Some excerpts from the website of Historic Rowell's Inn that might be useful
An old wagon wheel under the sign reminds travelers of the Inn's beginnings in 1820 as a stage coach stop. The Inn is one of the oldest semi-continuous operating inns in Vermont. It has provided rest and refreshment to the travelers for almost 200 years. Pull in to the circular drive in front of this stately Greek Revival Inn and you will instantly see why it has been added to the National Register of Historic Places. Step through the oak doors with the original stained glass trim and enter into a bygone era. The Inn is decorated with many antiques, some pieces original to the Inn's past. Notice the granite and soapstone sills, quarried locally. The yellow tinge to the brick mortar come from the special New Jersey beach sand used in the construction nearly 200 years ago. As you step in to the you will see a beautiful tin ceiling and Vermont Maple and Cherry flooring, added by the Rowell's in 1910. During the 1800's the Inn also served as the area general store and Post
Office. The original Post window can be seen at the right. The general store counter displays local products for guests to purchase. Vermont Maple Syrup, Rowell's Inn own Season Salt, and ceramics made locally. Step across the hall into the Inn's with period furnishings to complete the Victorian look. Relax by the fire, with a selection from the Inn's 800 books or just be soothed by the snap, crackle of the fire. Through the parlor you step into the Inn's. where a full country
breakfast is served from 8:00 to 9:00 am. A selection of over 20
tea flavors are available for you at anytime of the day from
breakfast until bedtime. The Inn's four-course
dinner is served promptly at 6:30 pm on Friday and Saturday nights and selected weekdays during peak season. The Inn has a nice selection of wine to complete the meal. For those that desire is just off the
dining room area. Pass the double doors and you will notice the floor change from the Vermont Maple and Cherry to the Inns original wide plank pine. You can still see the hand forged square nails. This
room offers a King antique bed, private
bath with claw foot
tub and
shower. The mixed wood rocker in the
room is over 100 years old. From the
dining room you step through a door where, once a fireplace stood in the early days of the stage coach stop. The hearth of the Vermont Granite is still in place under the floors. The is a place for
games of chess or cards, as well as a nice spot to visit with new acquaintances by the glowing fire. A constant supply of marshmallows to roast over a flame awaits you for your pleasure. On occasion Louise will have some of her chocolate chip cookies prepared for her version of Rowell's Inn s'mores. Just off the Sun
Room you step into the older part of the Inn, dating to the late 1700's. It was a farm house that was rolled down off of Marsh Hill, on logs, and attached to the Inn by F.A. Rowell in approximately 1911. The combines a 40's soda fountain with older antique pieces, and showcases some of the present innkeepers coca cola memorabilia. The only
TV in the Inn is located in the. The Vermont Ironworks wood stove keeps the place toasty during the
ski season. Guests can enjoy a beverage from the
bar, work on one of the Inn's jig saw puzzles. Sample some of the area cheeses for an afternoon snack at 5:00pm. Weather permitting, you can sip on a beverage on the side or stroll the grounds and listen to the tranquil sound of Lyman Brook as it runs by the Inn. Watch for crossing chipmunks and enjoy the hummingbirds as they stop by for a taste of nectar. This area is perfect for a small reception, family reunions or a gathering of friends. At the back of the property where the creek bends, you can play a round of horseshoes to wile away the time. For those wanting an out of the way spot to just sit and contemplate, or watch the wildlife, the Inn's East
Garden area is ideal.
Tour of the
Guest Rooms. Up the main staircase are the Inn's. 2nd floor accommodations. This area has been watched over for many years by an impressive mounted Elk. He welcomes the pat on the nose and the jingle of bells on his collar as guests descend the stairs. To the front of the Inn are the two fireplace
rooms and the entrance to the 2nd floor
balcony. The Williams River runs parallel to the front of the property. (view river pop up) features a queen size brass canopy bed, original pumpkin pine flooring, wood burning fireplace, private
bath, and a selection of books and magazines. Guests sometime express that they don't want to leave the embrace of the feather beds and down comforters to start the days activities. large private
bath has a sunken, enclosed claw foot
tub with a hand held
shower. A perfect place to revitalize and refresh after a days outing. In days past this was a sleeping
room for the driver of distinguished guests. Across the hall is the. It has a queen bed, wood burning fireplace and private
bath with a ½ size
tub and full
shower. Note the
sink next to the dresser. This was the Inn's original indoor running water. They have been retained in the
rooms as part of the historical preservation. To the rear of the inn is the. This
room has a double and twin brass beds. Full private
bath, an electric towel warmer and claw foot
tub and
shower. The window overlooks the sunroom to the back yard of the inn. At the end of the hall is the. It features a double brass bed and looks over the side yard to Lyman Brook. The
room is decorated with Antique furnishings, a ceiling fan and has a private
bath with claw foot
tub and
shower. The hallway leads to the. Along the walls hang historic photos of the Inn of days and times gone by. At the end of the hall on display are a collection of antique serving dishes used during the days of the. Simonsville Hotel and the Inn when the Rowell's were the proprietors. Through the door to the right at the top of the stairs is the. This impressive
suite spans 28' x 14' feet with 16' domed ceilings. The King bed with wall canopy will make you feel like royalty. This is a very popular
room for that perfect honeymoon, anniversary or romantic getaway. The
room has a large private
bath, claw foot
tub with
shower and pedestal
sink. Across the hall to the rear of the Inn is the. This
suite has a full size mahogany pine cone post bed, ceiling fan, massive antique armoire, and a twin sleigh style daybed with trundle. The armoire comes from an estate one of the areas foremost families. This large
bath also features a claw foot
bathtub with
shower, pedestal
sink and a unique hot water heated towel
bar.
