I stepped outside the door of our Timber Inn Motel room and inhaled deeply. It was a spectacular October morning – the air was crisp and cold, the ground was slightly frosted, and the sunlight danced across the colorful leaves and spots of snow that covered the nearby Okemo Mountain. An autumn trip to the great northeast couldn’t have been planned any better.
We had never heard of Ludlow, Vermont or the Timber Inn Motel and “accidentally” stumbled upon them while planning a fall excursion to the greater New England states several years ago. For all intents and purposes, it was originally a means to an end – merely a nightly stopover for an opportunity to visit the nearby President Calvin Coolidge State Historic Site in Plymouth, followed by a trip to Wilson Castle, located just north of Rutland. But as we ventured into town, looking for a place to find some breakfast, we realized we had stumbled onto something more meaningful.
Ludlow is located in Windsor County, Vermont and is snuggled at the foot of the Okemo Mountain. The village of Ludlow is a quiet and unassuming collection of shops, cafes, galleries, and inns, while the greater Okemo Valley wraps it in long country roads, hiking trails, fishing spots, golf courses, and the Okemo Mountain resorts. While our schedule constraints prohibited us from digging deeper into the delightful culture of this community, we did manage to get a “taste” at a local eatery.
The Hatchery is your typical small-town “mom and pop” establishment. The food has a tasty, home-cooked flavor and the prices are reasonable. The atmosphere is warm and inviting – a place where everyone could literally “know your name” if you stayed long enough. There’s a real sense of community and friendliness. Not only do you walk away full in body, but full in spirit to journey yet another day.
The Timber Inn is a small, rustic, delightful motel and was a welcoming place to lay our weary heads after a long afternoon drive. We arrived after dark, so you can imagine our pleasant surprise when we awoke to the spectacular views of autumn and Okemo. If you’re planning a busy vacation and won’t be spending a lot of time in a room, the Timber Inn may just be the place for you. A family-owned business, the Timber Inn offers a cordial reception and outstanding personal attention.
The Hatchery’s blueberry pancakes covered in original Vermont maple syrup and the “stopover” at the Timber Inn has put this exceptional spot on our “return” list. We think you’ll like it too!
Happy Travels!
©Copyright 2014 Scott Rhoades/Ivory Hill Studios
Scott Rhoades 
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