I’ve never been on skis in my life. I’ve snowboarded exactly once, and that was enough to convince me that I could enjoy Vermont winters perfectly well from a hot tub, beside a roaring fireplace or with a craft beer in hand.
Après-ski? That I do extremely well.
Despite my lack of interest in skiing, I love Vermont ski towns. There’s a certain energy that comes with spending time in a mountain community, particularly after a day on the slopes when everyone is settling in for the evening.
And when I’m planning a winter getaway, I want comfortable accommodations, beautiful mountain scenery and a good restaurant nearby. Bonus points for a fireplace, an oversized shower and a bed I don’t want to get out of.
Seesaw’s Lodge in Peru, Vermont, checks those boxes.
Located just down the road from Bromley Mountain and about 15 minutes from Manchester, this historic Southern Vermont property combines beautifully renovated accommodations with one of the area’s longtime après-ski gathering spots, Johnny Seesaw’s.
I spent two nights here during late winter, and the property quickly became one of my favorite ski lodge experiences in Vermont. No skis required.
The History of Seesaw’s Lodge
One of the most interesting things about Seesaw’s is its history.
The property dates back to the early 1800s, when Benjamin Barnard Jr. purchased the land and built a log house and barn. Over the following century, the property changed hands several times before becoming a popular roadside gathering spot.
In 1924, Russian immigrant Ivan Sesow and his wife, Vinnie, built the Wonder View Log Pavilion, a dance hall that attracted locals and travelers.
The property later became a ski lodge in 1938, when Lew deSchweinitz and Bill Parrish purchased it and began welcoming guests visiting the growing ski industry around Bromley Mountain.
Over the decades, Seesaw’s became a beloved gathering spot for skiers, with a restaurant and lodge that were part of the area’s winter traditions.
In 2015, Ryan and Kim Prins began an extensive restoration of the property, reopening Seesaw’s Lodge and Johnny Seesaw’s restaurant in 2018.
I learned much of this history while sitting at Johnny Seesaw’s, reading a placemat that outlined the property’s evolution.
Yes, a placemat.It was one of my favorite details from the visit, particularly because so much of the history remains visible in the renovated restaurant.
Arriving at Seesaw’s Lodge
We arrived on a Friday evening around 7 p.m., long after the sun had set.
I had seen photographs of the renovations but didn’t realize how expansive the property was until the following morning. We found the restaurant first, then followed signs up toward the Lodge, where we’d be staying for two nights.
Check-in was supposed to be relatively straightforward, with a self-service option available. Naturally, I managed to set off the building’s alarm. Oops.
Fortunately, owner and innkeeper Kim came to our rescue and gave us a tour of the Lodge. And what a beautiful space.
nside the Renovated Lodge
The main Lodge was originally used as a ski assembly facility during the 1950s and 1960s.
Today, it’s been transformed into an inviting retreat with six guest suites, a beautiful shared kitchen and a two-story living room centered around a stone fireplace.
I remember walking inside and immediately wanting to settle in.
The kitchen was particularly impressive, with industrial appliances, beautiful finishes and a gorgeous range hood. I could easily imagine renting the entire Lodge with friends or family and spending a weekend cooking, eating and enjoying the common spaces.
The living room has soaring ceilings, exposed beams and large windows that bring in plenty of natural light.
And, of course, there was a fire burning when we arrived.
The six suites are named after Vermont trees: Birch, Beech, Oak, Cherry, Black Walnut and Maple.
We stayed in Cherry, located upstairs.
Our Stay in the Cherry Suite
The Cherry Suite was exactly what I was hoping for in a Vermont mountain getaway.
The king-sized bed was incredibly comfortable, with a three-sided gas fireplace separating the sleeping area from a sitting room with a large couch.
The vaulted ceilings had exposed wooden beams, giving the room a rustic feel without sacrificing comfort.
And the bathroom was beautiful, with a rainfall shower and thoughtful finishes.
I also loved finding bath products from Dorset Daughters, a nearby Vermont business. I’m a big fan of hotels and inns that incorporate locally made products into the guest experience.
The room opened onto a wraparound porch with views toward Stratton Mountain.
