn from above as well. Coming down you best be in low gear and take it easy else you won’t have any brakes left as you descend. Visit the **Skyline Drive** website *[http://www.equinoxmountain.com/skylinedrive\_index.php](http://www.equinoxmountain.com/skylinedrive_index.php)* ![View from the summit of Mount Equinox](https://www.ormsbyhill.com/wp-content/uploads/DSC_3195-300x199.jpg)View from the summit of Mount Equinox ![View from the summit of Mount Equinox](https://www.ormsbyhill.com/wp-content/uploads/DSC_3192-300x199.jpg)View from the summit of Mount Equinox **Categories:** All blogs, Events, Places Visited **Tags:** vintage automobiles, vintage cars, Vintage Sports Car Club of America, VSCAA --- ### [Visiting the Vermont Country Store in Weston](https://www.ormsbyhill.com/blog/2020/03/visiting-the-vermont-country-store-in-weston) **Published:** March 13, 2020 **Author:** client-admin **Content:** **STEP INTO THE PAST** The Vermont Country Store is a step back in time to the days when general stores where the purveyors of practical and everyday necessities that Vermonters needed. Vermont still has over 100 general stores in operation and are all worth a visit. The Vermont Country Store, the most notable of them all, offers products from local suppliers and around the world with that touch of nostalgia. Rediscover many of the brands from the past that are hard to find, but are still produced and work. Classic board games, clothing brands from the past, shampoos, razors, brushes and much more, all displayed in a post and beam building that says Vermont. Opened in 1946 by Vrest and Ellen Orton in the village of Weston, Vermont. The store became the first restored rural general store in the nation. *The Vermont Country Store is a “Must Visit” when experiencing Vermont.* ![MaryAnn with Syby at the Vermont Country Store](https://www.ormsbyhill.com/wp-content/uploads/IMG_5546-225x300.jpeg)Heel Syby, good dog! ![Vermont Scale Museum sign ](https://www.ormsbyhill.com/wp-content/uploads/IMG_5573-300x225.jpeg)Vermont Scale Museum sign ![Wood burning stove](https://www.ormsbyhill.com/wp-content/uploads/IMG_5561-300x225.jpeg)Wood burning stove – with seating behind a checker board ![shelves with jars of jam](https://www.ormsbyhill.com/wp-content/uploads/IMG_5556-300x225.jpeg)Shelves filled with jams, crackers and other nibbles ![Refrigerated cheese display](https://www.ormsbyhill.com/wp-content/uploads/IMG_5550-300x225.jpeg)Refrigerated cheese display in the grocery department ![View into the Vermont Scale Museum](https://www.ormsbyhill.com/wp-content/uploads/IMG_5577-300x225.jpeg)View into the Vermont Scale Museum ![Display of scales in the Vermont Scale Museum](https://www.ormsbyhill.com/wp-content/uploads/IMG_5575-300x225.jpeg)Display of scales in the Vermont Scale Museum The Vermont Country Store is owned by Lyman Orton and sons Cabot, Gardner. and Eliot. They are 7th & 8th generation Vermonters. Adhering to the old-fashioned values set forth by Vrest and Ellen they take pride in being the purveyors of the practical and hard-to-find. Going to great lengths to find products that aren’t sold anywhere else, they are stocked to the rafters with quality merchandise. **LOCATIONS** The Vermont Country Store – Weston, Vermont 657 Main Street Weston, Vermont 05161 802\) 824-3184 About a 40 minute ride from Manchester Center through picturesque farms and leads up through the center of Vermont on Route 100 to Woodstock, Quechee and points North The Vermont Country Store – Rockingham 1292 Rockingham Road Rockingham, Vermont 05101 (802) 463-2224 Rockingham is about a 55 minute ride from Manchester Center and leads to I-91 **Categories:** All blogs, Places Visited --- ### [Back Road Tour through Sunderland Vermont](https://www.ormsbyhill.com/blog/2019/04/sunderland) **Published:** April 24, 2019 **Author:** client-admin **Content:** We took a ride along Sunderland Hill Road today which runs parallel to Route 7A from Manchester into Arlington. We passed several farms and old barns – many of which we will revisit as we anticipate some wonderful sunrises and sunsets over the not too distant mountains. Then we discovered the Chiselville Bridge. The name Chiselville comes from a former chisel factory nearby, but the bridge was previously named High Bridge and The Roaring Branch Bridge. It spans the Roaring Branch Brook and was built by Daniel Oatman in 1870. At the time the cost to build this bridge was $2,307.31 including the builders fee. It survived the flood of 1927, which destroyed hundreds of Vermont covered bridges. It appears that the strategic placement of this bridge allowed the flooded Roaring Branch Brook to pass harmlessly underneath. Chiselville Bridge – Sunderland Vermont![](https://www.ormsbyhill.com/wp-content/uploads/Chiselville-Bridge-1-1.jpg) The sign reads “One Dollar fine for driving faster than a walk on this bridge.” MaryAnn got out and walked to make sure I didn’t incur the fine. MaryAnn![](https://www.ormsbyhill.com/wp-content/uploads/MaryAnn-bridge-2.jpg) Into Arlington – a stones throw from 7A is the Arlington Train Station and the American Legion Post’s Tank – I don’t know what type of tank that is, but I will find out and update the blog down the road.![](https://www.ormsbyhill.com/wp-content/uploads/arlington-train-station.jpg) American Legion Post 69![](https://www.ormsbyhill.com/wp-content/uploads/legion-post-4.jpg) Arlington Vermont – Train Station Earlier in the day I completed painting the hammock frame.![](https://www.ormsbyhill.com/wp-content/uploads/hammock-6.jpg) Hammock ready for Spring While we were out we received photographic evidence that our housekeeper Candi was lying down on the job.![](https://www.ormsbyhill.com/wp-content/uploads/feet-up-7.jpg) **Categories:** All blogs, Places Visited **Tags:** Back Roads, Covered Bridge --- ### [A visit to the Robert Frost Museum](https://www.ormsbyhill.com/blog/2019/10/a-visit-to-the-robert-frost-museum) **Published:** October 3, 2019 **Author:** client-admin **Content:** We took a short ride to the Robert Frost Stone House Museum. His home in the 1920s where he wrote “Stopping by Woods on a Snowy Evening.” There are two hiking trails on the property – a nice walk to take to enjoy the serenity that Robert Frost experienced. We brought a number of books of his poetry back to the Inn for our guests to peruse. Hearken back to a simpler time and enjoy the Vermont experience ![](https://www.ormsbyhill.com/wp-content/uploads/IMG_3382-300x225.jpeg) ![](https://www.ormsbyhill.com/wp-content/uploads/IMG_3389-300x225.jpeg) ![](https://www.ormsbyhill.com/wp-content/uploads/IMG_3378-300x225.jpeg)![](https://www.ormsbyhill.com/wp-content/uploads/IMG_3372-300x225.jpeg) **Categories:** All blogs, Places Visited --- ### [Trip to Shelburne VT and the Christmas Loft](https://www.ormsbyhill.com/blog/2020/02/trip-to-shelburne-vt-and-the-christmas-loft) **Published:** February 27, 2020 **Author:** client-admin **Content:** **![Santa Claus Display at the Christmas Loft](https://www.ormsbyhill.com/wp-content/uploads/IMG_4739-300x225.jpeg)** **Trip to Shelburne VT and the Christmas Loft** We had a beautiful ride to Burlington VT today. Our trip began at about 9:00 am just as a light snow starting to fall – temps were about 26 degrees, so we drove a little under the speed limit the whole trip north. The route we took was 7A North to West Road to VT 30 West to VT 149 North and then onto NY -22A North (you actually drive into NY State for about 15 miles) and continue onto VT 7 North and it took us about 2 hours 45 minutes. Along the route we had some glimpses of Lake Champlain. There are lots of farms along the way with many old barns and other wooden structures. At this time of year, with the leaves off the trees, you get a great view of open farm lands, pastures, etc. some look like they stretch miles down to Lake Champlain. Many farms have lots of old structures still in use. You wonder if the money isn’t there to fix them up or is it more economical to let them collapse (eventually) and replace with more modern structures. ![](https://www.ormsbyhill.com/wp-content/uploads/IMG_0952-1-300x225.jpeg)Orwell – Lake Champlain in the distance ![](https://www.ormsbyhill.com/wp-content/uploads/IMG_0966-300x225.jpeg)LOOKING TOWARDS NY – LAKE CHAMPLAIN Helmholz Fine Arts in Manchester had a solo exhibition entitled “Vanish” featuring Jim Westpahalen’s photography documenting many of the structures we saw along the drive. Be sure to visit their website https://helmholzfineart.com/events/vanish-jim-westphalen-solo-exhibition/ At a later date we plan to visit Fort Ticonderoga in NY which is on La Chute River connecting Lake George at its most northern part to Lake Champlain. We drove by the road that leads to ferry that takes you this Revolutionary War Fort. After attending to some business in the Shelburne (just south of Burlington) we did a little exploring. First we stopped at a building that caught our attention. It was built like a Swiss Alpine Loft and had a sign that read – “Christmas Loft” although the full name of the store is The Country Christmas Loft. Their website is <https://christmasloft.com/> [https://www.ormsbyhill.com/wp-content/uploads/IMG\_4744.mp4](https://www.ormsbyhill.com/wp-content/uploads/IMG_4744.mp4) ![](https://www.ormsbyhill.com/wp-content/uploads/IMG_4729-225x300.jpeg) The store looks to be about 10,000 square feet all dedicated to Christmas and other holiday decorations. The middle of the store is a reproduction of the store fronts in the old town of Shelburne including the church and its steeple. ![](https://www.ormsbyhill.com/wp-content/uploads/IMG_4739-300x225.jpeg) ![](https://www.ormsbyhill.com/wp-content/uploads/IMG_4743-225x300.jpeg) **Ferry to NY** Traveling home we took a trip down Ferry Road which leads to the Charlotte-Essex Ferry which transports vehicles across Lake Champlain to Essex NY. We didn’t take the ferry due to time and weather – 25 degrees crossing Lake Champlain didn’t seem to be the most fun thing to do. **Categories:** All blogs, Places Visited --- ### [Visiting a Sugaring House](https://www.ormsbyhill.com/blog/2020/03/visiting-a-sugaring-house) **Published:** March 12, 2020 **Author:** client-admin **Content:** ![](https://www.ormsbyhill.com/wp-content/uploads/IMG_5621-300x225.jpg) Smoke is billowing from the chimneys of sugar houses across the state of Vermont. The smell of burning wood and the sweet aroma of boiling sap is floating through the crisp Vermont air. March in Vermont – It’s Sugaring Season! ![](https://www.ormsbyhill.com/wp-content/uploads/OldXsugarXhouse-300x300.jpg) Preparations, for the 2017 maple sugaring season began months ago, with the cutting of firewood, tapping of trees, checking last season’s sap lines, running new, and prepping holding tanks. Now, sap lines are checked, holding tank levels are monitored, sap is gathered, and maple syrup is produced through long days and nights of hard work. Of course, this is the simplified version of what it takes for a sugar house to ready themselves for a successful sugaring season. ![](https://www.ormsbyhill.com/wp-content/uploads/Tap-225x300.jpg) The upcoming Vermont Maple Open House Weekend is a wonderful way to gain knowledge and experience the science and art of sugaring Sugarhouses throughout the state will open their doors to the public March 21st & 22nd. See maple syrup being made, sample fresh syrup, and enjoy other sweet maple treats. Visit https://vermontmaple.org/ for more information about the weekend. ![](https://www.ormsbyhill.com/wp-content/uploads/Tapping-225x300.jpg)![](https://www.ormsbyhill.com/wp-content/uploads/IMG_5628-300x225.jpg)![](https://www.ormsbyhill.com/wp-content/uploads/IMG_5626-300x225.jpg) ![](https://www.ormsbyhill.com/wp-content/uploads/OldXsugarXhouseX-Xcropped-300x151.jpg) **Categories:** Events, Places Visited **Tags:** Maple Syrup, March in Vermont, Vermont Sugaring Season --- ## Pages ### [Welcome](https://www.ormsbyhill.com/) SEO Title: The Inn at Ormsby Hill | Romantic B&B in Manchester, VT SEO Description: Escape to The Inn at Ormsby Hill, a romantic Manchester, VT bed and breakfast with luxurious rooms, gourmet breakfast, and stunning Southern Vermont views. Canonical: https://www.ormsbyhill.com/ Alternate (text/markdown): https://www.ormsbyhill.com/.md **Content:** Stay at the Inn at Ormsby Hill Our southern Vermont bed and breakfast is the premier romantic New England getaway to Manchester, VT. We are a truly romantic, luxurious and historic Vermont country inn – a perfect New England vacation destination  for intimate getaways, honeymoons, celebrations and relaxing escapes. The Inn at Ormsby Hill consists of ten luxurious lodging accommodations, each features a private bathroom with shower and jetted tub, plush robes, and indulgent all natural bath products for you to achieve blissful relaxation. A hearty country breakfast is served hot each morning. Enjoy views of the Green Mountains from the Conservatory as you dine. Over 10,000 guests have stayed for family reunions, elopements & petite weddings, romantic getaways, and special occasions.  As a recipient of the AAA Four-Diamond Award since 2000, your stay will be welcomed with warm hospitality and attention to the smallest detail, to ensure a memorable experience. The inn is celebrating a 30 year anniversary as a Select Registry Property. Select Registry sets the gold standard in Craft Lodging and Quality-Assured curated list of properties. Located in the heart of Vermont, Ormsby Hill Inn offers a perfect base to explore while enjoying a variety of sporting and outdoor activities –  museums, craft breweries and wineries, golfing, flyfishing, hiking, and skiing and of course the glorious fall leaf peeping season. Manchester’s restaurants offer some of the best dining experience you can have. The Inn at Ormsby Hill offers more than just accommodation; it offers a historical experience that connects guests with the past while providing a serene setting for relaxation and exploration. The original building at The Inn at Ormsby Hill was built in 1764 and is one of the oldest structures in Manchester. Now this historic building houses the inn’s formal living room, the Gathering Room and the Library, Taft and Lincoln guest rooms. Robert Todd Lincoln (son of President Lincoln) was a frequent visitor to Ormsby Hill, along with friend, President William Howard Taft. Robert Todd Lincoln purchased the land behind Ormsby Hill known as Hildene, The Lincoln Family Home. Click to see the common areas The Inn at Ormsby Hill4.9Based on 157 reviews review us onBev Martin01:47 24 Apr 26The Inn at Ormsby Hill is the kind of place that reminds you why bed and breakfasts can be so special. From the moment we arrived, the atmosphere felt warm, peaceful, and thoughtfully curated. The property itself is beautiful—full of classic New England charm, with well-kept grounds and a quiet setting that makes it easy to unwind. My husband and I especially welcomed the escape from the busy city of Boston. We were welcomed with fresh baked cookies and wine glasses in our room, which was a really nice touch.We stayed in the Gideon Ormsby Room, which was both comfortable and elegantly decorated. It had a cozy, historic feel while still offering modern comfort, and the attention to detail—from the linens to the furnishings—really stood out. The hosts really seemed to think of everything—there was an extra fan and blankets in the closet, plush bathrobes in the bathroom, and even a small sewing kit and toothbrush set tucked away in one of the drawers, which was a nice touch. The jacuzzi was especially relaxing, and the fireplace added a really romantic feel to the room.Breakfast was a highlight of the stay. Jack prepared the meal, and it was clear he puts a lot of care into both the quality and presentation. Everything was thoughtful and delicious, including the individual-sized jam samples served with breakfast. Maryann was incredibly knowledgeable and attentive, and Jack was super friendly. Coffee and tea were also available throughout the day, which was a great added convenience.Although my husband got to meet Jack and Maryann’s dogs, I sadly missed out—but maybe next time.Overall, it’s a wonderful spot for a quiet getaway—perfect for a romantic weekend or just a peaceful escape. The hospitality from Jack and Maryann truly sets this place apart, and we would absolutely return.Randy Garner23:30 22 Apr 26These folks need to write a how-to manual for inn operators. This place is amazing! My wife is handicapped so we took the “Library” which is their featured ADA room. Hands down the nicest ADA room we’ve encountered in many years of travel. And best of all, it did this without an appearance that screamed ADA, making my wife’s experience there wonderful. The room was naturally large and easy to navigate without looking sparse. Wonderful large bathroom and tiled roll in shower, perfectly sized and configured. Bed was very comfortable. Often these older inn common areas are furnished with elaborate but uncomfortable furniture making the room uninviting. BUT NOT HERE! All the furnishings are gorgeous and comfortable to use. Breakfast was great and served in a beautiful heavily windowed room. The French toast was thick light and fluffy…..delicious. They had gluten free challah bread French toast for my wife. Next day main course of perfectly scrambled cheesy spinach eggs was equally as good. Sides and the fresh fruit yogurt parfait that came with were fresh and nice. Fortunately we are Vermonters so we can go back easily, and will! We’ve been in a lot of B&B’s and Ormsby Hill Inn is now at the top of the list. Jack and Maryann are perfect hosts!Toni Chappell12:37 06 Apr 26Stayed here in March during my first and highly anticipated visit to Hildene! Everything was absolutely lovely including the hosts! The room was wonderful and I really enjoyed the gas fireplace. Lovely breakfast in a beautiful dining room. Would definitely stay here again!Debra Greenberg11:22 01 Apr 26This was our first stay at the Inn. Jack and Maryann were fabulous hosts! Friendly, knowledgeable, inviting. Breakfast was delicious! Highly recommend.lorimS1139UN00:00 25 Mar 26My husband and I just enjoyed another wonderful weekend at the Ormsby. Even though the weather was cold and dreary we relaxed, met some new friends and had a wonderful stay. There’s always plenty to do in Manchester. We went to Manchester Hot Glass and my husband created a beautiful new glass bowl. If you're looking for a peaceful and quiet place, this is the place for you! Jack and Maryann are very kind and accommodating and the breakfasts are wonderful. The property and accommodations are top notch and I HIGHLY recommend them.Lori Maggi16:45 24 Mar 26My husband and I just enjoyed another wonderful weekend at the Ormsby. Even though the weather was cold and dreary we relaxed, met some new friends and had a wonderful stay. There’s always plenty to do in Manchester. We went to Manchester Hot Glass and my husband created a beautiful new glass bowl. If you're looking for a quiet place to relax and reenergize, this is the place! Jack and Maryann are very kind and accommodating and the breakfasts are wonderful. The property and accommodations are top notch and I HIGHLY recommend them.lorimS1139UN12:38 24 Mar 26My husband and I just enjoyed another wonderful weekend at the Ormsby. Even though the weather was cold and dreary we relaxed, met some new friends and had a wonderful stay. There’s always plenty to do in Manchester. We went to Manchester Hot Glass and my husband created a beautiful new glass bowl. If you're looking for a peaceful and quiet place, this is the place for you! Jack and Maryann are very kind and accommodating and the breakfasts are wonderful. The property and accommodations are top notch and I HIGHLY recommend them.Z4736OUjims00:00 11 Mar 26Was a very nice place to stay. We stayed in the Gideon Ormsby, and it was really nice. The Inn is beautiful and the Hosts were outstanding. Plan to stay there again for sureZ4736OUjims08:12 10 Mar 26Was a very nice place to stay. We stayed in the Gideon Ormsby, and it was really nice. The Inn is beautiful and the Hosts were outstanding. Plan to stay there again for sureRaquel DeNigris13:53 04 Mar 26Peggy Brueckner19:30 28 Feb 26We have stayed here more than once, and it truly feels like our special winter getaway. The Inn at Ormsby Hill is warm, homey, incredibly clean, and so comfortable. Everything about it is thoughtfully done and simply lovely. The breakfast was delicious and the owners make you feel genuinely at home. It's welcoming and relaxed - never stuffy - just a wonderful place to stay. We always look forward to coming back.nicolas39600:00 24 Feb 26A beautiful, warm, spacious historic home in a classic VT village was a perfect place for a winter break. We enjoyed our cozy room with fireplace, spa tub and distant views. The friendly owner/hosts cooked/served a delicious breakfast. Would be a particularly lovely retreat in the warmer months too.nicolas39609:31 23 Feb 26A beautiful, warm, spacious historic home in a classic VT village was a perfect place for a winter break. We enjoyed our cozy room with fireplace, spa tub and distant views. The friendly owner/hosts cooked/served a delicious breakfast. Would be a particularly lovely retreat in the warmer months too.L3096CZdonaldf13:41 16 Feb 26A home away from home is the best description for this inn. The innkeepers treat you like family. The rooms are neat ,clean and wonderfully appointed. The staff is attentive and willing to provide any accomodation. I would recommend this place to all my friends and familyX9186SOelizabethl14:06 08 Feb 26Lovely Inn, charm galore, comfy living areas to relax by lit fireplaces. If you forget to bring a book there are plenty there. Beautiful views of the mountains and a short mile to downtown Manchester. Anything you could possibly need is in your room. Yummy breakfasts every morning. Inn keepers Maryane and Jack are a delight! Can't wait to go back.Mari D.05:54 09 Sep 25I highly recommend The Inn at Ormsby Hill. It was lovely. We came to VT to see my Sissy run the Maple Leaf half marathon which she placed 2nd in her age...L P.12:25 15 Aug 22Highly recommend this B&B. Stayed here in July '22. The property backs up onto Hildene. The views are beautiful and the breakfasts are excellent. Stayed in...Charles N.14:23 07 Jun 19The Inn at Ormsby Hill was a place that we were so pleased to find,It is a perfect spot with charm and grace and the innkeepers were so very kind.Every... --- ### [Duplicate Placeholder (No Content - Exclude from Indexing)](https://www.ormsbyhill.com/) **Published:** November 3, 2011 **Author:** client-admin --- ### [Awards & Accolades](https://www.ormsbyhill.com/awards.html) SEO Title: Accolades for Our Award Winning Bed and Breakfast in Southern Vermont SEO Description: The Inn at Ormsby Hill is an award-winning bed and breakfast in Southern Vermont that has been recognized by a number of organizations and publications for excellence in hospitality. Read about our accolades below, then come and experience our romantic