Best of Vermont River Samplers combine Vermont Country Inns and exquisite rivers for a classic adventure.

Vermont River Samplers meet at the Three Stallion Inn in Randolph VT on:

2012 Trip Price $1575.00

2012 Trip Dates
June 24-29
July 8-13
July 22-27
Aug 19-24
Sept 23-28
Sept 30- Oct 5

Requested Single Supplement: $225.00.
Private Bath: all evenings

Sampler Links

Green Trails Inn

Vermont Weather

Amtrak

Questions
jim@battenkill.com

Where to Go and How to Get There

Vermont is a kaleidoscope of rustic and panoramic beauty, nowhere more splendidly
experienced than from the vantage point of a canoe. Our Inn-to-Inn Vermont River Sampler is a classic adventure. Canoe the best of Vermont as part of a free-spirited band of travelers, moving from river to river and inn to inn. Our days are simple and loosely structured, and evenings at the inns are relaxed and laid-back.

The total experience is a tapestry: Some of the threads reveal an outdoors of swimming holes, sunny rocks, soft forests, spectacular waterfalls and exquisite picnics; other threads describe an indoors of fine table linen, antiques and handmade quilts, fine food graciously served, and surroundings rubbed soft and mellow by many seasons of hospitality.

We gather together Sunday evening at the Three Stallion Inn, a Vermont coutnry inn nesteld near the quiet village of Randolph. Originally a farmhouse on a working stock farm the inn now combines charm and friendliness to capture the distinct character of rural VermontThe village is a hidden treasure that most would never find on their own. It is pure "Vermont". Its secluded location makes it a favorite with our guests
Monday after breakfast we head north to the Winooski River, with its deep gorges and fine views. Put in is at a rocky gorge, a place where the water is quiet and the surroundings hint at the magnificent scenery to come. Our paddling begins on easy water, enjoying distant mountain views that include Mount Mansfield and Camel's Hump. Monday evening we arrive in Stowe, one of Vermont's most famed ski towns.
Tuesday we're off to the Lamoille River, with its secluded scenery and comfortable paddling on water that varies from lazy to quick. By mid day we arrive at the spectacular Dogs Head and Sloping Falls waterfalls. The soothing noise of rushing water and the intricate arrangement of crags, gullies, cracks and holes set the scene as we lay back against our canoes, sunning, eating and enjoying.
We continue north into the Northeast Kingdom, an unspoiled area that many consider to be the rural jewel in our state's crown. We immediately begin to unwind at the Village House Inn situated in the small village of Albany. The large wrap around porch is inviting with its comfortable rocking chairs and porch swing, the perfect place to watch the world go by. The hospitality here is warm and the food simply delicious.
On Wednesday we have some wonderful choices. We can spend the day on one of two stretches of the Missisquoi, a lazy river which loops into Canada, or we may travel to the upper waters of the Connecticut River. Here we find ourselves well north of civilization, with the exception of a few farms. At the end of the day we return to the Village House Inn for another relaxing evening in this enchanted corner of the state.
Thursday continues as our "whatever-we-want-to-do" day in the heart of the Northeast Kingdom. The isolated Clyde, if that is our choice, boasts what we think is the finest paddle in the entire state...a section that is gorgeous and magical all the way. We may choose to canoe a section of the Black river as with it's quick water and quiet water passing through quiet forests and a wildlife sanctuary.
We end our journey where we began at the Three Stallion Inn. We will have time to relax on the lawn, go for a walk, or enjoy the hot tub before we gather for our final dinner together.The Three Stallion Inn strives to create an atmosphere of years gone by and is a welcome haven after our journey deep into the fabric of Vermont. When we retire for the evening, we'll appreciate the meticulous attention to detail and decorative creativity that has been provided to ensure our comfort.
Friday is saved for the White, one of the best loved canoe runs in all of New England. The White is lively and sweet, a clean, bouldery river in an unspoiled valley. Everywhere you look, the White's crystal clear water tumbles between easy ledges and deep pools.
By the end of the week, we guarantee that you'll have unwound on the Vermont Sampler. Many guests describe it as a metamorphosis, widening from Sunday's narrow focus of worry and hurry...to Friday's smiles and hugs.

