Review of Deer Brook Inn 4*

My partner and I are usually extremely organized planners — trips are booked months in advance, with itineraries mapped out and restaurants booked. So it was very uncharacteristic of us to plan a Memorial Day Weekend getaway to Vermont (from NYC) only one week beforehand. Boy, did we luck out by picking Deer Brook Inn! We arrived late on a Friday evening. We kept Phil, the innkeeper, informed of our progress — he couldn't have been nicer and more accommodating of our late arrival, and greeted us warmly and enthusiastically. We headed right to bed, as we were exhausted from our long drive! We awoke to the next day to an amazing breakfast — a beautiful parfait, a perfectly risen egg souffle, and some delectable sides… all made with fresh, local ingredients. I can't stress enough how good this breakfast was, and it was the first of three fantastic breakfasts. Phil adds a certain Southern flair to his breakfasts, and while my waistline wasn't thankful, my palate certainly was. Ricotta-filled French Toast with lemon curd? Yes, please! Phil and Giselle really are culinary masters The pictures and reviews don't do the breakfasts justice! Phil sat with us on the first morning of our stay and gave us some ideas for things to do in the area. We had come to Vermont with the idea that we would do lots of excursions — Stowe, Burlington, Ben & Jerry's, etc. Etc… and chose Woodstock partially because it's pretty centrally located from all of the Vermont touristy spots. Unbeknownst to us, Woodstock is a treasure trove of history (close to President Coolidge's historical site/birth place), conservation (Rockefeller estate and Marsh-Billings National Historic Park), local farming (Billings Farm — with sheep shearing demonstrations, collie sheep herding, and other fun activities, and Sugarbush Farm — with delicious cheeses and great nature walks), and an outstanding community of artisans and craftsmen (Shackleton Thomas furniture and pottery, Farmhouse Pottery, Simon Pearce glassmakers, Andrew Pearce woodwork). You will not run out of things to do in the area. Just go to your local supermarket and get some Ben & Jerry's — skip the tour! We heard it was "meh" anyway. The inn itself is delightful — also very LGBT-friendly. We were in the "suite" and it was quiet, cozy, and comfortable. We felt like we had our own apartment, and had tons of privacy. Whenever we wanted to do our own thing, we felt completely able to — but whenever we were in the common spaces, Phil was a warm and friendly face. He adds a certain touch of Southern Charm to this Vermont inn! The inn has great outdoor areas as well. You'll eat well during your trip — not just for breakfast. The Woodstock area has TONS of fantastic restaurants. We ate at Lincoln Inn one night and Simon Pearce the other night — both close to Deer Brook Inn. You should book in advance if you can, but we got lucky. Two fantastic, special meals. All in all, Deer Brook Inn is the perfect place for a fun getaway. Perfectly located, full of delicious breakfasts, comfortable rooms, charming staff… you couldn't ask for more. Phil is a prize-winning hospitality expert, who has owned some of the South's most high end luxury inns. Thank goodness he found his way to Vermont! Stay here and you won't be disappointed.