Manchester inn for yourself. Canonical: https://www.ormsbyhill.com/awards.html Alternate (text/markdown): https://www.ormsbyhill.com/awards.md **Content:** Awards: Trip Advisor Traveler’s Choice Award Recipient of the AAA Four-Diamond Award for 26 consecutive years A Select Registry Property Featured: Manchester Life Magazine, June 2026 In “Home Away from Home,” Manchester Life’s Megan Demarest explores the INN at Ormsby Hill’s 250+ years of Vermont history — from its 1764 construction to its ties with Robert Todd Lincoln and neighboring Hildene — alongside a celebration of innkeepers Jack and Maryann Orlando’s 10th anniversary of stewardship. The piece highlights the inn’s AAA Four-Diamond legacy, its collection of ten uniquely styled guest rooms, and the personal, welcoming hospitality that keeps guests returning year after year. Read the full article → Jan/Feb 2012 Yankee Magazine as “one of six romantic inns to visit… “ Boston Sunday Globe, May 2007 HGTV If Walls Could Talk, April, 2003 Colonial Homes, November 1997 We have been chosen by the following guidebooks: VERMONT: An Explorer’s Guide – Christina Tree and Peter Jennison Best Places to Stay in New England – Christina Tree and Kimberly Grant Getaways for Gourmets in the Northeast – Nancy Webster and Richard Woodworth Weekending in New England – Betsy Wittemann and Nancy Webster The Fireside Guide to New England Inns and Restaurants – Betsy and Ross Wittemann Frommer’s Northern New England Fodor’s New England Guide Recommended Country Inns of New England – Elizabeth Squier Vermont Inns and Bed & Breakfast Inns – Editors of The New England Press The Annual Directory of American and Canadian Bed & Breakfasts – Tracey Menges The Discerning Traveler’s Guide to New England – David and Linda Glickstein The Official Guide to American Historic Inns – Deborah Sakach The Complete Guide to Bed & Breakfasts Inns & Guesthouses – Pamela Lanier Bed & Breakfast Encyclopedia – Deborah Sakach and Tiffany Crosswy Complete Guide to American Bed and Breakfast – Rik Barnes Yankee Magazine’s New England Bed & Breakfast and Inn Directory – Yankee Publishing Frommer’s Wonderful Weekends From Boston The Unofficial Guide to Bed and Breakfasts in New England – Lea Lane Romantic Weekends New England – Patricia & Robert Foulke Journey to New England – Patricia Harris & David Lyon Vermont – Don Mitchell New England Snow Country – Barbara Radcliffe Rogers & Stillman Rogers Play Hard / Rest Easy – New England – Malcolm W. Campbell Lonely Plant New England Karen Brown’s New England We are honored to be featured in a Yankee Magazine issue under the heading There’s No Better Time to Find a Romantic Inn. “If you’re with a person you love and you’re loved in return… there are a number of special places that define ‘romantic’.” “…we offer a short list (6) of inns sure to thaw hands and hearts.” “You say you are searching for a sumptuous room with a fireplace and a Jacuzzi big enough for two, plus a gourmet breakfast lavish enough to last all day? Look no further …” —Recommended Bed & Breakfasts of New England --- ### [Duplicate Placeholder (No Content - Exclude from Indexing)](https://www.ormsbyhill.com/awards.html) **Published:** June 5, 2019 **Author:** client-admin --- ### [Home Rotation](https://www.ormsbyhill.com/home-rotation.html) SEO Title: Home Rotation SEO Description: Canonical: https://www.ormsbyhill.com/home-rotation.html Alternate (text/markdown): https://www.ormsbyhill.com/home-rotation.md **Content:** --- ### [Duplicate Placeholder (No Content - Exclude from Indexing)](https://www.ormsbyhill.com/home-rotation.html) **Published:** December 10, 2013 **Author:** client-admin --- ### [Restaurants and Shopping](https://www.ormsbyhill.com/restaurants.html) SEO Title: Restaurants Dining & Shopping in & around Manchester Southern Vermont SEO Description: During your stay, enjoy dining at some of the many Manchester, Vermont area restaurants near The Inn at Ormsby Hill. You’ll likely work up an appetite while shopping at the local stores and boutiques, featuring all things Vermont from upscale to charming to slightly quirky. Canonical: https://www.ormsbyhill.com/restaurants.html Alternate (text/markdown): https://www.ormsbyhill.com/restaurants.md **Content:** Restaurants and Shopping in Manchester and Surrounding Areas Manchester in Southern Vermont offers varied and excellent dining opportunities. New England Yankee style, French, Mediterranean — we know you will find many to your liking and taste. Restaurant Directory – see below the list for a description of each restaurant Ye Olde Tavern – 5183 Main Street – Manchester Center 802.362.0611 The Silver Fork – 48 West Road (at the corner of West Road and 7A – Manchester Village 802.768.8444 Barrows House  – Restaurant and Tap Room 3156 Route 30 – Dorset 802.867.4455 The Dorset Inn  – Church Street – Route 30 – Dorset 802.867.5500 Lola Mediterranean Woodfire  – 4478 Main Street – Manchester 802.362.0448 Lost Marble Brewing Co. – 4259 Main Street – Manchester  802.362.5678 Mistral’s at Toll Gate – Toll Gate Road – Manchester 802.362.1779 Mystico – Restaurant and Bar – Toll Gate Road – Manchester 802.768.8086 Reluctant Panther – 39 West Road – Manchester Village 802.362.2568 The Crooked Ram – 4026 Main Street – Manchester Center 802.417.5049 Thai Basil – 4940 Main Street – Manchester Center 802.768.8433 Umami – 1716 Depot Road – Manchester, VT 802.367.3433 Union Underground – 4928 Main Street – Manchester Center 802.367.3951 Bronwyn-on-Battenkill – 5403 VT Route 7A – Arlington, VT 802.430.7364 Depot Street Burgers – 468 Depot Street – Manchester Center 802.362.7500 Mulligan’s of Manchester – Route 7A – Manchester 802.362.3663 Christos’ Pizza & Pasta – 4931 Main Street – Manchester Center 802.362.2408 The Little Rooster Cafe – 4604 Main Street – Manchester  802.362.3496 Charlie’s Coffee House – 4931 Main Street – Manchester Center 802.362.9944 Season’s – 566 Main Street – Manchester Center 802.362.7272 Zoey’s Deli – Route 11/30 – Manchester 802.362.0005 Zoey’s Double Hex – Route 11/30 (south of the Depot) – Manchester 802.362.0005 Ye Olde Tavern – 5183 Main Street – Manchester Center 802.362.0611 –Innovative New England Country Fare in a memorable historic setting. The Silver Fork – 48 West Road (at the corner of West Road and 7A – Manchester Village 802.768.8444 Dinner: Tuesday thru Saturday 5:00 to close. An elegant restaurant serving an international menu with an emphasis on flavor and freshness. Now located in the old Skinner Library. Barrows House  – Restaurant and Tap Room 3156 Route 30 – Dorset 802.867.4455 Serving dinner 7 days a week: 5pm-8:30pm  Barrows House Restaurant is an American restaurant and gastro pub. The menu features traditional New England tavern fare with a modern twist that pairs beautifully with a selection of craft beers and extensive wine list. Quality ingredients are prepared using classic culinary techniques to offer guests seasonal tastes of Vermont. Set against the historic backdrop of a circa 1803 building, the ambiance is warm and welcoming, sophisticated yet casual, and features Dorset white marble accents and historic black & white photos from the local Norcross-West Marble Quarry. Paired with our large outdoor patio and colorful gardens, Barrows House Restaurant is the ideal setting for outdoor dining and all types of special events, including wedding receptions, rehearsal dinners, and bridal showers. The Dorset Inn  – Church Street – Route 30 – Dorset 802.867.5500 For more than 220 years, The Dorset Inn has offered traditional New England hospitality…gracious lodgings, gourmet dining, fine wine & great spirits. Excellent creative American cuisine. Lunch and dinner. Reservations. Dinner is served nightly at the inn from 5:30 – 9:00 pm. Dress is casual in the Tavern and business casual in the Dining Room. Lola Mediterranean Woodfire  – 4478 Main Street – Manchester 802.362.0448 NEW – Lola Mediterranean Woodfire blends rustic charm with vibrant tastes inspired by Greece’s sun-soaked shores. Whether it’s pizza straight from our wood oven or a chilled cocktail under soft lights, we make moments memorable. Lost Marble Brewing Co. – 4259 Main Street – Manchester  802.362.5678 NEW – Located on Main Street, Lost Marble Brewing Company is Manchester’s first craft brewery. A perfect destination for neighbors and visitors to gather for freshly brewed beer and enjoy a menu of tap room favorites, such as the Lost Burger, wings, pizzas from our oven, and a guest favorite, our extra-large soft pretzel with house made beer fondue. Guests can enjoy a freshly brewed beer, wine, or cider in the tap room, spacious south patio and outdoor bar, and North Terrace and lawn. A private space overlooking the brewing room is also available for events, beer tastings and tours. Mistral’s at Toll Gate – Toll Gate Road – Manchester 802.362.1779 Located at the site of the last Toll Gate in Vermont, Mistral’s offers fine French cuisine in an intimate riverside setting. Wine Spectator “Award of Excellence” since 1994. Chef-owned, Dinner from 6 pm. Closed Tuesdays and Wednesdays. Mystico – Restaurant and Bar – Toll Gate Road – Manchester 802.768.8086 Mystico – A Taste of Italy in Vermont – Nestled in the heart of Manchester Center, Vermont , Mystico celebrates the rich and vibrant flavors of Italy, bringing the essence of Italian cuisine to your table. From handcrafted pasta to artisan focaccia, each dish at Mystico is a masterpiece of tradition and innovation, lovingly prepared using the finest ingredients sourced from local farms and purveyors. Our mission is to provide high-quality food for all those who wish to combine an enjoyable ambiance and skillful cooking into one extraordinary culinary journey. Debbie Pazos, who comes from a fine dining background in New York City, brings an uplifting and joyful front-of-house dining experience with her amazing staff. A mother of three small children and wife to fellow restauranteur Luis Pazos, she will make sure your time with us is memorable! Executive Chef Timothy Cocheo, a graduate from the French Culinary Institute in New York City, brings with him a passion for creating handmade pasta and a love for incorporating locally grown foods. A father of four and a husband to wife Taryn Cocheo, he will wow you with his delicious and visually artful dishes. The Mystic family welcomes you all and we cannot wait to serve you. Reluctant Panther – 39 West Road – Manchester Village 802.362.2568 The Reluctant Panther Restaurant features contemporary American cooking in a relaxed yet elegantly upscale atmosphere. With an emphasis on locally sourced products, our Chefs create a sophisticated dining experience that is unsurpassed in northern New England. A multiple year Wine Spectator award winning wine list complements the tasteful menu. The Crooked Ram – 4026 Main Street – Manchester Center 802.417.5049 The Crooked Ram started as a humble, retail-only bottle shop in 2017. In a few short and wild years, we have grown into a full restaurant with three distinct experiences living together under one roof: The Cafe, The Dining Room and The Yard. Each experience offers its own menu and setting, but all three are shaped by the same desire to bring people together to share special food and drink in a warm atmosphere, with great music. Rooted in the agricultural and natural beauty of Vermont, The Crooked Ram is guided by local-first sourcing, with intentional additions of regional and international products that align with our sustainable efforts. We thrive on sharing the stories of independent family farms, winemakers, brewers and artisans, as we curate every aspect of our guest experience—from the pours to the playlist. From biodynamic wines, fine cocktails and wild-fermented beers, to Vermont-made cheeses and New England’s freshest oysters, every item on our menu is selected for its unmatched quality and ability to start a conversation. Unfussy and ingredient-driven, this understated excellence extends to our hospitality, leaving room for the questions, curiosity and connection that define any great meal. Thai Basil – 4940 Main Street – Manchester Center 802.768.8433 Thai Basil is the home of authentic Thai cuisine in the heart of Manchester, Vermont. Umami – 1716 Depot Road – Manchester, VT 802.367.3433 Formerly known and cherished as Social House in the heart of Manchester Center, Vermont, Umami – Asian Fusion emerges as a culinary gem, poised to redefine dining experiences in our beloved small town. With a commitment to filling a niche and becoming a beloved staple. Our menu seamlessly blends the best of Chinese takeout with the creativity of Asian fusion cuisine, offering a diverse selection that caters to every palate and occasion. From classic favorites to inventive new creations, each dish at Umami is a testament to our dedication to culinary excellence and innovation. Led by Luis Pazos, a Queens native with a rich background in hospitality, Umami represents the pinnacle of his culinary journey. From humble beginnings to honing his craft at the world-renowned Le Bernardin, Luis brings unparalleled expertise and passion to every aspect of your dining experience. Union Underground – 4928 Main Street – Manchester Center 802.367.3951 Experience a union of community, good drinks, live staged EVENTS, and great food, at our- UNDERGROUND GastroPub, located in the heart of Manchester Center, Vermont – Main Street. Join with us to feel the collaboration of the Green Mountain vibes and our rustic, industrial atmosphere. Bronwyn-on-Battenkill – 5403 VT Route 7A – Arlington, VT 802.430.7364 Bronwyn-on-Battenkill is a restaurant and bar nestled between the Green and Taconic Mountains on the banks of the Battenkill river in Arlington, Vt. Chef Tim Wiechmann draws on his cultural heritage to create hand-crafted sausages (kielbasa and brats to name a few…) pork schnitzels (that Beat Bobby Flay!), traditional noodles (think cheesy-cheddar Spatzle with bacon) and other specialties like Riesling sauerkraut or giant fresh baked pretzels. An extensive list of German and Vermont craft beers make what’s coming out of the kitchen even better. The chef’s wife, Bronwyn, is the restaurant’s namesake. On the inside the restaurant feels like a rustic European tavern, dressed up with the treasures from the Chef’s travels including oversized antique chairs and tables. Upon entering the vibe is Old Europe and cozy laid-back Vermont, with ornate woodworking and a warming wood-fire nestled in the rear dining room. Two fantastically distinctive biergartens overlook the mountains and the serenity of Vermont during the warmer summer months. Depot Street Burgers – 468 Depot Street – Manchester Center 802.362.7500 Matt started cutting meat for the Sirloin Saloon in Manchester and Burlington, VT. He studied at CIA and worked at some of the top restaurants in Naples, FL seasonally. During the off season in Florida he worked for the National Hotel on Block Island, RI. He did this for 5 years. He moved back to Vermont, a Bennington native. He was the chef de cuisine for the Barrow’s House in Dorset, VT. This is when we met. I was managing the front of the house for The Perfect Wife Restaurant. We fell in love and had our sweet baby girl, Basil.​ Andrea is a Buffalo, NY native. Grew up in the restaurant business with my Aunt & Uncle’s restaurant in Niagara Falls, NY. My mother owned a restaurant in Buffalo, NY through my high school years and I helped her nights and weekends until I moved away for college. Thought I would try to be a veterinarian but continued to work in restaurants along the way. I moved to Manchester, VT after 3 years of college. My passion is studying wine too. I had the privilege of attending Pinot Camp in Willamette Valley, OR. In 2011. I am studying to be a certified specialist in wine. Mulligan’s of Manchester – Route 7A – Manchester 802.362.3663 Great Food! Great Fun! Relaxed family-friendly turn of the century atmosphere featuring flame broiled prime steaks, fresh seafood, poultry, pastas, crisp salads, burgers, sandwiches & children’s menu. Six-TV sports bar. Rte. 7A. Christos’ Pizza & Pasta – 4931 Main Street – Manchester Center 802.362.2408 Pizza, Pasta, Salads, and Sandwiches. Crafted with Love in Vermont, Christos’ Pizza & Pasta uses the same dough recipe and passion that Christos’ parents brought with them from Greece. That makes our goal simple: make the best pizza around and serve it in a warm, welcoming environment. The Little Rooster Cafe – 4604 Main Street – Manchester  802.362.3496 Charlie’s Coffee House – 4931 Main Street – Manchester Center 802.362.9944 Specialty Coffee Drinks​​​ – Espresso, Lattes, Cappuccinos, & ​Harney & Sons Teas Serving Mocha Joe’s Coffee – a specialty coffee roasting company located in Brattleboro, Vermont. We serve their Organic Fair Trade Coffee selections, alongside their Farmer Direct Trade coffee, and a selection of other specialty coffees. The Inn at Ormsby Hill serves Mocha Joe’s, too. We think its the best around. Season’s – 566 Main Street – Manchester Center 802.362.7272 Seasons Restaurant offers seasonally inspired dishes along with classic American cuisine. Friendly, relaxed and reasonably priced. Zoey’s Deli – Route 11/30 – Manchester 802.362.0005 Home of some of the best lunches in town. Hefty sandwiches, addictive homemade potato chips with every order. Zoey’s Double Hex – Route 11/30 (south of the Depot) – Manchester 802.362.0005 Hands-down the juiciest burgers anywhere around. Salads, Pastas, Fish. Same great homemade chips as the Deli plus piles of onion strings! Newly expanded. A versatile menu at wallet-friendly prices. Explore Manchester’s Retail Shops plus other Vermont stores of interest Above All Vermont Manchester Village, VT 802.362.0915 Above All Vermont captures the nostalgia and quality offered by general stores of long ago with a whimsical flair. From the old-fashioned candy counter to an extensive selection of New England made specialty foods and goods, we offer hard-to-find items all presented in a wonderful display of old-time country store fixtures and creaky wooden floors! There is an impressive collection of specialty foods such as mixes for muffins, breads, and dips. Vermont Maple syrup, cured meats, fudge, candy, chocolate, cheese, jams, salsas, hot sauces and honey to liven up any get together or party. The apothecary area is dedicated to handmade soaps, scrubs, and lotions, candles and all matter designed to make you feel great. Unique home décor such as cooking gadgets, cast iron cookware, potholders, and dish towels. Good food is always a draw and Above All Vermont offers many in-store demos to introduce new products. New products and finds every day, so stop by often! JK Adams 1430 Route 30 – Dorset – 802.362.4422 JK Adams Company is the preeminent American manufacturer of high-quality, wooden cutting boards, entertaining and kitchen storage products, rolling pins, wine racks, and charcoal slate servers. For over 65 years, cooks and entertainers have relied on J.K. Adams to outfit their kitchens and homes with the most innovative culinary tools. Every J.K. Adams product is made by hand in Vermont using sustainably harvested North American hardwood. Our products are as functional as they are attractive. They are modern heirlooms that are cherished by passionate cooks and entertainers. Manchester Designer Outlets 97 Depot Street – Manchester Center Outlet shopping in Vermont is synonymous with Manchester. Enjoy an overnight stay at The Inn at Ormsby Hill before you head out to “One of the Top Shopping Getaways in New England”, awarded by Yankee Magazine’s Reader’s Choice and Editor’s Choice for outlet shopping in New England. Save on designer fashions in the beautiful and historic walking village of Manchester, Vermont. New to MDO is Simon Pierce Gift Shop and Coco Goose. Visit the MDO website and discover all the great shopping and eateries. Manchester Hot Glass 79 Elm Street, Manchester Center 802.362.2227 Manchester Hot Glass is a glass blowing studio and gallery locally owned and operated by artist Andrew Weill. Classes in glassblowing are available any time of year, and are great for gifts, anniversaries, in between skiing, shopping, or leaf peeping. We can tailor a glass blowing class for most size groups, field trips, parties and skill levels. Make your own blown glass, bowl, or vase! You will be able to pick glass colors, handle molten glass, then blow and shape it to make your own, one-of-a-kind pint glass, or perhaps a wavy bowl or a flower vase. Reservations requested. Manchester Woodcraft 175 Depot Street – Manchester Center 802.362.5770 We are known for our affordably priced selection of high-quality indoor and outdoor furniture, including Adirondack chairs and tables. We carry pieces and parts for the DIY fans, lots of items to paint and decorate. Cooks will find cutting boards, wooden utensils, knife blocks, storage solutions, and lots of other handy household items. We make racks for just about everything: ski and pole racks, Shaker peg racks in many sizes, tie racks, jewelry racks, clothes-drying racks, wine racks, towel racks, standing coat racks, mudroom cubbies for hats and mittens, and luggage racks, to name just a few. We are also happy to customize some of our pieces to fit your home. For kids we have lots of wooden toys, puzzles, games, and crafts. Mother Myrick’s Confectionery 4361 Main Street – Manchester Center 802.362.1560 Mother Myrick’s Confectionery began in 1977 as a small fudge shop in the beautiful resort town of Manchester Vermont. During that first year, Ron started making Mother Myrick’s now famous buttercrunch toffee, caramels and chocolate assortments. Jacki, Ron’s wife, brought her expertise in food and customer service to the fledgling business. We are very proud of all our homemade cakes and chocolates and make every effort to use the freshest ingredients possible in small, handmade batches. We specialize in holiday confections for personal and corporate giving, birthday treats, wedding favors and more. The Mountain Goat 4886 Main Street, Manchester, Vermont 802.362.2515 Just five miles from the Appalachian Trail in southern Vermont. The Outdoor Lifestyle is Our Passion The Mountain Goat has been locally owned and operated by Anne and Ron Houser since 1987. The adventurous couple, raised in the hills of Virginia, first saw Manchester from the seat of a bicycle on their way to Canada. The busy little town nestled in the mountains caught their attention and they soon returned to realize their dream of opening their own outdoor shop. On any given day, you will find Ron or Anne or one of their excellent staff attending to each customer’s needs. Route finding, gear maintenance, snow conditions and general local information is all part of the experience here.  