Sunday
We meet at the Three Stallion Inn in Randolph Vermont. To get to the inn, from the south take Exit 4 ff of I-89, turn left off of the exit and follow for two miles. Turn left onto Stock Fram road and go approximately a half mile to the inn. If you are coming from the north take exit 4 off of I-89 and turn right off of the exit and follow for two miles. Turn left onto Stock Farm road and go approximatley a half mile to the inn.
This classic vermont stock farm has been restored and remodeled to provide the ideal combination of charm and comfort. The grounds and surrounding hills provide an idyllic setting.
The innkeepers will be expecting our arrival between 3 and 7 pm. We will gather for dinner at 7:00pm. Welcome
Three Stallion Inn -- phone 802.728.5575
Monday
We are off on our journey throughout Vermont. After breakfast we leave our cars behind and travel by canoe and our van for the next five days. The Winooski is a sampler in itself with smooth and easy sections as well as quickwater, such as that at the mouth of the Mad River. The Winooski winds its way through both secluded and civilized areas. In the afternoon we will load up for the trip north to Stowe, "Ski Capital of the East", and a pleasant summer town.
Monday evening we will be guests at the Stowehof Inn. The Stowehof is a traditional Swiss-Austrian Inn situated off a quiet country road on spacious and rolling grounds. We will be able to enjoy our surroundings and the majestic beauty of Mt. Mansfield from either the swimming pool or deck--the choice is yours!
Phone 802.253.9722
Tuesday
We usually choose the Lamoille River for our second day. Wide open views of valleys and interesting geological rock formations depict the character of this river. We will put-in at a secluded spot just below Cady's Falls. Lunch is often near the portage around Dogs Head and Sloping Falls. If the water and our mood is right, we will run Sit-A-While rapid and Ithiel Falls, and canoe through the wonderful granite islands in the afternoon.
A point of interest in the Lamoille is the only river we know that changed its headwaters. It originally rose in Long Pond, until June 6, 1810, when folks from Barton opened a channel to drain some more water into the Barton River for the mills downstream. However, the barrier turned out to be quicksand under a clay encrustment, and Long Pond (about 1 2 miles long) drained itself in about 15 minutes. The resulting wall of water swept cows and 100 tons of rocks down stream destroying houses, but killing no one. Now it is known as Runaway Pond - the headwaters of the Barton River.
Tuesday night will be the first of two evenings spent at the Village House Inn in Albany. We usually have the entire inn to ourselves. The sitting room, furnished with antiques, and the large wrap around porch are popular gathering spots to enjoy a refreshing drink before dinner, pass away a quiet summer evening, or just sit and watch the world go by.
Innkeeper - Kate Fletcher, phone 802.755.6722
Wednesday
Today we begin some wonderful choices. The Missisquoi is a wide meandering river that flows westward across the top of Vermont, with a loop into Canada, on it's way to Lake Champlain. Hills and mountains are the backdrop of this beautiful valley as the river cuts through quiet meadows and farmland almost entirely away from the road. Or we could head to the Black River where there are several sections we can choose from. We easily settle into the Black's gentle pace as we head north toward Lake Memphremagog. The Connecticut river is also a choice with its fast water, seclusion and scenery.
The day ends as it began at the Village House Inn. The peace and quiet of the Northeast Kingdom surround us as we enjoy one more evening with Kate. Her warm hospitality and excellent cooking make it hard to leave. We enjoy sharing stories of the day on the porch or taking a quiet walk along one of the many backroads that meander through the village.
Innkeeper - Kate Fletcher, Phone 802.755.6722
Thursday
We continue our Choice of Rivers day. The Clyde - a stretch that is gorgeous and magical all the way. Hemlock and cedar trees line the banks while blue herons and kingfishers hunt for fish in the clear water of the river. Another choice could be the Green River Reservoir. We could spend days upon days exploring this hidden out-of-the-way lake, with its many coves, inlets and bays. There are no motor boats to disturb the nesting loons, so the canoe is the only way to explore. Indeed a wonderful day if we want to be in a canoe, off the roads and with nature.
We end our journey where we began at the Three Stallion Inn. We will have time to relax on the lawn, go for a walk, or enjoy the hot tub before we gather for our final dinner together.The Three Stallion Inn strives to create an atmosphere of years gone by and is a welcome haven after our journey deep into the fabric of Vermont. When we retire for the evening, we'll appreciate the meticulous attention to detail and decorative creativity that has been provided to ensure our comfort.
Three Stallion Inn -- phone 802.728.5575
Friday
The best is saved for last. The White River! One of the best loved canoe runs in the state. We will run a mixture of flatwater, quickwater, Class I and II rapids over the White's ledges. A lot depends on water level, but we guarantee it will be a fitting finale to our Tour de Vermont. We plan to arrive back at the Three Stallion Inn in the late afternoon to pick up our cars and say our good byes and begin our journey back to reality.
Final Payments
Your balance is due when we meet on the first night of the trip and may be paid by cash, check or credit card (Visa, Mastercard, Amex, Discover). Please refer to your confirmation letter for the amount due.

