Okemo Ski & Stay Package

Okemo Mountain Resort is fully open with the best skiing in years.  Book your Ski and Stay Package with Inn Victoria, only a 20 minute drive from the slope.  Inn Victoria is a 12 mile drive from Okemo mountain, a 24 mile drive from Stratton Mountain, a 13 mile drive from Magic Mountain, and a 20 mile drive from Bromely Mountain. 

Victorian Christmas Tree Ornaments

In August, we posted a blog showing some of the gifts Debbie and Dennis gave us from their Victorian Christmas Ornament collection.  Now they are adorning the Inn Victoria Christmas tree.  Stop in during the Christmas season, and take pictures of this magnificently adorned tree. 

10% Off Sale on Gift Certificates for Inn Victoria, Vermont

Inn Victoria of Chester, Vermont has put together a Cyber Christmas shopping event like no other.  Take 10% off an Inn Victoria gift certificate and it is good for the entire 2013 year, with NO restrictions.

Take 10% off gift certificates purchased between Dec. 1 - 24 and you will have no restrictions in 2013........!!! 

Friends of Okemo Valley Like Us on Facebook

Susan Burr McNeely posted on Inn Victoria's Facebook timeline:

"A dear friend of mine visited for an overnight in the fall and I tried to introduce her to as many of my favorite places as possible in a limited amount of time. This is what she had to say:       

Cyber Christmas, Vermont B&B Gift Certificate Sale

Cyber Christmas, Vermont B&B Gift Certificate Sale 

Take 10% off gift certificates purchased between Dec. 1 - 24 !!!

And....No restrictions in 2013........!!! 

Yes....you read it correctly!  Give a gift of appreciation this Christmas.  Friends, family or business associates will truly feel very special with an Inn Victoria Christmas gift certificate.  Between December 1 and 24, Inn Victoria will make Christmas giving easy with a 10% discount off of 2013 gift certificates....with no restrictions! 

Christmas in Vermont

 
An exclusive arrangement between Inn Victoria of Chester, Vermont and The Morris Lewis Plantation, "Christmas Trees of Vermont", allows you to pick your own tree, cut it and take it home, at no cost to you.   (Or if you prefer a wreath), The folks at the plantation will wrap the tree and tie it to the roof of your car.  The Christmas Tree experience is a great deal of fun; enjoy the experience, visit with Jingle and Bells the plantation goats, take a walk and admire the surroundings.
There is no up charge for this package. 

Destination of the Year, New England

New England Wins "Destination of the Year" Commendation from the Travel Trade Gazette 2012 Travel Awards in the United Kingdom.  Penny and I love to see that other credible organizations recognize the same thing we did when we started Inn Victoria, a Bed and Breakfast in Chester, Vermont in the heart of the Okemo Valley, near Okemo Mountain.  This commendation for the New England region is a fantastic distinction for Vermont as well as New England.

Inn Victoria salutes Misty Valley Books of Chester, Vermont

Inn Victoria, a bed and breakfast in Chester, Vermont salutes Misty Valley Books for their consistent & tremendous work in bringing the literary world to Chester, live and in person.

November brings Vermont Voices- Sundays at 2:00 at the Stone Church in Chester- with Vermont authors.  Archer Mayor kicks off the series on Sunday, November 4 with his new book, Paradise City. Sunday, November 11 brings biographer Willard Sterne Randall, author of Ethan Allen, to Chester;  and Governor Madeleine Kunin, will speak on Sunday, November 18 about her latest book, The New Feminist Agenda: Defining the Next Revolution for Women, Work, and Family.

Thanksgiving at Inn Victoria, a Chester, Vermont Bed and Breakfast

As Penny and I pause from the busy schedule of Fall Foliage and look ahead to Thanksgiving, we want to take a few minutes to thank you, our guests, and praise God for the bountiful gifts that have been given to us since we decided to follow our dreams to this gracious Victorian Inn.