The outfitter, located just five minutes from the Appalachian Trail in southern Vermont, carries the finest in outdoor clothing and gear for serious adventurers and casual wanderers alike. We encourage you to call us or e-mail us with any product or outdoor-related questions that you may have. Even better, if you’re in the area stop by for the best customer service! Northshire Bookstore 4869 Main Street – Manchester Center 802.362.2200 The Northshire Bookstore is a family-owned, independent bookstore located in the former Colburn House, which was a continuously operating Inn for over a century until it was converted to a bookstore in 1985. We are a large (10,000 square feet) general bookstore with a large floor devoted to Children. We have tried to create a store that fosters browsing and discovery. We can, of course, get any book in print, but we believe in the joy of serendipity and have laid out the store to enhance this experience. Beyond the best in books, we offer a full line of stationery, magazines, cards, calendars, local and VT foods and many fine gifts from clothing to jewelry. In addition, the popular Spiral Press Cafe is attached to the store so there is no need to leave the building for coffee or baked goods or lunch. We believe strongly in the triple bottom line—people, planet & profits—because we recognize that business occurs in the context of community. We work hard to enrich our communities as we strive to thrive in the dynamic world of bookselling. Orvis Retail Store 4180 Main Street, Route 7A – Manchester Dogs welcome Manchester is the home of the Orvis flagship store, beautifully situated on rolling green lawns with fly fishing and trout ponds where you can take fly fishing lessons or just enjoy the scenery. The trout extends from the outside of the store to the inside. Fly fishing and essential outdoor gear is the hallmark of Orvis. Founded in 1856, Orvis has grown from a tackle shop into a forerunner of the modern direct-mail retail industry. Besides clothing, gifts, fly fishing, dogs, luggage and outdoor equipment, the flagship and outlet stores are a visual pleasure to browse. Perfect Piece Consignment 4361 Main Street – Manchester Center 802.768.8341 Perfect Piece is a high-quality home furnishings and decor consignment store located in Manchester, Vermont. We offer our customers three unique services in order to bring the most value to them when they are selling their used home furnishings and decor: we utilize our 7,000+ square foot showroom, over 25 years of experience in the industry, and our long-established relationships with the premier auction houses in the world. Come see how we can help you today! Rablogen Castle of Scotland 5187 VT Route 7a – Arlington, VT 802.549-8928 It is the mission of Rablogan Castle of Scotland to bring high-quality, traditional, Scottish-made products to the people of North America, especially those of Scottish heritage, who seek to maintain their cultural link, be it through food, fashion, culture or custom. Highland Wear for Men, Women and Children and other clothing, all manufactured in Scotland. To create your individual identity – we will design your own tartan, see it registered, woven and turned into your personal garments and accessories. To this end, Rablogan Castle of Scotland LLC is proud to offer an ever-expanding range of imported foods. We firmly believe in what we say “Always Made in Scotland and always of the Highest Quality Vermont Kitchen Supply 4788 Main Street – Manchester Center Love to eat, love to cook? Vermont Kitchen Supply is for you. Proprietor Kerry Comollo Mackinnon combines her vast expertise and passion for food and community together at this popular Manchester shop, catering to home cooks, professional chefs, and restaurant owners alike. In a beautiful location in the center of town, VKS is a one stop shop for cookware, kitchen tools, gadgets, glassware and more. Find favorite brands like All-Clad, KitchenAid, Cuisinart, Wusthof, Staub and Scanpan. Enjoy fabulous customer service and take advantage of the staff’s incredible expertise. Other retail stores that are out of town, but worth the drive Vermont County Store 657 Main Street – Weston 802.824.3184 1292 Rockingham Road – Rockingham 802.463.2224 Vrest and Mildred Ellen Orton opened The Vermont Country Store in Weston, Vermont, in 1946. They were inspired by childhood memories of Vrest’s father’s general store in North Calais, Vermont, which opened in 1897. The Weston store was the first restored rural general store in the nation. Today, The Vermont Country Store is owned by Lyman Orton and sons Cabot, Gardner, and Eliot, 7th & 8th generation Vermonters, and 4th & 5th generation storekeepers. They adhere to the old-fashioned values set forth by Vrest and take pride in being Purveyors of the Practical and Hard-to-Find. In today’s global economy, merchants at the Vermont Country Store search throughout the nation and abroad to find goods that fill the needs of American and international customers alike. Speaking for the Orton family, Eliot says, “We still go to great lengths to find products that aren’t sold anywhere else.” Simon Pearce – Glass Blowing and Restaurant 1760 Quechee Main Street – Quechee, VT 802.295.1470 Designed to Last Generations – In the age of bigger, better, faster, we believe simplicity, quality, and artisanship are tenets of a better way of life. From our hand-thrown pottery to our lead-free crystal glassware made with custom molds and purpose-built furnaces, each handcrafted piece carries a story that lends meaning and authenticity. --- ### [Duplicate Placeholder (No Content - Exclude from Indexing)](https://www.ormsbyhill.com/restaurants.html) **Published:** June 5, 2019 **Author:** client-admin --- ### [Farms and Farmers Markets](https://www.ormsbyhill.com/farms.html) SEO Title: Explore Maple Sugaring Farmers Markets & Farms in Southern Vermont SEO Description: Vermont is known by depictions of its idyllic countryside. One of the most iconic New England experiences you can have during your stay in Southern Vermont is exploring its sugaring houses, orchards, and farmers’ markets. Enjoy some goodies during your visit, and take a taste of Vermont home with you. Canonical: https://www.ormsbyhill.com/farms.html Alternate (text/markdown): https://www.ormsbyhill.com/farms.md **Content:** Explore Vermont Farms, Farmers Markets and Sugaring Houses Family Farms, Agriculture, and Pastoral Landscapes are abundant throughout the Southern Vermont. Vermont’s abundance of farmland is popularly captured in the postcard images of cows grazing in the sweet green rolling fields. Vermont is well known for many aspects of its farm community: maple syrup, fine cheeses, pastoral landscapes, Morgan horses, family farms, and innovative, responsible practices. Farms and farmers are a huge part of the Vermont landscape and economy. Nearly a million and a half acres of Vermont land are in agriculture, sustaining the pastoral landscape that has made Vermont famous. Dairying is the primary farm industry in Vermont, producing approximately half the milk consumed in New England. Vermont is America’s largest producer of maple syrup and produces substantial crops of Macintosh apples, potatoes, eggs, honey, vegetables, Christmas trees, lumber, pulp wood, and green house nursery products. Vermont has always been known for its natural beauty. In a state where billboards are illegal, you would expect the landscape to be dominant. It takes an army of lawn and garden experts to keep Vermont’s public and private property looking its very best. From mowing and snow plowing to garden design and large construction landscaping projects, landscapers help keep Vermont’s spectacular beauty alive. Mad Tom Orchards 2615 Mad Tom Road East Dorset, Vermont 802.366.8107 Sylvia and Tom Smith began to restore the Mad Tom Orchard in 1999. Planted in 1940 by the Parsons family, the orchard was purchased by Tom’s dad in 1962, and run for many years as a commercial orchard, then as pick-your-own. Loss of the airplane spray service forced the orchard to close in 1997. We now have pruned over 100 of the best old trees and planted 1,200 new trees bringing eight acres back into production. The old trees are big and beautiful, and are all McIntosh and Cortland, two premier New England varieties. The new ones include more of these two old favorites plus Gingergold, Zestar, Sansa, Gala, Honeycrisp, Macoun, Empire, Golden Delicious, Northern Spy, and Jonagold. Fruit is available on the old trees and the new trees as well. The mountains around us provide the views, the refreshing breezes, and a perfect spot to enjoy autumn in Vermont. Hathaway Farm 741 Prospect Hill Road Rutland, VT 802.775.2624 The farm has been in our family for three generations (so far), since 1942. Prior to this, the Osgood family owned the farm for five generations. They raised “lots” of potatoes here & in fact were known as the Potato Kings of Vermont! They also were one of the largest maple producers in Vermont. Our family built and ran a dairy farm here until 1986. Since then, we have raised beef cows and have continued to produce maple syrup here since first buying the farm. Come see for yourself remnants of its old potato days where the scales were set up and there is handwriting on the walls! On your adventure through the big maze, there are 3 bridges you may encounter along your journey, one of them being a 4-way bridge. You may happen to visit this one more than once! Then there’s the Grassy Knoll, a little field inside the maze where you can sit and relax in the Adirondack chairs and soak in the beautiful mountain views OR you can roll down the hill like all the kids do. Either way, this area is always a hit! We also have 2 huge tractor tires somewhere in there which double as a great place to sit down and ponder your next move! The barn and farmhouse are on the National Historic Registry Earth Sky Time Farm 1547 Main Street Manchester Center, VT 802.384.1400 Earth Sky Time is a small organic farm and wood fired bakery in Manchester, Vermont. We are Bonnie and Oliver Levis and we are part of an amazing community of friends, interns, CSA members, and local eaters. We enjoy the hands on nature of working with food. We hear so much these days about restoring local food sovereignty and breaking free from the corporate stronghold on supermarket shelves. Well, here we are, happy people in a big house on a hill, feeding our little corner of the planet! As our family has grown, so has our business. In 2011 we built our bakery and our Llopis oven. We now sell our produce, bread, VT Goldburgers, and Hoomoos at 4 local farmers markets, through our CSA, numerous co-ops, stores and restaurants in the area, and directly from the farm. Thanks to our friends for supplying the Inn at Ormsby Hill with wonderful bakery products fresh every day! Dutton Berry Farm Route 11/30 Manchester, VT 802.362.3083 Whether it is fresh farmer-grown fruits and vegetables, cider, maple syrup, or plants, you’ll enjoy visiting a true Vermont farm experience with lots of locally made products! We are proud of our farmer-grown products. We offer a complete line of fruits and vegetables, gifts, flowers, unique foods, Dutton-made fudge, and many other interesting locally made products. Dutton Berry Farmstands The Dutton Berry Farmstands on Route 30 in Newfane, Route 11/30 in Manchester, and Route 9 in West Brattleboro, Vermont are well known for their Vermont grown produce and other unique local products. Cloudland Farm 1101 Cloudland Road North Pomfret, VT 802.457.2599 Set in the pastoral hills of Pomfret, Vermont, Cloudland Farm offers visitors an authentic farm experience. The spectacular views on the four-mile drive up the scenic Cloudland Road are just the beginning. At the farm, visitors are free to take photographs of Emmons Family the farmland and any of the animals that may be in view. This may include our black Angus cattle and calves, horses, laying hens, Cornish-cross meat chickens, turkeys, the barn cats or the pigs. For those who enjoy hiking, the Appalachian Trail runs through the farm property and is open to hikers every day of the year. If you would like to take something home with you from the farm, the Cloudland Farm Market offers for sale Cloudland’s delicious natural Angus beef steaks, ground beef, roasts, beef sausages, beef jerky, pastured pork, and pickles. The Farm Market also offers local maple syrup, local cheeses, Vermont teas, Vermont sodas, and handmade goat’s milk soaps, as well as an assortment of cookbooks. The farm market is open on Wednesdays from 10 to 3 and on Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays from 10 to 5. Merck Forest and Farm Center 3270 Route 315 Rupert, VT 802-394-7836 Merck Forest and Farmland Center (MFFC) is a nonprofit educational organization with a mission to teach and to demonstrate the benefits of innovative, sustainable management of forest and farmland. MFFC is composed of 3,162 acres and includes a 3,100 acre managed forest, a certified-organic sugaring operation and a 62-acre farm. We offer on-site demonstrations, apprenticeships, workshops, and school programs as well as recreational and volunteer opportunities. These offerings allow visitors to connect with MFFC’s farm and forest through meaningful experiences with this working landscape. Visit the farm, venture into the forest or stay overnight in a rustic cabin or lean-to. With over thirty miles of trails for hiking, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, and horseback riding, MFFC has a multitude of recreational opportunities. Please stop by the Visitor Center to learn more about MFFC’s activities and land use. Our certified organic pure Vermont maple syrup and other farm and forest products may be purchased at our Visitor Center or our Online Store. MFFC is open to the public year-round, 7 days a week from dawn to dusk. There is no admission fee. MFFC is community-supported through donations, membership fees, cabin rentals and MFFC product sales. VERMONT MAPLE SYRUP In March the sugaring process starts and his highly dependent upon weather conditions. Visit these sugaring houses to see their efforts to make the Vermont maple syrup that you enjoy. There are over 400 producers of maple syrup in Vermont. Sugar Shack 802-375-6747 Sugar Shack Lane, Route 7A Arlington, Vermont 05255 Bob’s Maple Shop 802-362-3882 733 Richville Road Manchester Center, Vermont 05255 Bushee Family Maple Farm 802-293-5037 232 Quarry Hill Road Danby, Vermont 05739 Wild Farm Maple 802-362-1656 670 Bentley Hill Rd Arlington, Vermont 05250 Glastenview Maple Farm 802-442-4687 571 Glastenview Dr Shaftsbury, Vermont 05262 Sugar Hill Maple Farm, Inc. 802-259-2620 117 Hawkins Rd E Wallingford, Vermont 5742 Mance Family Tree Farm 802-688-3506 217 Holiday Dr Shaftsbury, Vermont 05262 Bennett’s Tree Farm 1088 Murphy Rd North Bennington, Vermont 05257 Skinner Hollow Farm Eric Severance 802-362-2666 1703 Main St MANCHESTR CTR, Vermont 05255 Havoc Hill Sugarhouse 802-362-4136 190 Havoc Hill East Dorset, Vermont 05253 Hollow Road Maple 802-824-4569 3210 Winhall Hollow Road South Londonderry, Vermont 05155 Ball Brook Sugar House 802-379-0337 196 Sweet Road Pownal, Vermont 05261 Hawk Nest Farm 802-375-1100 PO Box 688 Arlington, Vermont 05250 Three Dozing Dogs Farm 802-447-7685 1513 Trumbull Hill Road Shaftsbury, Vermont 05262 The Wing Farm 802-345-3966 599 Town Line Road Bennington, Vermont 05201 Merck Forest & Farmland Ctr 802-394-7836 PO Box 86 Rupert, Vermont 5768 --- ### [Duplicate Placeholder (No Content - Exclude from Indexing)](https://www.ormsbyhill.com/farms.html) **Published:** June 5, 2019 **Author:** client-admin --- ### [History of the INN at Ormsby Hill](https://www.ormsbyhill.com/history.html) SEO Title: Historic Lodging at Our Bed and Breakfast Inn in Manchester Vermont SEO Description: Built in 1764, the main house at The Inn at Ormsby Hill is one of the oldest structures in Manchester, Vermont. As you read about our historic bed and breakfast, you’ll discover that this venerable property has a rich past of providing lodging that reaches back beyond its role as a B&B. Canonical: https://www.ormsbyhill.com/history.html Alternate (text/markdown): https://www.ormsbyhill.com/history.md **Content:** The Inn at Ormsby Hill in Manchester, Vermont, is more than just a charming bed and breakfast—it’s a living testament to the rich tapestry of American history. From its 18th-century origins to its connections with prominent figures like Edward Isham and Robert Todd Lincoln, the inn offers guests a unique opportunity to immerse themselves in the stories that shaped the region. Built in 1764 by Thompson Purdy, the inn is one of the oldest structures in Manchester. The basement portion of the inn still contains the marble slabs that were abundant in the 18th Century. In the foyer of the old entrance is the smoke room where meats were hung and cured. It is believed that Ethan Allen hid in this “room” during the Revolutionary War. The house also may have served as a safe house for the Underground Railroad. Edward Swift Isham, born in Bennington, Vermont, in 1836, was the son of Vermont Supreme Court Justice Pierpont Isham and grandson of early Manchester physician Ezra Isham. After graduating from Harvard Law School, Edward established a successful legal practice in Chicago, partnering with Robert Todd Lincoln to form the firm Isham Lincoln & Beale. Despite his professional commitments in Illinois, Isham maintained strong ties to Manchester, spending summers at his family home, Ormsby Hill, and contributing to the local community as an early member of the Manchester Historical Society . Isham, a prominent Chicago attorney who grew up and went to school at Burr and Burton in Manchester and then to Harvard Law School, purchased the Purdy House in the latter 1800s and added on the rest of the house as you see it today. Isham, who was enthralled by the Revolutionary War and the Green Mountain Boys, named the house Ormsby Hill after Gideon Ormsby, a Revolutionary War hero from Manchester. After the great Chicago fire, Mr. Isham and Robert Todd Lincoln (son of President Lincoln) formed the law firm known as Isham, Lincoln and Beal. They became the best of friends, and Lincoln was a frequent visitor to Ormsby Hill (along with their friend, President William Howard Taft). Lincoln loved Manchester so much he asked Isham to sell him some land. Isham replied, “You’re my best friend and law partner; you’re NOT going to be my next-door neighbor.” It wasn’t until Isham died that Robert Todd Lincoln was able to purchase the land behind Ormsby Hill now known as Hildene. After the Isham family stopped living at Ormsby Hill, a foundation was created by the family to bring underprivileged boys from New York City to experience country life and attend the local private high school called Burr & Burton Seminary. This was the role of Ormsby Hill until the early 1980s, at which time the foundation abandoned the property. In 1987 it was purchased and converted into a five-room bed and breakfast. In 1995, five additional rooms were added. The Inn at Ormsby Hill now consists of ten luxurious lodging accommodations, including one which is wheelchair accessible. In November 2016, Jack and MaryAnn Orlando purchased The Inn at Ormsby Hill and plan to continue the outstanding innkeeping traditions established by our predecessors Ted and Chris Sprague and most recently Yoshio and Dianne Endo. --- ### [Duplicate Placeholder (No Content - Exclude from Indexing)](https://www.ormsbyhill.com/history.html) **Published:** June 5, 2019 **Author:** client-admin --- ### [Museums and Antiquing](https://www.ormsbyhill.com/museums.html) SEO Title: Explore Southern Vermont on Tours and in Art Museums and Historic Sites SEO Description: History buffs and art lovers will rejoice over the number of art galleries, museums, and historic sites that are present in the Manchester area of Southern Vermont. Join one of the local tours or go exploring on your own. There’s so much to see and learn! Canonical: https://www.ormsbyhill.com/museums.html Alternate (text/markdown): https://www.ormsbyhill.com/museums.md **Content:** Explore Southern Vermont’s historic sites, museums and landscape, during your stay at The Inn at Ormsby Hill. The listings below will help you begin to plan the itinerary for your visit. Hildene The Lincoln Family Home Manchester Center, Vermont Open year-round – except Easter, Thanksgiving Day, Christmas 24,25 and 26. Open daily – currently closed Tuesdays and Wednesdays. Literally just outside our back door – Hildene is adjacent to the Inn at Ormsby Hill – in fact a portion of Hildene’s property was formerly owned by Edward Isham who owned Ormsby Hill.   Hildene is an historic home built in 1905 by President Abraham and Mary Todd Lincoln’s son, Robert as a summer residence. Robert and Edward Isham were also law partners in Chicago. The Welcome Center, The Museum Store, Pullman car, farms, house and exhibits are open year-round 9:30 to 4:30. In the winter months, Hildene’s approximately 12 miles of walking trails on the estate become ski trails with varying levels of difficulty and ski and snowshoe rentals are available. As lodging partners with Hildene-we offer discounted admission tickets. Backroad Discovery Tour We offer 4 seasons of tours, routes vary with each season Backroad Discovery Tours are designed for those having only a couple of days in the area and who want to explore the region’s best-kept secrets. Travel in a comfortable 10-passenger tour vehicle with local guide who will present a delightful overview and who will offer intriguing facts, history and stories along the way. See sweeping vistas and discover why Vermont is called “The State of Mind!” You will have an opportunity to sample and purchase Vermont made maple syrup and cheeses. Revolutionary/Civil War tour from 9:30 AM – noon and the Southern Vermont Sampler Tour & Fall Foliage Tour from 1 – 4 PM.  $35 PP. Advance reservations necessary via email or phone. For complete description of tours, please visit website. email: bckrddisc@aol.com 802-362-4997 The American Museum of Fly Fishing Manchester Village, Vermont 802.362.3300 The American Museum of Fly Fishing is the steward of the world’s largest collection of angling and angling-related artifacts, including the 7,000-volume Gardner L. Grant Library. Exhibition gallery and gift shop are open 10-4, Tuesday through Saturday (Nov. – May) and Tuesday through Sunday (Jun. – Oct.) Saratoga Automobile Museum Saratoga Springs, New York The Saratoga Automobile Museum was chartered in 1999 and officially opened to the public in June 2002. The Museum’s mission is to preserve, interpret and exhibit automobiles and automotive artifacts. We celebrate the automobile and educate the general public, students and enthusiasts to the role of the automobile in New York State and the wider world. In addition to technical and design aspects, our educational focus is on the past, present and future social and economic impacts of the automobile. In keeping with the Museum’s exhibits and educational programs, including the Distracted Driving Safety Initiative and various automobile restoration programs for local youth, the Museum also organizes the Saratoga Motorcar Auction, a nationally acclaimed vintage and collector car auction held each September. The Auction is the Museum’s largest annual fundraising effort. The Museum is located within the 2,500-acre Saratoga Spa State Park, in the heart of historic Saratoga Springs, New York, world famous for its legendary one-mile thoroughbred track. The Museum’s facility is the fully restored and renovated New York State Bottling Plant, a beautiful neoclassical structure completed in 1935. The Museum sits adjacent to the Saratoga Performing Arts Center and the lavish Hall of Springs event facility. Within walking distance; the National Museum of Dance, the Spa Little Theatre, and the Gideon Putnam Hotel. Dorset Historical Society at Bley House Museum Dorset, Vermont 802.867.0331 Through rotating exhibits Bley House Museum shares the history of Dorset from its marble quarries, Bennington Pottery and art by local artists to its extensive artifacts, documents and maps. It also houses primary genealogy records recorded by Rev. Parsons S. Pratt from 1856-1896. Vermont Marble Museum Proctor, Vermont 800.427.1396 The Vermont Marble Museum is the largest marble exhibit in the world, and a great source of pride for generations of Vermonters. Through our displays, exhibits, galleries, gift shop and grounds, the Vermont Marble Museum tells a unique story of the people and places that made up Vermont’s marble industry, linking historical, artistic and cultural traditions, and connecting the past with the present. We hope you’ll visit us soon in Proctor, Vermont. The Vermont Marble Museum is a partnership of the Preservation Trust of Vermont and Vermont Marble Museum Inc. Robert Frost Stone House Museum Shaftsbury, Vermont 802.447.6200 The home of American poet Robert Frost in the 1920s, where he wrote “Stopping by Woods on a Snowy Evening,” on a hot June morning. Literary, historical and educational exhibits about Robert Frost. Occasional readings, lectures, concerts, and special events Located 10 minutes from Frosts gravesite in Bennington. Open May thru October. Bennington Museum Bennington, Vermont 802.447.1571 Bennington Museum is home to the largest public collection of Grandma Moses paintings in the world. A selection of her works is always on view. With the museum’s introduction of “Creative Collisions,” visitors discover works by Grandma Moses side-by-side with galleries of Military History and Contemporary Art, while Gilded Age Vermont and Early Vermont Galleries can be found near the ongoing Bennington Modernism exhibition. Art, History, and Innovation from the early days of Vermont to the present in the quintessential New England town of Bennington, Vermont. American Precision Museum Windsor, Vermont 802.674.5781 This unique museum is housed in the original Robbins & Lawrence Armory where the American System of Manufacturing was developed and formed the foundations of modern industry around the world. You’ll find the largest collection of historically significant machine tools in the nation that made mass production possible. Discover how interchangeable parts came into being, how mass production of rifles, carbine and pistols supplied the union army during the civil war, and how after the War, these tools were adapted to make consumer goods. A working machine shop in operation, and a Learning Lab for kids shape baguettes, bake sticky buns, and create the perfect cake. Calvin Coolidge Museum Plymouth, Vermont 802.672.3389 The 30th President of the United States from 1923 to 1929. Born in Vermont.  As a Coolidge biographer wrote: “He embodied the spirit and hopes of the middle class, could interpret their longings and express their opinions. That he did represent the genius of the average is the most convincing proof of his strength”. Norman Rockwell Museum 9 Route 183 Stockbridge, MA 413.298.4100 Founded in 1969 with the help of Norman and Molly Rockwell, Norman Rockwell Museum is dedicated to the enjoyment and study of Rockwell’s work and his contributions to society, popular culture, and social commentary. The Museum, which is accredited by the American Association of Museums, is the most popular year-round cultural attraction in the Berkshires. The Museum houses the world’s largest and most significant collection of Rockwell’s work, including 998 original paintings and drawings. Rockwell lived in Stockbridge for the last 25 years of his life. Rockwell’s Stockbridge studio, moved to the Museum site, is open to the public from May through October, and features original art materials, his library, furnishings, and personal items. The Museum also houses the Norman Rockwell Archives, a collection of more than 100,000 items, including working photographs, letters, personal calendars, fan mail, and business documents. Antiquing Asia Barong – 199 Stockbridge Road, Great Barrington, MA 01230 AsiaBarong Gallery is a mix between a museum, a place where you can spend a day wandering, learning, and teaching your children about cultures of the world and a gallery filled with high quality ethnographic art, some of which is almost impossible to find anywhere else. The Berkshire Galleries  964 Main Street, Suite 6 – Great Barrington, MA 01230 – (413) 644-8848 The Berkshire Galleries of Great Barrington is a premier antiques and design destination in the Berkshires. An extraordinary shopping experience for antiques lovers of every stripe! A 5,000 square foot showroom features everything from country to formal to modern, as well as fine art, prints and antique oriental carpets. Conveniently located between downtown Great Barrington and Sheffield, Massachusetts, our 5,000 square foot, multi-dealer antique shop is open seven days. --- ### [Duplicate Placeholder (No Content - Exclude from Indexing)](https://www.ormsbyhill.com/museums.html) **Published:** June 5, 2019 **Author:** client-admin --- ### [Sporting and Outdoor Activities](https://www.ormsbyhill.com/hiking.html) SEO Title: Hiking Fly Fishing & Things to Do in Green Mountains of Southern Vermont SEO Description: There is an abundance of things to do near The Inn at Ormsby Hill in Manchester, VT. The Green Mountains of Southern Vermont provides an outdoor playground for nature and sports enthusiasts. Stay any time of the year and you may enjoy a vast array of outdoor activities including skiing, hiking, fly fishing, cycling, mountain biking, golfing, and so much more. Canonical: https://www.ormsbyhill.com/hiking.html Alternate (text/markdown): https://www.ormsbyhill.com/hiking.md **Content:** Click Read More below for the following activities – we advise making reservations well in advance as many activities fill up quickly. SUMMER ACTIVITIES – Cycling & Mountain Biking – Fishing – Golf – Hiking – Canoeing, Kayaking & Tubing WINTER ACTIVITIES – Downhill Skiing – Cross Country and Downhill Skiing – Telemark & Snowshoeing, Snowmobiling, Winter Equipment Rental and Sales – Horse Drawn Sleigh Rides – Ice-skating SUMMER ACTIVITIES CYCLING AND MOUNTAIN BIKING Leisurely roll through the town of Manchester to check out the local shops, cycle miles of the rolling hills and valleys of the Green Mountains or climb the rocky terrain of one of Vermont’s many mountain ranges. You are sure to have an experience that is unique, memorable, and will provide stunning views. Bike Manchester provides you with rides and trails to enjoy in Manchester and the surrounding areas. Learn about upcoming events, bike routes, Northshire area trail systems, and maps that will lay out your ride through southern Vermont. Visit the Vermont Mountain Bike Association website for trail systems throughout the state and their current conditions. Trails.com offers an interactive map where you can locate different routes for Vermont road bike rides. Use the filters to narrow your search for the ride that is right for you. Visit the websites below for maps, conditions, routes, and more for your cycling or mountain biking adventures. Battenkill Bicycles 99 Bonnet Street Manchester Center, VT 802.362.2734 Your local cycling source! – Open 10 AM – 5 PM, Closed Wednesday Battenkill Bicycles is a full-service bike shop with decades of experience servicing road and mountain bikes for casual or competitive riders. Road, hybrid, and mountain bikes are available with a fee per day. A day starts at 9:30 and ends at 5:30. If you plan to transport the bike, you must have a bike rack or large vehicle. Reservations can be made, but you must know what size bike you want (they come in at least 5 sizes.) We do not accept last minute cancellations due to weather. The best plan is to come early on the day you want to ride. Call for more information or check pricing on our website. Stratton Mountain Resort 5 Village Lodge Road Stratton Mountain 802.297.4000 Winding country roads and exciting wooded terrain make biking one of Vermont’s favorite summer attractions. Riders of all ages, abilities and interests will find something to get their heart pumping around the mountain. There is a wide variety of cycling choices near Stratton Mountain for both road cyclers and mountain bikers. New for spring 2019 is a fleet of E-bikes and a new lift-served Mountain Bike Park opening in August. Additionally, explore some of our scenic roadways or the Nordic Center trails that wind through the woods in the Sun Bowl. Be sure to pick up a map—some areas are closed for wildlife conservation. Rentals are available at First Run Ski Shop in Stratton Village. Call 802-297-4321 to reserve or visit http://www.stratton.com/ for the latest news. Okemo Mountain Resort Evolution Bike Park 306 Mountain Rd Ludlow, VT Bike Shop: 802.228.1548 Okemo Mountain Resort, in the heart of Vermont’s Green Mountains, offers lift-served mountain biking, with the South Ridge Quad A providing access to more than three miles of trails in the resort’s Clock Tower base area. The trails from the top of Quad A are flowing descents that move through open terrain and pockets of forest, while rolling across the naturally undulating terrain. These trails are fun for a variety of riders and can be ridden on all types of mountain bikes, allowing novice riders an introduction to mountain biking and advanced riders fun descents and a taste of things to come. All participants must sign an Express Assumption of Risk Agreement prior to participation. Minors under 18 will require a parent’s signature. Visit our website for pricing of trail access, lift passes and rental rates. Call the bike shop to schedule your mountain biking experience! FISHING The Battenkill and Mettawee Rivers have lured generations of both recreational and serious fishing enthusiasts to Vermont. There are numerous lakes to venture to as well. We recommend Emerald Lake in East Dorset or Lake St. Catherine in Poultney for fishing, swimming, and picnicking. If you are going for a day trip, we recommend having Al Ducci’s pack you a picnic basket. There isn’t a better place to gear up for your expedition than Orvis, which can take credit for the advancement of fly fishing. Orvis is located just five minutes from The Inn at Ormsby Hill! We can recommend guides who know those hard-to-find fishing spots or who can give you instruction to advance your fishing skills. Chuck Kashner’s Guide Service Wells, VT 800.682.0103 802.645.0009 “As a full time, fishing guide, I feel that it’s important to catch fish for my clients, all good guides do. However, my main objective is to have my customers become better fishermen. We are all students of the sport. The difference between good fishers and great fishers is attention to subtle details. I want all my clients to become great fishers, and for the great heritage of fishing to be passed on.” Types of Fishing Available Drive, walk and wade rivers and streams fly-fishing for Trout Boat fishing for Northern Pike, Bass, and Panfish Casting both fly and spin in lakes for Bass, Northern Pike and Panfish Spin Fishing Ice Fishing Tom Goodman Former Senior Guide for Orvis Outfitters Manchester Center 802.379.1444 Season Ranges April through October. Services Include: All levels of instruction, Novice through Advanced, by appointment for your convenience. Private or group lessons. Fly fishing adventures in the Green Mountains, Catskills, and Adirondacks. We’ll arrange your trip. A variety of accommodations are available from tent camping to first-class inns that specialize in New England charm and hospitality. Daily rate includes transportation, equipment (if necessary), instruction, river tour, picnic lunch, and beverages. The Reel Angler Manchester Center, Vermont 802.362.0883 The Reel Angler shop is a full-service shop and outfitter located in beautiful southern Vermont by the famous Battenkill River. They offer quality fishing products that catch fish. With emphasis on made in the USA, they are stocked with fly, spinning, and conventional tackle in all price ranges for all four seasons. Peter Basta Guide Service & Outfitter Orvis-Endorsed Fly-Fishing Guide Dorset, Vermont 802.867.4103 May 1st – October 31st I offer a wade and float fly fishing guide service. Over the years, I have guided all ability levels of anglers, specializing in both the beginner and experienced fly fisher person. Equipment is available including Orvis fly rods, waders, leaders, and flies. Just starting out? Need to improve your skills? I can help you with: casting and line control stream insects and fly selection reading water and proper technique safe wading, stream ethics and courtesy Taconic Guide Service Ray Berumen-Owner/Licensed Guide Orvis-Endorsed Fly-Fishing Guide Manchester, Vermont 802.688.4304 Taconic Guide Service offers fly fishing and spin packages by wade, by boat on moving water, and by boat on still water (pending weather). Packages include all rods, reels, tackle, waders, instruction, hydration (water), and photography services. “My ability to teach professionally really pays off when instructing both advanced and beginners the art of fly fishing. I have been fishing for over 35 years now, and fly fishing for 25+. I pride myself on teaching the most effective methods in a short amount of time, my clients have an integrated learning experience while actively fishing.” -Ray Berumen Orvis Fly Fishing School Manchester, Vermont 866.531.6213 The state-of-the-art school facility is located directly across the street from the Flagship Store in Manchester, Vermont where Orvis was founded over 150 years ago. Located in the Green Mountains of Southern Vermont, this is not only a magnificent place to visit, but an historic and beautiful place to learn the graceful art of fly fishing. The Orvis Flagship store and the American Museum of Fly Fishing are within a few yards of each other, truly the heart of American fly fishing. You will not only learn from the best, but you will be treated to an experience in the most beautiful facility of its kind anywhere in the world, located at the birthplace of the oldest and most famous fly-fishing company in the world. Services include: Fly casting techniques Essential fly-fishing knots How to choose your gear and tackle Stream entomology (the science of insects) Proper fly selection How to read water and currents How to play, land, and safely release fish Look at the details of the fly-fishing school options, less than 3 miles from The Inn at Ormsby Hill! American Museum of Fly Fishing Manchester Center, VT 802.362.3300 Part of Manchester’s unique history – learn the history and mystic of fly fishing. The American Museum of Fly Fishing was established in 1968 in Manchester, Vermont, by a group of passionate and enthusiastic anglers who believed that the history of angling was an important part of American culture and tradition. The Museum was created to serve as an institution to research, preserve, and interpret the treasures of angling history. Today, the museum serves as a repository for and conservator to the world’s largest collection of angling and angling-related items, numbering in the thousands. The collections and exhibits thoroughly document the evolution of fly fishing as a sport, art form, craft, and industry in the United States and abroad, dating as far back as the sixteenth century. Rods, reels, flies, tackle, art, photographs, manuscripts, and books form the Museum’s permanent collection. GOLF Manchester Country Club 229 Beech Street Manchester Center, Vermont 802.362.2233 Manchester Country Club is located on some of the most beautiful countryside in Southern Vermont. Founded in 1967, the course was originally designed by Geoffrey Cornish of Amherst, Massachusetts. Mr. Cornish is a golf course architect of excellent reputation who at that time was also serving as President of the American Society of Golf Course Architects. A total back nine renovation was completed in 2003 by Geoffrey Cornish and Steve Durkee and resulted in a course that has quickly been recognized as one of the finest in New England. Click for A Birds Eye Tour! of the course. For a more detailed history of the club, click here. The Golf Club at Equinox Manchester Center, Vermont 802.362.7870 Spectacular Mountain Views Pursue your passion for the game at The Golf Club at Equinox, located in beautiful Manchester Village, Vermont. This scenic 1927 Walter Travis design will test a player’s ability to hit a variety of shots to well-manicured, undulating greens. Enjoy the crisp air and spectacular views of the surrounding mountains at this Par 71, 6,423 yard Vermont gem of a course. World Class Course Along with our stunning course, The Golf Club at Equinox offers golf instruction, membership packages and stay-and-play options. Our world-class facility has been named one of the “Top 75 courses in the U.S.” by Golf Digest and ranked in the “Top 3 Golf Courses in Vermont” by Golfweek Stratton Country Club 800.787.2886 Stratton Mountain, Vermont The course has hosted six LPGA tour events. A Forest. A Lake. A Mountain. Rich in history and scenic beauty, Stratton Mountain Golf Club offers one of New England’s finest golf experiences. Stratton’s first nine opened for play in 1964. Since then, the course has grown and matured into a demanding 27-hole layout and has hosted six LPGA tour events. Golf Digest describes it as one of the top resort courses in New England. Designed by noted architect Geoffrey Cornish, the Forest, Lake and Mountain nines offer a stiff challenge to all who play them and great personal satisfaction to all who play them well. Okemo Valley Golf Club 89 Fox Lane Ludlowe, VT 802.228.1396 Vermont’s Heathland Course – At Okemo Valley Golf Club, Vermont’s championship heathland course rewards your game as spectacular Green Mountain views replenish your spirit. It’s all part of the design. Passionate golfers are discovering just how special Okemo Valley is. Featuring bent grass greens, tees and fairways, our par 70, 18-hole championship course is New England’s first heathland-style course. One-of-a-kind fairways are filled with dips, ripples, rolls and hollows, which invite fresh mountain breezes. Greens are sweeping and fairly sculpted to reward your short game. Put all of this against the backdrop of Vermont’s dazzling Green Mountains, and you have a golf experience you’ll never forget. Mt. Anthony Country Club 802.442.2617 Bennington, Vermont Established in 1897, Mt. Anthony Country Club is nestled in the green Mountains and it’s located in the heart of Historic Old Bennington. The course has gone through a renovation under the direction of Golf Course Architect, A. John Harvey, of the RBA Group. The new changes take full advantage of the spectacular Green Mountain location and challenge players at every level. The restoration includes new shaping of bunkers and tee complexes. A systematic agronomic program continues in all existing grass areas, fairways and greens which results in a superb turf quality. Come and enjoy the new Mt. Anthony.� A monumental Golfing Experience! Lake St. Catherine Country Club 802.287.9341 Poultney, Vermont Nestled in the heart of the Green Mountains, our Vermont golf resort is one of the most picturesque settings in the country. Built in 1926 by U.S. amateur champion Walter Travis and renovated in 1991 by Rees Jones, The Golf Club at The Equinox provides guests with an opportunity to experience a challenging round of golf during their getaway. Managed by Troon, the course has a par 71 and features 6,423 yards of fairways, bunkers and greens. The Practice Tee Driving Range – 802 Golf Academy 46 Hunter Park Road, Manchester Center, Vermont 05255 email – PracticeTee@802golfacademy.com Open May through mid-October from 8 am to 6 pm daily. Hit a bucket of balls before your round. The 802 Golf Academy offers a variety of membership options, too. Please visit our website for information. HIKING The Inn at Ormsby Hill is minutes from some of southern Vermont’s most outstanding hiking trails. Vermont offers hundreds of miles of hiking trails. Guide services are available for day hikes or overnight trips. Hiking vacations are offered, both guided and self-guided, over a variety of terrain. Hike the high peaks, enjoy a relaxing walk on any of Vermont’s public trails or bushwalk through the backcountry. Visit Vermont Outdoor Guide Association for an extensive listing of ideas and packages. Hildene – Walking Trail Manchester, Vermont 802.362.1788 Literally just outside our back door – Hildene is adjacent to the Inn at Ormsby Hill – in fact a portion of Hildene’s property was formerly owned by Edward Isham who owned Ormsby Hill. Hildene is an historic home built in 1905 by President Abraham and Mary Todd Lincoln’s son, Robert as a summer residence. Robert and Edward Isham were also law partners in Chicago. The Welcome Center, The Museum Store, Pullman car, farms, house and exhibits are open year-round 9:30 to 4:30. In the winter months, Hildene is approximately 12 miles of walking trails on the estate become ski trails with varying levels of difficulty. Ticket required – requires your own ski and snowshoe equipment. General admission rates apply. Equinox Preservation Trust Manchester, Vermont 802.366.1400 The Equinox Preserve covers 914 acres of forest lands on the eastern slopes of Mount Equinox in Manchester, Vermont. It is open to the public for year-round, non-motorized recreation. Over 11 miles of marked and maintained trails provide access to these unique mountainous woodlands. The land’s owner, the Equinox Resort & Spa, first donated conservation easements on 850 acres to the Vermont Land Trust & The Nature Conservancy of Vermont in 1996. An additional 64 acres of conserved lands were placed under the protection of the Vermont Land Trust in September 2006. The Equinox Preservation Trust was formed in 1996 to oversee the management of these protected lands. Land and trail maintenance and educational programs in the Preserve are managed by the Equinox Preservation Trust Forest and Trails Steward). Green Mountain National Forest Manchester Ranger Station Manchester Center, VT 802.362.2307 The Green Mountain National Forest (GMNF) and the Finger Lakes National Forest (FLNF) are Vermont’s and New York’s only public, federally managed national forests. Both Forests offer extensive multiuse advantages to the public, providing ecological and science-based forestry stewardship, clean water, diverse vegetation, high-value, high-quality forest products, economic and educational contributions, and trail-based backcountry recreation. The Green Mountain National Forest is full of hiking opportunities for people of all interests and abilities. Merck Forest & Farmland Center Rupert, Vermont 802.394.7836 All of Merck Forest and Farmland Center’s trails are open year-round for hiking, horseback riding, snowshoeing, and cross-country skiing. Our trail system, with over 30 miles of trails on 3,100 acres of land, is well-marked, and the trail terrain is variable: some loops cover easy-to-moderate terrain (great options for family treks), while other trails are steeper and rocky (more-suited to the experienced hiker). Many trails go through the forest, around the farm, travel along streams, and include beautiful views of the Taconic and Adirondack Mountains. Our Visitor Center is open daily from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., and our staff is happy to provide you with trail recommendations. CANOEING, KAYAKING & TUBING Vermont offers many great rivers, lakes, and ponds for kayaking and canoeing. You can relax during a calm paddle around Emerald Lake in East Dorset, VT or take a scenic country drive to Lake St. Catherine in Poultney, VT if you wish to paddle a larger body of water nearby. The Battenkill River has many points of entry from Manchester through Arlington and into NY. Enjoy areas of calm and float along or hit spots where you will have to paddle to stay on course! Whether you are looking for a short trip down river or 10 miles or more the Battenkill won’t disappoint. Vermont River Runners Arlington, VT 802.430.7197 Come explore the Battenkill River with a custom canoe, kayak or tube trip and rental! The 30-mile stretch of river is sure to include something for everyone. From fast and fun sections that will keep your paddle in the water to slow, crystal-clear cobble bottom stretches that will let you kick back in your seat. The Battenkill is the perfect river to paddle. Let’s find your favorite stretch! Custom Trip (1-6 hours): Canoe: $60 Kayak: $40 Tube: $20 FALL HIGHLIGHTS Leaf peeping is wonderful in the fall and its Manchester’s busiest season. We usually book up months in advance, so we recommend making reservations as early as possible. Also, restaurants are in high demand so book those early, too. UTV Mountain Tours – Stratton Mountain Off-Road Adventures and Mountain-High Views This is Stratton’s newest summer/fall activity.  