Trip Notes Supplement
General Information
If you have any questions or need special arrangements please call our office. Regular office hours are 9:00 am to 5:30 pm Monday to Friday in season. We are open Saturday and Sunday for day trip rentals, but our office staff is limited on weekends. We are generally closed Saturday through Tuesday November through April, although you may catch us in by chance other times.
Trip prices include lodging, all meals (except when noted) guide services and accompanying support van. Trips generally meet mid to late afternoon of the first day, and disband mid to late afternoon of the last day. We may be compelled to increase or decrease trip prices on trips due to matters beyond our control, such as currency exchange, airfare, taxes or price increases. Gratuities for BattenKill guides and other staff are appreciated, but are left entirely to your discretion.
Reservations and Confirmation
Often it is easier to call our office to check for availability and to make reservations. We request a deposit of $100.00 per person for the two to four day trips, $250.00 for five to six day trips, and $350.00 per person for longer trips. Immediate confirmation is possible using your credit card for the deposit.
On receipt of your deposit we prepare a complete confirmation packet, including a full itinerary,
personal equipment list, meeting location with directions, and application for short term trip cancellation insurance. Your confirmation letter will outline the balance which is due at the trip meeting for domestic trips, and 60 days prior for Canadian and other International trips. We strongly recommend that you obtain this cancellation insurance, which reimburses you for nonrefundable costs and deposits should you have to cancel your trip due to a personal emergency.
Cancellation and Refunds
Notification must be received by BATTENKILL CANOE LTD. (BCL) in writing. If you must cancel, but wish to reschedule for another trip, we will do our best to accommodate you. If you must cancel more than 45 days prior to departure, a refund of 50% of the per person deposit, OR a 100% credit valid for another trip. There are no refunds or reschedules are possible with less than 45 days notice or for leaving a trip early or arriving late.
Tips and Gratuities
Gratuities for the inn and food portion of your trip are paid by BCL. Gratuities for BATTENKILL guides are appreciated, but are left to your discretion. Each year the guide staff of BATTENKILL CANOE pledge to pool a portion of their tips and donate them to an outreach program. Over the past several years these outreach programs have included a scholarship program for a high school student in the remote village of Yorkin in Talamanca, Costa Rica, supporting the Ninos in la Calle program (alternative education program for the street kids) in Somotillo Nicaragua, financial and educational support to the BattenKill Watershed Council and an annual donation to the Vermont ACLU.
If you would like to find out more about these projects or have suggestions for other projects your guides would be happy to visit with you. This is just one of the ways we are able to reach out to the greater community and practice socially responsible travel.
Airline Reservations
Our airline desk is able to assist you in making our airline reservations, and we are pleased to do so. We can book with all the major carriers and would be happy to assist you with your travel plans.
Non-Performance
We almost always follow through with our entire trip schedule. However, we must reserve the right to cancel a trip or to make changes to the itinerary if necessary due to weather and/or water conditions, insufficient reservations or other factors outside of our control. Although it is unlikely, if we must cancel your trip, you may choose between: 1. A 100% refund of all monies paid, or 2. A 150% credit of your original deposit for a future trip with BATTENKILL. This constitutes full settlement, and BATTENKILL can not be held responsible for other costs incurred.
Guaranteed Dates & Small Trip Charge
Since you plan your vacation around our trip, it is our responsibility to run every trip scheduled if four or more persons are on the roster. A number of fixed costs make it more expensive to operate a trip with six members than one with 12. We budget our trips with a nearly full sign up, to enable us to price them at the lowest possible cost.
We will still run your trip if four or more guests are on the roster. However, we will be obliged to add a small trip surcharge if there is a low sign up of between four (4) and seven (7) participants. The small trip surcharge is ten (10) percent of the published price.
If you make your reservations 6 months prior to departure, you will qualify for our Earlybird Discount which guarantees your departure regardless of the number of people on the roster.
Value Vouchers
In the event that we discount a trip on which you are booked, we will automatically extend to you a courtesy voucher representing the value of the promotional discount. You may apply the discount certificate to any future BattenKill trip. You may combine discounts, however the maximum is 20% off any one trip.
Accommodations & Meals
Our standard accommodation is two per room, generally with a private bath. Usually singles and triples are available. BCL provides three meals per day, beginning with dinner on the first evening and ending with lunch on the last day (except where noted).
On our Voyageurs we provide top quality tents along with all other group camping gear. You are requested to bring only a sleeping bag and pad, as well as your personal gear. If you choose not to bring your own sleeping bag, you may rent one of ours which includes a foam pad.
Solo Travelers
If you're traveling alone and would like to assure yourself of a private room, there is a single supplement surcharge of $45.00 per evening. Singles willing to share will be matched with a roommate. If unavailable, a forced single supplement of 50 percent of the full supplement will be charged.
Bringing the Kids
We believe that sharing an adventure with your kids or grandkids is a life-enhancing experience. Children twelve years of age or older are welcomed on all trips. Special arrangements must be made for all children 7-12. Regular discount is 25% off the trip price for folks under 18 years old.
Guest Responsibility
You must understand that river trips involve some risk. Guests are responsible for: choosing a trip that suits their abilities, level of fitness and state of health; arriving at the trip start with the clothing and gear recommended in the confirmation packet; respecting the laws and customs of the countries visited; following environmental guidelines and regulations while on the trip in accordance with guides direction; and respecting the rights and privacy of other trip members. You will be asked to sign a Hold Harmless and Release of Liability form prior to your trip.
BATTENKILL CANOE reserves the right to substitute lodges, leaders and to alter the itinerary when deemed necessary or advisable. BCL shall not be liable, directly or indirectly for any delay, cancellation, mishap, inconvenience, expense, personal injury or death, or damage of property for any reason whatsoever, including acts of God. BATTENKILL reserves the right to decline to accept, retain, or ask to leave any person whose actions or deportment impede trip operation, or rights, welfare and enjoyment of other trip members. No refund is possible under these circumstances. Payment of deposit, and release of credit card number represents your acceptance of these terms and conditions. All disputes shall be settled by binding arbitration in Bennington County Vermont.
About BattenKill Trip Guides
We are proud of the folks who lead our trips, and help make an extra special adventure for you. Each recognizes, welcomes and encourages the varying skills and interests of each guest.
On the first evening of our get-together, we will conduct a simple orientation of the trip to come, and go over safety regulations. You will be asked to sign a liability of release form, and we will collect your final payment then.
A Word About Equipment
Canoe rental is included in your trip price. You are welcome to bring along your own canoe if you would like, just let us know. We furnish premium canoes, paddles and PFD's (life jackets). We feature canoes by Mad River, Dagger, Old Town and others. If you have a particular canoe you would like to demo, please give us a call and we will attempt to have one available.
What Happens if it Rains
It does rain, so rain gear is a must. So are dry clothes, which can be stored in the waterproof bag that we furnish. If it's raining hard, we don't all have to go canoeing. The nice thing about Vermont is that there are plenty of other things to do...visit museums or go antiquing...spend some time in a general store. Or, we can just have another cup of coffee and wait till the rain abates. Whatever makes sense, we'll do.
And So On...
Also, enclosed is our suggested personal equipment checklist. Little things like lip balm, sun blocks and dry socks make a big difference, so check it over carefully.

