A visit to Burlington, Vermont should include The Inn at Essex, a culinary institute and hotel housed on the same property, a fifteen minute drive from downtown.
The Inn at Essex has 120 guest rooms and suites but retains a Vermont Country charm that will have you thinking you’re staying at a large bed and breakfast, not a hotel. You’ll not be surprised to find the Pantry on the ground floor stocked with spatulas, whisks, Rachel Ray’s latest cookbooks, and local honeys to purchase as a souvenir or a gift.
A Winter Retreat
In the fall and winter the fireplaces and complimentary cocoa and hot apple cider will keep you cozy. A communal fire pit has guests gathering round for a warm beverage and children of all ages will enjoy making s’mores. Snowshoeing on the grounds is a great way to work off calories consumed in the tavern and restaurant located in the main lodge. If you’re ready for some rest and relaxation a soothing massage in your guest room may be just the escape you’ve been looking for.
Summer Oasis
Summertime at the Inn at Essex is just as rewarding – stroll through the culinary institute’s garden in the rear of the property or link up for a game of golf across the street. A peaceful walk through the wooded grounds will refresh you or a game of tennis will keep you on your toes. Take a dip in the outdoor pool or enjoy the air conditioned fitness room if the breeze from Lake Champlain isn’t keeping you cool.
The Food
You can’t stay at a culinary resort without experiencing the delicious offerings available in one or both of the restaurants at the Inn. Butler’s Restaurant is the fine dining option at the Inn at Essex for dinner, lunch and Sunday brunch is a bit less formal. Both restaurants pride themselves in using as much fresh, local, organic and natural ingredients available and the menus reflect seasonal offerings. Butler’s has a modern European-American dining style, expect to spend two hours for dinner for two and an attentive staff and wait service.
The Tavern offers a more casual American dining experience but does not scrimp on taste. New England classics mingle with pub faire to surprise you with delicious takes on favorite dishes such as the turkey pot pie, vegetarian steak and roast beet risotto. Pair your meal with a beer from the local brewery or a fine wine from local vineyards to round out your experience.
Sunday brunch is not to be missed at the Inn. Student-made double boiler eggs scramble, European-style deli meats, a carving station and an omelet station made while you watch are just a few offerings from Sunday brunch. Seating is offered in Butler’s and brunch is served buffet-style in the adjoining tavern. Seasonal desserts range from pumpkin spice cheesecake to berry cobblers, plan on saving room for the desserts!
To top off your gastronome experiences consider enrolling in one of the many cooking classes available to the general public. Turn up the heat with a summer BBQ class on the front lawn, or sip on a glass of wine while trying your hand at crème brulee with your sweetheart. Not ready to go back to school? Slip downstairs to watch students turn out beautiful loaves of European breads, or watch a class through the large observation windows in the hallway. Who knows, you might catch a culinary secret to delight friends and family back home.
Details
The Inn at Essex Burlington
70 Essex Way, Essex, Vermont, 0542
(802) 878-1100 or (800) 727-4295
Accomodations range from $169-249 depending on season and occupancy
