Unbelievable Wilburton Inn: Your Vermont Escape Awaits!
Unbelievable Wilburton Inn: Your Vermont Escape Awaits!
Unbelievable Wilburton Inn: My Vermont Escape…Or Was It? (SEO-Soaked & Slightly Unhinged Review)
Okay, folks, buckle up. I just returned from the Wilburton Inn in Manchester, Vermont, and I'm still sifting through the experience. This ain't your average hotel review, mind you. I'm talking full-on emotional rollercoaster, complete with unexpected plot twists and a whole lotta Vermont charm (and maybe a little bit of, shall we say, “rustic” charm).
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- Meta Description: Honest, hilariously imperfect review of the Wilburton Inn in Manchester, VT. Details on accessibility, spas, dining, and all the quirks! My Vermont escape? Read on…
Let's Dive In…Headfirst, Like I Dove Into That Pool (More on That Later!)
First things first: the Accessibility. Now, I didn't need any specific accessibility features, but I always pay attention. The inn itself is spread out, with multiple buildings and varying terrain. I saw the Elevator, which is a huge bonus. The website claims they have Facilities for disabled guests, and I did see a few things suggesting this, like ramps, and I think a couple of designated rooms. I didn’t go snooping, mind you! But here’s the thing: while the effort is there, the place still has that classic Vermont vibe - a touch of "charm" that really just translates to a bit of a rustic and occasionally uneven walking experience. Don't expect it to be pristine, and definitely call ahead to confirm your specific needs are met.
Now this place is gorgeous, I mean seriously gorgeous. The views are incredible, and the air smells like pine trees and pure, unadulterated freedom. And that Outdoor Swimming Pool… oh, the pool! It's part of the reason this place is called the "Unbelievable" Wilburton Inn. The brochure made it sound like a sparkling oasis. I was expecting something out of a magazine spread.
Well…
It was beautiful from afar. Then I got closer. Let’s just say I didn’t expect to find a whole family of frogs sharing the pool with me - I'm not sure how sanitary that is, but it definitely added to the Vermont factor. I'm not sure the Pool with view was quite what I expected - I could see down the mountains, alright, but I could also see the pool equipment, and a few stray leaves. Still, the view was pretty killer. The Breakfast in room, I’m willing to forgive that for the view. Worth it! If you are looking for a Sauna, Spa, Spa/sauna, or a Steamroom, all is available. So, I’d say the relaxation offerings definitely deliver.
Eating and Drinking: A Mixed Bag of Deliciousness and Mild Confusion
The Restaurants… well, there are a few options. They have an A la carte in restaurant menu, a Buffet in restaurant (when available), and a Snack bar for casual munchies. They also offer Breakfast service and the option for Breakfast [buffet]. I'm generally a sucker for a good buffet, so I dove in. Let's just say the experience was uneven. Some mornings were pure bliss: fluffy pancakes, perfectly crisp bacon, and fresh fruit. Other mornings? Well, let's just say I spent a concerning amount of time wondering how long the scrambled eggs had been sitting out (I might've had a slight… aversion… to the scrambled eggs.)
They do offer Alternative meal arrangement, which I am very thankful for! I am always a fan of a good salad in restaurant, and the Coffee/tea in restaurant was lovely. Some nights I just wanted a light snack, and the Asian cuisine in restaurant, Asian breakfast, and Western cuisine in restaurant, were all options. I’m a sucker for Desserts in restaurant, and even indulged at the Happy hour. They truly have a variety of options available, which is a delight!
There is a Poolside bar, which is a great spot to grab a drink! Another thing missing? Bottle of water in the room. A small thing, but I needed to grab some from the store, which was slightly inconvenient.
They also offer Room service [24-hour]. Now, I didn’t test this out. Maybe if I knew there was a Western breakfast I would have. However, knowing me, I will likely order some food to enjoy in the room!
Cleanliness and Safety: Reassuring…Mostly.
