Given the fact that the Inn at Weston located in Weston, Vermont has continuously received rave reviews from such publications as The Discerning Traveler, Trip Advisor, The New York Times, The Boston Globe as well as its many guests, you know you're not taking a big chance either as a romantic getaway or a wedding destination. Nonetheless, we were still pleasantly surprised to discover just how tasteful and romantic, sophisticated yet accessible is the Inn at Weston.

The Inn's delightful owners, Bob and Linda Aldrich, who are real pros when it comes to hospitality, originally are from New Jersey, where Bob had been a cardiologist and Linda a nurse. After devoting several years of their lives to health care, they both confessed to me that medicine had become very ugly-too may lawyers, HMOs, CEOs, who were more interested in the bottom line rather than providing compassionate care to patients. And since they were B&B enthusiasts since the 1970s, they decided to pursue their dream of one day becoming innkeepers. In fact, several years before they actually purchased the Inn at Weston, they enrolled in a course with Oates and Bredfelt- a consulting firm offering seminars in how to purchase and operate a bed & breakfast or country inn.

Finally, in 2001 they took the plunge and left their respective professions. After they checked out nine inns in fours days, they came across The Inn at Weston. At the time it was not for sale, however, as they drove up to the inn's parking lot trying to decide which one would knock on the door, the owner suddenly appeared and asked if he could be of any help and the rest is now history.

When I posed the question if they missed practicing medicine, they both remarked that they did, however being an innkeeper is akin to medicine-guests come to the inn stressed and leave relaxed-because of the bucolic environment not Valium!

Perfect Wedding Destination

From our perspective, the Inn at Weston's greatest treasure is its magnificent grounds, the scene of, as we were informed, of many nuptials and afternoon summer naps. This was quite apparent when we stepped onto the deck of our balcony to our room located in the Carriage House and noticed the inn's stunning back lawn with its romantic gazebo and outdoor deck.

As we meandered about we noticed how the grounds were truly a work of art with its abundance of leafy greenery and wildflowers stretching as far as the eye can see against the backdrop of the Green Mountains of Vermont. The Aldrich's mentioned to us that there is no problem in fitting 175 guests into the garden area in an appropriate tent or if you prefer having an indoor wedding, the dinning room nicely accommodates 60.

Insofar as the inn's accommodations fret not, there isn't a bad guest room in the house. All thirteen are difficult to leave once you settle in with their comfortable at home feeling that includes air conditioning, telephones, private bathrooms, luxurious plush linens and Ralph Lauren comforters, European toiletries, fresh flowers, Lindt chocolate truffles and Saratoga Sparkling Water. Some of the more luxurious rooms come with Jacuzzis and fireplaces. And every morning guests are treated in the dinning room to a breakfast that is served with aplomb that includes fruit, home made granola and even oatmeal, as we had requested, muffins, a starch or egg dish.

Moreover, what makes the Inn at Weston a perfect wedding destination is that the Aldrich's are able to provide turnkey wedding packages. Bob offers his excellent photography services (trust me on this one, I noticed some of his exquisite photographs on the walls of the inn) and Linda, her efficient wedding coordinating services pertaining to floral arrangements, music, hairdressers, who will come to the inn, an officiating officer or if you prefer you can solemnize your marriage in one of two beautiful and historic non-denominational churches that are very close by, the Church on the Hill and the Old Parish Church.  

The Inn at Weston also has its own in-house chef providing a wide range of options. Incidentally, in the past the inn has been the recipient of the prestigious Wine Spectator Award as well receiving several positive compliments from various publications as to the impeccability of the inn's cuisine.

Keeping Your Guests Occupied

No one can complain about the lack of leisure options in the Weston area as there are so many. For starters, it didn't take us long to discover the inn's green house located a few feet from our room. The Inn at Weston is probably one of the few places that can boast of having its own green house where it grows one of the largest collections of orchids in the northeastern part of the USA. Bob is always eager to discuss orchid growing and once you get him going he will tell you about his collection of over 600 plants consisting of unique species, hybrids, and mericlones.

We noticed that some of the plants were quite huge while others miniature. Some were potted others mounted on bark, tree fern or tree branches simulating the manner in which they grow and thrive in nature. As a unique touch, the Aldrich's try to put an orchid in each room-something to remember the inn. They also place the orchids in the common areas and dinning room.  If you are wondering about weddings in the green house, Linda mentioned that they did have a small wedding in the green house-something quite unique!

Now, although the Town of Weston may appear as an insignificant speck on a map of Vermont, in fact, nothing could be further from the truth. The town boasts some very attractive restored buildings, particularly surrounding its leafy oval Town Green. You have the Weston Playhouse that rightfully advertises itself as hosting world-class theater in the heart of Vermont. The origins of its first professional production dates back to 1937 and unfortunately the original theater succumbed to a fire in 1962. However, in 1963 the theater was once again resurrected with its Greek Revival façade fully restored.

Then there is The Farrar-Mansur House with its adjacent mill. The House was built by Oliver Farrar in 1797 serving as both a home and tavern. Both museums are listed on the National Register of Historic Places and they contain quite a collection of furniture, items made of brass, copper, silver and tin, American paintings, clocks, pre-industrial and cooking artifacts. The mill adjacent to the House was initially a sawmill providing structural components for many of Weston's homes. Later it became a grist mill and in the 19^th century it was one of many mills producing a huge assortment of household items, farm tools and lumber.

Don't forget to check out the Vermont Country Store where people line up early in the morning before the doors even open. Here you will find some interesting "goodies" from a variety of food choices, small home appliances, and an apothecary to wearing apparel. Another must see is the Whales of Vermont Gallery owned and operated by a hippie left over from the 60s, Wick Ahrens, who is quite a character, as we discovered after spending some time with him discussing his sculptures of whales. Wick has been sculpting whales for over 35 years and his work has been exhibited throughout the USA.

And one site you don't want to miss and experience is the tranquility of the Weston Priory which is run by a community of Benedictine monks. After spending a few hours walking through the woods surrounding the Priory while Lily painted scenes of the beautiful countryside, we both came away admitting that the magnificent splendor of nature softened our souls as we seemed to have entered into a state of ultimate bliss. The priory itself contains several gardens, livestock, and an art store, including pottery and other ceramics made by the monks.

In summer the Aldrich's can set up all kinds of activities such as golf at Windham, Okemo, Stratton, Equinox, and Tater Hill. Other possibilities are tennis, hiking, swimming, biking, picknicking (the inn can even prepare a picnic lunch), canoeing, horseback riding, and Alpine sliding. There is also the nearby Kinhaven Music School where in summer weekly concerts take place. During the winter months and yes you can get married at the inn in winter, there is top drawer skiing nearby at Okemo, Stratton, Magic and Bromley and the Inn at Weston does provide ski packages in conjunction with these resorts.

Be it for a wedding destination, honeymoon or a luxurious romantic getaway, the fabulous setting and superb facilities will provide an unforgettable stay.

You most certainly will depart being refreshed, revitalized and oh, so very spoiled that you will try to figure out a way to prolong your stay or retreat to again and again!

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