Vermont Tours Sponsors Fall Foliage Adventures by Inn Victoria

Imagine a guided tour of Vermont's best scenery during fall foliage.  Inn Victoria, a Bed and Breakfast in Chester, Vermont has sponsored a number of outdoor adventures from fly fishing to fall foliage tours in a Tundra four wheel drive luxury truck for five.

Some adventurists prefer the quiet roads of the back woods where the forest floor is carpeted with gold leaf.  Some prefer the thrill of seeking out the elusive moose.  Some prefer the fly fishing adventure of Vermont rivers filled with wild trout.  Some want to drive until they have exhausted every hill top and valley for the best fall colors.  Some want to hunt down every covered bridge in Vermont.  The list goes on and on of adventures to find the sights or spots of interest in the comfort of a chauffeured four wheel drive, limited edition, Toyota Tundra for 5.  And what a time we have!

Here are some photos of two couples from the Southwest whom have enjoyed the most recent three day tour of South Central Vermont's foliage.
Inn Victoria sponsored Vermont Tours are an all inclusive package including:

• Meals
• Lodging in the most spacious rooms at Inn Victoria
• Wine and liquor
• Soda and refreshments on the tour
• Transportation
• Photographs
• Field Picnic
• A guarantee of locating the best foliage in Vermont

Penny and Dan Cote
Look for Inn Victoria Bed and Breakfast Packages for planning your Vermont Vacation.

The Iron Adventure Run is Comming to Okemo Valley, August 2013

The Official Riding Club of Harley-Davidson, H.O.G. will host the 2013 Iron Adventure Run here in the Okemo Valley Region.  For lodging near Okemo Mountain, Inn Victoria will share sponsorship of The Iron Adventure Run, August 22, 23, 24 of 2013.  Over 1000 Harley-Davidson riders and other motorcycle enthusiasts traveling to the Okemo Valley region for this exciting three-day event will share their passion for motorcycles and riding from the moment they arrive in our region. From the array of colors, motorcycle models, lights, and chrome, visitors will have an opportunity to experience some of the finest motorcycles on the road.  For more information about the Iron Adventure Run stay tuned to this blog.  I will post more information as it becomes available.  

Yup...that's the Boss

For now, trust me when I say, this is going to be a BIG deal for New England.  This is an international event held each year in a state that has great riding roads...and Vermont has the BEST riding roads in the country, according to Inn Victoria guests who ride here.  You don't believe me?.......ask this rider!

Go to the H.O.G. site and gather information on the Harley Owners Group for information about the organization.






Penny & Dan Cote
For Lodging Near Okemo Mountain, Choose Our Bed and Breakfast

Prettiest Painted Places in America; Chester, Vermont

Chester, Vermont is home to Inn Victoria, the home of the Prettiest Painted Place in Vermont.  
Chester, Vermont is one of the top 10 Prettiest Painted Places in the Northeast.
Chester, Vermont is one of the top 60 Prettiest Painted Places in America.


No matter how you look at it, Inn Victoria sits in the Prettiest Painted Village in Vermont....and soon we hope it will be voted by a panel of judges as one of the top 12 finalists in the USA! 

The Prettiest Painted Places in America is a nationwide contest in which painted homes and buildings throughout the United States are judged according to color scheme and creativity.  On Tuesday Chester was named in the top ten in the Northeast and top 60 nationally, by the Paint Quality Institute.  This designation is bestowed upon the top 12 nationally only once every 10 years.  To date Chester is the smallest of the communities within the Northeast region that has been identified in the competition.  With a population of 3500+-, it is likely that Chester may very well be the smallest of the communities in the entire competition....that is yet to be seen.

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The Paint Quality Institute has conducted this competition twice before, most recently in 2000. It says the purpose is to vividly show how an attractive paint color scheme can greatly enhance the "curb appeal" of any structure’s exterior.
"We feel there is no better way to demonstrate the importance of exterior paint color than to focus on these beautiful real-world communities that take so much pride in their appearance," said Debbie Zimmer, paint and color expert at the Paint Quality Institute. "The places involved in our competition are a tremendous inspiration to us all, and by giving them recognition, we hope to instill in the public a better appreciation for the role exterior paint can play in protecting and enhancing the appearance of any home or building."

