Good morning and happy almost Thanksgiving! Last month we spent a few days in Vermont, where it really felt like fall. And now it’s hard to believe we are already talking about the holidays. We had a couple of weeks home before we headed out again but wanted to share our first experience at a bed and breakfast.
It was my first time to Vermont and I have to say I am in love! The time of the year was the perfect time to visit. I was initially afraid we were going to be too early for the changing of the leaves but we hit right on time. The hills were full of beautiful reds, yellows and oranges. It looked like a photo you would see on a postcard! I didn’t get the best photos since most of what we had time to see was from the car but trust me, it was absolutely gorgeous.
My sister-in-law and now husband in the back yard at the Sinclair Inn. Photo by Ben Hudson Photography
Why Have I never Stayed in a Bed & Breakfast Before?
Jericho, Vermont is located about 30 minutes outside of Burlington and nestled into the Champlain Mountains. It definitely has that small town feel that we just loved. It was the most beautiful setting for a fall wedding. We chose a small bed and breakfast to stay at called the Sinclair Inn. It was both of our first time staying at a bed and breakfast and to be honest, the bar has been set high. We absolutely loved it!
We weren’t sure what to expect. Are B&Bs like a hotel? Will they have shampoo (I hate packing that)? Is there a fridge? And what about a hair dryer? The answer is yes to all those things but it’s not like a hotel. It’s better. Way better.
Although I love to travel, I will be the first to admit that I can be kind of a homebody. We quickly realized that this bed and breakfast has that “homey” feel that you just can’t get in a hotel. If you enjoy relaxing on the couch with a good book in your socks and sweat pants, then you should consider staying at a B&B. If you love being able to walk down to breakfast in your pj’s and served a hot cup of coffee with a delicious homemade meal, then a B&B is definitely for you.
The Sinclair Inn
My sister-in-law actually choose the Sinclair Inn for us to stay during her wedding weekend. It’s the most adorable Victorian “painted lady” home, complete with wrap around porch and lush gardens. The home was built in 1895 and converted to a B&B in the late 1980’s. The current owners, Tom and Dan purchased the home when they moved from San Francisco to pursue their dream of starting a B&B. You can tell they love what they do and have worked very hard to restore and remodel the home but still keep its Victorian charm.
When you walk in the front door, you immediately feel at home. The two seating areas provide inviting couches and rocking chairs, perfect for cuddling up with a cup of tea and a good book (maybe one from the large book collection in the living room). If you’re preferred lounging location is in front of the TV, you can find that right there as well along with a collection of board games and playing cards. It makes for the perfect family vacation spot. 
The dining room is just down the hall and was ideal for our large group. The bigger table in the middle seats up to 8 with 3 other smaller tables for two people each. I just loved how the room looked perfect when we walked in in the morning, with carefully folded napkins at each seat and fresh flowers.
Our Room
The Sinclair Inn has 7 bedrooms, all with their own bathroom. We stayed in room #2 which has a queen size bed, a small area to hang clothes, a chair and a couple of those cool luggage racks for our suitcases (anyone else ever fight over who gets those?) All the amenities you could need from any good hotel are provided including the slippers and comfy white robes, which are always my favorite.
Our bathroom was attached and was recently remodeled. It had a large shower and we were given fresh and fluffy white towels every day. They even had a box full of toiletries you might need such as makeup remover wipes and q-tips.
In the community room down the hall, they also provided a small supply of other essentials you may need like toothbrushes, razors and even a lint roller. It’s definitely the little details that can make your stay so much more comfortable.
The Amazing Breakfasts
Now for the important stuff. If you have read any of my other posts, you are well aware of my love for breakfast. We were not really sure what to expect for breakfast but it was absolutely delicious! Every morning we were served some of the most delicious breakfasts we have ever had. I’m sure staying in an area that is well known for it’s maple syrup doesn’t hurt.
Each meal started with hot coffee, orange juice and fresh cut fruit. I am seriously going to have dreams of the fresh whipped cream over the berries! Then we were served the breakfast meal. While we were there, we had eggs benedict, French toast and Shashuka which is a delicious Eastern dish with a curry tomato sauce and eggs. I’m telling you, everything was seriously so good!
Since our whole family was staying there together, we all came down for breakfast at the same time. I’m sure it wasn’t easy to serve 12 meals all at once, but they did it with no problem!
Other Amenites
To answer the other question, the small community room I mentioned earlier has a full size refrigerator and a Keurig for guests. If the afternoon coffee wasn’t enough and you found yourself needing a sugar pick-me up, be sure to check out the sweet treats in the dining room for some homemade pumpkin bread or chocolate chip cookies. Tom and Don really did go above and beyond to make us all feel right at home.
Overall
I would highly recommend visiting Vermont, especially during this beautiful time of the year. Jericho, VT is an incredible place to see the trees changing and the Sinclair Inn is definitely a must stay if you are in the area. I have to say our first experience at a bed & breakfast was excellent. I know we will definitely consider a staying at a B&B in the future over a hotel if possible. We can only hope our next adventure will live up the the standards the Sinclair Inn has set.
This post was not sponsored in any way. All thoughts and opinions are my own.