We shuffle into the Ye Olde Tavern from the oppressive, freezing, cold tracking chunks of snow from beneath our boots. Typically, I wouldn’t think anything much of entering a business with some nature on my feet. You want my business? You have to take the good with the bad. (Or in this case, the dirty snow with the faux-leather boots.) However, as I look around, especially at the snug staircase directly in front of me, the interior feels as though we are in someone’s home, and because I that, I grow slightly embarrassed about trekking in snow. A narrow coat hook lies to my left, and my husband and I throw our jackets over it. Mine misses the hook a few times.
We proceed further into the place
An 18th-century fireplace blares across from across the smallish room. A pile of timber sits to its left, old-fashioned plates adorn the mantel above the roaring fire, and a gun hangs dutifully on the wall to the right of the hearth. Uneven, wooden floorboards groan beneath us, and a few couples sit stooped over their bowls of soup served in what looks like pewter bowls. The room is dimly lit, as if only by candle, and with the faint light I can see the fine details of the blue and white china displayed inside of a very old, Robin’s egg blue, cabinet. Homespun curtains in a flower print hang above windows framed with rustic wood. I wonder, for a brief moment, if we have visited at an hour where colonial history, and all of its old spirits, come to life.
For history lovers or even those who just appreciate a unique ambiance, this is undoubtedly the best place in Vermont to enjoy a warm, cozy, dinner on a cold winter’s night. It’s a place that feels so historical, that you’ll be checking over your shoulder every so often to see if the ghost of a colonial-era soldier might stroll in for a Madeira. At which point, you’ll notice his manly ponytail, he’ll notice your man bun, and you’ll point and wink at each other yelling, “this guyyyyyy!”
The Green Mountain Boys
In the 1700s, people of elite standing met at this very inn to rest and eat. The Green Mountain Boys, a group of Patriot militia also frequented the tavern. It has changed hands a number of times over history, but always faithfully catering to the weary traveler. In 1975 it was restored to its original appearance and in 2001 was purchased by the current owners, Minna and Michael Brandt.
After you’ve drunk in the charm of the historical interior, get started with an actual drink from the menu. Stick with a classic (of which there are plenty) or order something more unique, like the Vermont Maple-tini. Beer and wine are also available and range from craft to American classics. Each table who comes for dinner gets to enjoy cranberry fritters with Vermont maple butter of which I personally could not get enough. For a starter on a winter’s evening, I highly suggest the lobster bisque, cheddar and ale onion soup, or the almond and brown sugar encrusted brie.
The options for dinner are seemingly endless
And the trickiest part is that everything sounds brilliant. Those who really want to play up the idea of being in the early days of America should try the chicken pot pie. It comes with a crust of mashed potatoes and cheese, so you’ll be rolling out the door when it’s time to leave. You can’t go wrong with the traditional pot roast either which is also quite hearty.
The crispy duck is the stuff of dreams. Options for preparation include blackberry demi-glaze, rosemary and roasted garlic salt, or sweet and smoky rub. Filet mignon, prime rib, scallops, lobster mac and cheese…yeah, you’ll be there for a while deciding. After stuffing yourself like a Thanksgiving turkey, don’t forget to save room for desserts and post-dinner liqueur! It’s worth the heavy discomfort afterward, I promise.
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