To see the entire slate of these beautiful Chester, VT homes...just send an e-mail to:    innkeeper@innvictoria.com

Penny & Dan Cote

The Proud owners of Inn Victoria, a Chester, Vermont Bed and Breakfast in Vermont's Prettiest Village

What do Vermont Vows, Vermont Weddings & Inn Victoria have in Common?

Are you looking for packages for weddings & elopements at a bed and breakfast in Vermont?  Take a look at Vermont Vows Destination Spotlight; Inn Victoria....you'll love what you see!  Inn Victoria's Secret Garden is a perfect out-of-doors venue for your intimate wedding. 

If you prefer indoors, our main parlor is a made to order, Victorian palace.  Take a look at some photos taken for a recent wedding.  Judi and Neal made this their wedding palace and home for a week.  Penny prepared a feast fit for our king and queen, a Rib Roast with Yorkshire Pudding and all the fixings.  Jessica created this masterpiece of a cake with love. 

Here is what Judi and Neil had to say about their intimate wedding at Inn Victoria:
   "We have just had the most beautiful wedding, a candlelight ceremony in the front parlor & reception fit for royalty in the dining room, at Inn Victoria-far beyond anything we could have hoped for or dreamed of- We fell in love at 1st sight w/ the Inn and the Inn Family-Dan, Penny,Jess,Rachael,Gail, Kim & Ashley.The love,joy, prayer & loving attention to every detail was a blessing that has truly left us in awe of the memories the Inn Victoria family has helped to create-We will cherish every moment for the rest of our lives-& if we forget any single moment we have Dan's 200 plus photos-everything from the altar we created to the bride's shoes! This was the blessing & memory of a lifetime-after an exhaustive & thorough search the lenght & bredth of NE, Inn by Inn, we are convinced that Inn Victoria is the only place on earth that our beautiful wedding could have taken place. We are forever & eternally grateful 
Love Judi & Neal" 

Penny and Dan Cote
Owners of Inn Victoria, a Bed and Breakfast in Chester Vermont

A letter of Thanks for Inn Victoria's Service Excellence

Join us for High Tea at our Victorian Bed and Breakfast.  We recently received a wonderful letter from a very satisfied guest of Inn Victoria's, High Tea.   It's always a delight to hear from our guests after enjoying Inn Victoria amenities.  This note was a special surprise due to the circumstances.  Enjoy the Read!

Dear Penny, Jessica and Dan;

My best friend and I had reservations to attend High Tea at Inn Victoria, Chester Vermont on the 28th of August 2011 to celebrate her birthday.  But Mother Nature had other plans for all of us.  We finally were able to make reservations for spring to celebrate her birthday.  Sometimes it takes us a while…and it was well worth the wait.

 I am writing to tell you that both Joline and I had a delightful time. High tea at the Inn Victoria felt like we took a mini vacation.  We ate and drank until we thought we would burst because the food and teas were so delicious.

And then there was Jessica.  She added so much to our experience. We were planning to return in August of 2012 but we couldn't wait….we loved our return trip again in the spring!  Thank you for providing this special experience.   Rachel

Penny and Dan Cote

Owners of Inn Victoria, a romantic bed and breakfast in Chester, Vermont

Chester, Vermont is Nominated as one of the Prettiest Painted Places in America

Chester, Vermont is Nominated as one of the Prettiest Painted Places in America

Included in the list of the Prettiest Painted Places in Chester, Vermont was Inn Victoria.    The Paint Quality Institute, whose mission is to educate the public about paints and paint performance, has been seeking to find and promote the prettiest painted communities in America.  Just edging into the deadline of August 31st, Chester's nomination was received with tremendous excitement.  

In just a few days we'll all know if Chester, VT will go on to the finals.  Chester may be one of the 60 finalists to be selected as one of 12 Prettiest Painted Places in America.  If so, Chester will stand out as one of the smallest communities in the competition. 