The utility terrain vehicle adventure starts at the Sun Bowl taking winding mountain routes to the summit.  Enjoy the views from the top and snap some selfies with the group. Get a 70 minute guided tour – ages 6 and above – available May 1st thru October 31. Visit their website for more activities and book online. Stratton Mountain UTV Tour 5 Village Lodge Road Stratton Mountain 802.297.4000 WINTER SPORTS Winter brings Manchester, Vermont Downhill Skiing – Snowboarding, Cross Country Skiing, Telemarking, Snow Shoeing, Snowmobiling. We are anticipating a great winter season to enjoy all these activities. DOWNHILL SKIING AND SNOWBOARDING Bromley Mountain 3894 Vermont Route 11 Peru, VT 802.824.5522 Hardly more than ten minutes from The Inn at Ormsby Hill, Bromley Mountain boasts some of the best family programs in the east. Stratton Mountain 5 Village Lodge Stratton Mountain, VT 800.787.2886 Twenty-five minutes away, provides varied terrain for all skill levels. Stratton Village offers a variety of slope-side shopping and dining possibilities. Killington Mountain 4763 Killington Road Killington, VT 800.787.2886 Killington Resort’s six peaks and 4,241′ elevation offer 3,000′ of vertical drop, exceptional views and ample opportunities for outdoor adventure with the longest on-snow season in the East. Okemo Mountain 77 Okemo Ridge Road Ludlow, VT 800.786.5366 Skiing, Snowshoeing, Snow Tubing, Snowcat Excursions, Icehouse Summer Mountain Biking, Golf, Indoor Golf Facilities, Adventure Zone, Segway Personal Transport, Scenic Train Rides CROSS COUNTRY SKIING, TELEMARK & SNOWSHOEING Merck Forest and Farm Center 3270 Route 315 Rupert, VT 802.394.7836 Merck Forest and Farmland Center is composed of 3,162 acres and includes 3,100 acres of managed forest with over thirty miles of trails for cross-country skiing and show-shoeing. MFFC is open to the public year-round, 7 days a week from dawn to dusk. There is no admission fee. MFFC is community-supported through donations, membership fees, cabin rentals and MFFC product sales. Viking Nordic Centre 615 Little Pond Road Londonderry, VT 802.824.3933 Beautiful and interesting trails wind through old woods, past classic Vermont scenery, around a busy beaver pond, and along-side the West River. Our terrain is mixed from easy, short, wooded loops that keep skiers out of the wind and near the ski center to longer treks out to picnic tables placed at scenic vistas. We meticulously groom 32 km of ski trails for both classic and skate ski techniques and snowshoeing. We also have an additional 4 km of dedicated snowshoe only trails. Snowshoes are allowed on all our ski trails and if conditions are right, fat bikes too. SNOWMOBILING Vermont Mountain Adventures At Pinnacle Lodge – 311 VT Route 11 Manchester, Vermont 802.491.7625 Our Backcountry Two Hour Tours: (Some experience recommended, but not required.) Driver Price: $185 Passenger Price: $85 All of our tours are fully guided, meaning there will be at least one guide leading each group of 1-4 snowmobiles and two guides for groups of 5-8 snowmobiles. A valid driver’s license is required for passengers to switch and drive while on tour. Passengers can be as young as 5 years old to join. We request that our guests arrive fully dressed and prepared to be in winter conditions for 2+ hours upon arrival. A Private Tour option is available for an additional $100/hour at a four-vehicle minimum. Drivers under the age of 18 with a driver’s license are not permitted to drive with a passenger on the back. Stratton Mountain 5 Village Lodge Stratton Mountain, VT 800.787.2886 Twenty-five minutes away, provides varied terrain for all skill levels. Stratton Village offers a variety of slope-side shopping and dining possibilities. Vermont Outdoor Guide Association Snowmobile Tours, Services and Trails in Vermont Snowmobiling tours and vacations are growing in popularity in Vermont. A 5,000-mile magical highway appears in Vermont each winter for snowmobilers. It crosses public and private land and makes some of this world’s most spectacular vistas of nature accessible to snow travelers. Maps mark trail heads, snowmobile bridges, fuel, food, and lodging stops. With a little planning, a full statewide tour awaits. Nature and the pleasure of your family and friends riding in tandem provide the fun, while towns and villages along the way supply additional amenities. WINTER EQUIPMENT RENTAL AND SALES Bradley’s Pro Shop Ski & Bike 2012 Depot Street Manchester Center, VT 802.367.3118 Bradley’s Pro Shop is Manchester, Vermont’s finest ski & bike shop. Our ski & bike shop carries the finest brands of equipment, accessories and apparel. Don’t deal with the crowds renting skis at the mountain, rent here! Equipe Sport 8749 VT Route 30 Rawsonville, VT 802.297.2847 Skiing, riding, cross country skiing, telemarking, snowshoeing, kayaking or hiking, we make it our business to know where to go, what to bring, and how to get there. Purchase, demo, rent and enjoy the latest in outdoor equipment. They sell bike gear for mountain biking as well Mountain Goat 4886 Main Street Manchester, VT 802.362.5159 The Mountain Goat is a locally owned and managed outfitter located just five miles from the Appalachian Trail in southern Vermont. Over 30 years of offering the finest in outdoor clothing and gear for serious adventurers and casual wanderers alike. We encourage you to call us or e-mail us with any product or outdoor-related questions that you may have. Even better, if you’re in the area stop by for the best customer service! Mountain View Ranch 503 Easy Street Danby, VT 05739 802.293.5837 Come join us for an unforgettable winter ride through the scenic Vermont countryside. Snuggle up under warm blankets and glide through new-fallen snow. Our massive draft horses Belgian Dan and Percheron Bob will jingle their bells all the way to a cozy campfire surrounded by mountain views. Once you’re there, we will treat you to steaming hot chocolate and all the fixin’s for marshmallow s’mores. (Feel free to bring your own snack or a bottle of wine as well.) After visiting and warming up awhile, you’ll return to the Ranch as darkness descends on the majestic landscape. ICE-SKATING Ice-skating Riley Rink‘s Olympic size indoor rink is just a short drive from the Inn. --- ### [Duplicate Placeholder (No Content - Exclude from Indexing)](https://www.ormsbyhill.com/hiking.html) **Published:** June 5, 2019 **Author:** client-admin --- ### [Wineries and Breweries](https://www.ormsbyhill.com/wineries.html) SEO Title: Breweries & Wineries near Our Bed and Breakfast in Manchester Vermont SEO Description: Tour local breweries and wineries during your stay at our bed and breakfast in Manchester, Vermont. Visit taprooms and tasting rooms, and savor a taste of craft ales, artisanal microbrews, and vintages unique to Southern Vermont. Canonical: https://www.ormsbyhill.com/wineries.html Alternate (text/markdown): https://www.ormsbyhill.com/wineries.md **Content:** Explore Vermont’s Craft Breweries The Vermont Brewers Association is comprised of nearly 50 craft beer brewers. They have several suggested brewery tours traversing Vermont. Many of these unique brewers have taprooms where you can enjoy their creations. See the websites for details & please drink responsibly and drive safely. The Alchemist 100 Cottage Club Road Stowe, VERMONT 802.244.7744 Opened in July 2016, this state of the art facility was designed to be as low impact as possible while providing us with enough space to serve our community and the growing number of beer tourists to Vermont. Our second year round beer, Focal Banger, is brewed in Stowe as well as seasonal beers that rotate throughout the year. The Alchemist Brewery and Visitor’s Center in Stowe provides samples of beer for tasting, retail beer sales, merchandise and a fun, educational experience. Backacre Beermakers Weston, VERMONT A small and unique producer, Backacre Beermakers is focused on making a single sour golden ale that is aged for more than a year in oak barrels.  The final product is carefully blended from different barrels to achieve a refreshing balance of tart, fruity, and earthy flavors. No on-site tours.  Please check the website for locations where Backacre beer can be found. Bobcat Cafe and Brewery 5 Main Street Bristol, VERMONT 802.453.3311 Located at the heart of the Green Mountains, we have the unique pleasure of serving handcrafted beers alongside homemade food that is fresh and creative. Our brew master, Mark Magiera, uses high quality grains, hops and yeast strains to create up to a dozen true to style beers. With his unending expertise, Mark is passionate and innovative without losing the tradition behind each style. In the kitchen, we work hard to bring consistency and quality to the table. We focus on local ingredients to enhance our creative comfort food. The Bobcat Cafe and Brewery opened ten years ago as a community supported business. Today, we strive to support and enhance the community by hosting benefit dinners and by providing a comfortable spot where local people can meet and socialize. Our 100 member Mug Club is a testament to the dedication of our regulars. Brewster River Pub and Brewery 4087 Route 108 South Jeffersonville, VERMONT 802.644.6366 Thirteen taps featuring VERMONT beer with three of those our own. Minutes from Smugglers Notch, we offer delicious freshly made, locally sourced pub grub. Our motto? “Beer, Burgers, & BBQ.” Brocklebank Craft Brewing 357 Dickerman Hill Road Tunbridge, VERMONT 802.685.4838 Brocklebank Craft Brewing is a one-and-a-half barrel nanobrewery in Tunbridge. We brew all kinds of beers, including IPAs, pilsners, stouts, weissbiers, and fruit beers, and distribute to a dozen bars and restaurants in central Vermont. Brocklebank is owned by Ben and Anne Linehan. Ben is a master plumber who also owns Brocklebank Craft Plumbing. He started brewing in 2009 and his beers have won ribbons at several competitions. Anne organizes the annual Vermont Nanobrewery Festival in August at the Tunbridge Fairgrounds. NanoFest is a celebration of Vermont’s smallest breweries. Burlington Beer Company 25 Omega Drive, Suite 150 Williston, VERMONT 802.863.2337 We brew with local and international malts, hops, yeast, fruit, vegetables, spices, and herbs while we explore new ways to put our stamp on classic beer styles. We strive to find balance between going too far and staying rooted in tradition. You can find our beer in cans, on draft, and in 750ml bottles. Burlington Beer Co. is located in Williston, Vermont. Est. 2014. Farnham Ale and Lager 82 Ethan Allen Drive South Burlington, VERMONT 802.497.1588 Farnham Ale & Lager is a Quebec-based company that opened it’s US location in 2015 with the mission of making craft beer accessible to all. Our brewery, located South Burlington, offers a combination of year-round and seasonal brews, pub food, entertainment, and a spacious taproom. Fiddlehead Brewing Company 6305 Shelburne Road Shelburne, VERMONT 802.399.2994 Fiddlehead Brewing Company is one of Vermont’s newest craft breweries located in the beautiful town of Shelburne, Vermont.  Our mission is to produce full flavored beers with the true beer connoisseur in mind. We focus on depth of flavor, freshness of ingredients, and incorporating local products when possible. Renowned brew master and owner Matthew Cohen (known industry wide as Matty O) is on a continual quest to craft the perfect pint.  While several seasonal selections are always available on tap at the brewery, our flagship beer, the Fiddlehead IPA, can be found on draft lines all over Northern Vermont. First Republic Brewing Company 112 Lake Street Burlington, VERMONT 1st Republic Brewing Co located in Essex Vermont Owners Mike Drake and Shawn Trout We love beer. We love to brew it; we love to drink it, we love to teach others about it. Nothing represents a gathering of true friends like a raised pint of cold beer. Because you deserve the best, we’re creating some of the best Veteran crafted brews in the area! Foam Brewers 112 Lake Street Burlington, VERMONT 802.399.2511 Foam Brewers was founded by an eclectic group of industry professionals with the simple mission “to resourcefully create imaginative beers for enlightened palates.” Brewed in small batches, Foam serves a constantly changing line up of beers with world class cheese and charcuterie slates. Located across from Burlington’s Waterfront Park, Foam boasts great views along with a funky laid back atmosphere. Four Quarters Brewing 150 West Canal Street Winooski, VERMONT 802.862.0775 7-barrel brewery, 5-minute walk from the Winooski circle. Specializing in Belgian and barrel-aged beers. See our website for tasting room hours. 14th Star Brewing 41 Lower Newton Street St Albans, VERMONT 802.393.1459 History books tell us that local Vermonter and beer enthusiast Ethan Allen was a leader in the effort to make Vermont the fourteenth star on the U.S. flag in 1791. And those textbooks are right; especially about the 1791 part. Today, in Franklin County, Vermont, Army veteran Steve Gagner is honoring his home state and passion—brewing great beer — with 14th Star Brewing Co. 14th Star is Steve’s 1,200-square-foot nanobrewery on Lower Newton Street, in St. Albans City. What makes our beer special is that we can let our imaginations go – brewing beers that many in the area have never tried or heard about. We’re also open to suggestions. If you have a suggestion on a beer we should brew, shoot us an email steve@14thstarbrewing.com. We look forward to continuing to provide the greater St Albans area with quality craft beer. Cheers! Frost Beer Works 171 Commerce Street Hinesburg, VERMONT 949.945.4064 Frost Beer Works is a 7-barrel brewery in Hinesburg. We use top-notch raw materials and effective brewery processes to produce delicious, well-balanced beers. The types of beer we make are the beers we like to drink: the hoppy, flavorful ales of Vermont. Goodwater Brewery 740 Marshall Avenue Williston, VERMONT 802.999.7396 GoodWater Brewery blends classic beer styles with modern tastes. Come visit us at our Williston location and check out the 20 bbl brewhouse and tasting room. Please see our website for tasting room hours of operation. Harpoon Brewery 336 Ruth Carney Drive Windsor, VERMONT 802.674.5491 We started the Harpoon Brewery in 1986 because-like today-we loved beer and wanted more quality choices. There was only one problem: we were beer lovers, not brewers. We knew what we wanted to drink, but we needed some help brewing it. So we enlisted our first brewer, took over some warehouse space on the Boston waterfront, and began introducing fresh, local craft beer to Boston drinkers. We tried to do it in a way that captured the spirit of fun that had brought us to beer in the first place. From that warehouse, surrounded by fish companies on the docks of South Boston (neighboring what is now the Seaport District), we couldn’t imagine that craft brewing would become what it has today. We look forward to having a beer with you soon! Hill Farmstead Brewery 403 Hill Road Greensboro Bend, VERMONT 802.533.7450 Hill Farmstead Brewery is the culmination of many years of travel and insight, of experience and education, of friendships and explorations. The brewery is the revival and continuation of 220 years of Hill heritage and hand-crafted history in North Greensboro, Vermont. Its logo is retrieved from a sign that once hung in Aaron Hill’s (our great(x3) grandfather) tavern, just up the hill, in the early 1800s House of Fermentology 777 Pine Street Burlington, VERMONT 802.863.4938 The House of Fermentology is a small beer blendery in Burlington that ferments and ages its beers slowly in oak barrels with our mixed culture of saccharomyces and brettanomyces yeasts along with lactic acid bacteria to make our beers lean, dry and refreshingly tart. Through our artful blending, this process creates distinctive and original wild ales. All our beers are alive, unfiltered and 100% bottle conditioned. Idletyme Brewing Co 1859 Mountain Road Stowe, VERMONT 802.253.4765 Idletyme Brewing Co. believes in simplicity. We believe food is at its most flavorful, its most creative, its most passionate, when it’s at its freshest. We believe food is at its best when it highlights the care and craftsmanship of those who bring it from the field to your plate. We believe food is community, a series of connections between farmers and chefs and guests. Seasonal, local flavors, hand-crafted ales and inventive libations, lovingly prepared and cheerfully served. Come and share the bounty of Idletyme. J’Ville Brewery 201 Route 112 Jacksonville, VERMONT 802.368.2226 J’ville Brewery serves small batch, hand crafted brews in Southern Vermont in our tasting room we share with our sister company, Honora Winery. We specialize in unfiltered ales, continuously changing our tasting selections. Take home a Growler or Crowler today. Find us on Facebook for hours and info. Kingdom Brewing 353 Coburn Hill Road Newport, VERMONT 802.334.7096 Kingdom Brewing is located high atop Coburn Hill in the town of Newpoer Center, just a half mile past the northern most point of Route 100 on 105 East. The northern most point of Route 100 can be found about 4 miles southwest of Lake Memphremagog. Brian and Jenn Cook created Kingdom Brewing with the intent to brew terrific craft beers from a wide variety of locally produced ingredients. Starting with American grown grains, they add locally produced ingredients such as maple sap, spruce tips or apples to create a variety of light to robust seasonal beers. In addition to their homegrown philosophy, the Cooks run Kingdom Brewing in the most environmentally friendly way possible. One common problem for many brewers is finding a way to dispose of the mash left over from the brewing process. The Black Angus beef herd on the Cook’s farm happily dispose of the spent grains for them. Additionally, the brewery uses a geo-thermal type of fermentation cooling system. See what’s brewing on Facebook! Lawsons Finest 284 Main Street Warren, Vermont 802.272.8436 Lawson’s Finest is a small batch artisanal microbrewery located in Warren, Vermont. Our goal is to provide local brews of the highest quality and freshness, while crafting unique new recipes and emulating the best of widely appreciated styles. Our beer is custom crafted in small batches at a modest production facility tucked in the woods, on the east flank of Lincoln Mountain. Sean Lawson, The Beer Guy Long Trail Brewing 5520 Route 4 Bridgewaters Corners, Vermont 802.672.5011 Long Trail Brewing Company has been a caretaker of Vermont craft since 1989. Like the Ottauquechee River that flows alongside our brewery, we’ve been twisting and turning with the evolving craft beer landscape for nearly 30 years, remaining true to our roots with Vermont classics like Long Trail Ale and innovative, hop-drenched offerings like VT IPA; our juicy New England IPA that’s loaded with Citra and Amarillo hops. Moved and motivated by the local culture and surrounding landscape, our partnerships with The Green Mountain Club, Ski Vermont, Vermont Adaptive Ski & Sports, and The Flyin Ryan Hawks Foundation keep us tied to the close-knit community of outdoor enthusiasts who have supported our journey. With mountains, malts, and hops on our mind, we work hard to create beers that are worthy of our Vermont roots. From experimental, small-batch recipes developed in our farmhouse-turned-pilot-brewery, to our burgeoning sour and wild fermented ales program, our small team of brewers is committed to crafting a trail-worthy family of beers. Lost Nation Brewing 254 Wilkins Street Morrisville, Vermont 802.851.8041 After years honing our skills in the brewing and process industry, we set forth to create a brewery with a simple mission; to produce honest beer. The result is a 7,000bbl brewery located in Northern Vermont that can brew any style of ales and lagers. The brewery takes inspiration from lesser known European beer styles, along with local Vermont life to guide our brews. The attention to detail, modern equipment, and love for beer help produce truly authentic, unique beers. Enjoy! Allen Van Anda & James Griffith, Founders / Co-Brewmasters Madison Brewing 428 Main Street Bennington, VERMONT 802.442.7397 The Madison family has deep roots in the Bennington, Vermont. As locals growing up and living in the area, the Madison’s have deep ties to the community and in the early 1990’s the family decided to purchase what was then a burned-out storefront in Bennington’s historic downtown and convert it into the area’s first brew pub. “My brother Mark was part of the inspiration” says co-owner Mel Madison. “He become passionate about brewing beer as a hobby and that let us to the idea of starting