Trial by Fire (and Snow)

A little over two years ago, we drove to Vermont in a snowstorm with no snow tires on our car, a moving truck, and feeling like a deer in headlights. We took on a new adventure as innkeepers at the Shoreham Inn in Shoreham, Vermont.

Not having any prior work history in hospitality, we’ve been on the ultimate immersion learning program. Although there are boot camps for aspiring innkeepers, there is nothing like jumping into the fire with both feet! With no manual on how to run the inn we purchased, it has been a constant process of trial and error.

The Learning Curve

Our mission was twofold: learn the area after moving from Cincinnati, Ohio, and master the basics of innkeeping, all while maintaining a beautiful, yet demanding, 225-year-old property.

What has truly helped us along the way? Getting involved with the Shoreham Historical Society, attending local events (like Maple Fest and Apple Fest), and just driving the back roads looking for new paths back to the inn. The neighborhood has been incredibly welcoming, and we've met so many great people on this journey. We also loved trying many of the local restaurants, which has been invaluable for making solid recommendations to our guests.

Finding Our Balance

Being innkeepers has required us to learn important life lessons: how to set limits, how to take time for ourselves, how to be open to learning new things, and, most importantly, how to step outside our comfort zones.

This blog is our way of sharing that journey with you! We’ll be using this space to provide information about our adventures, local sites to see, places to explore (i.e., covered bridges), where to get a good creemee, and much more. Be sure to check back periodically as we are just beginning!

Best,

Kevin and Scott