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by Bette Reynolds photos by Misty Mountain Lodge
Misty Mountain Lodge is just as their sign outside the house states - A Farm House Inn. My second visit to the lodge indeed lived up to its name the early evening was rainy and misty high on the beautiful Stowe Hill Road location it has dominated since 1803 in Wilmington. The family pet dog Max, a black and white springer spaniel has been known to greet guests in the driveway and lead them safely to the door and into the lodge. Lensey (Buzz) and Elizabeth Cole, a husband and wife team are the gracious host and hostess of the eight room, former 1916 dairy farm. Buzz is the only native vermonter who runs an inn in the Wilmington area. Misty Mountain Lodge was established in 1954 by Buzz's father Albert. It is the first place in the Mount Snow area to accept skiers for guests. Skiers would knock on doors after a day of skiing and ask for a place to sleep for the night; any large farmhouse that had their lights on was a candidate. In 1958, Buzz and Elizabeth took over the reins of the inn. The first renovations were performed in 1957 and again in 1994 to enlarge rooms, four with a private bath. Albert, buzz's father, a mason built the stately fieldstone fireplace in the past and beam livingroom. The former one-room neighborhood schoolhouse number 23 is now part of the lodge. The present kitchen is a former blacksmith shop and slaughter house.
The meals are served family style and include turkey or roast beef with real mashed potatoes, vegetables, rolls and dessert. Elizabeth collects apples from a neighboring tree to make apple sauce; she also makes dandelion jelly (flavorful like honey) for your breakfast toast or muffins. Guests may bring their own wine or liquor. The inn accepts up to twenty people for family reunions.While at a reunion at the inn or just a nice vacation there are many things to do in Wilmington. Guests come from all parts of the world - Australia, Egypt, Latvia, and South Africa. Guests from a mission in South Africa seek out Misty Mountain Lodge for its homey atmosphere, especially during the Christmas season. Folk songs, (Christmas Carols during the holidays) and vermont stories are aptly told by Buzz. No matter what season of the year there is always something to do at the inn or nearby. The inn has 150 acres full of walking trails and spectacular views of Mount Snow and Haystack Mountains. There are two working dairy farms in town, one of which is a petting zoo. Their inn also has virgin cross country trails. It is near Lake Raponda; and Harriman Reservoir (Lake Whitingham) with Mt. Mills Cruises; Memorial Hall (1902) Center for the Arts; Marlboro Music Festival; historical societies; miniature golf; a farmers market & local produce stands and bowling alleys. |
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