a brew pub.” From those humble beginnings, the brewery has developed six regular brews plus a seasonal brew. To complement the brewing is the lunch and dinner offerings as well as Madison’s own home-made chips, a favorite at the bar or anyplace. Now into its second decade of operation, the brew pub has become a Bennington fixture and a favorite amongst the locals. We encourage you to stop in and discover for yourself everything Madison Brewing Company has to offer! Magic Hat Brewing Company 5 Bartlett Bay Road South Burlington, VERMONT 802.658.2739 While you’re in the Burlington area, tour the Magic Hat Brewery and Artifactory, where ancient alchemy meets modern day science to create the best-tasting beer on the planet! We offer free brewery tours, free samples, beer-to-go, and a most unusual shopping experience. Always on tap: #9, Electric Peel, Low Key, Circus Boy, Single Chair, our seasonal offering, and a surprise or two. Northshire Brewery 108 County Street Bennington, Vermont 802.681.0201 Northshire Brewery is a small craft brewery in southern Vermont. We brew traditional styles like our Equinox Pilsner, Battenkill Ale, Northshire Hefeweizen, Northshire Chocolate Stout and our double IPA Sicilian Pale Ale. Select styles available in 22-ounce bottles and growlers. Check out our website and Facebook for more info. Norwich Inn 325 Main Street Norwich, Vermont 802.649.1143 Our Brew Master, Jeremy Hebert is proud to welcome you to the Brewery at the Norwich Inn, home of Jasper Murdock Ales. Our Ales have won 4 silver and a gold medal in recent years at the Great International Beer Competition. In 1993, a Vermont brewery tradition was revived at the Norwich Inn when Jasper Murdock’s Alehouse began producing traditional English-style ales in 5-gallon glass jugs. By 1995, an historic livery building was renovated and outfitted with a new four-barrel brew house, enabling 125-gallon batches. Though the vessels are now larger, we remain one of the smallest breweries in America. Jasper Murdock’s Ales and Lagers are crafted from the finest malts and hops, occasionally including hops grown in our own hop garden here at the Inn. Our beers are sold only at the Inn. Bottled brew in many of our varieties is available by the 22-ounce bottle, by the case or the 5 gallon keg. Call ahead and place your order to pick up when you come to the Inn. Otter Creek Brewing 793 Exchange Street Middlebury, Vermont 802.388.0727 Creatively crafting, hopping, and dosing brews since 1991, Otter Creek is flying high with a year-round lineup of tasty Vermont beers and monthly side projects available at our brewery in Middlebury. Open daily, the OCB Pub Space features house-smoked meats, a curated list of local cheeses and a healthy dose of munchies. When the weather warms up, the Otter Creek Brewing’s Pub Space opens their dog-friendly outdoor seating area where they offer table service of their American BBQ-inspired pub menu; family-friendly lawn games (including corn hole and a 3-hole disc golf course); and Friday evening live music from local and regional artists. Come for straight from the source beers, including a rotating lineup of brewery-only can and bottle releases, and stay for their locally sourced variety of daily house-smoked meats. Prohibition Pig 23 South Main Street Waterbury, Vermont 802.244.4120 Queen City Brewery 703B Pine Street Burlington, Vermont 802.540.0280 QCB brews with traditional, classic European and American recipes and ingredients to craft delicious beers that you want to drink. World class beer without the jet lag! See our website or Facebook page for hours at our Tasting Room and Growler Station in Burlington’s South End. Rock Art Brewery 632 Laport Road Morrisville, Vermont 802.888.9400Visit our tasting room and gift shop just north of Stowe for samples and fresh growler fills. Also offering cans, bottles & kegs. Check out the facility from the viewing area upstairs to see where our all our brews are made. Retail shop with Vermont foods, unique Vermont Artists and fun Rock Art swag. Open daily Monday – Saturday. Check out Facebook for hours and info. St J Brewery Route 5 St. Johnsbury Center, Vermont Great news! The Saint J Brewery is now open for business! We’re located on the North end of the Green Mountain Mall on Route 5 in St. Johnsbury Center, Vermont. We held our grand opening on February 13th, 2016 and were pleased to have a strong showing of guests throughout the day. We served three of our Saint J Brewery beers on tap that day along with a great selection of other Vermont made brews and some Imported beers. Our Saint J Brews are American Blond, Belgian Strong Dark, and Smokin’ J IPA. Each one of our brews has its own unique flavor to satisfy individual tastes. We invite you to come by and try all of our great flavors and would love to hear your feedback! The brewery also features a delicious food menu and our Hoagie Nation bar that demonstrates owner Scott Salmonsen’s love for the Boston Red Sox. Simple Roots Brewing 1127 North Avenue Suite 8 Burlington, Vermont 802.399.2658 Simple Roots is all about life’s simple pleasures like beer, friends, and family. As we are so small, we are not open to the public. Please check our website for store locations where you can find Simple Roots beer. Stone Corral Brewery 83 Huntington Rd Richmond, Vermont 802.434.5787 Uniquely delicious, well balanced brews. Our brewery is adjacent to our spacious taproom so you can see all the action. At least a dozen house brews pouring daily. Enjoy a pint with a meal, fill a growler or grab some bottles. Regular live music. Check our website for more info. Open at noon Tues-Sat. Closed Mondays. Switchback Brewing 160 Flynn Avenue Burlington, Vermont 802.651.4114 100% employee owned and operated, Switchback Brewing Co. has been brewing unfiltered and naturally carbonated beers in the South End of Burlington, VT since 2002. Visit our dog-friendly Tap Room at the brewery for flights, pints, snacks, and merchandise in our retail store. Always on tap, our flagship Switchback Ale, our Flynn on Fire Smoked Beer Series as well as select Rotating Specials and Limited Runs. Brewery tours are offered every Saturday by reservation only. For current Tap Room hours visit our website. Trapp Family Lodge 700 Trapp Hill Road Stowe, Vermont 802.253.5769 Over two decades ago Johannes von Trapp started thinking about brewing his own beer, for guests of the Trapp Family Lodge. His dream was to replicate the tasty lagers he enjoyed over the years on his trips to the countryside near his ancestral Austrian home.  The new cutting edge brewery and Bierhall Restaurant offer some of the finest lagers this side of the Atlantic Ocean, along with a comprehensive menu and spectacular views. Whetstone Station 36 Bridge Street Brattleboro, Vermont 802.490.2354 The Whetstone Station Restaurant and Brewery features an unparalleled array of regional micro-brewed and international beers complemented by a fresh and unique menu with an emphasis on small plates, comfort foods and grilled dishes, made using local products whenever possible. All offered in a firelit, high-ceilinged dining room and on our outdoor deck and rooftop bier garten, overlooking the Connecticut River and Mount Wantastiquet. Zero Gravity Craft Brewery 115 St. Paul Street Burlington, Vermont 802.861.2999 Taste our full line-up alongside organic wood-fired pizza at our original brewpub, American Flatbread Burlington Hearth in downtown Burlington, or stop by the Pine Street brewery for a session in the beer garden and a glimpse of the canning operation and retail shop. Explore Vermont’s Wineries Boyden Valley Winery & Spirit 64 Vermont Route 104 Cambridge, Vermont 802.644.8151 The Boyden Valley Winery is steeped in the culture and agricultural heritage of Vermont’s Green Mountains. From 8000 grapevines and 100 acres of maple trees, lovingly tended by our family for four generations, we craft wines that feature only the finest locally grown fruit from the loamy soils of the Lamoille River Valley. The care with which we’ve nurtured the Boyden Farm for 100 years lends itself to traditional winemaking techniques, producing wines clean to the palate and balanced. Boyden Valley Spirits is proud to be the first craft distilled company in the U.S. to specialize in cream liqueurs. info@boydenvalley.com Hillis’ Sugarbush Farm & Vineyard 206 Sugarbush Farm Rd Colchester, Vermont 802.893.2928 Hillis’ Sugarbush Farm & Vineyard was established in 1987. The main farm is located near Lake Champlain in Colchester, Vermont on Sugarbush Farm Road. A smaller part of the farm (Butler Island Vineyard) is on Butler Island located in the middle of northern Lake Champlain. Grape varietals grown in the vineyards include cold-hardy northern varietals such as LaCrescent, Swenson White, and Marquette, as well as a few of the tender varietals such as Vidal Blanc, Marchel Foch, and Traminette. Each year more varietals are added to each vineyard. Due to its proximity to Lake Champlain, Sugarbush Vineyard, located in Colchester, has a slightly extended growing season. Butler Island Vineyard, which is surrounded entirely by water, has a unique microclimate and soil profile. Also, farming this unique microclimate is made complicated because it is boat accessible only. Honora Winery & Vineyard 201 VERMONT Route 112 Jacksonville, Vermont 05342 802.368.2233 Honora Winery & Vineyard is a 200-acre estate farm in West Halifax, Vermont. As a family-owned and operated company that began in 1994, Honora is the perfect setting for ceremonies and photographs in their Napa-style event center. Inside the event center enjoy French doors that provide panoramic views of the southern Green Mountains, sumptuous mahogany, and a grand circular fireplace. Our five-star, diamond award-winning facility has a state-of-the-art commercial kitchen with capacity to support a multi-course meal for 200. Outside, enjoy the magnificent views of the Eastern mountain range as you descend our grand staircase to the 3-tier Italian-style fountain. La Garagista Farm & Winery 61 Central Street Woodstock, Vermont 802.291.1295 Our wines are an expression of the season. Each vintage may herald slightly different bottlings, and even wines that we tend to make every year will show variation from vintage to vintage. We work in the field and cellar as minimally as possible, as guides and companions. We believe that Terroir* encompasses geology, geography, microclimate, varietal, culture, and the human hand. Wine cannot make itself just like a dish of roasted carrots or an aged cow’s milk cheese cannot. Our job is to accompany and support the wine throughout its life in the vineyard and our cantina. Our fruit is handpicked and sorted, foot crushed through pigeage. We employ glass demijohns and old barrels. We rely on the native yeast found on our fruit, the result of a happy marriage of field and fermentation. We use little to no sulphite at bottling. It depends on the wine and the season. *Terroir (Fr) refers to the environmental factors, such as soil and climate, that give a wine its unique flavor and aroma. Lincoln Peak Vineyard 142 River Road New Haven, Vermont 802.388.7368 In 2006 we made our first batch of commercial wine. Now we’re making about 25,000 bottles of wine a year— all strictly from grapes grown on our farm. We’ve entered the International Cold-Climate Wine Competitions four years now, and we’ve won three best-in-show awards along with several gold and double-gold medals. We are open Wed-Sun 11-5. Come taste our wines and enjoy a glass and local cheese on our winery porch. We make something for everyone—dry to sweet—entirely from grapes we grow in our 12-acre vineyard. Please stop by! North Branch Vineyards 82 Trillium Hill Montpelier, Vermont 802.229.6169 Producing unique wines using locally and regionally grown grapes. Family owned and operated, established in 2007, North Branch Vineyards is a small winery, which lies beside the North Branch River, a branch on the Winooski River in Montpelier’s picturesque valley, producing unique wines using locally and regionally grown grapes. Tasting room. Putney Mountain Winery 8 Bellows Falls Road Putney, Vermont 802.387.5925 At Putney Mountain Winery we create Vermont fruit wines of complexity and finesse. They’ve been described in the press as “extraordinary,” “love at first taste,” and even “an intensely remarkable treasure.” Whether you’re looking for a sparkling wine to tickle your palate, a table wine to complement a meal, or a dessert wine that elevates the simplest dessert to a new level, we have a wine you’ll savor. You will also love our Putney Bubbly, sparkling juices. Putney Mountain Winery makes its non-alcoholic sparkling juices with the same commitment to creating the best taste of Vermont with a certified promise of excellence from the Vermont fruit. See our Mission Statement. Shelburne Vineyard 6308 Shelburne Rd Shelburne, Vermont 05482 802.985.8222 It all started 35 years ago, when Ken Albert planted grapes in his backyard while working as an engineer at IBM. Inspired by the new wine industry he discovered on trips for IBM to Quebec, he leased 3 acres of land from Shelburne farms and began his commercial vineyard venture believing that viticulture and winemaking could be a success in Vermont. Scott Prom, a Shelburne neighbor, joined as a partner early on. Aided by decades of Ken’s backyard grape growing experience and Scott’s home winemaking, the first commercial vintage was released in 2000. The LEED-designed winery, opened in Feb 2008 surrounded by Marquette vines now stands welcoming the public seven days a week. The operation includes 17 acres of grapes, mostly the super hardy Minnesota hybrids, with a small planting of Riesling and Vidal Blanc. The winery is producing reds, whites, rosés, and ice wines, many of which have earned “Best in Category” gold medals in International competitions. --- ### [Duplicate Placeholder (No Content - Exclude from Indexing)](https://www.ormsbyhill.com/wineries.html) **Published:** June 5, 2019 **Author:** client-admin --- ### [All Guest Rooms](https://www.ormsbyhill.com/rooms.html) SEO Title: Luxury Rooms | The Inn at Ormsby Hill Manchester VT B&B SEO Description: Explore elegant rooms at Inn at Ormsby Hill in Manchester, VT. Enjoy fireplaces, Jacuzzi tubs, and mountain views for a romantic Vermont bed and breakfast stay. Canonical: https://www.ormsbyhill.com/rooms.html Alternate (text/markdown): https://www.ormsbyhill.com/rooms.md **Content:** MAKE IT ROMANTIC – Imagine stylish decor of the highest quality: the plush comforts of a luxurious bed, a glowing fireplace, a private Jacuzzi for two. This is what you’ll discover when you arrive at The Inn at Ormsby Hill, our romantic bed and breakfast lodging in Manchester. It is a potion for a tranquil, relaxing escape—your own personal retreat in Southern Vermont. Room design and ambience have all been created using luxury, romance and comfort as our guiding principles. We strive to anticipate all your needs before you arrive. Each of our 10 guest rooms and suites provide non-smoking accommodations and include a full complement of amenities enhanced by a warm decor. See our Amenities below. Romantic Amenities for Luxurious Accommodations Our warm hospitality, attention to the smallest of details and countless romantic amenities are what separates us from other inns and bed & breakfasts in Manchester, Vermont and beyond. ALL ROOMS FEATURE: Four poster beds Private bathroom, shower and jacuzzi or soaking tub (Lincoln) Wireless Internet available throughout the inn Fireplaces, gas or Duraflame logs Air conditioning Digital alarm clock Slim-line digital flat-screen TVs Luxurious bathrobes Wine glasses/corkscrew Non-allergenic pillows and comforters Pharmacopia All Natural Bath Products Complimentary bottled water SOME ROOMS FEATURE: Two-person steam showers Private decks Private refrigerators DVD Players The Library Wheelchair accessible guest room Roll in shower with tiled seat Grab bars in the bathroom by the toilet and in the shower Parking is ample on the site Common areas are wheelchair accessible --- ### [Duplicate Placeholder (No Content - Exclude from Indexing)](https://www.ormsbyhill.com/rooms.html) **Published:** November 3, 2011 **Author:** client-admin **Content:** --- ### [Photo Gallery Tour](https://www.ormsbyhill.com/photo-gallery.html) SEO Title: Photo Gallery | The Inn at Ormsby Hill Manchester VT SEO Description: Explore photos of The Inn at Ormsby Hill in Manchester, VT. View our romantic rooms, scenic grounds, and Southern Vermont bed and breakfast charm. Canonical: https://www.ormsbyhill.com/photo-gallery.html Alternate (text/markdown): https://www.ormsbyhill.com/photo-gallery.md **Content:** --- ### [Duplicate Placeholder (No Content - Exclude from Indexing)](https://www.ormsbyhill.com/photo-gallery.html) **Published:** November 3, 2011 **Author:** client-admin **Content:** # Photo Gallery Tour --- ### [Specials](https://www.ormsbyhill.com/specials.html) SEO Title: Romantic Getaway Packages | The Inn at Ormsby Hill VT SEO Description: Discover Vermont getaway specials at The Inn at Ormsby Hill. Enjoy romantic B&B packages, seasonal offers, and luxury escapes in Manchester, Southern Vermont. Canonical: https://www.ormsbyhill.com/specials.html Alternate (text/markdown): https://www.ormsbyhill.com/specials.md **Content:** Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Fusce sollicitudin sem at erat condimentum, a suscipit turpis fermentum. Donec eros eros, consectetur non ornare quis, sagittis et elit. Suspendisse id ipsum ac sapien tristique blandit. Suspendisse lacus metus, venenatis ac diam non, condimentum aliquam lorem. Ut id ipsum eu eros placerat euismod. Donec ac nulla velit. Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Fusce sollicitudin sem at erat condimentum, a suscipit turpis fermentum. Donec eros eros, consectetur non ornare quis, sagittis et elit. Suspendisse id ipsum ac sapien tristique blandit. Suspendisse lacus metus, venenatis ac diam non, condimentum aliquam lorem. Ut id ipsum eu eros placerat euismod. Donec ac nulla velit. Nullam sollicitudin est nibh, eu dignissim odio pretium ut. Ut molestie dui nec massa bibendum auctor. Nullam facilisis ligula quis mauris mattis dictum. Morbi at turpis viverra, tempor felis vitae, aliquam urna. Phasellus quis massa quam. Nulla at euismod justo, quis molestie sem. Sed porttitor porttitor est, a scelerisque orci blandit sed. Special 1 Quisque egestas odio id lacus tempus luctus. Vivamus dapibus diam nunc, vel imperdiet nulla consectetur a. Sed vel suscipit lorem. Cras mollis rutrum quam. In pharetra enim eu odio dictum imperdiet molestie et nunc. Nullam volutpat leo nibh, in fermentum lacus commodo eu. Quisque egestas odio id lacus tempus luctus. Vivamus dapibus diam nunc, vel imperdiet nulla consectetur a. Sed vel suscipit lorem. Cras mollis rutrum quam. In pharetra enim eu odio dictum imperdiet molestie et nunc. Nullam volutpat leo nibh, in fermentum lacus commodo eu. Special 2 Quisque egestas odio id lacus tempus luctus. Vivamus dapibus diam nunc, vel imperdiet nulla consectetur a. Sed vel suscipit lorem. Cras mollis rutrum quam. In pharetra enim eu odio dictum imperdiet molestie et nunc. Nullam volutpat leo nibh, in fermentum lacus commodo eu. --- ### [Duplicate Placeholder (No Content - Exclude from Indexing)](https://www.ormsbyhill.com/specials.html) **Published:** November 3, 2011 **Author:** client-admin --- ### [Common Areas](https://www.ormsbyhill.com/common.html) SEO Title: About The Inn at Ormsby Hill | Historic Manchester VT B&B SEO Description: Learn about The Inn at Ormsby Hill, a historic Manchester, VT bed and breakfast known for charm, luxury, and warm hospitality in the heart of Southern Vermont. Canonical: https://www.ormsbyhill.com/common.html Alternate (text/markdown): https://www.ormsbyhill.com/common.md **Content:** The Inn at Ormsby Hill has some of the finest common space that you will find in a Southern Vermont inn. With only ten guest rooms and given the quantity and quality of common space at our romantic country bed and breakfast, you will never feel cramped for a space to call your own. Click Read More for a description of the common areas. Front Living Room Our front living room, which is always quiet and peaceful, has a comfortable sofa and relaxing chairs that allow for viewing the fireplace. The fireplace, with its connecting operational Dutch oven, and the hand-hewn beams are all believed to be circa 1764. Gathering Room A second common room, referred to as the Gathering Room, well deserves its name. This is where the largest fireplace in the inn is located (just one of 14!), which features the original iron cooking ware, circa 1764. Walls feature floor-to-ceiling bookshelves, containing many first editions and nineteenth century books belonging to the Isham collection. The Gathering Room always has music playing in the background. The coffee table is surrounded by leather wingback chairs and an extremely comfortable leather sofa inviting you to sit. There is a chess/backgammon table, too. The Conservatory – Dining Room The Conservatory never ceases to produce WOWs upon first viewing. It has a wonderful wood-beaded ceiling, with nothing but windows on two walls. The short wall, which is curved and faces east, is designed to make you feel as though you were on a river boat – but not just any river boat. This landlocked one has a fireplace with an ornately carved European mantel. It not only serves as our dining room but has a sitting area where you can watch the sun come up and the birds feed. It also affords access to a very large slate patio with tables and chairs and Adirnodack chairs facing the Green mountains The Wine Shoppe – Gift Shop The Wine Shoppe is located just inside the front door. A selection of wine ands beer is available to guests for consumption on the property. The shop also sells, hats, mugs, ornaments unique to the INN. It’s hours of operation are from 8:30 am to 8:30 pm. Second-Floor Reading Nook Hidden away on the second floor is a small room, which is a quiet place, with a sofa and chair just to curl up and read a book. --- ### [Duplicate Placeholder (No Content - Exclude from Indexing)](https://www.ormsbyhill.com/common.html) **Published:** November 8, 2018 **Author:** client-admin --- ### [Things To Do](https://www.ormsbyhill.com/things-to-do.html) SEO Title: Things to Do in Manchester VT | The Inn at Ormsby Hill SEO Description: Discover top attractions near The Inn at Ormsby Hill in Manchester, VT — from shopping and hiking to historic sites and scenic drives in Southern Vermont. Canonical: https://www.ormsbyhill.com/things-to-do.html Alternate (text/markdown): https://www.ormsbyhill.com/things-to-do.md **Content:** Fusce elementum pellentesque quam, eu scelerisque nisl ultrices in. Vestibulum molestie congue velit, nec condimentum nunc iaculis ut. Vivamus accumsan sodales congue. Praesent sit amet vulputate sem. Vivamus volutpat urna sit amet neque dictum consequat. Nam posuere sagittis est at feugiat. Nam vehicula viverra ligula, et rutrum eros volutpat id. Nam vulputate, ante