Bret | Fullerton Inn

Get Ready for the 34th Annual Overture to Christmas in Chester, VT

Posted on November 13, 2018 by Bret

As we say here at the Fullerton Inn, there is nothing like Christmas in Chester. The beautiful Vermont town goes all out for the holidays, providing a festive and joyous setting for celebrations that is best seen with one of our favorite local events: the Annual Overture to Christmas. This year marks the 34th anniversary of this special event and gets bigger and better with every year.

What is the Annual Overture to Christmas, you might ask?

Each year the residents of Chester, VT, organize a week full of events that feature the very best of Christmas traditions.

The traditions range from gingerbread-house-making and Holiday Craft Fair to Santa’s little workshop and visits from ol’ St. Nick himself!

This year, the event will run from November 26 to December 2; a full six days of fun! Most of the events are free to enter but be sure to check out the Facebook to find out what’s in store. More updates will come as the dates near.

Last year, the Overture saw its very first Victorian Christmas Cookie Tour, which opened up nine historic homes throughout the town to guests sampling homemade cookies. And this year, the tour is back, with more cookies to taste and fun to be had! So if you’re interested, be sure to pick up a “passport” ticket that shows you where the houses are, and what’s waiting inside.

And at the center of it all is the festival of trees, which welcomes residents to witness momentous tree lightings, and purchase a local Vermont Christmas tree for their own homes. Because what would Christmas be without its trees?

Chester, VT, is an ideal place to spend the holidays. It’s a time when the whole community comes together, to have fun and enjoy each other’s company! Contact us at the Fullerton Inn today to book your next stay with us.

Enjoy a Vibrant Fall in Vermont with Local Maple

Posted on October 17, 2018 by Bret

Southern Vermont in the fall is nothing short of majestic, filled with rich colors and picturesque landscapes. Vermont is also a leading producer of maple, filled with sugarhouses.

The Fullerton Inn is surrounded by some exceptional sugarhouses and we have highlighted several to help you plan your perfect fall getaway.

Dutton Berry Farm

Although the name will have your mouth watering for the taste of fresh berries, the Dutton Berry Farm is a multi-facetted farm that also houses a wonderful sugarhouse. They put out over 3,000 taps every year as proud members of the Vermont Sugar Makers Association.

Paradise Farm Sugarhouse

Located just a short drive from Fullerton Inn, the Paradise Farm Sugarhouse is one of the few sugarhouses that offers private tours. They make their maple syrup right on the property and offer a variety of foods including hot cider and fresh donuts. It also offers a country gift store that has a variety of maple syrups and products.

Robb Family Farm

The “Robb Family Farm” was first established in 1907 which means that they have bene producing maple sugar for decades. They offer three different grades of maple syrup, including fancy, medium amber, and dark amber. Learn more about those tastes here.

Hidden Springs Maple

Hidden Springs Maple is a gem within a 30-minute drive of Fullerton Inn and offers maple that is 100% natural and locally produced. They also have a charming farm store that sells maple products from various local maple farms, including their own, of course! This is a stop you don’t want to miss.

Book a stay with Fullerton Inn & Restaurant in Chester, Vermont and visit the many local sugarhouses surrounding us.

Five Places to Shop Local in Chester, VT

Posted on September 26, 2018 by Bret

The charming village of Chester, VT features plenty of unique shops that are perfect for residents and visitors to explore.

Shopping local is a great way to support the Chester community by giving back to small business owners.

If you are staying with us at the Fullerton Inn, visit some of the local shops in Chester. We have highlighted several below!

Phoenix Books

Interested in supporting local authors and artists? Shop at Phoenix Books, an independent and unique bookstore, and explore picture books, children’s books, poetry, best sellers, fiction, nonfiction, magazines, and more.

By shopping here, you’ll also be supporting a business that gives back to the community. Phoenix Books gives to fundraisers for local schools, libraries, and charities. Located adjacent to the Fullerton Inn, Phoenix Books features approximately 6,000 books and hosts numerous author events.

Sage Jewelry and Gifts & Polish Pottery Gift Shop

Enjoy a two-for-one gift shop location featuring both Sage Jewelry and Gifts and the Polish Pottery Gift Shop. Sage Jewelry features unique handcrafted jewelry in Chester including necklaces, bracelets, rings, and more. Owner and artist, Michele Colby Bargfrede, creates the jewelry on-site. Shoppers will also find works from other Vermont artists including glassware, artwork, soaps, cards, ornaments, and more.

