And, less than an hour away for an easy escape. Do you believe that something is “meant to be?” I do. How about “making lemonade from lemons?” I am now the pro. This trip began thanks to three cancellations of a stay (by my hosts) within ten days at their “new” place — after a several month’s delay the contractor set a date for completion – I was booked for a stay 30 January. With those three cancellations I went on a search for something new. I will not say I was in a rut with enjoying certain places and experiences, but those cancellations nudged me to find new experiences pleasurable to me, and close. Soon I may even get out of my comfort zone and try VRBO and AirB&B. I must also say I am adept with my “arm chair traveling” with on-line searches.

My destination for this outing was Windsor, the birthplace of Vermont, but on the way I headed further north a tad to Quechee to take a look at the Quechee Inn at Marshland Farms. Close to Woodstock for further explorations as well as other remote Vermont areas I need to re-explore. And, with a three-course prix-fixe menu every Wednesday night for $45.00, and the lounge to relax in – I am ready to experience it. Below the Inn from the parking area – sorry not the best image with an overcast day.

below the lounge, and part of the dining room. Remember, as I always mention, you can click my galleries for larger images.

Heading up Main Street towards Quechee I crossed the Ottauquechee River on the covered bridge to US 4. You can see the Simon Pearce restaurant on the right. Cathy and I enjoyed many a lunch there. I stopped at an antique center before looping over to West Lebanon, NH and down Route 12A to cross back into Windsor on the longest Covered Bridge in the US.

Located on Juniper Hill in Windsor, the drive to the Windsor Mansion Inn was not pleased to greet my ordinary tires. I slipped down twice, called the Inn saying I had better come back another time. Andy said, “try it again, it should be alright.” I did, and slipped back down burying GIGI (Granite Girl) in a snow bank. Andy came down, got me out, and I said I had best leave since I did not want to drive out to eat. “But we do serve pub food at night.” I did not know that, GIGI was tucked in at the bottom of the hill, Andy took me up in his four wheel drive with winter tires, and I did not have to go out until my stay was done. Below (not the best image with sun glare) is the entrance to this great experience.

Inside the entrance, Andy explained that “we always have room in the Inn.”

I had booked the Theodore Roosevelt Suite above the library seen below as I headed up the stairs to where TR slept August 28-29, 1912. Some background from the Inn’s website – Beautiful 1902 built mansion completely renovated, and restored in late 2016 is filled with elegance and history. This home was designed by Augustus Saint-Gaudens a family friend and the most renown Sculptor in US history. The mansion is where 3 US Presidents have slept. The Windsor Mansion is the largest Colonial Revival Mansion in the United States and is listed on the National Historic Register.

looking out the window on the landing to the second floor suites.

my very comfortable room — but you know I enjoy spending time in the “common areas.”

the library

and, “hard at work’ Wednesday morning. True to Ray fashion I did not open the 15 file folders of work I brought, did not open the three books, and did not write my “Did you know that…” article for the March CLARION.

Unfortunately I forgot to take an image to share of the impressive main entry hall, but below is a view out a south window. In the hall there was a showcase of memorabilia of the .Juniper Hill Inn – the former name of the Inn. I remembered reading of the Juniper Hill Inn, so checked on line — here to get you started is the WIKIPEDIA LINK to JUNIPER HILL. INN. Enjoy your learning starting there, and yes, I viewed the HOTEL HELL episode. Think I will have to watch more episodes.

off the main entryway is the pub lounge and bar.

below is the view out my dining room window at breakfast. This room is on the east side of the Manor. And to the right the famous mantle in this room

I mentioned before I enjoy the “common areas” in inns and B&Bs. That it because so often you get to meet wonderful people to share the time with. My first night I met a wonderful family – and the most polite son and daughter. They live south of Boston, their second visit there, and “small world” one of them, a doctor, is affiliated with Boston University as is my son, David.

We again visited in the pub lounge my second night. And on Thursday, eating breakfast after I did, I sat and visited with the family as they ate. Hoping to explore Vermont more, yes, of course I volunteered to act as a guide. I do hope I see them again – too much fun.

And, below my two “pub dinners” — Kelly in the kitchen “did good.”

“All good things come to an end,” but I will be back. Andy, part owner and host, was exceptional in making all his guests welcome, and getting to know them. He introduced me to another couple from Bridgeport, Connecticut (near my home town of Wilton) who had been staying for 30 years through various owners. Close, a world away, and very pleasant to relax, but close to some attractions if you wish to get out.

Back to you soonest with more adventures – stay safe and well, luv, RAY