 "We know that there are thousands of applicants, but only Chester, Vermont is worthy of the distinction within the smallest of categories.  Chester has long been a community which takes great pride in the quintessential nature of the village.  It would be great to see a community within the Okemo Valley Region to be selected", says Marji Graf, CEO of the Okemo Valley Regional Chamber of Commerce.
 
Enjoy a few fabulous photos of the quintessential Vermont village.

By Penny & Dan Cote
For Lodging Near Okemo Mountain, Choose our Bed and Breakfast, Inn Victoria in Chester, Vermont

 

Shelburne Museum & Shelburne Farms, Less Than a Two-hour Drive From Inn Victoria

The Shelburne Museum & Shelburne farms are located less than a two-hour drive from Inn Victoria, rated the Most Romantic Victorian Bed and Breakfast in Chester, Vermont.  While traveling the scenic back roads of Vermont this fall, why not enjoy a ride in the higher elevations of the dairy country along Rte 7, North to Shelburne.  

Shelburne Museum will be on your left.  You can’t miss it, unless of course you enjoyed a bit too much wine at the multiple wineries along the way.  This is one of the most fascinating museums I’ve ever been to because of its size and comprehensive collections that will suit everyone in your party.  Although my favorite venues were the gun and duck decoy collections, Penny’s favorites were the quilt collection (which in and of itself is huge).  Penny also seemed content to enjoy her stay in the jail cell until the local constable said he needed a volunteer to stay locked up for the night.

 

One can easily invest an entire

day touring building after building filled with all sorts of Vermont life artifacts of yesteryear; including a large steam operated paddle boat for passengers crossing Lake Champlain, a massive round barn,  and so much more.    Don’t allow the day to get away from you without visiting the Shelburne Farms, a national historic site, 1,400 acres of working farm, an environmental education center, a children’s farmyard, and much more.  

Penny & Dan Cote

For Lodging Near Okemo Mountain Choose our Bed and Breakfast, Inn Victoria of Chester, Vermont

Christmas in Vermont at Inn Victoria, a Bed and Breakfast in Chester, Vermont

Penny and I have been blessed by our guests at Inn Victoria, a Bed and Breakfast in Chester, Vermont; we find it humbling indeed.  For the most part, people are incredibly gracious and give of themselves in various ways; some give a bottle of wine, some give of their life experiences or life stories.  Without a doubt, Penny and I consider ourselves quite blessed with gifts of friendship.

Debbie and Dennis are a great example of friendship blessing.  They are wonderful, gracious people, whom have been guests several times over the last two years.  “This is our home away from home”, says Debbie.  One day they walked in with several boxes of Christmas ornaments.  These were not the run of the mill “nice” ornaments; these were very expensive Victorian antiques.  I dare say these boxes contained several hundred dollars worth of Debbie's life long collectables.  

Christmas is a very special time of year in a beautiful Victorian B&B like Inn Victoria.  We'll be  decorating the tree and the Inn with these and more precious ornaments just before Thanksgiving.  Join us for the decorating November 19 – 21.  Each room of the Inn will be decorated as well as the parlour tree.

For lodging near Okemo Mountain choose our Bed and Breakfast
Owners:  Penny and Dan Cote

Vermont Bridal Shower at Inn Victoria, a Chester, Vermont Bed and Breakfast

You will want to review packages for weddings & elopements at our Bed and Breakfast in Vermont, after reading this Blog.  Inn Victoria in Chester, Vermont recently completed the building of Victoria's Secret Garden, a fabulous wedding venue, bridal shower or special event of an intimate nature.  This spectacular Victorian Garden will host many weddings over the years.  In the words of our most recent guest, Tammy, "it felt like we had been swept away to a destination location".