ac porttitor interdum, augue ipsum gravida neque, vel viverra est orci eu ipsum. Suspendisse facilisis massa et tellus sodales et lobortis velit adipiscing. Dining Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. In vel accumsan mi. Aliquam iaculis scelerisque turpis, id fringilla lectus tristique sit amet. Morbi molestie tortor non risus tempus hendrerit sed nec lectus. Vivamus massa odio, ultrices a ultricies in, posuere eu nibh. Donec in dapibus dui. Sed sit amet ipsum sed odio elementum porta a in magna. Praesent lorem magna, dignissim vitae rhoncus at, varius at tellus. Museums Mauris tincidunt sagittis est in dapibus. Vivamus at orci aliquet turpis pellentesque facilisis dictum vitae erat. In ac tellus ipsum, ut luctus tellus. Donec placerat accumsan rhoncus. Vivamus ut nulla ac tortor placerat egestas. Suspendisse vulputate magna id enim cursus at auctor dui pulvinar. Ut pellentesque imperdiet leo id egestas. Sed ornare est et tellus ullamcorper sit amet elementum ante volutpat. Praesent varius nulla ac est accumsan non ultrices risus dapibus. Attraction One Integer fringilla adipiscing nisi, sed mollis enim vehicula et. Fusce nec ullamcorper sem. In iaculis elit vel nisi euismod et volutpat arcu dignissim. Phasellus vitae magna at eros rutrum viverra. Phasellus convallis arcu a nibh laoreet nec tempor sem luctus. Vestibulum vitae purus mi. Nulla facilisi. Donec convallis nibh id massa viverra aliquam. Integer fringilla adipiscing nisi, sed mollis enim vehicula et. Fusce nec ullamcorper sem. In iaculis elit vel nisi euismod et volutpat arcu dignissim. Phasellus vitae magna at eros rutrum viverra. Phasellus convallis arcu a nibh laoreet nec tempor sem luctus. Vestibulum vitae purus mi. Nulla facilisi. Donec convallis nibh id massa viverra aliquam. Integer fringilla adipiscing nisi, sed mollis enim vehicula et. Fusce nec ullamcorper sem. In iaculis elit vel nisi euismod et volutpat arcu dignissim. Phasellus vitae magna at eros rutrum viverra. Phasellus convallis arcu a nibh laoreet nec tempor sem luctus. Vestibulum vitae purus mi. Nulla facilisi. Donec convallis nibh id massa viverra aliquam. Integer fringilla adipiscing nisi, sed mollis enim vehicula et. Fusce nec ullamcorper sem. In iaculis elit vel nisi euismod et volutpat arcu dignissim. Phasellus vitae magna at eros rutrum viverra. Phasellus convallis arcu a nibh laoreet nec tempor sem luctus. Vestibulum vitae purus mi. Nulla facilisi. Donec convallis nibh id massa viverra aliquam. I love this Place! Integer fringilla adipiscing nisi, sed mollis enim vehicula et. Fusce nec ullamcorper sem. In iaculis elit vel nisi euismod et volutpat arcu dignissim. Phasellus vitae magna at eros rutrum viverra. Phasellus convallis arcu a nibh laoreet nec tempor sem luctus. Vestibulum vitae purus mi. Nulla facilisi. Donec convallis nibh id massa viverra aliquam. Integer fringilla adipiscing nisi, sed mollis enim vehicula et. Fusce nec ullamcorper sem. In iaculis elit vel nisi euismod et volutpat arcu dignissim. Phasellus vitae magna at eros rutrum viverra. Phasellus convallis arcu a nibh laoreet nec tempor sem luctus. Vestibulum vitae purus mi. Nulla facilisi. Donec convallis nibh id massa viverra aliquam. Integer fringilla adipiscing nisi, sed mollis enim vehicula et. Fusce nec ullamcorper sem. In iaculis elit vel nisi euismod et volutpat arcu dignissim. Phasellus vitae magna at eros rutrum viverra. Phasellus convallis arcu a nibh laoreet nec tempor sem luctus. Vestibulum vitae purus mi. Nulla facilisi. Donec convallis nibh id massa viverra aliquam. --- ### [Duplicate Placeholder (No Content - Exclude from Indexing)](https://www.ormsbyhill.com/things-to-do.html) **Published:** November 3, 2011 **Author:** client-admin --- ### [Breakfast](https://www.ormsbyhill.com/dining.html) SEO Title: Breakfast at The Inn at Ormsby Hill | Manchester VT B&B SEO Description: Start your day at The Inn at Ormsby Hill with a gourmet country breakfast made from fresh local ingredients. Enjoy a true Southern Vermont B&B experience. Canonical: https://www.ormsbyhill.com/dining.html Alternate (text/markdown): https://www.ormsbyhill.com/dining.md **Content:** Breakfast at The Inn at Ormsby Hill – a Memorable Experience Seasonal, Energizing, Delicious A hearty country breakfast is a part of your stay at our Manchester B&B in Southern Vermont. Your meal begins with a choice orange or cranberry juice, a parfait of yogurt, fresh fruit and homemade granola followed by a different hot entrée served each day. With advanced notice, we are happy to accommodate special dietary needs and food allergies. Our beautiful Conservatory is the perfect setting to start your day. Enjoy a steaming cup of tea or fresh brewed Mocha Joe’s coffee while enjoying a view of the Green Mountains. We alternate our breakfast offering every day – one day a savory egg dish the next day a sweet offering: Challah bread French Toast with bacon topped with Vermont Maple Syrup Scrambled eggs, local spinach and Vermont cheddar cheese, with sausage and chives fresh from our garden Pancakes and bacon Fried eggs over easy, sausage and English muffin Pecan Crumble Baked French Toast with Vermont Maple syrup Visit our Breakfast Blog pages for details and recipes! --- ### [Duplicate Placeholder (No Content - Exclude from Indexing)](https://www.ormsbyhill.com/dining.html) **Published:** November 3, 2011 **Author:** client-admin --- ### [Policies](https://www.ormsbyhill.com/policies.html) SEO Title: Policies & FAQs | The Inn at Ormsby Hill Manchester VT SEO Description: Find answers to your stay at The Inn at Ormsby Hill—rates, deposits, cancellations, and check-in details. Plan your Manchester, VT getaway with confidence. Canonical: https://www.ormsbyhill.com/policies.html Alternate (text/markdown): https://www.ormsbyhill.com/policies.md **Content:** If you have a question, please call us at 802.362.1163 and we will gladly explain. We may call you back from a mobile phone with a 203 area code, so please accept that call. What are your Room Pricing Policies? Rates quoted are for single or double occupancy – breakfast included. Our rooms can accommodate two people very comfortably, the larger rooms can accommodate three. See the Guest Rooms page for details. There is a $70 per day charge for each additional person in the room age thirteen or older. All rooms have a private bathroom, jacuzzi and fireplace (gas/duralogs) heating and air conditioning. Sorry, although we love them all we do not accommodate children under thirteen years old or pets. Is Breakfast included? Yes, breakfast is served in our dining room “the Conservatory” between 8:30 am and 9:30 am. We serve juice a parfait (fresh berries, yogurt and our homemade granola) and one entrée -we alternate between sweet and savory each day. If you have any dietary restrictions or food allergies, please let us know prior to your stay so we can be prepared. Do you have a Minimum Stay? A two-night reservation is generally required on weekends between June 1 and October 31. Sometimes a single Friday or Saturday night is available, please call us. What time is Check In? Check in is from 3:00 pm to 6:00 pm. If you plan to arrive after this time, please notify us in advance so that we can provide information for an after-hours self-check-in. With advance notice we can sometimes accommodate an early check-in – please call to check with us. What time is Check Out? Check out is before 11:00 am. DEPOSITS AND CANCELLATION POLICY What are your Deposit requirements? Reservations are secured by a deposit of 50% of the total lodging cost with taxes. Balance is due upon check-in. We accept Visa, MasterCard, American Express and Discover. What is your Cancellation policy? If your plans require that you cancel your reservation, we will gladly refund your deposit (less a $35 per room cancellation fee) provided that we are given sufficient notification of the cancellation 10 days in advance of the confirmed arrival date. The cancellation fee offsets credit card expenses we incur for the deposit and refund without revenue from a stay. Deposits after the “cancellation period” will not be refunded but may be used toward another visit within twelve months. For no-shows, all monies paid will be forfeited. Rest Easy Cancellations Coverage – Have the peace of mind that you may cancel by 4:00 pm EST the day before your scheduled date of arrival and receive a full refund of your deposit less the $40 rest easy coverage rate and the $35 cancellation fee. You may be responsible for any additional items that we are unable to cancel in time, flowers, cakes, etc. Rest Easy Cancellation Coverage must be purchased at the time of reservation. Do you offer Housekeeping? Housekeeping is available to 1 pm – please put the “Go Away” signs on your door in the morning if you do not require housekeeping. What are your Cleaning policies? We have always had a policy of cleanliness. We clean all frequently touched surfaces throughout the property and sanitize commonly used surfaces throughout the day such as doorknobs, handrails, tables, remote controls, lamp switches, etc. Hand sanitizers are available in our common areas. Do you sell Alcohol? The Inn at Ormsby Hill has a Vermont State License to sell wine and beer. State Law states that any alcohol consumed on the property is to be purchased from the inn. We provide glassware in your room. What is your Smoking policy? There is no smoking allowed in any guest rooms or the inn’s common spaces in compliance with Vermont State law. Non-compliance will result in a minimum surcharge equal to your single day rate.  Please, for the comfort and benefit of all, no smoking in the Inn. Smoking is permitted in all exterior spaces, but please be considerate of others and avoid smoking near entryways and high traffic areas. Please dispose of your cigars/cigarettes. What if I left an item behind? For your privacy, we will not contact you if anything is left behind. We can have it shipped to you if you call to request its return. Our experience has been that the shipping can cost upwards of $20.00 which we will charge against your credit card on file. What Activities can we do in Vermont? There is a lot to do in the area. We have a kiosk with brochures for various activities and we have posted blogs of some of the activities we recommend. Please feel free to ask us. Do you allow Whole-Inn Bookings? Booking the entire inn for a private event may be available depending on the date and availability. Our inn has 10 guest rooms with total capacity for 24 persons Whole inn bookings are available for groups and special events such as weddings, reunions, workshops, retreats, and professional meetings. There may be additional space use fees should the property be used for activities or events outside of our typical breakfast service. Call the inn to discuss the possibility of booking the entire inn for your event. Inquire about rates for whole-inn bookings – additional fees for gratuities and cancellation charges apply. --- ### [Duplicate Placeholder (No Content - Exclude from Indexing)](https://www.ormsbyhill.com/policies.html) **Published:** November 3, 2011 **Author:** client-admin --- ### [Packages](https://www.ormsbyhill.com/packages.html) SEO Title: Romance Babymoon and Elopement Vacation Packages in Vermont SEO Description: Choose luxurious guestroom accommodations at our 4-Diamond Inn in Manchester, VT, and add the Romantic Package, the Elopement Packages, or our Babymoon Package. Canonical: https://www.ormsbyhill.com/packages.html Alternate (text/markdown): https://www.ormsbyhill.com/packages.md **Content:** Featured Packages Select the room and date of your stay and choose any of the items below to enhance your stay Celebrate a Special Occasion Elopements & Petite Weddings at the INN at Ormsby Hill Golf the Equinox Golf Course – Save 10% and a discount on green fees Wine, beer and Gifts in our Wine Shoppe Feel free to call us if you want help to further enhance your stay. We would be happy to assist you. 802-362-1163 Celebrate a Special Occasion Celebrate that special occasion with: Chocolate Cake from Mother Myrick’s Confectionery – $39 Box of Mother Myrick’s Confectionery Assorted Vermont chocolates – $35 A bottle of chilled Proseco – Santa Margherita – $25 These can be booked online after you selected a room and dates. Please allow seven days prior notice so that we may take care of all the details. Prices do not include tax (11% additional.) Feel free to call us to further enhance your stay. We would be happy to assist you. 802-362-1163 Elopements & Petite Weddings at the INN at Ormsby Hill ELOPEMENTS & WEDDINGS The Inn at Ormsby Hill is an historic property situated in Manchester Center, Vermont with ten guest rooms, formal Living Room, Gathering Room and the Conservatory, our large dining room (with a fireplace in each,) and a spacious stone patio which offers endless possibilities for your Special Day. Whether you are looking for a romantic elopement for just the two of you, an intimate wedding group or possibly taking the whole inn as a base for your guests we would be honored to be part of your special day. You can choose from one of our packages (Click Read More below) or call us directly for a custom arrangement: 802-362-1163 VERMONT MARRIAGE LICENSE Obtaining a license in Vermont is typically a very simple 10-minute process – click Read More below for further details. LET’S ELOPE Let us pull all the little details together so that you can concentrate on each other. The Elopement Package includes: Two nights in one of our Standard or Deluxe Rooms based on availability with breakfast each morning. Bottle of Champagne Small Wedding Cake Justice of the Peace Seasonal flower arrangement We can assist with coordinating and referring resources for photography and wedding flowers which are not included in the package. Cost of the Elopement Package is $1,270 to $1,750 plus taxes and gratuities based on room and availability. Please call to book and discuss details. We ask that the services take place between 12:00 and 2:30 pm PETITE WEDDING The Petite Wedding Package includes: All ten guests rooms at your disposal for two nights Entire Inn for holding gatherings (max 25, excludes kitchen and private areas) Includes breakfast and accommodation for all guests occupying guest rooms. Justice of the Peace Wedding cake Moet & Chandon Imperial Champagne Cost of the Petite Wedding Package varies (depending on seasonal rates) from $8,500 TO $9,500 for two nights plus taxes and gratuities. We ask that the services take place between 12:00 and 7:30 pm Please call to book and discuss details. We can assist with references for photography, wedding flowers, and catering, which are not included in the package. If this package isn’t quite what you are looking for or you require add-ons, please call us to create a customized package. Contact us at 802.362.1163 TAKE THE WHOLE HOUSE AS A BASE OF OPERATION If you are holding a wedding at another venue, The INN at Ormsby Hill provides a wonderful base of operation. Take the whole house and enjoy the company of family and friends. Breakfast is included every morning. Weekend rates vary at different times of the year from $7,500 TO $8,500 for a two night block plus taxes and gratuities. VERMONT MARRIAGE LICENSE Obtaining a license in Vermont is typically a very simple 10-minute process. The bride and groom are responsible for obtaining a marriage license from the town clerk’s offices at 60 Jeff Williams Way (off Route 7A) Manchester, Vermont. The licensing takes about 30 minutes and you can arrive before 3:30 pm. Open Monday-Friday from 8:00 am to 4:30 pm except holidays.  An application can be completed at the town clerk office or can be obtained on the Vermont secretary of state’s website.  Contact Anita L. Sheldon – Town Clerk – 802-362-1313 (option 1) Golf the Equinox Golf Course - Save 10% and a discount Greens fees vary by date and time – please call us for details Use Promo Code GOLF2025 Please call the Inn at 802.362.1163 after you book your room to arrange a tee time. The rates vary depending on season and time of start. Wine, Beer and Gifts in our Wine Shoppe Just off the front foyer, in addition to a fine selection of wines, we feature: Champagne, Proseco, Red or White wine from our wine shoppe Vermont chocolates Coffee – Mocha Joe’s 1 lb. bag (ground or whole bean) Vermont Maple Syrup from the Sugar Shack in Arlington Coffee mugs from The INN at Ormsby Hill Homemade Granola served at The INN at Ormsby Hill – 1 lb. bag Christmas Ornaments depicting The INN at Ormsby Hill handmade in Vermont Hiking essentials – Tick spray – 4 or 8 oz spray bottles Baseball Hats Bathrobes with The Inn at Ormsby Hill crest Greeting cards with scenes of Vermont by a local photographer Greeting card – watercolor of The INN at Ormsby Hill by Tony Connor We can provide a customized gift basket with the above items to have ready and waiting in your room. Please give us seven days advance notice – call us at 802-362-1163 to order.  --- ### [Duplicate Placeholder (No Content - Exclude from Indexing)](https://www.ormsbyhill.com/packages.html) **Published:** November 11, 2018 **Author:** client-admin --- ### [Arts, Music and Theater](https://www.ormsbyhill.com/arts.html) SEO Title: Art Galleries Theatres and Music Festivals in Manchester Vermont Area SEO Description: Start planning your stay at The Inn at Ormsby Hill with our list of art galleries, music festivals, and theatres in the Manchester, Vermont area. There is always something special happening nearby, so be sure to check out any venues of interest for upcoming events that may be taking place during your visit. Canonical: https://www.ormsbyhill.com/arts.html Alternate (text/markdown): https://www.ormsbyhill.com/arts.md **Content:** There is so much to do and see during your stay at The Inn at Ormsby Hill in Manchester, Vermont. Be on the lookout for small, but tremendous, art galleries and artist studios tucked away in the most charming locations. If you come across one that we don’t have listed (and we are sure there are many), please let us know so we can update the list. PERFORMING ARTS Manchester Music Festival – Manchester, Vermont Manchester Music Festival welcomes internationally renowned classical musicians for five weeks of summer concerts in the Green Mountains of Vermont, on Thursday and Saturday evenings. Concerts feature top musicians who regularly headline the world’s greatest stages and prestigious orchestras. The Festival also welcomes the community to several complimentary musical events throughout the summer. Southern Vermont Arts Center – Manchester, Vermont In the summer, the 400-seat Arkell Pavilion is regularly filled with audiences entertained by a variety of performing arts encompassing everything from dance and classical music to theater. Established in 1922, the Southern Vermont Arts Center provides cultural, educational, and creative opportunities for all ages, located within a four-hour drive of Boston, Montreal, and New York City. Situated amid over one-hundred acres of pristine forest in the heart of the Green Mountains, SVAC offers a first-class experience in a traditional New England setting. With a rotating calendar of member and guest exhibitions, the largest sculpture park in Vermont, and a busy schedule of dynamic classes for all ages, the Southern Vermont Arts Center has something for everyone. Dorset Theatre Festival – Dorset, Vermont The Festival’s summer home is an intimate theatre built from 2 pre-revolutionary barns. Opening its doors to local thespians in 1929, the Dorset Theatre became host to the professional Equity Summer Festival in 1976. Today the Dorset Theatre Festival is a rich cultural resource and integral part of the community. Whether we’re staging dramatic classics, producing great plays from the contemporary canon, or providing a platform for fresh new theatrical voices, the Festival is always pursuing its single mission: to create an environment in which our audiences can experience thought-provoking, inspiring and entertaining live theatre. Weston Playhouse Theatre Company – Weston, Vermont The Boston Globe calls Weston Playhouse “the most beautiful theatre in New England.” As Vermont’s longest-running professional theatre, the Company celebrates the classics and nurtures the new with a multi-stage summer season of rollicking musicals, family-friendly productions, classic plays, and ground-breaking new works. Come early for a meal out at our restaurant. Lose yourself in the raucous frivolity of our after-hours Cabaret. Bask in the warmth of our cherished Vermont village. Enjoy the shows and come back often. Visit westonplayhouse.org or call 802.824.5288 (during the summer)/802.824.8167 (during the rest of the year). Old Castle Theatre Company – Bennington, Vermont Oldcastle is a true company of actors, writers, directors and designers working together over time to create a theatrical style as well as developing close long-term relationship with its audience. Entering its 44th season, Oldcastle has produced almost 300 shows and is now creating a new chapter of exciting growth, as Oldcastle renovates its new home in downtown Bennington. GALLERIES AND ARTISANS Three Pears Gallery – Manchester, Vermont A warm welcome awaits you at their beautiful gallery in Manchester. There are two floors of curated fine art, as well as original artisanal pieces, from accents to focal points for the contemporary and country home. Handcrafted gifts, glass, children’s boutique, pottery, jewelry—all by Vermont and the region’s renowned artists. 