By Tee King, aka Pyewacket
You're vacationing in southern Vermont, and decide to hit a few local caches. Oh, no! You realize that you've left your GPSr, PDA, maps, swag, and other geocaching accoutriments at home. What do you do? What do you do?
About this time, you're thinking, "Yeah, right...like that's going to happen." However, if the preceding disaster actually occurs, the friendly staff of The Inn at Weathersfield will come to the rescue and save the day...or two days.
Self-proclaimed "corporate refugees" Dave and Jane Sandelman, aka janendave, own and operate the inn in Perkinsville, VT. As cachers themselves, they offer a two-day geocaching package that will appeal to virgin cachers and seasoned treasure hunters alike.
"We learned about geocaching on a recent camping trip. We met some other campers that were going caching. After checking out the websites, we thought it was a really cool activity, so we started caching. Knowing that our guests are always looking for something fun to do, we integrated caching into the inn," replied the Sandelmans when asked how they first became familiar with geocaching. "Our weekend caching package includes lodging, dinner, and everything you need to cache; we provide topo maps, a gps unit (on loan), exchange trinkets
like little rubber ducks, hacky sacks, magic tricks and puzzles, and even a picnic lunch. In the immediate area (20 mile radius), there are 16 caches ranging in difficulty from 1/1 to 4.5/4.5."
The inn, which was built in 1792 as a stagecoach stop, has existed as a hunting lodge, parsonage, public lodging, and a private residence throughout its life. Though the building was boarded up when the Sandelmans first saw it, they fell in love with it. Each room has been uniquely decorated and may include such amenities as a clawfoot tub and a roof deck. "Our rooms all have a private bath and have lots of goodies like fluffy robes and slippers and luxurious linens and towels.
Most of our rooms have working fireplaces. Two have jacuzzis," stated the inn's owners. As a cozy bonus, every room is furnished with a feather bed.
Included in the inn's history is the construction of a large post-and-beam addition which houses the current pub and additional guest rooms, and the mid-1800's addition of a carriage house which is now the dining room (a menu is available on the inn's web site). "We feature local products in very inventive preparations. Our chef is a graduate of New England Culinary. We carry a large selection of beers and premium spirits and we just won a wine spectator award. Our restaurant is becoming a "hot spot" in the area!" the Sandelmans expressed proudly. The inn's living room and parlor may be reserved for private gatherings, parties, and afternoon tea, and both indoor and outdoor venues are available for small weddings and civil union celebrations.
On the odd chance that caching isn't enough to fill your weekend, many other types of packages are available, including canoeing, golf, and a romantic get-away. "There is lots to do in the area. In the winter, skiing is huge; we are 12 miles from Okemo Mountain. There is also snowmobiling, xcountry and snow shoeing (we have snow shoes here on the property). In summer, spring, and fall, golf, horseback riding, hiking, biking, and canoeing are all in close proximity," the innkeepers said.
Once you've spent the day caching in the area, logging your finds isn't a problem. According to the Sandelmans, "WiFi has ben huge for us. On any given weekend, up to 70% of the guests are using the internet. We have a public access computer with a high speed connection as well."
In their busy season, when the autumn foliage is abundant, reservations for The Inn at Weathersfield should be made three months in advance. Otherwise, rooms are generally available on short notice. The Sandelmans request that guests reserve the use of one of their GPS units before arrival. Though pets aren't allowed, the inn is currently in negotiation with a local kennel.
To date, five couples have taken advantage of the inn's unique and innovative geocaching package. The innkeepers are excited to be one of the first establishments to offer such a package. "Of course, we love being 'the first'!" exclaimed the Sandelmans. "We think this may be a difficult activity for an inn owner to offer unless they are a 'cacher'. There is a minimum level of tech savvy one needs to do this. Also, we provide color topos with routes, etc., so there is a significant time (and software/hardware) investment that needs to be made."
The Inn at Weathersfield has received glowing reviews from such sources as Wine Spectator Magazine, Colonial Living Magazine, and the Boston Globe. Please check their web site for more information on amenities, rates and specials, and upcoming events, or call (802) 263-9217.