Sleeping Under the Same Roof (and the Same Stars)

Many of you know I have a borderline obsession with Outlander. Borderline is probably not accurate, I crossed that line too long ago. On the bar wall at the inn, I have the word Sassenach written artistically on a strip of paper meant to be a bookmark—a gift from my Outlander pen pal (yes, I really do have one; there are many of us out there and we write!).

In Gaelic, Sassenach means "English person," though it can also mean someone who is simply an outsider. The word resonates with me deeply. My own ancestors came from England to America, but more than that, I've felt like an outlander my entire life. I was born in Louisiana to an Indiana mom and a Texan dad (who himself wasn't born in Texas). We moved around the country in my early childhood until I landed in East Texas at age 10, where my best friends would always remind me I wasn't there for all the fun of kindergarten through 4th grade. Now in Vermont, I'm reminded I'm really a Texan—though back in Texas I was always "the girl from Louisiana," and when I went to college in Louisiana, I was teased for my Texan accent.

But beyond the romance and time travel, what captivates me most about Outlander are the great gatherings described in the books. These were common in days when you couldn't just drive 100 miles to an event and return home the same day, or stay in a hotel 15 miles away from a party. The logical option was to pitch a tent—people coming together at a big house or settlement, with some staying inside and others camping on the grounds. Those moments weren't just about lodging; they were about connection, community, and shared experience.

In a small but meaningful way, that same spirit lives on here at the inn. When we're full, we've welcomed Long Trail hikers, cyclists, and adventurous travelers who set up tents (and once even a hammock) in the backyard. Thanks to a conveniently placed bathroom and shower at the back door, they can clean up without trekking through the whole house.

I remember one cyclist last summer who'd been riding for days and was so grateful just to have a safe place to pitch her tent and a hot shower. In the morning, she joined the other guests for coffee on the porch, sharing stories of the road while someone else talked about their hike up Mount Abraham. The conversation flowed as naturally as if they'd all stayed in adjoining rooms upstairs.

Whether you're under a quilt in one of our rooms or under the stars in the backyard, it's a reminder that gatherings aren't about where you sleep—they're about being part of something shared. And here in Ripton, just as in the stories I love, there's a certain magic in creating space for everyone, outsiders and insiders alike. Perhaps that's what I've been searching for all along: a place where being a Sassenach doesn't mean you don't belong—it just means you bring something different to the gathering.

Wondering how to book a spot outside the inn? Check out Hipcamp to reserve your place under our Vermont stars. https://www.hipcamp.com/en-US/land/vermont-out-by-the-inn-9mxh1x7x