The Polish Pottery Gift Shop provides the finest quality Polish stoneware products with no two pieces exactly alike.

Chester-Andover Family Center Thrift Shop

Explore gently used clothing and household goods from the Chester-Andover Family Center Thrift Shop. The Chester-Andover Family Center is a charitable organization serving Chester and Andover with three programs: the Financial Assistance Program that helps residents pay bills; the Food Shelf, that gives residents supplemental food; and the Thrift Shop, whose proceeds support the other two programs.

Lisai’s Chester Market

Serving Chester since 1993, Lisai’s Chester Market is a full-service grocery store in Chester featuring country décor with modern fixtures. A full-service meat department makes this shop truly special. Shop for fresh produce, special wines, snacks, and made-to-order sandwiches. Find custom photography cards by Obe Lisai and visit the fully operational growler station to fill your growler with fresh, local beer.

Visit these shops and many more when you stay with us at the Fullerton Inn, a four-season destination country inn and bed & breakfast located in the beautiful village of Chester, VT.

Green Mountain Flyer Train Excursions Return Soon

Posted on August 30, 2018 by Bret

Chester, Vermont, is definitely a great location to visit in the fall. Our town has access to artisan shops, where autumnal wares and specialties are available; a number of orchards, where anyone can go apple-picking; and beautiful foliage, as the leaves change to prepare for the fall.

If you want to experience beautiful fall foliage in Vermont, then there’s no better way than the Green Mountain Flyer Train.

And we have some good news: it’s back!

Starting September 12th, the Green Mountain Flyer Train will resume its fall service, taking patrons from Chester to some of the most scenic areas in the state. For five weeks straight, the train runs five days a week and offers three different excursions: the Green Mountain Dinner Train; Cocktails on the Rails; and the Fall Foliage Excursion. And each one has something special to serve.

With the Green Mountain Dinner Train, guests are welcome to enjoy a full three-course meal in one of the train’s newly restored historic cars. With Cocktails on the Rails, it’s a Friday night party, with drinks, appetizers, lounge music, and fly-by views of the Connecticut River. And finally, the most popular this time of the year: the Fall Foliage Excursion, which takes leaf peepers up to Ludlow Mountain, and serves cocktails, hot apple cider, and more.

At the Fullerton Inn, we pride ourselves on being at Chester’s front door; it’s an incredible town to call home, especially during the fall. And these regularly-running trains are one of the best parts of this time of the year—it’s an experience that is unique, and affordable to all families. In our opinion, it’s also a premier way to see the most beautiful parts of the great state of Vermont.

Heading to Chester for an unforgettable fall getaway? Stay with Fullerton Inn & Restaurant, a four-season destination country inn and bed and breakfast.

Visiting Lowell Lake State Park

Posted on July 25, 2018 by Bret

There’s no shortage of fun in Chester, with a number of restaurants, historical landmarks, and art galleries to check out during your stay at the Fullerton Inn.

One of the best attractions near Fullerton Inn is Lowell Lake State Park, a tranquil green space that is home to a bounty of things to do.

While the park is popular for visitors in the fall, there’s plenty of different events going on right now.

TrailFinder, a source for trails in Vermont and New Hampshire, is a good place to look for walking paths in Lowell Lake State Park. The Lowell Lake Trail is one of them: a moderate, 3.5-mile hike that is mostly packed earth road and easy to follow. It’ll show you a significant portion of the park and bring you right by scenic views, a Revolutionary War-era cemetery, and beautiful white pines.

Another stop along the way Cartop Boat Access where you can launch out onto the lake. The park does not allow motorized boats on the glistening lake but kayaks and canoes are welcome. There are no boats available to rent so the Cartop Boat Access is your spot if you’re bringing in the boats yourself.

And for the fishers out there, Lowell Lake is teeming with a variety of fishes. You can expect to hook perch, pickerel, largemouth bass, bullhead and panfish in this Vermont gem. Take it from us—there’s nothing like starting the morning off with a coffee, a rod, and a newspaper at Lowell Lake State Park.

There’s no overnight camping allowed at Lowell Lake State Park but that shouldn’t stop you from exploring the park and everything it offers. We hope you make it a point to visit this year while staying at Fullerton Inn. If you have any questions or concerns, contact us today!

A Small History on Chester, Vermont

Posted on June 19, 2018 by Bret

When we think about visiting or exploring historical sites, we tend to think of the more famous names: the Statue of Liberty, the Liberty Bell, Niagara Falls, or Mount Rushmore. But we often forget that history is all around us, and many times, right in front of us.

Chester, VT, has a very rich history of its own and is sprinkled with different historical sites that tourists can take advantage of on a trip to the Fullerton Inn.

Chester was first established as Flamstead in 1754, and then changed its name to New Flamstead a few years later. It was technically in New Hampshire, before Vermont became its own colony, and later, a state. In 1766, the name was changed to Chester, for the Earl of Chester, the eldest son of King George III—the king who would later be the target of a certain revolution. And it was then made official that the 1761 charter was Chester’s original, and so, 2011 was the town’s 250th anniversary.

During the American Revolution, Chester was a stop along the route to the Battle of Bennington. In the Civil War, over 200 men from Chester enlisted in the Union Army. And in between, Chester was known for its high levels of education—it had one of the best private schools in the country, which was teaching algebra long before Harvard and Yale even accepted it. The town boasts a roster of esteemed figures in a number of fields.

There’s plenty to see in Chester that harkens back to its great past. We suggest making a stop at the recently opened Hearse Horse Museum, which has a number of photos from the turn of century in Chester, VT. Another wealth of knowledge is the Chester Historical Society, which strives to preserve the town’s antiques and artifacts.

If you’re looking to explore Chester, VT, and everything it offers, be sure to stay with us in the heart of town at the Fullerton Inn. We look forward to meeting you!

Highlighting Antiques and Art in Chester, Vermont

Posted on May 15, 2018 by Bret

Shopping for antiques and art is a treasured pastime among many people, young and old. Finding that one special antique after searching for weeks truly makes the experience worthwhile. Antiquing promotes bonding, while art inspires creativity and adds new depth to a space.

You can find distinct antiques and unique art among the many shops and stores in one of the best antique towns in New England: Chester, Vermont.

Chassé Fine Art Gallery

For oil paintings, watercolors, and photography of beautiful New England, visit Chassé Fine Art Gallery which has operated for well over 11 years. See Denis Chasse’s impressionistic seascape oil paintings and awe over Katheryn’s gorgeous photography featuring the many seasons and moods of New England.

Stone House Antiques Center

The largest antique center in southern Vermont, Stone House Antiques Center features nearly 20,000 square feet of impressive antiques and collectables from over 90 dealers. Find vintage jewelry, folk art, fine furniture, primitives, crafts, art supplies, ephemera, and much more.

Tsuga Studios

Decorative and functional blown glass awaits you at Tsuga Studios, built in 2000 by Nick Kekic and his wife, Tamasin. This elegant and fine art is made with traditional techniques for a stunning finished product. Find bowls, decanters, goblets, pitchers, vases, tumblers, tableware and more.

103 Artisans Marketplace

103 Artisans Marketplace combines an arts-and-crafts-filled gift shop with a functioning art studio. Owners Elise and Payne Junker offer forged and torch cut metalwork combined with the workings of over 200 Vermont and New England artists to offer jewelry, textiles, pottery, home and garden décor, glass, and more.

Discovering top-quality antiques takes time and patience to achieve; therefore, the best way to go antiquing is to make a trip out of the experience. Grab some friends and go exploring antiques and art in Chester, Vermont. Then, come home and relax each night at the Fullerton Inn, a full-season destination country inn and bed and breakfast located in Chester.

Join us for a French Wine Pairing Dinner

Posted on February 19, 2018 by Bret

Over the years, Fullerton Inn has celebrated the fine wines of the world in true sommelier fashion. Our wine pairing dinners are popular with our bed and breakfast guests, and this March we’ve decided to bring the event back. Chef James and owners Bret and Nancy Rugg have selected a world-class selection of France’s sweet and sparkling wines. While you’re enjoying your Prosciutto Tartine, you can taste the smooth blend of a Domaine des Gaudets from Burgundy. Sauvignon Blanc of the Loire Valley region and Macon Fuisse Dutron from Chardonnay are also included on the menu, for those with a more refine palette.

This is the first wine pairing event that the Inn will be hosting in two years. The event will take place on March 3rd. For more information, please contact us at 866-884-8578 and book your reservation with us!