Here's where things get serious. I'm a stickler for cleanliness, especially these days. I'm happy to report that the Wilburton Inn seemed to be trying. They had Anti-viral cleaning products, Daily disinfection in common areas, and the staff seemed genuinely committed to Hygiene certification. I did notice things like Hand sanitizer stations readily available and people wearing masks. Seeing a place like this, I can see they've trained the staff and implemented a number of protocols like - Staff trained in safety protocol, Sanitized kitchen and tableware items, Room sanitization opt-out available, and Rooms sanitized between stays. They even removed Shared stationery! They took it seriously. I appreciate that they are making the effort to keep their guests safe.
And the important details: First aid kit, Doctor/nurse on call.
I also loved the Safe dining setup and the Cashless payment service, really made things easier.
However, I did notice that the Breakfast takeaway service wasn't always available. That was a shame!
Things to Do: Beyond the Pool (And the Frogs!)
Okay, so let's be honest, I spent a lot of time at the pool. But the Wilburton Inn is also a launchpad for exploring the Green Mountains. Things to do. I spent a lot of time just relaxing. I'd be lying if I said I didn't visit the Spa, and indulge in a Foot bath and a Body scrub. They'll take care of you. There is also a Gym/fitness room available!
The inn offers a ton of Ways to relax! They have a Terrace, which is great for just enjoying a beverage. You can also visit a Shrine at the inn!
They have plenty of options! You can visit the Gift/souvenir shop, or just enjoy a walk! There is also a Convenience store available.
The Nitty Gritty: Room Details and Other Bits
My room? (Oh, you want the specifics? Alright, alright…) It was a decent space. Non-smoking rooms, naturally. I had a Bathrobes, which was amazing, and a Coffee/tea maker. The Blackout curtains were clutch for getting those precious extra hours of sleep.
I loved the Umbrella, the Slippers, and the Desk. Also, the Luggage storage. Huge ups to all of these things!
I had Internet access – wireless, which worked great. They also have Wi-Fi [free] in the area!
I had a Private bathroom, for sure. But the Toiletries were a bit… basic, let's just say. (Bring your own fancy stuff!)
There was a Desk, which was great for working – or pretending to work. And a Closet for storing all my stuff.
The Air conditioning was a lifesaver, and the Alarm clock kept me on time.
And the Sofa was great for just relaxing. Highly recommend.
Overall Vibe: A Quirky Vermont Charm Fest
Look, the Wilburton Inn isn't perfect. It's got its quirks, its imperfections, and maybe a few too many frogs in the pool. But that's kind of the point, isn't it? It's not a sterile, cookie-cutter hotel. It's a real place, with real character. The staff were friendly and genuinely seemed to care. And the views? Unforgettable.
So would I recommend it? Absolutely. Just go with an open mind, a sense of humor, and maybe a strong aversion to scrambled eggs. And be prepared to fall a little bit in love with the quirky charm of a Vermont escape.
Final Verdict: 4 out of 5 stars. (Minus one star for those scrambled eggs and the rogue herd of pool frogs!)
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Alright, buckle up buttercups, because we're not just planning a trip to the Wilburton Inn in Manchester, Vermont, we're living it. And trust me, it's gonna be messy. And glorious.
Day 1: Arrival – And the Great Vermont Welcome (aka, Mild Panic)
- Morning (ish - let's be honest, probably closer to noon): The drive from… well, wherever you are (for me it's a nightmare commute from Jersey, guaranteed delayed train) is finally over. Breathe. Deeply. The Vermont air, even after the inevitable traffic jam outside of Manchester (because, let's be honest, it always happens), is… different. Cleaner. Less… honking. Ahhhhh. Check-in at the Wilburton. Pray to the hotel gods for a room with a view, because if I'm staring at a parking lot for the next three days, I just might cry.
- Anecdote: Last time I did this my GPS sent me on a "scenic" shortcut that involved a dirt road, a near-death experience with a rogue badger, and questioning every life choice I'd ever made. This time, I have a map. Yeah, a paper map. Don't judge me. Tech can fail. Maps don't… mostly.
