Stay at this East Coast inn for a week or a weekend getaway and you'll never feel alone or lonely. The innkeepers immediately make you feel right at home and part of their gracious family. 

Creativity at the Wilburton Inn, Manchester, Vermont

Three decades ago the Levis family bought this 30-acre property that includes a historic mansion, cottages and villas on a hilltop in Manchester, Vermont. In 2023 guests can luxuriate in their latest addition, a heated indoor pool. For this colorful family, running the inn is a lifestyle as well as a business. As innkeeper, Melissa Levis, a vivacious New Yorker says, "They didn't buy it to run it like a Hyatt."

Albert, the patriarch of the family, is a psychiatrist and scholar who married one of the Sisters Rosensweig. His two talented daughters—Melissa and Tajlei—dabbled in show business and now, along with Albert's two sons, they have carved out their own niche at the Inn. Albert, an octogenarian, is thrilled to share his theory of conflict resolution and the creative process with guests. Walk the lush grounds and tour his large sculpture garden and Museum of the Creative Process, which houses works by American expressionist artist, Henry Gorski.

During one of my visits, I called the front desk for a light bulb and a well-spoken young man arrived promptly. I was surprised to learn that he had been working there for 30 years since he looked so young. Little did I know it was Max, one of the family innkeepers.

Even Jetson, Melissa's Cavalier King Charles, who serves as canine concierge, welcomes visitors and their pups. The Levis family includes guests at their dinner table to participate in sing-alongs, discussions and other activities. You're in for a real treat on Wednesday evenings during the summer at this year round inn. Earth Sky Time Farm owned by Oliver Levis hosts an outdoor farm-to-table vegetarian feast for inn guests and locals. You'll feel at home dining on locally sourced food and listening or dancing to live music. Seating is family style and your hosts make sure everyone is engaged in the festivities whether holiday or every day. 

Oliver Levis bakes scrumptous homemade breads and you'll enjoy authentic VT maple syrup with pancakes at breakfast. Don't think for a moment you'll be dining alone—unless you want to. Family members will invite you to join them. And the conversation is always intriguing and will never bore!

Wilburton Inn, 257 Wilburton Drive, Manchester, VT 05254; 802-362-2500 Rates from $290 to $490; 

Useful links

​www.wilburtoninn.com