We arrived in complete darkness, so waking up to a bluebird morning and seeing the surrounding mountains was a wonderful surprise.
Even though the porch was covered in snow, I spent some time outside enjoying the sunshine and views.
And then I went back inside to warm up by the fireplace. Oak, Cherry, Black Walnut, and Maple.
Cabins at Seesaw’s Lodge
In addition to the main Lodge, Seesaw’s has three cabins scattered around the property.
The cabins offer larger accommodations for families and groups, making the property an appealing option for reunions, wedding parties or a weekend away with friends.
The cabins are named Chicken, Court and Butterfly, with additional accommodations called The Coop and Fox’s Den associated with the Chicken Cabin.
Although we didn’t stay in a cabin, I could easily imagine returning with a group and renting one for a summer getaway.
The setting is beautiful, and having Johnny Seesaw’s restaurant within walking distance makes the experience even more appealing.
Dinner at Johnny Seesaw’s
One of the biggest advantages of staying at Seesaw’s Lodge is having Johnny Seesaw’s restaurant right on the property.
The restaurant has a wonderful ski lodge atmosphere, with exposed beams, rustic furnishings and a fireplace that serves as a focal point of the room.
I loved seeing the historic details incorporated into the renovation, including the old Wonder View Log Pavilion sign.
The menu focuses on elevated comfort food, with locally sourced ingredients and seasonal offerings.
It’s a wonderful place to settle in after a day outdoors, particularly if you’re visiting during winter.
And I love that you can enjoy dinner and a few drinks without having to get back in the car.
The property has also offered an outdoor warming hut for après-ski gatherings, complete with local beer and snacks.
It’s easy to understand why Seesaw’s has been a gathering spot for generations of Vermont skiers.
Exploring Peru & Southern Vermont
Seesaw’s Lodge is located along Route 11 in Peru, just a short drive from Bromley Mountain.
During winter, Bromley is a popular destination for skiing and snowboarding, while warmer months bring hiking and other outdoor recreation.
Manchester is only about 15 minutes away, making it easy to spend an afternoon shopping, visiting Hildene or exploring the Southern Vermont Arts Center.
I’d also recommend taking a drive through nearby Dorset, one of my favorite Southern Vermont villages.
And if you’re visiting during foliage season, the surrounding mountain roads are beautiful.
During our stay, I headed down the road to Bromley Market for breakfast sandwiches and mochas, which we brought back to enjoy in the Lodge’s light-filled living room.
It was a wonderful way to start the morning without feeling rushed to get anywhere.
What to Know Before You Go
- Location
- Seesaw’s Lodge is located at 3574 Vermont Route 11 in Peru, Vermont, near Bromley Mountain.
- Accommodations
- The property has six suites in the main Lodge and several cabins for larger groups.
- Our Room
- We stayed in the Cherry Suite, featuring a king-sized bed, gas fireplace, sitting area and rainfall shower.
- Dining
- Johnny Seesaw’s restaurant is located on the property and serves dinner on select evenings. Check the current schedule before visiting.
- Check-In
- Self-service check-in has been available, with staff assistance during designated hours. Confirm current procedures before arrival.
- Dogs
- The property has offered pet-friendly accommodations under certain booking arrangements. Confirm current pet policies and fees before reserving.
- Accessibility
- The Lodge has accessible common areas and accommodations. Contact the property directly to discuss specific needs.
- Best Time to Visit
- Winter is ideal for a traditional Vermont ski lodge experience, while summer and fall offer beautiful scenery and outdoor recreation.
- Nearby Attractions
- Bromley Mountain, Manchester Village, Hildene, Southern Vermont Arts Center and Dorset.
- Address
- 3574 VT-11, Peru, VT 05152
Seesaw’s Lodge was a wonderful reminder that you don’t have to ski to enjoy Vermont’s mountain communities.I loved the history, the beautifully renovated accommodations and the ability to spend an entire evening enjoying the property without getting back in the car.
And if I can spend a weekend in a Vermont ski town with a fireplace, a comfortable bed and a great restaurant downstairs, I’m perfectly happy leaving the slopes to everyone else.
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