- Afternoon: Unpack (or, you know, shove everything into a corner until you have more time for actually dealing with it). Explore the Inn. The Wilburton is like a Victorian mansion that swallowed a rainbow and burped up charm. Wander the grounds. The views… oh, the views. Seriously, the Green Mountains are practically leering at you. In a good way.
- Opinionated Observation: The staff? They're just so nice. It makes you want to hug a goat. (Which, by the way, might be an option later, depending on the afternoon's entertainment…)
- Evening: Drinks! (Or, you know, a desperately needed iced tea. Or three). Sit on the porch and watch the sunset. It's mandatory. Soak it in. Pretend you're not thinking about emails or deadlines or that weird rash you suddenly have.
- Emotional Reaction: Pure, unadulterated bliss. Maybe. Unless the mosquitos are hungry. Then it's pure, unadulterated itchiness.
Day 2: Hiking, History, and Possibly Falling Down (Literally)
- Morning: Hiking! Emerald Lake State Park, here we come! (Google Maps says it's close… fingers crossed, I'm terrible at judging distances.) Pack a snack. Water. Band-aids (just in case, because I’m clumsy and nature is unpredictable).
- Anecdote: Okay, I was supposed to be a badass hiker. Once. I ended up faceplanting into a pile of leaves, convinced a squirrel was laughing at me, and retreating back to the car with a bruised ego. This time, I'm armed with better shoes, and a healthy respect for gravity’s unrelenting pull.
- Lunch: Pack a picnic! Or, if you're like me, buy a sandwich from the local deli that looks amazing. And eat it while gawking at the mountain view. Then, hopefully no squirrels laugh at me this time.
- Afternoon: Manchester Village is calling, and I must go! Visit the historic Hildene, the Lincoln Family Home! (because history and this is all that I can do). Take a tour, pretend to understand the intricate details of the house. Wander around. Do all the things that tourists do.
- Emotional Reaction: There’s something incredibly comforting about history. The weight of time, of lives lived before, it’s grounding. Even the bits about the Lincolns' kids, and a tragic event. Also the decor! And how the family lived!
- Evening: Dinner at the Wilburton or in town. More sunset-watching. This time, hopefully, the mosquitos leave me alone.
- Quirky Observation: I'm pretty sure the food is made with love. Or magic. Or both.
Day 3: The Great Wilburton Experience - And Saying Goodbye (Sob!)
- Morning: This is the day we really immerse ourselves in the Wilburton. Honestly, it is the highlight of the Wilburton; It is what makes the place so special. Maybe they do a yoga class. Maybe they host some sort of event I have to try, I have to! I think I will just do a random activity.
- Anecdote: One time I did a sound healing session, expecting some new-agey woo-woo. Instead, it was an incredible hour of pure relaxation. I fell asleep. And I don't even care. It was great.
- Afternoon: Pool, Spa, or wandering the grounds. More views more photos, more memories!
- Emotional Reaction: The realization that I’m leaving starts to creep in. The dread of returning to reality. The urge to buy the Wilburton and live here forever.
- Late Afternoon/Evening: The final sunset. One last drink. One last deep breath of the Vermont air. Dinner at a restaurant I've not tried yet. Maybe get a souvenir.
- Messy Structure: I might cry. Probably will. But at least I'll have a good story - or a jumbled mess of one - to tell.
Day 4: The Sad Drive Home
- Morning: One last look at the mountains. Then, goodbye Vermont.
Notes:
- This is a draft. I may get distracted. I may change my mind. I’m an expert at procrastinating.
- Remember to be flexible. Things happen. Embrace the chaos.
- Don't forget the bug spray. Seriously.
And that, my friends, is the plan. Wish me luck. Because let's face it, I'll probably need it. Prepare for updates!
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Unbelievable Wilburton Inn: Your Vermont Escape Awaits! (…but maybe pack some comfy socks)
Okay, seriously, what's the *real* deal with the Wilburton Inn? It looks… idyllic online. Is it?
