Category: Things to Do

5 Birds You Can See at Swift House Inn

Downy Woodpecker (Male) on Left & Black-Capped Chickadee on Right Nestled in the heart of Middlebury, Vermont, Swift House Inn offers a unique opportunity to witness some of the state’s most fascinating bird species right from the comfort of your own room. From the majestic White-Breasted Nuthatch to the energetic… Read More

How to Make a Wine Room That Stands Out

Jessica's at Swift House Inn is known for our award-winning wine program. Thanks to David Herren, our resident Sommelier, the restaurant is only one of two in Vermont to currently hold a prestigious Wine Spectator Best of Award. But the vast 1,800-bottle wine cellar is located far away from the dining room in the basement and with only a remote set of stairs for access on the far opposite end of the house. Read More

hillside terrace garden

How to Landscape a Terrace Garden

It was our dream to transform our wild, poison ivy and myrtle entangled slope into a terraced hillside garden. Although the weedy, disorganized mass of plants growing on the existing hillside were great for attracting pollinators and creating a refuge for wild life, it was a lost opportunity for… Read More

A Shopper’s Guide to the Stone Mill Public Market

Are you looking to do some shopping during your stay in Middlebury? The Stone Mill Public Market is the perfect starting place. Located right in downtown Middlebury, the market was created in 2019 by Stacey Rainey and Mary Cullinane and has blossomed since its inception. The beautiful stone… Read More

woman and man happy in the snowy woods

A Walk in the Woods While Reading Poems

It was the perfect day for a meditative stroll in the woods: Reading poems and enjoying the winter landscape. My sister, Mirena, and her friend, Shawn, were visiting us for the holidays. We weren’t ready for a full day of skiing and snowmobiling. We had something quieter and… Read More

7 Romantic Ways to Experience Fall Around Middlebury

Nothing beats a New England fall, and Vermont just may be the best state to experience the season’s full magnificence. Middlebury is a perfect spot to visit for a romantic autumn getaway and to enjoy the colorful foliage. Here are seven ways to make the most of autumn offerings in… Read More