The Chipman Inn of Ripton, Vermont - Local Area and Activities

An authentic Vermont Country Store

Ripton Country Store, across from the Inn

Aside from the Chipman Inn itself (having been built in 1828), Ripton has a number of interesting historic sites. Robert Frost’s cabin, his home for many years, is 2 miles up the road. You can visit the spot and enjoy a walk on the Robert Frost Trail nearby. Located across from the inn, the Ripton Country Store (c.1890) is an authentic working country store complete with post office. It has appeared in the New York Times, National Geographic, and the Hallmark Calendar. Dick and Sue serve the town with an amazing variety of goods. They stock Vermont cheeses, the best maple syrup, and lots of Vermont products and souvenirs.

The Bread Loaf Campus of Middlebury College is 3 miles to the east. This group of buildings dates from the late 1800’s and is set among extensive lawns with lovely views. In the summer the campus serves today as home to Middlebury’s Graduate School of English Studies and the well-known Bread Loaf Writers Conference. Originally, Bread Loaf (named for a nearby mountain) was a summer resort for East Coast ladies and gentlemen. Room and board in 1894 totaled $3.00 per day. If you stop for a stay at the Chipman Inn you can experience this 19^th century ambience, although at somewhat higher rates!

The nearby town of Middlebury, 8 miles to the west, is of much historic interest. The Sheldon Museum contains a collection of local artifacts of historical interest. The Morgan Horse Farm offers tours outlining the history of this breed. The Victorian barn is worth the trip. On the way you pass through the oldest double covered bridge in Vermont. The Middlebury College campus is beautiful and has many historic buildings. The Johnson Art Gallery houses the college’s art collection.

Fort Ticonderoga is just across the lake via the historic Ticonderoga Ferry (oldest of the Lake Champlain ferries and continuously operating since 1799). Fort Ticonderoga was variously held by the French, British and Americans and was of great importance in the American War of Independence.

The Shelburne Museum located about 45 minutes north, is one of the best museums of American folk art, artifacts, and architecture in the nation. The museum occupies over 80 acres of lakeside grounds and includes such curiosities as a 19th century locomotive and an historic lake steamship.

Discover the rich history of Lake Champlain at the Lake Champlain Maritime Museum. Board a 54-foot replica of the 1776 gunboat Philadelphia and visit the Nautical Archaeology Center and the Revolutionary War Exhibit.