I get the question, “What’s your favorite place to stay in Vermont?” on a regular basis. Without pause, every single time, The Pitcher Inn in Warren, Vermont, rolls right off my tongue. Before my first stay, the Pitcher Inn—a stunning Relais & Chateaux property with historic and whimsical accommodations and the very best service—had been on my travel bucket list since I first laid eyes on it. Love at first sight, perhaps. A mud-season special lowered the rates just enough for me to treat myself to an escape at the Pitcher Inn the first time I visited. The second time, I brought my mom and my sister back for my bachelorette weekend. I wanted them to experience what I would describe as “no-frills elegance and laid-back sophistication”. On both occasions, the most perfect escape at The Pitcher Inn it was…

Visiting Warren, Vermont

When you drive through the charming town of Warren, Vermont, set in the Green Mountains alongside the Mad River, you can’t miss the “Almost World Famous” Warren Store. Just across the street stands a stately 11-room inn that is the focal point of Main Street. For years, Warren has been a regular stop for me while in the Mad River Valley, whether to grab a BLT at the General Store or for Warren’s annual July 4th parade. This is when the tiny, idyllic town of Warren shows its big Vermont personality. It is, hands down, my favorite town to recommend in any season (well, maybe not stick season or late mud season when the Pitcher Inn closes down for a few weeks…) It represents Vermont so well, with many hiking trails nearby, local eateries, scenic views, and the most welcoming, charming community of Vermonters.

My Relais & Chateaux Connection

When I graduated from high school in New Jersey, I had six months to explore before attending Middlebury College as part of their “Feb” program. Never having been out west, I sent countless applications to any unusual jobs I could find that would take me for a short time with little work experience. Triple Creek Ranch—an all-inclusive Relais & Chateaux property in Darby, Montana—said that as long as I could smile, I could work for them. They would teach me everything I needed to know.

After four days of cross-country driving, I arrived and was greeted by a “hospitality bible” with the do’s and don’ts of Relais & Chateaux hospitality. No nail polish, no perfume. Serve from the left, clear from the right. Know every ingredient. Try every wine. I like to think Triple Creek “ruined me for life.” When you learn from the absolute best, you get to see up close and personal just how special true hospitality can be.

The History of the Pitcher Inn

The Pitcher Inn’s story dates back to the Civil War era, at which point it was a lodging house where travelers would stop to rest. In 1997, the building was re-constructed and re-imagined in the footprint of the original Pitcher Inn, at which point it became a Relais & Chateaux property.

In 1993, the original Pitcher Inn burnt to the ground, destroying the building and the entire village block. Winthrop Smith of Greenwich, Connecticut reincarnated the Inn, with it’s stunning white facade.

During Hurricane Irene, river water flooded the bottom floor of the Inn, including the wine cellar and hundreds of bottles of wine, along with Tracks, the rustic bar, lounge and game room. Luckily, the Inn was restored soon after the storm.

Diverse Room Selections at the Pitcher Inn

I’ve been fortunate to take a peek inside just about every room at the Pitcher Inn. In total, there are nine rooms at the Inn and two large, luxury two-room suites: Hayloft and Stable, located in the renovated carriage house of the building. Every room was uniquely designed by a different architect and designer. And each room features stunning decor. You really can’t go wrong with any room you choose. For me, I have it on my bucket list to stay in every room… So far: Mountain (check)! Stable (check)!

The Classic Rooms

The front half of the Pitcher Inn features more classically appointed, sophisticated rooms, such as Chester Arthur, Calvin Coolidge, and Colonial. Chester Arthur is accessible with a balcony overlooking Main Street. Calvin Coolidge’s walls tell a story and has an awesome decorated American-inspired bathroom. Colonial is one of the quaintest rooms in the Inn. It pays homage to the 18th century farmhouse The Pitcher Inn once was. I love the blue fireplace and the stunning wallpaper. Colonial can be made as two two beds, rather than a king if needed.

The Whimsical Rooms

At the back side of the Inn, you’ll find the whimsical rooms: Mallard, School, Lodge, and Trout. School is a re-imagined one-room schoolhouse with a slat headboard with chalk provided, and a fairy-tale like mural. Mallard features a hand-carved bed, antique decoys and guns, and camo pillows. Don’t be spooked by the Canadian goose hanging from the ceiling, anchoring the exterior weathervane. Lodge, which is my next room to visit and likely my favorite in the whole Inn, is a luxurious room with ancient classical images. The eagle-topped bed is one-of-a-kind in style and grandeur. The blue ceiling with the stunning fireplace completes the room.

Ski and Mountain are expansive, themed suites with high ceilings located on the third floor of the property. No matter the room you stay in, you’ll be treated to the most caring service and highest quality amenities you can imagine. Rooms at the Pitcher Inn at the epitome of true luxury – but without pretense and a hint of whimsy.