Oh, the website. Makes it look like everyone's permanently bathed in golden hour light and frolicking with woodland creatures. Look, it's *pretty* idyllic. But here's the unvarnished truth: Yes, it IS beautiful. The views from the porch? Breathtaking. Especially with a glass of wine after a long drive… But let’s be honest, the “golden hour” can also be a mosquito buffet. I remember one evening, I was trying to take a romantic photo with my partner, and we were both swatting at bugs like deranged windmills. Took about twenty shots before we got a decent one. Pro tip? Bring bug spray. LOTS of bug spray. And maybe a tiny net hat, just in case. You’ll thank me later.
What's the food like? Should I just assume "farm-to-table" and be happy?
Okay, the food… It’s… *fine*. There's a charming, old-school vibe to the dining room. I mean, you definitely *feel* like you’re transported to a different era, maybe one where portion sizes were… slightly less… *generous*. The farm-to-table thing is definitely a theme, which is cool, right? You *want* to believe in the locally sourced goodness. One night, I had a plate of roasted vegetables that were… well, let’s just say they weren’t going to win any beauty contests. Deliciously overcooked. And don’t get me started on the coffee. It’s… *consistent*. Maybe pack your own French press and some really good beans. Trust me. You'll be a hero.
I heard there are activities. What's worth doing? And what’s… less worth doing?
Okay, activities. This is where things get… interesting. The Wilburton itself has some offerings: lawn games and a pool (which is lovely on a hot day, assuming you beat the kids to it!) and sometimes they have live music, and the bands are either amazing or... well, let's just say "unique." And then there are the local excursions. I highly recommend the hike up Mount Equinox. The view is worth the sweaty climb. It really is. The air is crisp, the views… well, they’re more of the reason to go to Vermont. Another time, I tried to go horseback riding. Let's just say my horse had other plans. I spent most of the time being dragged through a field of daisies. Romantic? Maybe. Effective riding? Not so much. So maybe skip the horseback riding. Or, you know, embrace the chaos. It's Vermont. Embrace the chaos!
What about the rooms? Are they as charming as they look? Are they, ya know, CLEAN?
Rooms. Ah, yes, the rooms. “Charming” is definitely the operative word here. Think antique furniture, maybe a slightly wonky floorboard, and a feeling of being transported back to a bygone era. Which is great, if you're into that. My first room? Well, let's just say it had a distinct "Grandma's attic" vibe. A little dusty. And the shower… hmm. The water pressure was… *optimistic*. More of a gentle drizzle than a shower. The second time I went, (for some inexplicable reason – maybe I was blinded by the views), the room had a slightly… *worn* feel. Look, they're not *dirty*, per se. They're just… *lived in*. Pack some air freshener, a good book and embrace that feeling of rustic authenticity! You’ll survive… perhaps you will even enjoy it.
Are the owners approachable?
The owners are kind of a big deal! The first time I spoke to them was during a breakfast. They were super welcoming, and truly are happy and want you to feel at home. At one point, my toast fell on the floor. The owner saw what happened and chuckled, offering me a fresh slice with a smile. And they have a dog. A very friendly golden retriever named – (I forget the name, but it was something fancy). The dog is the best part! You can't help but love them, and they make you feel like you're part of the family.
So, should I go? Give me the honest verdict.
Alright, here’s the gospel truth: The Wilburton *isn’t* perfect. It's quirky. It's rustic. It's got its flaws. But… There's something undeniably *magical* about it. Maybe it’s the view that makes all the flaws just go away. Maybe it’s the feeling of escaping the everyday. Maybe it’s just the sheer charm of a place that doesn't pretend to be something it's not. If you go expecting five-star luxury, you might be disappointed. But if you're looking for a genuine Vermont experience, a place where you can relax, reconnect with nature, and maybe even learn to embrace the imperfections… then yes. Go. Just pack the bug spray, the good coffee, and a sense of humor. And maybe, just maybe, an extra pair of comfy socks. Because, trust me, you'll need them.
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