Enjoy an impromptu picnic on a knoll overlooking a winding river
Take a twilight or evening stroll on historic city streets
Stop in a café for an espresso and pastry
Snuggle with your love on a park bench gazing at the rich architecture of the city
This must be Paris? No, its Vergennes. The small Vermont ‘city with a heart’
I found some inspirational reading on Vergennes in a lovely article written by a young woman, Christina Caniyo. As young people often do, Christina moved away from her home town of Vergennes. But she came back in 2000 and discovered a community transformed and revitalized. She describes it now as…
A city with an “eclectic mix of people from all walks of life”. A city “filled with pioneers. No longer is it the city people drive through to get somewhere else. People come here to set down their roots.”
I was very pleasantly surprised by the vitality and very upbeat vibe in Vergennes. The restaurants, shops, and art galleries are all housed in beautifully restored downtown storefronts. So welcoming and enticing, I wanted to explore every single one.
Yes, and the people do smile and say hello. First thought is…Do I know you? Don’t think so but I would like to get to know you. That is the kind of community Vergennes is.
Like Paris, Vergennes has a beautiful setting on a river, Otter Creek, seven miles upstream from Lake Champlain. The river has a 40-foot falls in the downtown, both above and below the falls are beautiful spots for boating. On a summer day you can view maybe a dozen sailboats and other pleasure craft, up from Champlain. Along the banks, park benches can be found for that romantic snuggle and impromptu picnic.
And the food! An excellent example is the French style bakery, Vergennes Laundry by CK– Coffee, Bakery, Brunch & Dinner. That espresso and pastry I mentioned. Pan au chocolate or a pecan sticky bun, delicieaux. For dinner, a cassoulet or Sancerre poached scallops.
Another example of great eats. Park Squeeze with seating upstairs and gothic bar overlooking the city lights. Writer Christina Caniyo recommends the Creek Heritage Farm pork burger and their ginger mojito.
And Vergennes has an Opera House. This historic Opera House was built in 1897 and was restored and opened to the public in 1997 after a 27-year-closer, just in time for the building’s 100th anniversary. The calendar of events includes a variety of local Vermont music groups, dances and movies. But no phantoms in this Opera House, except maybe at a Halloween costume ball!
If you are looking to make a change in your life style and career; if you want to take a permanent vacation from a fast-paced race that you really don’t care about winning anymore, then the thriving city of Vergennes may be the place you. If you have dreamed of owning your own business in a ‘small city with a heart,’ let’s talk.
The Strong House Inn is a fourteen-guest room Inn built in 1834. A classic Federal style home with Greek Revival flourishes. Later additions were added in the 1950’s and the mid 1990’s, ultimately creating an all-inclusive compound of lodging and event spaces. The surrounding 4.9 acres has amazing mountain vistas. A perfect setting to host weddings, retreats and other celebratory events.
In addition to the leisure traveler, the Strong House Inn enjoys a steady business clientele. Nearby United Technologies and Middlebury College have an ongoing business relationship with the Inn. In addition, the Inn has been offering retreats and special events for many years. In the slower season, October through June these retreats and special events help fill the Inn. The repeat business from the business traveler and the retreats is strong. The Inn has the indoor and outdoor space that is perfect for relaxed getaways in this idyllic Vermont setting. Yet so close the ‘city lights’ of Vergennes.
The Strong House Inn has been owned and operated by the current innkeepers for many years. They are now ready to retire and hand the keys over. They love their community and plan to stay in Vergennes. The B&B Team would be pleased to help new owners’ transition to their new life and business at the Strong House Inn and Vergennes.
A fellow Vergennesian describes his community as a city that “exudes that ‘cradled ease’ one experiences in a small town.”
The B&B Team would love to introduce you to the Strong House Inn Vergennes Vermont Champlain Valley inn for sale. Let’s talk.
Au Revoir and Thanks for Listening,
Janet Wolf