I N N S I D E / O U T
Brooks Bradbury
WARREN, VERMONT — There comes a time when even an Innkeeper gets to say what is on his mind. Though generally an unheard-from group of discreet, closed-mouthed individuals we end up knowing lots of odd secrets about our guests, team members, and neighbors. We keep these secrets to ourselves of course — sort of like a pastor in the ministry of serving others.
Recent occurrences in the Mad River Valley give this Innkeeper pause to reflect on the arrival of national politics onto our very doorstep in the fiercely guarded Vermont sanctuary known as the Mad River Valley. For outsiders, “mad” is not a reference to psychosis but the local term for the condition of the river in the spring, when it is especially turbulent and forceful.
Anyway, without giving away any national secrets, it seemed the entire world knew before we did that a certain someone and his family would be vacationing here. He later changed his plans. In short order, we were besieged by a million “how could you’s” and “well, I never” admonitions, along with creepy fake online reviews disparaging the cleanliness of our ordinarily immaculate sofas at the Warren Store (of all things).
Our wonderful front desk team, accustomed to attending to the details of each guest’s visit and welcoming individuals of all stripes and from all places to our gracious and intimate environment was beset with vitriolic, threatening, and cruel calls and emails. Here is a glimpse:
As people were dropping off gifts of beer and maple syrup for the guest who never was (really!), Wendy S. called over and over that weekend to shame the Inn and everyone in it, bringing a member of our hardworking front desk team to tears by telling her she wasn’t from Vermont and was therefore part of the problem. (!?)
We received scores of emails similar to this missive from Ms. B. Brown: “I spent my wedding night at the Pitcher Inn and celebrated many special occasions there over the years. I’ve recommended the hotel and restaurant to countless others. I’m appalled that you are hosting the Nazi-sympathizing VP
this weekend. He stands for everything this beautiful, special state fights against. But I guess billionaires have to stick together, right? I will never, ever enter your doors again. What an absolute disgrace.”
And a much beflustered Mr. A. Rifkin called days later to politely say he would never come here again because the Inn hosted a certain guest (who, as we know, never actually stayed here). There were hundreds of similar notes and calls detonated in a great blast of collective indignation.
Now that the clamor has died down, it’s important to set a few things straight. First, I’d like to reassure those folks that as the Inn is squarely in, and of, Vermont our politics and sympathies generally match up with those vigilant Vermonters. Second, the Inn and its predecessor boardinghouse have been welcoming guests to Warren since about 1860. There has never been a political or other qualification required of our guests except to pay for their lodging and meals and to otherwise function as decent people while here.
We take great pleasure in welcoming our guests to this extraordinary place we call home. We support Vermont’s reliance on tourism. And we encourage anyone considering a stay or a meal to visit our website. Our guest rooms and dining room may be booked online at any time.
We also stand with peaceful protesters and consider it a privilege to do so. As a matter of fact, we served complimentary and delicious 802 Coffee (our special blend) to one protester who carried a sign that read, “These quislings aid and comfort Nazi traitors.”
The real credit goes to our entire professional team of talented individuals (with their own political views and personal apprehensions) for holding to their higher calling of serving others well regardless of a guest’s political persuasion and amidst this national moment of furor and backlash.
These are interesting times.
May cooler heads and gracious hospitality prevail.
© Copyright 2025 Brooks Bradbury / BrooksLooks
