About the Waybury Inn
Welcoming guests since 1814
The Waybury Inn is a historic Vermont inn offering comfortable guest rooms, a well-loved on-site restaurant, and a welcoming place to stay just minutes from downtown Middlebury. Set at the base of the Green Mountains, the inn provides easy access to local shops, cultural attractions, and outdoor experiences—making it an ideal home base for exploring the area.
History of the inn
Just nineteen years after Vermont became a state—and two years before the War of 1812—an enterprising local named John Foote built a boarding house and tavern at the foot of a mountain pass in East Middlebury. He envisioned the small village growing into a bustling industrial center and opened his doors to provide good food and comfortable lodging for workers from nearby enterprises, including the Vermont Glass Factory, an iron forge, and a woolen mill. Stagecoach travelers crossing the Green Mountains also stopped to enjoy his hospitality, and the future of the inn seemed promising.
While East Middlebury never became the industrial hub Foote imagined, the village has retained its quiet charm—and the Waybury Inn has remained at the base of the mountains ever since. Today, it continues to welcome travelers from near and far. Generations later, the inn’s comfortable accommodations, inviting dining spaces, and beautiful setting make it a favorite for intimate dinners, family gatherings, weddings, and celebrations of all kinds.
Today, the Waybury Inn sits at the edge of the Green Mountain National Forest, at the start of a scenic stretch of Route 125 that winds along the Middlebury River and climbs through the village of Ripton. Just beyond the inn are access points to hiking trails, the Robert Frost Interpretive Trail, and Middlebury College’s Bread Loaf campus—home to renowned summer programs and, in winter, the Rikert Outdoor Center with miles of groomed cross-country skiing and snowshoeing trails.
A short drive farther brings you to Middlebury Snow Bowl for downhill skiing, while the Long Trail follows the spine of the Green Mountains nearby. Along the way, Texas Falls offers hiking, picnic spots, and striking views of rushing water and rock formations. All of this lies within a memorable 15-mile stretch beginning at the Waybury Inn—an ideal base for exploring Vermont’s outdoors year-round.
An ideal Green Mountain location
A New Chapter for a Beloved Inn
In spring 2024, the Waybury Inn began an exciting new chapter under the stewardship of three lifelong East Middlebury residents — chef Antonio (“Tony”) Petri and Halina and Chas Lyons.
Tony grew up right next door to the Inn, and after honing his culinary skills in kitchens across the Northeast, he returned home to lead our restaurant. Halina and Chas, both deeply rooted in the community, bring their passion for hospitality and care for the Inn’s legacy to every aspect of the guest experience. Together, they purchased the historic property from its previous owners, Joe and Tracey Sutton, who had lovingly stewarded the Waybury for nearly 25 years.
This team is committed to honoring the Inn’s rich history while enhancing what guests love most — expanding the restaurant’s offerings, elevating the menu with fresh, globally inspired flavors, and nurturing a welcoming atmosphere that feels like home.
Under their care, the Waybury continues to be a place where travelers and locals alike gather — for a memorable meal, a comfortable stay, or simply good company by the fire.