Staycation in the Shires

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Hi, Friends! Traveling is one of my favorite pastimes; I’d rather spend money on travel more so than anything else. I don’t need diamonds or appliances- just take me on a trip somewhere I’ve never been, or maybe somewhere I already adore. Experiences over stuff, always.

This year, as my 21st wedding anniversary and my husband’s July 4 birthday approached, we did something completely out of character. Normally, we’d be packing up for a journey by car or plane or both, booking the cat sitter, and battening down the home hatches for a celebratory time away to acknowledge these two occasions. This summer, we did the opposite. We chilled out, taking our time to recover from another year of teaching, the end of 7th grade, and busy workloads.

The beautiful Battenkill River

It was the optimal time for a primo staycation. On our anniversary, June 26, we began our whirlwind Shires Staycation. It started out at Battenkill Valley Outdoors, where we rented a kayak and traversed the billowy current of the Battenkill River from West Arlington, VT to Cambridge, NY. Next, we had an early dinner at the Restaurant at Hill Farm Inn in Sunderland, visiting the alpacas and taking in the gorgeous landscape before our outstanding meal. And finally, we topped off an already glorious day with a stay at the lovely INN at Ormsby Hill. Each room is uniquely designed, evoking the history of the storied estate and the people who built it. My favorite indulgence was taking a bath in the whirlpool tub. Pure bliss. In the morning, a delicious breakfast was served by INN proprietors Jack and Maryann Orlando.

We stayed so close to home that we had time to check in on our kitties, Ella and Dexter, in between activities. As it turns out, a staycation is all I ever wanted…

Staycation (noun): a vacation spent at home or in one's local area rather than traveling (Merriam-Webster online). It involves engaging in leisure activities, exploring local attractions, and enjoying the benefits of a break without the stress and expense of long-distance travel.

Check out Battenkill Valley Outdoors for canoeing, kayaking, tubing, and rafting on the Battenkill River. The staff is top notch and the experience is so very rewarding. They also offer shuttle service from take out point to take out point!

The Restaurant at Hill Farm Inn offers a seasonal, farm-to-table dining experience on a beautiful working farm. They have some of the best chicken wings in the area!

Breakfast starts with yogurt parfait, complete with Maryann’s homemade granola / Hangin’ in the gazebo at the INN / Exploring the grounds at Ormsby Hill

The INN at Ormsby Hill is a lovely, romantic getaway right in Manchester on Route 7A. The rooms have all the beauty and charm you’d expect at this historic inn, with all the amenities you want. I highly recommend taking a bath in one of their luxurious whirlpool tubs with a tasty glass of wine from their gift shop. Jack provides the homemade breakfast, which changes frequently. We were lucky to be there on Challah bread French Toast day! To read more about Jack, Maryann, and the INN at Ormsby Hill, click here!