
Inn at Shelburne Farms
Historic Gilded Age estate & working farm on Lake Champlain, offering refined dining and serene country charm.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Lush gardens & gentle breezes

Inn at Shelburne Farms
Best Time
Lush gardens & gentle breezes
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Historic Gilded Age estate & working farm on Lake Champlain, offering refined dining and serene country charm.
"A truly great experience, becoming a core memory for me and my husband. Thank you to the staff!"

🌅 Sunrise & Moonsets
Catch breathtaking sunrises and moonsets over Lake Champlain from the gardens.
🎶 Live Piano Music
Occasionally, you might hear live piano music in the library – a truly special experience.

Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Formal Gardens
Overlooking Lake Champlain
Stroll through Italian-inspired gardens with stunning lake views, especially vibrant with lilacs and peonies in bloom.

Working Farm Experience
Throughout the estate
Meet the Brown Swiss cows and learn about their milk production for the estate's renowned Vermont cheddar cheese.

Historic Mansion
The Inn
Experience Gilded Age grandeur, sitting on furniture once used by the Vanderbilt family.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Book Ahead for Dining
Embrace the Estate
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🌅 Sunrise & Moonsets
Catch breathtaking sunrises and moonsets over Lake Champlain from the gardens.
🎶 Live Piano Music
Occasionally, you might hear live piano music in the library – a truly special experience.
🧀 Cheese Tour
Don't miss the cheese tour to learn about the farm's award-winning Vermont cheddar.
🥾 Comfortable Footwear
Essential for exploring the expansive grounds and walking trails.
Tips
from all over the internet
🌅 Sunrise & Moonsets
Catch breathtaking sunrises and moonsets over Lake Champlain from the gardens.
🎶 Live Piano Music
Occasionally, you might hear live piano music in the library – a truly special experience.
🧀 Cheese Tour
Don't miss the cheese tour to learn about the farm's award-winning Vermont cheddar.
🥾 Comfortable Footwear
Essential for exploring the expansive grounds and walking trails.
🥂 Drinks on the Lawn
Enjoy drinks on the lawn before or after dinner for a relaxed ambiance.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise the Inn at Shelburne Farms for its breathtaking location, historic grandeur, and the unique experience of a working farm. The staff is frequently lauded for their exceptional kindness and attentiveness, especially towards families. While the farm-to-table dining is a highlight for many, some reviews suggest that food quality can be inconsistent for the price.
"I worked at the Inn when I was in college (15 years ago) and it is still to this day one of my favorite jobs I've ever had. I was excited to bring my family there for dinner last night. We had our 2 year old and 1 year old with us, and I was a little nervous about having them at a fancy place. The staff couldn't have been nicer. Our server, Gabe, knew it would be helpful to bring our kids meals out quickly to keep them happy. He was very kind, knowledgeable about the food, and seemed to have a passion for what he was doing. Later in the meal, my 1 year old caught the attention of another server (she may have been the dining room manager, I did not catch her name) so she came over to our table to table compliment our kids. My 2 year old told her she wanted raspberries for dessert and she brought out a huge bowl of them for her. She also told my daughter she could take the flowers home that were on the table. At the end of the meal, my daughter, who loves ballet, was starting to get a bit antsy so I told her she could get out of her high chair and dance as long as she stood by our table. A couple next to us got up and started dancing with my daughter. By the time we left, the whole dining room knew my daughter's name and were handing her flowers off their tables. On our way out the door, the server who brought us the raspberries told us how much she loved our kids. It was truly a great experience and probably became a core memory for me and my husband. Thank you to the staff (and patrons!) for such a wonderful night (and my daughter Francesca thanks you, too). We live over an hour away, but we will be sure to make this an annual tradition now."
Jillian Minerva
"Here's a reworded version for a glorious stay:
My husband and I had the pleasure of staying in the Rose Room, which offered stunning views of Lake Champlain. The scenery was absolutely breathtaking, and despite the lack of air-conditioning, the provided fan and open windows made the room quite comfortable. The service was impeccable, and every meal we enjoyed was delicious and thoughtfully prepared. We felt at ease as we relaxed on the property and wandered along the charming mini trails, discovering new delights at every turn.
It was truly remarkable to be in this magnificent mansion, built during the Gilded Age, and to sit on the same couch once graced by the Webb & Vanderbilt family. The attention to detail in its preservation was exceptional. We spent three wonderful days there, and if given the chance, I could easily have stayed for another week, but alas, it's back to work. I highly recommend this as a fantastic retreat for families or couples, especially with the Shelburne Museum just down the road—it perfectly complements the entire experience!"
Steaming Tender
"What a treat to stay the Inn at Shelburne Farms—an 1886 historic country home, built by Dr. William Webb and Eliza Vanderbilt. Thanks to the brilliance of Frederick Law Olmstead, the estate is situated with stunning views of Lake Champlain and the Adirondack mountains.
The formal gardens were perfect for a sunset stroll along the bluff. Despite an unseasonably hot summer, many perennials were in bloom, including an impressive row of hydrangeas, colorful sage, lambs ear, cone flower, hollyhocks, dahlias and countess more.
The 1,400-acre estate includes a working farm with 107 Brown Swiss cows. We tagged along on the Cheese tour to learn that these beauty’s produce 5,500 lbs of milk a day, to make approximately 550lbs of the finest Vermont cheddar cheese. Of course I ordered a side of sharp cheddar with breakfast."
Elizabeth Gressel
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Inn at Shelburne Farms is located in Shelburne, Vermont. It's easily accessible by car, approximately a 20-minute drive from Burlington, Vermont. Parking is available on-site for visitors.
While direct public transportation to the Inn itself is limited, you can take local buses to Shelburne village and then arrange for a taxi or rideshare to the farm.
