About Us

Our Story

Steeped in nearly two centuries of character, The Stowe Village Inn stands as one of Stowe’s most treasured historic landmarks. From its early beginnings in 1814 to its evolution into a bustling creamery, family home, and beloved inn, the property has grown alongside the community it serves. Today, its storied past lives on in every brick, beam, and gathering space—inviting guests to experience the charm, hospitality, and heritage that define this iconic Stowe destination.

Our History

Earliest known records of the property.

1814

A small framed house is the first structure on the site.

Original house removed.

1833

The original structure was removed and the current four-chimney brick building was constructed by a brick mason from Boston.

This structure still stands today and is now listed in the National Register of Historic Places.

Mid 1800s

1850

Second owner, Morris H. Cady, builds a carriage-manufacturing factory behind his home called Cady’s Sleighs & Carriages.

Mt. Mansfield Creamery

1888

Long after the carriage shop closes, C.L. McMahon and Van R. Chase purchase the property.

They establish the Mt. Mansfield Creamery, one of Vermont’s first creameries.

With the help of 800 dairy cows, the creamery thrives—producing nearly one ton of butter per day and making home-churned butter nearly obsolete.

June 3, 1940

1940

A recently recovered guest book reveals that travelers from St. Albans were among the first arriving at The Elmwood Lodge. Within the same week, the register records additional visitors from Salem, Hartford, Philadelphia, and even Montreal.

The Elmwood Inn

1944

The property begins operating as an inn for the first time as The Elmwood Inn. At this time it cost only $12.50 a night, and it became a popular stop for Skiers. It operated as The Elmwood Inn from 1944 until 1955.

1967 – 1993, The Yodler

1967

The property became The Yodler in 1967 and was described as a prime place to stay in the “Ski Capital of the East”

1968 – The Yodeler Guest Lounge

1968

This photograph, discovered tucked inside a brochure hidden in the ceiling during recent renovations, captures the warmth, community, and lively spirit that defined the inn in its early years. Wolfgang and Paige Kier sold The Yodeler in 1994.

1993 – 1998, The Inn at Little River

1993

Bruce Watson purchased the property in 1993 and renamed it The Inn at Little River.

1995 – Restaurant Expansion

1995

With new ownership in the mid-1990s came a new chapter. This era marked a period of thoughtful restoration and expansion that helped shape its modern identity. According to Sam Scofield Architect, the project introduced additional guest rooms within the original barn while fully updating the bar and kitchen to enhance both operations and guest experience.

The most notable addition was the striking glass-enclosed, tiered dining room—now a defining feature of the property—designed to capture sweeping views of Stowe Village. Flooded with natural light, it created a memorable, year-round dining setting that remains central to the Inn’s character today.

1998 – 2002, First on Mountain Road Inn

1998

From 1998 to 2002, the inn was known as First on Mountain Road Inn, a name that really spoke for itself! Perfectly positioned at the start of Mountain Road in Stowe village, it proudly claimed its place as the very first stop on the way up the mountain.

2003, The Stowe Inn & Tavern

2003

In 2003, the property was purchased by Jed Lipski and renamed The Stowe Inn and Tavern. Under his ownership, the inn saw continued renovations and thoughtful updates.

When the current owners took over the property, a pair of old skis came with it. They were repurposed into a decorative piece in Room 206, and on a recent visit, Jed Lipski recognized them as his own! They now serve as a small, charming reminder of his lasting impact on the inn.

Origin of Grant’s Bar

2003

A 35-foot antique mahogany bar—discovered in distressed pieces in a warehouse basement on Harlem’s 131st Street—is restored and installed.

Local craftsmen Dan Moody, Dave King, and Brian O’Toole complete the restoration.

Legend suggests President Ulysses S. Grant once drank and smoked cigars at the very same bar, inspiring the name of our restaurant “Grant’s.”

(Attached photo is from 2011)

2007 – Addition of the Wrap-Around Veranda

2007

In 2007, the property continued to evolve with the addition of a wrap-around veranda, extending the guest experience outdoors. Tim Meehan and his team worked to design a porch reminiscent of those from the late 1800s. This inviting space provided a seamless connection between the Inn and its surroundings, offering a relaxed setting to take in the fresh mountain air and scenic views of Stowe Village.

A New Chapter Begins

2022

In 2022, Mike and Lauren Soelch purchased the property, ushering in a new era for the inn. Since then, they have thoughtfully updated the entire space, preserving its historic New England charm while modernizing amenities throughout. Their vision blends timeless character with contemporary comfort, ensuring the inn’s legacy continues for generations to come.

Patio Renovations

2025

In May 2025, the patio was completely leveled and renovated, enhancing both aesthetics and functionality. The project introduced new stonework, updated railings equipped with smart lighting, and a newly paved fire pit area and a small bar was installed on the veranda, creating a warm, welcoming outdoor gathering space for guests to enjoy throughout the seasons.