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CITY GUIDE 104 M AY/J U N E 2 017 U N TAC K E D THE SHIRE WOODSTOCK The Shire is a pet-friendly hotel located within walking distance of the center of Woodstock village. Located on the banks of the Ottauquechee River, there are picturesque views of the river in all seasons, and in the summer months guests can lounge on Adirondack chairs by the water. The business is open 12 months a year, and it's a popular hotel for equestrians. But if you're attending during winter months instead, the hotel offers skiing packages. 46 Pleasant Street (802) 457-2211 Woodstock, VT 05091 theshirewoodstock.com KEDRON VALLEY INN The Kedron Valley Inn is the closest inn and restaurant to GMHA, so during the facility's active season, nearly every room is filled with equestrians. Dirty breeches are the standard dinner attire. This popular hotel attracts repeat business with its equestrian- themed décor and down-to-earth atmosphere. The Kedron's restaurant and tavern offer fine dining with a seasonal menu (including a house-made spätzle and Alehouse cheddar mac and cheese), an extensive wine list and craft beers—served outside on the porch if weather allows. The staff at the Kedron works hard to make their guests feel at home, which is no surprise for a facility that's been in the hotel business since 1822. Reservations fill quickly for competition weekends—book early to ensure a pet-friendly cabin if your four-legged family members are coming along. 4778 South Road (802) 457-1473 South Woodstock, VT 0507 kedronvalleyinn.com THE LINCOLN INN AND RESTAURANT AT THE COVERED BRIDGE The Lincoln Inn And Restaurant At The Covered Bridge, a six-room bed-and-breakfast with attached fine dining restaurant and tavern, was built in 1875 as a farmhouse; former resident Norman Lincoln was a cousin of President Abraham Lincoln. The facility is nestled on six gorgeous acres on the Ottauquechee River, bordering the historic Lincoln Covered Bridge. For the foodie in your group, Forbes rated the restaurant as one of its 10 best in 2016. It features gourmet European cuisine prepared by a Michelin star-trained chef, Jevgenija Saromova. Its creative menus change daily, with courses served slowly, allowing for relaxed, food- focused dining. The main dining room is intimate and offers one seating per night, starting with drinks in the tavern followed by seating in the dining room, so reservations are a necessity. 2709 West Woodstock Road (802) 457-7052 Woodstock, VT 05091 lincolninn.com KEDRON VALLEY STABLES Kedron Valley Stables is a small boarding and lesson facility built in 1973, located just a short drive from GMHA. Owner Chip Kendall is a seventh-generation Vermonter and inherited the business from his father, Paul, who also used to own the Kedron Valley Inn. The farm owns six driving horses, and Chip provides private sleigh rides during the winter and carriage rides in the summer. All rides leave from GMHA and take guests along a route featuring the Kedron River, agricultural fields, forests and areas of historical note. Reservations are required. 4342 South Road (802) 457-1480 South Woodstock, VT 05071 kedron.com PHOTO COURTESY OF KEDRON VALLEY INN PHOTO COURTESY OF LINCOLN INN PHOTO COURTESY OF THE SHIRE

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