The estate is quite large. Walking is the primary way to explore, but comfortable shoes are a must. Maps are available to guide you through the walking trails and to various points of interest.
Yes, the Shelburne Museum is just down the road and offers a complementary cultural experience to the natural beauty and history of Shelburne Farms.
Absolutely! You can visit the farm, gardens, and walking trails without being a guest at the Inn. Tours and programs are available, and the restaurant is open to the public with reservations.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Entry to the grounds and gardens is generally free for walking and exploring. However, specific tours, programs, and access to certain areas may require tickets or reservations.
Shelburne Farms typically opens for the season in late spring. It's best to check their official website for the most up-to-date operating hours for the Inn, restaurant, and farm activities.
While walking the grounds is often free, there might be fees for guided tours, special events, or specific farm activities. Dining at the Inn's restaurant will incur food and beverage costs.
Yes, Shelburne Farms offers various tours, including a popular cheese tour. Booking in advance is highly recommended, especially during peak season.
Visiting during the shoulder seasons (late spring, early fall) can offer fewer crowds. Summer mornings are lovely for garden strolls, and autumn provides beautiful foliage.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
The restaurant is known for its farm-to-table approach, using ingredients from the estate. While many praise the experience and location, some reviews mention inconsistency in food quality for the price.
Reservations are strongly recommended, especially for dinner, as the restaurant is popular and can book up quickly.
The cuisine is refined American fare with a strong emphasis on seasonal, locally sourced ingredients from the farm and surrounding Vermont producers.
The staff is known for being accommodating to families. They can often prepare meals quickly for children and are attentive to dietary needs.
Yes, you can enjoy drinks and appetizers, perhaps on the lawn or in a lounge area, which is a great way to experience the ambiance without a full meal.
📸 📸 Photography
The formal gardens, especially during lilac and peony season, offer stunning backdrops. The lakefront views, historic mansion architecture, and the working farm with cows are also popular photo opportunities.
Generally, photography is allowed and encouraged for personal use. However, for commercial photography or events like weddings, specific permissions and fees may apply.
Golden hour, during sunrise and sunset, provides beautiful light for capturing the landscapes and architecture. Early mornings can also be magical with fewer people around.
As it's a working farm and a historic estate, drone usage may be restricted. It's advisable to check with the management beforehand if you plan to use a drone.
It's a popular spot for landscape, nature, wedding, and portrait photography due to its picturesque setting and historic charm.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Exploring the expansive grounds, walking trails, and gardens provides plenty of space for kids to roam and discover. While the Inn itself offers a more upscale experience, the farm campus is very family-friendly. Consider visiting during the day to explore the farm activities and gardens, and perhaps enjoy a more casual meal or picnic.
💍 Couples & Romantic Getaways
Enjoying a fine dining experience at the Inn's restaurant, or simply sharing drinks on the lawn overlooking the lake, adds to the romantic ambiance. The peaceful atmosphere and the stunning scenery make it an ideal spot for anniversaries or special occasions.
📸 Photographers & Content Creators
Golden hour light during sunrise and sunset is particularly magical here, casting a warm glow over the landscape. While personal photography is generally welcomed, it's always wise to check with management regarding any specific guidelines for commercial shoots or extensive equipment use.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
A Glimpse into Gilded Age Grandeur
Frederick Law Olmsted, the landscape architect behind Central Park, designed the estate's grounds, ensuring a harmonious blend of natural beauty and man-made elegance. The sprawling 1,400 acres feature rolling hills, woodlands, and a stunning lakefront, all meticulously planned to enhance the grandeur of the mansion. Exploring these grounds feels like wandering through a living museum, where every vista tells a story of history and design.
This historical context adds a layer of depth to any visit, whether you're dining at the restaurant, staying overnight, or simply exploring the walking trails. It's a chance to connect with a significant period in American history and appreciate the enduring legacy of the Webb and Vanderbilt families.
The Working Farm: From Cow to Cheese
The farm offers specific tours, such as the popular Cheese Tour, where you can delve into the details of how the milk is transformed into award-winning cheese. This hands-on educational experience provides a deeper appreciation for sustainable agriculture and the farm-to-table philosophy that the Inn champions. It's a fantastic opportunity for both adults and children to understand where their food comes from.
Beyond the cows and cheese, the farm campus also includes gardens, woodlands, and other agricultural elements that contribute to the estate's self-sufficiency and beauty. Experiencing the working farm aspect of Shelburne Farms offers a unique perspective on rural life and the dedication required to maintain such a historic and productive landscape.
Culinary Delights: Farm-to-Table at its Finest
While the concept is highly praised, reviews on the execution can be mixed. Some diners report exceptional meals, highlighting the quality and thoughtful preparation of dishes. Others, however, have found the food to be disappointing, particularly given the price point, with occasional comments about toughness or lack of flavor in certain dishes. It's an experience that many recommend trying to form your own opinion.
Beyond the main dining room, the Inn also offers opportunities to enjoy drinks and lighter fare, such as on the lawn, providing a more casual way to savor the beautiful setting. For those looking to complement their visit, combining a meal with a farm tour or a stroll through the gardens enhances the overall experience.




Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit