The Grafton Inn - Looking for a relaxing getaway in one of Vermont’s (and New England’s) most postcard-perfect towns, where time moves just a bit slower? You have come to the right spot! Located in Southern Vermont, you’ll find this beautiful historic inn, plus an on-site award winning restaurant.

Grafton, Vermont

Located an hour south of Woodstock and an hour east of Manchester, this small town is an ideal location for a multi-day Vermont road trip or a perfect getaway if you’re looking to relax and unwind for a few days.

You won’t find a packed restaraunt scene here or streets lined with storefronts, but you will find the most picturesque town center that is fully walkable, a community garden with a seating area, the cutest market where you can pick up delicious sandwiches for lunch, a couple very cute local shops, a historic covered bridge, and natural swimming holes.

The heart of the town center is absolutely the inn, which has welcomed guests since 1801. And the inn’s guests include many well known historic figures such as Ulysses S. Grant, Daniel Webster, Oliver Wendell Holmes, Theodore Roosevelt, Woodrow Wilson and Ralph Waldo Emerson.

I don’t play favorites but if I did, the Grafton Inn would be on the list. Grafton, VT holds a very special place in my heart - my grandparents lived here and I grew up spending my summers and school vacations here. And the Grafton Inn is also where I got married! The town continues to be one that I frequently return to because it truly feels like you are taking a step back in time (but with modern amenities); and it’s a perfect spot to visit in all seasons.

**The Cheesiest Welcome**

If you love cheese like me then you will love the surprise treat awaiting you in your room upon check-in. All guests are welcomed with a block of award-winner artisanal cheddar cheese from Grafton Village Cheese along with gourmet crackers. The perfect snack to enjoy after traveling.
And if you enjoy the cheese and are looking to bring some home, make a stop into MKT: Grafton (the market just down the street) to pick some up - they have an amazing selection of other local cheeses too.

The Guest Rooms

The inn offers 42 individually decorated guest rooms, as well as, a series of four guest houses that can be reserved. You’ll have your choice of one of the Presidential suites or a traditional room (king, queen, or double room options available) and an option to book a room in the main inn (tavern room) or homestead (village room). My personal favorite spot to stay is in the main inn for extra historic vibes.

There are also four guest houses that can be reserved which are perfect for a getaway with a larger group of friends or family. Two of the homes are also pet friendly so the whole family can join. I got married at the Grafton Inn and stayed in White Gates with my bridesmaids the day before the wedding - the house is absolutely gorgeous!

My Room

I stayed in one of the Tavern Presidential Suites on the second floor of the main inn on my visit. The suite was complete with a beautiful bedroom, a living room with a seating area and desk, and full bathroom.

I love how cozy and modern all of the rooms are while also maintaining lots of historic charm. The rooms are always meticulously cleaned and the beds are super comfortable, so I always know I am going to have a good night’s sleep.

Because of the historic nature of the inn and to ensure a quiet relaxing experience for all guests, you won’t find any TVs in the rooms (this also adds to the feel of stepping back in time).

The Common Areas

The first floor of the inn is where you will check-in and it also contains all of the common rooms including two cozy living room spaces, each with a wood stove, making the inn extra cozy in winter. You will also find the 1801 Tavern and Pine Room Bar located on the first floor, as well as, the garden room where breakfast is served.

One of my absolute favorite features of the inn is the incredible wrap around porch. You can just spend hours relaxing in one of the rocking chairs and looking out to Main Street (occasionally seeing a car go by). The porch was also the perfect spot where I enjoyed a pre-dinner cocktail on my visit. My drink of choice was the Strawberry Hive, which was perfect for a hot summer evening, and featured locally crafted Barr Hill vodka, strawberry basil syrup, and lemon juice.

The “Pool”

You’ll find the most perfect Vermont pool available to guests during the summer months. The “pool” is a lovely fresh-water swimming pond fed by the river and circulated with a beautiful flowing fountain. I loved relaxing on the patio next to the pool and cooling off in the water - it was a perfect way to spend the afternoon on my visit, which was during a heat wave.

Dinner at the Grafton Inn

A day in Grafton is not complete without a farm-to-table dinner at the Grafton Inn. You have your choice of dining vibe too - pick a table in the Phelps Barn for a more casual setting where you may often find live music or reserve a table in the 1801 Tavern for a more formal elegant setting. I have enjoyed meals in both locations and love both settings. In the summer, I recommend dining outside on the Phelps Barn courtyard patio.

I had a lovely meal, starting with a house salad featuring fresh mesclun greens and dressed with a homemade lemon tarragon vinaigrette, which was served with fresh baked rolls and creamy butter. I paired this with an Aperol spritz for the perfect summer patio dining experience. For my main course, I tried the Puttanesca Chicken which was served with thick pappardelle pasta, fresh veggies, and a lemon tomato caper wine broth. And no meal is complete without dessert. I ordered the Dynamite Cheesecake which lives up to its name! The lemon cheesecake with blackberry curd, candied lemon peel, and fresh blackberries was the perfect way to end the day.

Breakfast

After a restful night sleep, I woke up to a full homemade breakfast (which is included with your stay). And it may just be one of my favorite parts of staying at the inn. I always opt for a custom omelette with Grafton Village cheddar cheese, spinach, and mushrooms. It’s served alongside home fries, toast, and a fruit cup.

Grafton Trails & Outdoor Center

After fueling up for the day, I recommend making a trip over to the Grafton Trails and Outdoor Center. Located just minutes from the Grafton Inn, you’ll find a series of groomed trails that are ideal for hiking and biking in the summer months and excellent for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing in the winter. Grafton Inn guests have access to all the trails as well as gear rentals during their stay.

I had the best time hiking the trails! I started from the outdoor center which also featured a swimming pond! I made my way along one of the main trails which went through the woods, along an open field, down to the river, and even by a covered bridge!

Your Summer Overnight Itinerary:

Day 1:

Arrive and check-in to the Grafton Inn (or drop off your bags if arriving early)
Hike the trails at the Grafton Outdoors Center
Pick up sandwiches for lunch at MKT: Grafton and enjoy them on the outside deck and patio at MKT.
Relax by the pool with a good book. If you don’t have one you can rent one from the Grafton Public Library.
Shower up and enjoy a pre-dinner cocktail on the covered porch.
Have a delicious dinner on the outside patio at The Grafton Inn.
Take a walk around town after dinner.

Day 2:

Breakfast at The Grafton Inn before checking out
Walk through the community gardens
Pop into the MKT: Gift (it’s where I got the cutest Grafton, VT sweatshirt) and Mercantile.
Walk to the historic Kidder Covered Bridge, just minutes from the center in town.
Option to take a short (10 minute) drive to the center of Chester, VT and make a stop into Southern Pie Cafe for lunch (and of course pie) and then continue on another 20 minutes to the famous Vermont Country Store in Weston before heading home.