Below we’ve put together some interesting facts about the wine-making regions of France in anticipation of our event:

Unwind this Valentine’s Day at Fullerton Inn

Posted on January 26, 2018 by Bret

Romance abloom at Fullerton Inn! We love Valentine’s Day because it is a day you can relax and unwind with your loved one. It’s a day reserved for remembering why you fell in love with each other in the first place.

If you are visiting the Chester, Vermont area and have booked your stay at Fullerton Inn, make this day of romance truly memorable.

Start the Morning with Yoga

There’s nothing like starting a new day with a healthy, relaxing stretch—and on Valentine’s Day, there’s no better way to get energized for the day’s surprises ahead. On Wednesdays, we offer an hour-and-a-half morning yoga class at 9:30am, with the highly trained Liza Eaton, who specializes in Ashtanga Yoga. Enjoy the class together, or treat your loved one to a class. Again, Valentine’s Day is about unwinding! Yoga is perfect for that.

See the Town!

The Fullerton Inn and Restaurant finds itself in one of the most beautiful areas of Vermont, just minutes from Chester’s downtown. Every Valentine’s Day, there’s so much the region offers to couples. We’re just a half hour from the historic Putney, where visitors can enjoy a wide selection of rustic restaurants, shops, and performance venues, like the Next Stage Arts Center. Or, perhaps, take your loved one out to the acclaimed Vermont Jazz Center in Brattleboro, where you can watch some of the best jazz musicians in the country perform right in front of your eyes. Now that’s a Valentine’s Day to remember!

Dinner for Two

Our wine pairing dinners are famous in the area for their great food, great drink, and jovial atmosphere. This year, book a table for you and your sweetie for our 6pm dinner! After some mingling with others, couples can start tasting the first of nine food-wine pairings. We’ll take you through each wine, and why it was chosen for that specific dish. Our favorites include Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, Spanish Wines, Merlot, South African Wines, French White Wines, California Red Wines, Wines We Love and Italian Wines. Leave it to Chef James and owners Bret and Nancy Rugg to make this Valentine’s Day dinner one for the scrapbooks!

In March, Fullerton Inn is planning its first wine pairing dinner event in two years. It will feature French wines and a delicious menu. Check the blog next month for more information about the event.

At Fullerton Inn and Restaurant, we’re dedicated to making your stay one you’ll never forget with the best service, activities, and staff. We hope to see you this Valentine’s Day!

Tips on Planning a Winter Wedding

Posted on December 8, 2017 by Bret

Planning a wedding can be stressful, and planning a wedding during the winter months can often make things a bit more difficult. Fullerton Inn loves hosting weddings and our years of experience helps us do so.

Fullerton Inn has some tips on how you can throw the winter wedding of your dreams regardless of the potential weather forecast.

Focus on Dressing Appropriately

Even if you are having an indoor ceremony, you should dress for cold weather. The bride should consider purchasing some type of formal coat that is elegant but practical. Choose bridesmaids dresses that are full-length and consider getting your girls matching jackets or shawls for outdoor pictures.

As for the men in your wedding party, consider renting a tuxedo with a heavier fabric to keep them warm. A velvet blazer is a warm option that also happens to be trending.

It is important to encourage your guests to dress warmly as well so they are comfortable too. Indicate on your invitation how much of the wedding they might spend outdoors to help guests understand how they should dress for the occasion.

Prepare for the Worst

The weather can be unpredictable so the best thing you can do is over prepare. If you are taking photographs outside, make sure you have a back-up, indoor location in the event that it is absolutely impossible to take outdoor pictures when the day arrives. There is a chance that you won’t be able to go outside and you have to have other options available to you in order to get the pictures you desire.

If a lot of your wedding party is traveling, make sure you encourage them to leave plenty of time to travel. If you do wake up to a blizzard on your wedding day, it is important to understand that will happen with your vendors if the need to reschedule arises. Consider wedding insurance in the event that you must cancel the wedding the day of to avoid losing money on deposits.

Consider the Holiday Season

Most major holidays fall between late November and early January, and that is going to reduce the number of people that can attend your wedding if you’re planning to have it within those months.

A lot of people take time off of work for the holiday season which you must consider. If you want a winter wedding, consider late January or February when a lot of people got more paid time off given to them.

A marvelous winter wedding is possible with the right planning. Planning a wedding for 2018? Contact Fullerton Inn to get started today!