10:30 am – 6 pm (closed Tuesdays). Epoch Vermont Artisans Gallery – Manchester Center, Vermont A Cooperative Art & Craft Gallery, featuring some of Vermont’s finest Artisans working in a variety of disciplines. Each day, the gallery is staffed by one of the Artisan members, offering their unique view of the creative process. Tilting at Windmills – Manchester Center, Vermont One of New England’s largest fine art galleries, Tilting at Windmills features a broad selection of work by important regional, national, and international artists. While quality and visual appeal are paramount in choosing the artwork we offer, we also select with an eye towards investment and potential appreciation in value for our collectors. Helmholz Fine Arts – Manchester Center, Vermont Helmholz Fine Art represents artists who are masters of their medium and passionate about sharing their vision and message. Located in VT & NYC --- ### [Duplicate Placeholder (No Content - Exclude from Indexing)](https://www.ormsbyhill.com/arts.html) **Published:** June 5, 2019 **Author:** client-admin --- ### [Accessibility Statement](https://www.ormsbyhill.com/accessibility-statement.html) SEO Title: Accessibility Statement SEO Description: This is the Accessibility Statement. Canonical: https://www.ormsbyhill.com/accessibility-statement.html Alternate (text/markdown): https://www.ormsbyhill.com/accessibility-statemen.md **Content:** The Inn at Ormsby Hill provides a wheelchair accessible room, (The Library). Click on the room name to learn more about the handicap features provided in this guest room. We also have all of our handicap accessible features listed on the ADA Property Features section. The Inn at Ormsby Hill is committed to making our website accessible to people with disabilities. We have designed our website to be accessible for impaired users to see, navigate, interact and understand the content provided as per the World Wide Web Consortium’s Web Content Accessibility Guidelines 2.0 Level AA (WCAG 2.0 AA). We have tested the functionality of this website with the Google Chrome Accessibility Audit tool. We have also manually tested keyboard-only functionality so that people who use screen readers or can’t use a mouse are able to navigate through the website pages efficiently. We will continue to make every effort to meet evolving accessibility standards. If you find you are having difficulty determining availability or booking an accommodation via our online system, please contact us at the links below and we will be happy to assist you directly. As we continue to improve our website functionality, we appreciate your concerns and suggestions. We welcome impaired users to share accessibility issues you may find. Contact us at the links below. --- ### [Duplicate Placeholder (No Content - Exclude from Indexing)](https://www.ormsbyhill.com/accessibility-statement.html) **Published:** August 28, 2018 **Author:** client-admin **Content:** --- ### [Map](https://www.ormsbyhill.com/directions.html) SEO Title: Find Our Bed and Breakfast Lodging near Manchester Center in Vermont SEO Description: Discover our romantic bed and breakfast lodging with modern amenities and a serene, private country location- minutes from Manchester Center in Southern Vermont. An idyllic New England vacation destination, Manchester is home to shopping, dining, skiing, fishing, and more, not far from Boston and NYC. Canonical: https://www.ormsbyhill.com/directions.html Alternate (text/markdown): https://www.ormsbyhill.com/directions.md **Content:** The Inn at Ormsby Hill offers lodging near Manchester Center with easy access to Southern Vermont’s best historical, cultural and natural attractions. We are within minutes of spectacular shopping, including quaint boutiques, art galleries and antique shops. We are 70 minutes to Albany International Airport, 146 miles from Hartford, Connecticut, 189 miles to Boston, and 204 miles from New York City—a perfect New England vacation destination. From New York Route 87 North to Exit 23, then 787 North to 7 East (becomes 9 East at NY/VT border). Continue to 279 and proceed to 7 North. Take Exit 3, turn left onto 313, then right onto Historic 7A North. The Inn is 8 miles on the right. From Albany Airport Route 87 North to Route 7 East (Exit 7E, Bennington). Follow directions above from Troy* From Buffalo/Rochester, New York Take I-90 to Exit 24 to 87 North. 87 North to Route 7 East (Exit 7E, Bennington). Follow directions above from Troy* From Brattleboro Route 30 North to Historic Route 7A in Manchester. Turn left and travel south about 3 miles. The Inn is on the left. From Boston Route 2 West to I-91 North. Take Exit 2 into Brattleboro, then follow directions above from Brattleboro. From Montreal Route 89 South to Burlington. Take Route 7 south to Manchester. Continue south on 7A. The Inn is 8 miles on the left. --- ### [Duplicate Placeholder (No Content - Exclude from Indexing)](https://www.ormsbyhill.com/directions.html) **Published:** November 3, 2011 **Author:** client-admin --- ### [Sitemap](https://www.ormsbyhill.com/site-map.html) SEO Title: Official Site Map Page for The Inn at Ormsby Hill in Manchester Vermont SEO Description: This is the official site map page for The Inn at Ormsby Hill in Manchester, Vermont Canonical: https://www.ormsbyhill.com/site-map.html Alternate (text/markdown): https://www.ormsbyhill.com/site-map.md **Content:** --- ### [Duplicate Placeholder (No Content - Exclude from Indexing)](https://www.ormsbyhill.com/site-map.html) **Published:** November 3, 2011 **Author:** client-admin **Content:** # Sitemap ## Pages - [Accessibility Statement](https://www.ormsbyhill.com/accessibility-statement.html) - [All Guest Rooms](https://www.ormsbyhill.com/rooms.html) - [Arts, Music and Theater](https://www.ormsbyhill.com/arts.html) - [Awards & Accolades](https://www.ormsbyhill.com/awards.html) - [Blog](https://www.ormsbyhill.com/blog.html) - [Breakfast](https://www.ormsbyhill.com/dining.html) - [Common Areas](https://www.ormsbyhill.com/common.html) - [Farms and Farmers Markets](https://www.ormsbyhill.com/farms.html) - [History of the INN at Ormsby Hill](https://www.ormsbyhill.com/history.html) - [Map](https://www.ormsbyhill.com/directions.html) - [Museums and Antiquing](https://www.ormsbyhill.com/museums.html) - [Packages](https://www.ormsbyhill.com/packages.html) - [Photo Gallery Tour](https://www.ormsbyhill.com/photo-gallery.html) - [Policies](https://www.ormsbyhill.com/policies.html) - [Restaurants and Shopping](https://www.ormsbyhill.com/restaurants.html) - [Sitemap](https://www.ormsbyhill.com/site-map.html) - [Specials](https://www.ormsbyhill.com/specials.html) - [Sporting and Outdoor Activities](https://www.ormsbyhill.com/hiking.html) - [Things To Do](https://www.ormsbyhill.com/things-to-do.html) - [Welcome](https://www.ormsbyhill.com/) - [Wineries and Breweries](https://www.ormsbyhill.com/wineries.html) ## Posts by category - **Category: [All blogs](https://www.ormsbyhill.com/blog/category/all-blogs)** - [The Pullman Car Connection: Robert Todd Lincoln, Hildene & the Inn at Ormsby Hill](https://www.ormsbyhill.com/blog/2025/12/the-pullman-company) - [Ormsby Hill: A Chronological History](https://www.ormsbyhill.com/blog/2025/12/ormsby-hill-a-chronological-history) - [Fly Fishing the Battenkill River in Manchester, Vermont: A Family’s First Catch](https://www.ormsbyhill.com/blog/2025/05/fly-fishing-on-the-battenkill-river-vermont-04-30-2025) - [Top Five Reasons to visit Manchester Vermont 2025](https://www.ormsbyhill.com/blog/2025/03/top-five-reasons-to-visit-manchester-vermont-2023) - [Winter Activities 2024 – Ski and Snowmobile Experiences, Sleigh Rides and Equipment Rentals](https://www.ormsbyhill.com/blog/2024/01/5738) - [Christmas is coming to The INN at Ormsby Hill 2023](https://www.ormsbyhill.com/blog/2023/12/christmas-is-coming-to-the-inn-at-ormsby-hill-2023) - [Pecan Crumble Baked French Toast with Bourbon Maple Syrup](https://www.ormsbyhill.com/blog/2023/06/pecan-crumble-baked-french-toast-with-bourbon-maple-syrup) - [Stay Safe – Stay Small – Stay INN](https://www.ormsbyhill.com/blog/2020/04/stay-safe-stay-small-stay-inn) - [Banana Bread Minis](https://www.ormsbyhill.com/blog/2020/03/banana-bread-minis) - [Mount Equinox Hill Climb August 10th and 11th, 2019](https://www.ormsbyhill.com/blog/2020/03/mount-equinox-hill-climb-august-10th-and-11th-2019) - [Visiting the Vermont Country Store in Weston](https://www.ormsbyhill.com/blog/2020/03/visiting-the-vermont-country-store-in-weston) - [Buttermilk Belgian Waffles](https://www.ormsbyhill.com/blog/2020/03/buttermilk-belgian-waffles) - [French Toast inspired by Ina Garten](https://www.ormsbyhill.com/blog/2020/03/french-toast-inspired-by-ina-garten) - [Bread Pudding with Bourbon Glaze](https://www.ormsbyhill.com/blog/2020/03/4874) - [Trip to Shelburne VT and the Christmas Loft](https://www.ormsbyhill.com/blog/2020/02/trip-to-shelburne-vt-and-the-christmas-loft) - [A visit to the Robert Frost Museum](https://www.ormsbyhill.com/blog/2019/10/a-visit-to-the-robert-frost-museum) - [Bennington Potters, Bennington, Vermont](https://www.ormsbyhill.com/blog/2019/04/bennington-potters) - [Back Road Tour through Sunderland Vermont](https://www.ormsbyhill.com/blog/2019/04/sunderland) - **Category: [Guests Experiences](https://www.ormsbyhill.com/blog/category/all-blogs/guests-experiences)** - [The Minuteman Model “A” Ford Club of Massachusetts](https://www.ormsbyhill.com/blog/2026/08/the-minuteman-model-a-ford-club-of-massachusetts) - [Snowmobiling the Backcountry of the Vermont’s Green Mountains](https://www.ormsbyhill.com/blog/2022/12/snowmobile-the-backcountry-of-the-green-mountains) - **Category: [Breakfasts](https://www.ormsbyhill.com/blog/category/breakfasts)** - **Category: [Events](https://www.ormsbyhill.com/blog/category/events)** - [Visiting a Sugaring House](https://www.ormsbyhill.com/blog/2020/03/visiting-a-sugaring-house) - **Category: [General](https://www.ormsbyhill.com/blog/category/general)** - [Winter 2026 Snowstorm: A Night of Lobsters, Firelight, and Community](https://www.ormsbyhill.com/blog/2026/01/winter-2026-snowstorm-a-night-of-lobsters-firelight-and-community) - [Fall in Love with Vermont: Your Autumn Escape at the Inn at Ormsby Hill](https://www.ormsbyhill.com/blog/2025/07/fall-in-love-with-vermont-your-autumn-escape-at-the-inn-at-ormsby-hill) - [History of The INN at Ormsby HilL](https://www.ormsbyhill.com/blog/2025/06/history-of-the-inn-at-ormsby-hill) - [RAINY DAYS THINGS TO DO](https://www.ormsbyhill.com/blog/2025/05/rainy-days-things-to-do) - [The Marble Legacy of Manchester, Vermont](https://www.ormsbyhill.com/blog/2025/05/the-marble-legacy-of-manchester) - [We visited Manchester Vermont for several reasons](https://www.ormsbyhill.com/blog/2023/12/5732) - **Category: [Places Visited](https://www.ormsbyhill.com/blog/category/places-visited)** - **Category: [Recommended Trips](https://www.ormsbyhill.com/blog/category/recommended-trips)** - **Category: [Uncategorized](https://www.ormsbyhill.com/blog/category/uncategorized)** - [Gideon Ormsby – Revolutionary Patriot](https://www.ormsbyhill.com/blog/2026/02/gideon-ormsby-revolutionary-patriot) - [College Reunion – The Iona College Gaels Football Team](https://www.ormsbyhill.com/blog/2023/06/college-reunion-the-iona-college-gaels-football-team) - [Shinrin-yoku](https://www.ormsbyhill.com/blog/2023/01/shinrin-yoku) - [Needlepoint](https://www.ormsbyhill.com/blog/2022/12/needlepoint) - [A Tour of Green Mountain Spinnery – Putney Vermont](https://www.ormsbyhill.com/blog/2022/12/a-tour-of-green-mountain-spinnery-putney-vermont) - [What’s on your bucket list?](https://www.ormsbyhill.com/blog/2021/08/whats-on-your-bucket-list) - [Falconery in the Green Mountains](https://www.ormsbyhill.com/blog/2021/05/falconery-in-the-green-mountains) - [Wedding – Beth and Don Fantine](https://www.ormsbyhill.com/blog/2021/02/wedding-beth-and-don-fantine) - [Reflecting on 2020](https://www.ormsbyhill.com/blog/2021/01/reflecting-on-2020) - [Waiting for Fall – Great Drive through Vermont’s Countryside – with Directions](https://www.ormsbyhill.com/blog/2020/08/great-drive-through-vermonts-countryside-with-directions) ## Rooms - [Gideon Ormsby](https://www.ormsbyhill.com/room/gideon-ormsby.html) - [Thompson Purdy](https://www.ormsbyhill.com/room/thompson-purdy.html) - [Anne Eliza](https://www.ormsbyhill.com/room/anne-eliza.html) - [Ethan Allen](https://www.ormsbyhill.com/room/ethanallen.html) - [Pierrepont](https://www.ormsbyhill.com/room/pierrepont.html) - [Tower](https://www.ormsbyhill.com/room/tower.html) - [Library](https://www.ormsbyhill.com/room/library.html) - [Lincoln](https://www.ormsbyhill.com/room/lincoln.html) - [Taft](https://www.ormsbyhill.com/room/taft.html) - [The Frances Suite](https://www.ormsbyhill.com/room/frances.html) --- ### [Redirect](https://www.ormsbyhill.com/redirect.html) SEO Title: Redirect SEO Description: Canonical: https://www.ormsbyhill.com/redirect.html Alternate (text/markdown): https://www.ormsbyhill.com/redirec.md **Content:** --- ### [Duplicate Placeholder (No Content - Exclude from Indexing)](https://www.ormsbyhill.com/redirect.html) **Published:** April 27, 2015 **Author:** client-admin --- ## Rooms ### [Taft](https://www.ormsbyhill.com/room/taft.html) **Published:** November 5, 2018 **Author:** acorn **Excerpt:** Second-floor corner suite features a magnificent vaulted wooden ceiling with brass chandelier, making our largest room feel even more luxurious. **Content:** Named after President Taft, a visitor to [Ormsby Hill](/history.html), this second-floor corner suite features a magnificent vaulted wooden ceiling with brass chandelier, making the largest room at our Southern Vermont inn feel even more exceptional. The king four-poster bed faces the fireplace. In this spacious bed and breakfast getaway, filled with afternoon brightness, you will also find a camelback sofa in front of the fireplace and TV. With a step up, you arrive into the bathroom, luxuriously tiled, featuring a corner jetted tub for two and a two-person steam complete with a marble seat. A cozy, comfortable sitting room adjoins the bedroom. The sitting room has a refrigerator and will also accommodate a third person with pull-out sofa bed. **FEATURES** - Second Floor - King four poster bed - Sitting room – sofa converts to a pull out bed - Fireplace – (Duralogs are provided) - Refrigerator - Flat screen TV - Jetted tub for two - Two-person shower/steam shower --- ### [Lincoln](https://www.ormsbyhill.com/room/lincoln.html) **Published:** November 5, 2018 **Author:** acorn **Excerpt:** The second largest guest room, located on the second floor, is another corner room. It features a wood-beaded ceiling, a king four-poster bed, and a camel-back loveseat in front of the gas fireplace. **Content:** Named after Robert Todd Lincoln, first born child of Abraham Lincoln and best friend and law partner of Edward Isham. The Lincoln room is the second largest guest room, a corner room located on the second floor. It features a wood-beaded ceiling and a king four-poster bed and camel-back loveseat in front of the gas fireplace. There are two comfortable armchairs for relaxing, reading and watching a flat-screen TV as well as a writing desk with chair. A third person can be accommodated in this room with an elevated air-bed. The bathroom features a shower/steam sauna for two and soaking tub. **FEATURES** - Second floor corner room - King four poster bed - Gas fireplace - Sofa - Flat screen TV - Soaking tub - Two-person steam shower --- ### [Gideon Ormsby](https://www.ormsbyhill.com/room/gideon-ormsby.html) **Published:** June 4, 2019 **Author:** acorn **Excerpt:** Named after the Revolutionary War hero from Manchester, this first-floor room with a private outside entrance affords the ultimate in privacy - access to the main house is a few steps away. **Content:** Named after the Revolutionary War hero from Manchester, this is another first-floor room with a private outside entrance. An access to the main house is a few steps away. Decorated in traditional striped wallpaper in ivory, gold, and black, this sophisticated room is complemented by a black background paisley and black toile fabric treatment. The room features a four-poster king bed, two high-back chairs for your comfort, a gas fireplace and a flat-screen TV. The large fully tiled bathroom has a jetted tub for two as well as a walk-in shower. With its feeling of serenity, you just might find a way to extend your stay! **FEATURES** - Private outside entrance and deck - King four poster bed - Gas fireplace - Flat screen TV - Jetted tub for two - Walk-in shower --- ### [Anne Eliza](https://www.ormsbyhill.com/room/anne-eliza.html) **Published:** June 4, 2019 **Author:** acorn **Excerpt:** Located on the second floor, this room features an antique rice carved four-poster queen bed. The highlight of this room is the two-sided fireplace. **Content:** Named after Isham’s daughter, this room is located on the second floor and features an antique rice carved four-poster queen bed. The highlight of this room is the two-sided fireplace. One side in the bedroom faces the bed, and the other side in the bathroom faces your large corner jetted tub for two. This is a very cozy and romantic haven, with its blue toile wall treatment, blue plaid fabric treatments, and indigo blue bathroom (fully tiled with shower). This room also has a flat-screen TV. **FEATURES** - Second floor - 2 sided gas fireplace - Flat screen TV - Queen canopy bed - Jetted tub for two - Walk-in shower --- ### [Tower](https://www.ormsbyhill.com/room/tower.html) **Published:** November 29, 2018 **Author:** acorn **Excerpt:** Located in the tower section of the inn, it is our most charming guest chamber. As you go up two steps from the second floor, you enter your special space. As you wind your way up to the third floor bathroom, you will pass two more windows with spectacular views. **Content:** Located in the tower section of [The Inn at Ormsby Hill](https://www.ormsbyhill.com/), this is our most charming guest chamber. As you go up two steps, you enter your special space. Up five steps will lead you into your bed chamber with four windows facing Vermont’s Green Mountains, and the Taconic Mountains offering great views east and west. A beautiful tiger maple four-poster queen bed, fireplace, a sitting area with a comfortable loveseat and rocking chair, and a flat-screen TV has made the Tower one of our most popular accommodations. As you wind your way up to the third floor, you will pass two more windows with spectacular views. Arrive in your luxuriously tiled bathroom, complete with a corner jetted tub for two and an enclosed shower/steam sauna for two. And, yes, there are two more windows in the bathroom. **FEATURES** - Panoramic mountain views - Queen four poster bed - Gas fireplace - Sitting area with sofa - Flat screen TV - Jetted tub for two - Two-person steam shower --- ### [The Frances Suite](https://www.ormsbyhill.com/room/frances.html) **Published:** November 2, 2018 **Author:** acorn **Excerpt:** This room features a private deck facing east and glorious panoramic views of the Green Mountains. Second-floor two-room suite, cheerful and bright, with his and her bathrooms. **Content:** Introducing the Frances Suite for those who want to experience the ultimate in luxury accommodation, [Ormsby Hill style](https://www.ormsbyhill.com/). Named after Isham’s wife, this romantic second-floor two-room suite, cheerful and bright, faces east and affords glorious panoramic views of the Green Mountains, and features his and her bathrooms. French doors lead you to your own private balcony – with views of the gardens, trees and those incredible mountains. We believe there is no comparable room in any inn in Vermont. The sitting room has a fireplace, flat-screen television, a large sofa (which can open into a queen-size bed to sleep an extra one or two persons), a club chair, wet bar, and your private refrigerator. Attached to the sitting room is her bathroom with a walk-in shower and jetted tub for two. Enter the bedroom, with an antique king four poster bed and another slim-line digital flat-screen television. Attached to the bedroom is his bathroom with a steam-shower for two. **FEATURES** - Views of the Green Mountains - Private balcony - Sitting room with fireplace – (Duralogs provided) - Large flat screen TV in sitting room - Flat screen TV in bedroom - King four poster bed - Queen sofa sleeper - Wet bar - Refrigerator - His and Her bathrooms - Jetted tub for two - Two-person shower/steam shower --- ### [Pierrepont](https://www.ormsbyhill.com/room/pierrepont.html) **Published:** November 29, 2018 **Author:** client-admin **Excerpt:** This beautiful room, with views of the Green Mountains, is located on the second floor. **Content:** Named after Isham’s father and son, this beautiful room is located on the second floor. An antique four-poster king bed, enhance the ambiance of this very romantic bedchamber. This room also has a gas fireplace and a flat-screen TV. The fully tiled bathroom also contains a jetted tub for two and separate shower, perfect for relaxing Southern Vermont vacations and weekend getaways for two. **FEATURES** - King four poster bed - Gas fireplace - Flat screen TV - Jetted tub for two - Separate shower --- ### [Library](https://www.ormsbyhill.com/room/library.html) **Published:** November 9, 2018 **Author:** acorn **Excerpt:** Edward Isham's personal library in the 1800's this was. It is a first-floor corner room, located just off the Gathering Room. The room is wheelchair accessible. **Content:** The Library room, a first-floor corner accommodation located just off the [Gathering Room](/common.html), provides elegant accessible travel lodging in Manchester, VT. In the 1800’s, this room was Edward Isham’s personal library. Most books that line these shelves are from Isham’s collection, including some first edition books. The window treatments and bed linens add a warm and comfortable feeling to this Colonial-style room. A four-poster rice carved king bed facing the wood-burning fireplace is just the invitation for romance. The hand-hewn beamed ceiling dates from 1764. Note the beautifully detailed antique ceiling moldings. The bedroom also contains a slim-line digital flat-screen TV. The spacious bathroom has a jetted tub for two and a large tiled two-person walk-in shower with a built-in seat. A third person can be accommodated in this room with an elevated air-bed. **FEATURES** - First Floor - King four poster bed - Fireplace – (Duralogs provided) - Flat screen TV - Jetted tub for two - Two person walk-in shower **Accessibility** - Wheelchair accessible guest room – The Library - Roll in shower with tiled seat - Grab bars in the bathroom by the toilet and in the shower - Parking is ample on the site - [Common areas](/common.html) are wheelchair accessible --- ### [Thompson Purdy](https://www.ormsbyhill.com/room/thompson-purdy.html) **Published:** June 4, 2019 **Author:** acorn **Excerpt:** This second floor corner room features a four-poster king bed, a sitting area with a love seat and coffee table in front of the gas fireplace, and a flat-screen TV. **Content:** The main house at our Manchester, VT inn was built in 1764 by Thompson Purdy. This second-floor corner room features a four-poster king bed, a sitting area with a love seat and coffee table in front of the gas fireplace, and a flat-screen TV. It is decorated with a Wedgewood blue damask wall treatment and striped and patterned fabrics. The large fully tiled bathroom contains a corner jetted tub for two as well as a walk-in shower. **FEATURES** - Second Floor - King four poster bed - Sitting area with loveseat - Gas fireplace - Flat screen TV - Jetted tub for two - Walk-in shower --- ### [Ethan Allen](https://www.ormsbyhill.com/room/ethanallen.html) **Published:** June 4, 2019 **Author:** acorn **Excerpt:** A secluded first-floor room with a private outside entrance and deck. Sit out on your deck and enjoy views of the Green Mountains. The private entrance affords the ultimate in privacy with access to the main house a few steps away **Content:** Named after the Revolutionary War hero, this is a very secluded first-floor room, with a private outside entrance and deck with views of the Green Mountains. It’s almost like having a cottage inside an inn. This room features a handsome, ornate four-poster queen bed, a gas fireplace and a flat-screen TV. The bathroom is fully tiled with a shower and jetted tub for two. **FEATURES** - Views of the Green Mountains - Private outside entrance and deck - Gas fireplace - Queen four poster bed - Flat screen TV - Jetted tub for two - Walk-in shower ---