The new bar area in the Gastro Pub at Barrows House in Dorset, VT. Photo Courtesy of Barrows House
The outdoor dining area at Barrows House, one of the Vermont Summer Festival's official lodging partners. Photo Courtesy of Barrows House

June 10, 2014 – East Dorset, VT – The Vermont Summer Festival's lodging partners are gearing up to welcome the thousands of competitors and spectators that will descend on the Manchester area for the popular equestrian competition, which runs from July 1 through August 10, 2014 at Harold Beebe Farm in East Dorset, VT.

Whether staying for the full six weeks or simply enjoying a weekend getaway at the horse show, there are numerous lodging options to suit every taste. Accommodations range from quaint country inns to upscale resorts, each with its own distinctive feel.

Steve and Lauren Bryant, who own both The Dorset Inn and Barrows House, collectively known as The Inns of Dorset, in Dorset, VT, have worked hard to foster a family-friendly environment at their two establishments, with recent renovations at the Barrows House providing an even more welcoming atmosphere for guests.

"Barrows House has undergone a huge transformation, bridging the gap between modern amenities and New England charm," explained Lauren Bryant. "Both The Dorset Inn and Barrows House offer pet-friendly standard rooms and suites, afternoon tea, and a hearty country breakfast each morning. In addition to the Dorset Inn Tavern, Historic Dining Room and al fresco dining on the front porch, which are open seven nights a week, the new Gastro Pub at Barrows House has quickly become a community hot spot. Complete with outdoor dining on our six-acre property at Barrows House, not to mention tennis courts and a fabulous pool, it truly is a great summer experience at The Inns of Dorset."

Bryant continued, "We have been partnering with the Vermont Summer Festival for the past four years and many participants and officials enjoy long-term stays with us in Dorset. We are delighted to be welcoming them back once again."

Exhibitors will have the opportunity to enjoy the amenities of the Vermont Summer Festival's fine lodging partners when they play host to two of six weekly Exhibitor Parties. The Inns of Dorset will be the site of the Exhibitor Party on Wednesday, July 16, while the quintessential Equinox Resort - as is now an annual tradition - will be the site of the final exhibitor party of the summer on Wednesday, August 6. Hosted by show organizers John and Dotty Ammerman, competitors will enjoy a delicious dinner and a relaxing evening with friends.

Another long-time lodging partner of the Vermont Summer Festival, The Inn at Willow Pond, is also looking forward to welcoming back competitors and their four-legged friends.

"After so many years of partnering with the Vermont Summer Festival, we look forward to our return guests who call the Inn at Willow Pond home for up to six weeks each summer," said Stephen Bauer, owner/innkeeper at the Inn at Willow Pond. "We've learned that being pet-friendly is a real bonus, and that the horse show exhibitors like our spacious rooms, and the relative proximity to the show grounds."

The Inn at Willow Pond's scenic 20-acre property provides the perfect backdrop for competitors to unwind after a busy day at the horse show. Visitors also have the opportunity to explore the rich history of the Inn, which was once a stop along the Underground Railway.

The official Vermont Summer Festival lodging partners for 2014 are:

The Aerie Inn of Vermont	(802) 362-1208
Arcady at Sunderland Lodge	(802) 362-1176
Barnstead Inn	(800) 331-1619
Barrows House	(802) 867-4455
Bromley Sun Lodge	(800) 722-2159
Bromley View Inn	(877) 633-0308
The Dorset Inn	(802) 867-5500
Four Winds Country Motel	(802) 362-1105
Johnny Seesaw's	(800) 424-2729
The Inns at Equinox	(877) 854-7625
The INN at Willow Pond	(800) 533-3533
Manchester View	(800) 548-4141
Marbledge Motel	(802) 362-1418
Olympia Lodge	(802) 362-1700
Palmer House	(802) 362-3600
Stone's Lodge	(802) 297-3622
Wilburton Inn	(800) 648-4944
The Wiley Inn	(802) 824-1095

For over 20 years, the Vermont Summer Festival has attracted exhibitors and their families to the Manchester region in southern Vermont. Known for its wide variety of area amenities including restaurants, outdoor activities, and lots and lots of shopping, Manchester-area businesses warmly welcome horse show competitors to the area each summer.

The first five Saturdays of the Vermont Summer Festival will feature a $30,000 Grand Prix. The $50,000 Vermont Summer Celebration Grand Prix will be held during the sixth and final week on Saturday, August 9. The weekly $10,000 Open Welcome Stake, Presented by Manchester Designer Outlets, will be held each Thursday. The hugely popular $5,000 3'3" Hunter Derby will also be held each Thursday for the first five weeks, with week six featuring the $15,000 Hunter Derby.

The Vermont Summer Festival is a proud member event of the Show Jumping Hall Of Fame, the Marshall & Sterling League, and the North American League (NAL). For more information about the Vermont Summer Festival, please e-mail: info@vt-summerfestival.com or visit www.vt-summerfestival.com.