WHAT TO BRING
This list is intended to be skeletal, and we anticipate you will have your own ideas of what is "necessary." In general bring half the clothes you think you will need and twice the film.
Getting wet is always a possibility when participating in outdoor activities. Clothing has to keep you warm even when wet. Try to avoid cotton. The problem with cotton is that once it is wet it absorbs water and does not dry out quickly.

*Inns and B&B are casual so cotton or cotton mix clothing--for off river and evenings is appropriate.
*Polypro or capilene undershirt and pants for Fall trips
*Lightweight nylon pants (the type where the legs zip off into a pair of shorts are very handy)
*Lightweight/medium weight long sleeve top.
*Wool sweater or fleece top for Fall trips
*Rain jacket and pants
*Wide brimmed hat.
*Sunglasses with security strap.
*Sunscreen, insect repellent
*Lip balm, chapstick
*Water bottle
*Personal toiletries
*Personal medications
*Bandana
*Camera and film
Additional Clothes for Paddling
*Shorts
*T-shirts or comfortable paddling tops
*Canoe shoes that can get wet for paddling such as sandals, or booties.
Optional Gear
*Binoculars
*Pocketknife
*Swimsuit
*Field guides, bird books, and travel books
*Journal notebook, pen, good book
*Extra eye glasses, sunglasses, security straps

If you have any questions on what to bring or how to pack please give us a call at 1.800.421.5268