The first time I stayed at the Pitcher Inn, I had booked the Mallard Room (I have a serious fear of birds, so I don’t know what I was thinking. Upon arrival in mud season, I was generously upgraded to the Mountain Room. That room is easily the most impressive suite I’ve ever stayed in – anywhere.

The Mountain Room

On the third floor, the Mountain Room has tall ceilings, local slate on one wall to create a dramatic entrance, a massive fireplace, oversized leather lounge chairs and a tucked away “cabin,” complete with a king-sized bed, rough-hewn wood on the ceilings and “windows” leading into the main room and outside. It’s quintessential Vermont where indulgence meets rustic. It’s whimsical and stunning, luxurious yet carefree.

I couldn’t have had a bigger smile on my face when I stepped inside during my first visit. That is until I discovered the huge steam shower in the bathroom. I can imagine it would be hard to leave after a day on the slopes. Did I mention the Pitcher Inn is three minutes from Sugarbush and 15 from Mad River Glen?. Even during mud season, it was thoroughly rejuvenating.

Stables Suite

When I visited with my sister and mom for my bachelorette weekend, The Pitcher Inn was kind enough to give us access to Stables, a two-bedroom suite in the barn or carriage house. The first-floor suite is rustic yet elegant. It feels like you’re walking back in time with wooden walls and ceilings. It was entirely welcoming and warm. My sister and mom snuggled into the room with twin-sized beds and their own bathroom. They kept remarking that they were some of the most comfortable beds they’ve slept on. Those linens though!

I stayed in the king-sized bedroom with my own bathroom with a large jacuzzi tub, perfect for relaxing. We enjoyed tea in the common areas and ate a before-dinner charcuterie board on the outside porch of the carriage house. It was the perfect space for quality family time and a tradition we hope to keep going every year!

Dining at the Pitcher Inn

I would have been happy never stepping outside of the Pitcher Inn during my visits with such outstanding food options on site, but—alas—I had to cross the street to stock up on some craft beers at the Warren Store.

The breakfasts at the Pitcher Inn are outstanding. Ensure you’re hungry before heading downstairs. The scones and berry muffins were the best I’ve had. There are a handful of breakfast options to choose from for the main course. I’m still drooling over the vegetarian egg, sweet potato and avocado dish I had one morning and the soft, buttery pancakes another. Whatever you do during the day, don’t miss afternoon tea (mini cucumber sandwiches and macaroons anyone?). And be sure to enjoy Tracks—the wonderfully rustic tavern complete with a pool table and shuffleboard and some hard-to-find local beers on tap—in the basement of the building.

Dinner Options at the Pitcher Inn

For dinner, you have the option to eat in Tracks or head upstairs or dinner cooked by Adam Longworth, formerly of the Common Man in Waitsfield. Don’t worry about packing a jacket and tie to eat on site; like the rest of the inn, come as you are… It is Vermont after all. If you really want a memorable dinner, opt for private dining in the wine cellar, an impressive space that was completely flooded during Hurricane Irene. (It would be the perfect way to propose… hint, hint to all you singles out there.)

Even though the Pitcher Inn will be reserved for very special occasions for me in the future, my visits have reminded me just how far friendliness, personalization, and above-and-behind service can go in making someone feel at home. If you’re looking for a vacation where doing nothing is everything, the Pitcher Inn in Warren, Vermont, is where you need to be.

Tips for Traveling like a Local at the Pitcher Inn:

• Do your homework before you choose your accommodations. Each room is designed by a specific architect. Each has a very distinctive feel, from whimsical to distinguished. Lodge, Mountain and Colonial are my top picks.
• Let yourself be pampered a tad (something I personally have trouble with). Yes, you can carry your own bag in. And yes, you can start your own fire. But just this once, let the very willing staff at the Pitcher Inn take care of the details for you. Relax. Unwind. Enjoy.
• Pick the staff’s brain on local attractions. They will surely give you great advice for a short local hike and a back-road route around Waitsfield to see more of the area off-the-beaten-path.
• If you have flexibility with your dates, consider a mid-week stay. Or stay off-season when The Pitcher Inn runs a variety of promotions. You’ll save some serious money. That savings will likely pay for dinner upstairs (a must!) and after-dinner drinks in Tracks.
• Plan ahead! You’ll save 20% on a minimum of a two-night stay when you book 30 days or more in advance.
• The Pitcher Inn would make for an idyllic setting for a proposal. I’m sure the team would go out of the way to make a proposal, elopement or wedding on site even more special.

The Pitcher Inn
275 Main Street, Warren, Vermont
802.496.6350