Rowell's Inn Bed and
Breakfast offers you a selection of authentically furnished
rooms. You may check the availability of any
room and make a reservation request by using the link below. All rates are subject to applicable Vermont taxes.
Rooms are complete with private
baths, downy soft featherbeds and cozy comforters, Summer time
air-conditioning or ceiling fans are installed for your comfort. Minimum Stay Requirements--Two night weekend minimums required during Foliage, Winter
Ski season, and some holiday periods. Three night minimums on certain holidays. For a full list of our Inn Policies, Click on photos to enlarge. Miss Caitlin: Queen brass canopy bed,
air-conditioned, wood burning fireplace, private
bath with sunken
tub, writing
desk and access to second floor
balcony. Rate: $129.00-$175.00. Click Here for more. Master William: Queen bed,
air-conditioned, wood burning fireplace, private
bath with electric towel warmer, writing
desk and access to second floor
balcony. Rate: $129.00-$175.00. Master Joshua Double bed, private
bath with claw foot
tub shower, rocker and view of creek, access to second floor
balcony. Rate: $90.00-$120.00. Miss Juliette: Double twin brass/enameled bed, private
bath with claw foot
tub shower, access to second floor
balcony. Rate: $90.00-$120.00. Major Simons'
Suite: King brass and enameled canopy bed,
air-conditioned, high domed ceilings with fan, private
bath with claw foot
tub and
shower, and a sitting area. Rate: $109.00-155.00. F.A. Rowell
Suite: King mahogany pine cone bed, and a matching double mahogany bed,
air-conditioned, high domed ceilings with fan, private
bath with claw foot
tub shower, sitting area and large antique armoire. Rate: $109.00-155.00. Lady Ashley: Queen bed, private
bath, view of the grounds. Located on the first floor. Rate: $135.00
Antique Shopping (15 minutes) - Antique
shops are located in many villages and along routes throughout the area, route 7A and 100 have many
shops, and a larger mall is also located at Quechee Village. Canoeing (5 minutes) - The area offers many lakes and rivers for canoeing. Lowell lake is only 2 miles from the Inn. Fine Dining (On Site) - Single entree 4-course
Dinner is available at the Inn. The surrounding area offers traditional New England fare, Thai, Italian, Steak Seafood. Fishing (10 minutes) - There are many fine rivers, lakes ponds minutes from the Inn. Battenkill, Black River, Chester Reservoir, Echo Lake Hapgood Pond offer the angler Brook, Brown Rainbow trout.
Golf (5 minutes) - Tater Hill Country
Club is only 2 miles W on Rt. 11. Several other courses such as Manchester, Ludlow and Woodstock are located in nearby towns, ranging from 10-30 miles away.
Health Spa /
Massage (On Site) - A Licensed
Massage Therapist is on site for Inn guests. A variety of
massage services are available, Swedish, sports, hot oil scalp deep tissue, etc. Reservations recommended. Hiking (On Site) - Many hiking walking routes are available from the Inn suitable for the experienced or novice hiker. Walk along scenic creeks, visit local villages historic sites. Horseback Riding (15 minutes) - Hunting (10 minutes) - Elk, deer, moose, bear and wild turkey hunting is available nearby. A Vermont Hunting License is required and can be obtained nearby. Lake / River / Ocean (On Site) -
Movie Theater (10 minutes) - Theaters are located in Londonderry, Springfield and Manchester. Museums / Galleries (20 minutes) - Adams Grist Mill Museum is in Bellows Falls. Visit Grafton Museum of Natural History in Grafton. In Manchester there is the American Museum of Fly Fishing Hildene. Music Festival / Concerts (10 minutes) - Weston Playhouse Theater features several plays throughout the Summer and early Fall Season. Dorset Summer Theater is about 25 miles West of the Inn. National/State Parks (5 minutes) - Nature Preserves / Trails (On Site) -
Outlet Stores (30 minutes) - Manchester is approximately 23 miles to the West and is known for its numerous factory
outlet stores. Shopping (10 minutes) - There are many small villages and towns within 7 mile radius from the Inn, Weston, Graffton Cherster Ludlow
shops offer handcrafted items, antique shopping and much more. Sight-seeing (20 minutes) - There are many sites to explore such as Hildene (Robert Todd Lincolns Home), Green Mt. Flyer Train Ride, Quechee Gorge and Village, Sugarbush Cheese and Maple Syrup Farm.
Ski Area (5 minutes) - Magic Mt. is 5 miles West on Rt. 11, Bromley is approx. 12 miles West and Okemo is North 12 miles. Stratton Mt. resort is 23 miles Southwest.
Skiing - Cross Country (5 minutes) - Viking Nordic
Center, Grafton Ponds and Okemo offer cross-country, all within an easy drive. Grafton also offers ice
skating. Discount
tickets for Grafton are available.
Skiing - Downhill (10 minutes) - Magic Mt. is located 5 miles W on Rt. 11. Okemo and Bromley are both 12-15 miles and Stratton is 23 miles from the Inn. Snow shoeing (15 minutes) - Limited snow shoeing is accessible right out the inn door (No equipment rental available at inn). Viking Nordic Grafton Pond Nordic
Center and Okemo offer trails and equipment. Swimming (15 minutes). Winery/Vineyard (20 minutes)