Having never been to the Mad River Valley, we weren’t quite sure what to expect as we rolled along (or shall I say squeaked along - in the Wagoneer) toward the village of Warren. As soon as we turned onto Vermont's Route 100, we knew we were in for a treat. We fell in love with Warren almost immediately, as we passed by a covered bridge and a barn before pulling up to The Pitcher Inn, just across the street from the local general store. With all of my favorite things in one little place, I could tell this was going to be a perfect weekend. Read on to see our top picks from this trip, and if you have any recommendations for our next trip, we'd love to hear!

STAY

The Pitcher Inn | Nestled in the heart of the village next to a hillside brook, the Inn is what dreams are made of. Filled to the brim with character, each of the eleven rooms have a different theme - some playful, some historic, but all gorgeous in their own way. There are no shortage of cozy nooks to relax in - from the front and back porches, to the Adirondack chairs on back lawn, to the balcony we were lucky enough to have in our room. Even the dining room had a comfy leather couch to relax on while we finished our drinks.  

We stayed in the Coolidge Room, with the former President keeping watch from above the nightstand. Our balcony looked out over the village and was perfect for enjoying a glass of wine as the sun began to set. The light in this little valley was magical, and we couldn't help but linger in all of the outdoor spaces, enjoying the sound of the brook flowing by. We're already dreaming about a trip here in the fall - I can only imagine how beautiful the foliage will be (and how cozy the wood burning fireplaces would be in the cooler weather!).  

EAT + DRINK

Breakfast | The Pitcher Inn | Included with the stay at the Inn, we loved waking up each morning to spend an hour lingering over our breakfast in the dining room (though we wished the weather were just a touch warmer, so that we could have enjoyed it outside on the porch!). The warm muffins to start were such a treat, and we loved all the healthy options (though we were seriously tempted by the French toast and pancakes each day - next time!). 

Lunch | Warren Store | The place to go for sandwiches + chips come lunchtime. Head to the back of the store to place your order (and don't forget a cookie for dessert), and take it outside to eat overlooking the brook. You won't regret it. 
On our list for next time: The Mad Taco

Sweets | The Sweet Spot | A coffee shop, a bakery, an ice cream shop, and a bar - all rolled into one. So basically, a dream! We stopped here in the early afternoon, and enjoyed cookies and drinks (local craft beer and rosé!) on their patio overlooking the covered bridge. It just doesn't get much better than that.
On our list for next time: Canteen Creemee

Dinner | American Flatbread | One of the highlights of our trip, for sure - American Flatbread is a must. I'm going to go ahead and call it the best pizza I've ever had (we got the sundried tomato and mushroom). Plus (and this is a big plus), it's located on a farm complete with red barns, lush green fields, Adirondack chairs and bonfires to enjoy in the evening. It does get busy on weekends, so your best bet is to arrive early to put your name your name on the list and enjoy your drinks on the lawn while the sun sets behind the trees. 

Dinner | 275 Main | Located at The Pitcher Inn, we loved being able to spend the entire evening on property - from enjoying a bottle of rosé on our balcony, to a delicious dinner in the dining room, and on to drinks on the back lawn. Our picks: the Cavatelli pasta (get a double portion!), and the Halibut. And don't leave without dessert! Perfection.
On our list for next time: Mint and Peasant

Cocktails | Tracks | The coziest tavern, located downstairs in The Pitcher Inn, Tracks was the perfect place to grab a pre or post-dinner drink. We claimed the Adirondack chairs on the back lawn to enjoy our drinks most of the time, but the comfy seating around the fireplace inside was perfect when the evening got a bit too chilly.
Our drinks of choice: the A&M Manhattan + a glass of rosé, of course.  

DO

Drive | With amazing mountain views in every direction, there are certainly no shortage of scenic drives around these parts. We picked up a map from The Warren Store that showed all of the scenic routes in the area, and enjoyed a sunny afternoon cruising along the dirt back roads. Big red barns, rolling hills, and a lot of conversation about how we could most definitely live here. 
Don't miss: the drive down Common Road. Stop by Mountain Valley Farm for fresh eggs and honey and enjoy the amazing mountain views beyond. 

Shop | We didn't leave too much time for shopping this trip, but we did make sure to pop into The Store, which was filled with the best collection of kitchenware (and a great selection of antiques upstairs!). Of course, we also made multiple trips to The Warren Store, just across the street from the Inn. An amazing craft beer selection, and an upstairs filled with gifts and Vermont made treasures. 
On our list for next time: 4orty Bridge, Waitsfield Farmer's Market, East Warren Community Market

Hike | Without a lot of time for a longer hike, we were in the market for a trail with a little effort and a big view. Sunset Ledge fit the bill perfectly. We packed up some drinks and some Jack's Snax trail mix from The Warren Store and set off on a (mostly easy, aside from a few steep switchbacks to start) hike to the viewpoint. About 30 minutes later, we emerged from the trees to an amazing view (and all to ourselves!). Known for it's sunsets - and I can see why - it's gorgeous at any time of day.  
On our list for next time: Stetson Hollow or Bobbin Mill (you can get directions from the front desk!)

On our list for next time: canoeing at Blueberry Lake, a visit to Von Trapp Farmstead

IN MY BAG

Would love to hear your Mad River Valley favorites! We loved it so much we're talking about making another trip back in the late summer or fall :)

Until next time, Vermont!

A huge thank you to The Pitcher Inn for welcoming us as their guests.  As always, all opinions are my own.