"Dear Inn Staff:
I want to extend a enormous Thank You! As the maid of honor, planning a bridal shower can be a stressful time. However, from the first time I spoke to Jess and Penny I knew I had found not only the prefect location, but the perfect staff! I cannot say how beautiful yesterday was. The food was far beyond my expectation, the tea ( I will be back for more) was far away and exotic. All of you were so pleasant and accommodating. I felt like family the second I stepped through the door. You really did a fantastic job! All the guests had a marvelous time and kept commenting on the beauty of the garden and how it felt like we had been swept away to a destination location.
Thank YOU! Thank You!
It was a pleasure.
Until the next time.
Take care and keep up the excellent job!
Tammy. "

For lodging near Okemo Mountain choose our Bed and Breakfast
Owners:  Penny and Dan Cote
Photography note:  The two photos above were professionally produced by:  JKEsslinger

Inn Victoria: a Bed and Breakfast in Chester, Vermont Creates Victoria's Secret Garden

Victoria’s Secret Garden  is a place to host your event in Vermont: retreats, reunions, family vacations and more.  Inn Victoria’s most recent renovation to the property as a part of the multitude of renovations this spring, is a fabulous event garden with four large trellis and arbor pavilions.  The Garden serves as an outdoor intimate venue.  “Our goal”; says Penny, “is to offer intimate events such as family gatherings, weddings, reunions, business meetings, etc. a quiet and restful place to gather.  The garden can host up to 50 people comfortably.

We are dedicated to growing our offerings to our guests”, says Dan at a recent interview with the CEO of Okemo Valley Regional Chamber of Commerce, Marji Graf.  “We are committed to Chester and the region; the best way to support our community is to grow the business by offering added value services.  The Okemo Valley Region offers such great opportunity for our vacationing neighbours from the East Coast cities, our neighbours in Quebec, and of course European and Asian tourists who are traveling more extensively to our region.”

The backdrop of St. Lukes, Episcopal church is extraordinary.  The quiet and intimate setting of  Victoria’s Secret Garden is a natural addition to Vermont’s most romantic bed and breakfast.  More details in future blogs.

Penny & Dan Cote

Owners of Inn Victoria   For Lodging near Okemo Mountain:  Chose our Bed and Breakfast

Relay For Life and Inn Victoria Team Up

Inn Victoria, a Bed and Breakfast in Chester, VT teamed up with Relay for Life.   The team earned over $1600.  Look at these happy walkers averaging $200 each for the 12 hour event.  Overall, the Relay for Life Regional team raised over $59,000...In one night!  Oh but they had to earn it!

This small band of dressed up, Cesar look-alike walkers, actually walked over 150 miles that night.  One of the ladies offered free massages, "Massage by Patrice" in Ludlow, VT.  Now she was one tired lady at the end of this event.  For the next week I had to listen to the whine of sore feet and tired muscles for all of these folks.  I think it is because they had too much fun and partied all night while running and walking the track at the Riverside Middle School in Springfield.

Eight brave souls including one cancer survivor, Jolene Kinney from Scarborough Maine, were by all accounts, the life of the event!  Jolene, known for her love of life, drove here from Maine with her husband to take part in the event.  "It was an emotional process for me" said Jolene; "like having a family of understanding friends with me". 

For lodging near Okemo Mountain: Choose our Bed and Breakfast
Owners; Penny & Dan Cote

Inn Victoria Guests Paint at Crow Hill Gallery in Chester, Vermont

 Watercolor by Jeanne Carbonetti was the opening show at the Vermont Institute of Contemporary Art (VTICA) in Chester, Vermont. It was an emotional exhibit with such beauty, warm watercolor, displaying passionate feelings.  No wonder people from around the USA and Canada take classes with Jeanne, she is an absolute wonder!

Take a look at these magnificently gorgeous paintings that two of our guests at Inn Victoria painted this week while taking classes with Jeanne at the Eden Center for Creative Power in Chester, VT.   The Eden Center for Creative Power, located on the premises of Crow Hill Gallery, offers courses and consultation in the art and arts of creativity. Jeanne Carbonetti teaches workshops each summer based on her best-selling books, and she specializes in private and semi-private teaching all year long. The goal of the Eden Center is to enable every individual to embody the miracle of his own creative power.

      

Penny and Dan Cote
Owners of Inn Victoria, For Lodging near Okemo Mountain Choose Inn Victoria