Skunk Hollow Tavern — Restaurant in Hartland

"Love is Spoken Here"

So read the front page of the Skunk Hollow Tavern's website, and having tried all the truly local places in Windsor, VT my wife and I figured that we should put a little travel into our dinner plans and see what the circa 18th century setting had to offer. We both like to eat at places with character and found that the Skunk Hollow Tavern is blessed with plenty of that thanks to a combination of historic tradition, great food, and New England Hospitality.

My wife and I are fans of grey, rainy days and the pitter-patter of rain that had fallen all day serenaded us as we dodged the droplets and dashed into the tavern and back in time.

"...You pass through the front door and are greeted by blazing logs in the massive center chimney fireplace. Tables and chairs are laid out on original wide beam hardwood floors around this imposing structure, and on the far side is the polished bar, where thousands of guests from near and far, regulars and first time visitors, have pulled up a stool to be welcomed with true, old-fashioned New England hospitality." (Skunk Hollow Tavern Website)

Though the historic building is wired for electricity these days, only a few strands of fairy lights were lit. The rest of the light came from a burning candle at each occupied table. A fire crackled in the grate and we felt that we'd arrived at a crossroads between times. We were greeted quickly and (having made a reservation earlier), were led upstairs to where our own candlelit table awaited.

As we were served drinks and finished taking photos, we put away our phones and marveled at the sensation of being back in time. With the rain tapping at the wide windows around us and no vehicle noise to speak of, you'd be hard press to name what year it was. We placed our order, and went for different types of cuisine to see if the quality stayed the same across the board (I went with Italian, and she got the burger). Twenty minutes of drinks and conversation later and our food arrived.

Everything was delicious and by the meal's end we were wishing the Skunk Hollow had rooms for rent so we could wander down to the bar, drink in the atmosphere and wonderful selection of wine for a few more hours, then fall happily asleep. Alas, the Tavern is only an eatery, so we skipped the wine and headed back to our hotel.

We'd definitely go back in a heartbeat if ever in the area again. The cost of the meal was comparable to a nice steak house dinner somewhere, and might have been a little high for what we ordered, but the atmosphere more than made up for the hit to the pocketbook. Love was truly...

Came up here for a family vacation - first time as a family of 3 all the way from MA - VT is a beautiful place but dining options with reasonable business hours are scarce. We drive in bad weather from On part of VT all the way here as it had great reviews - when we got in it had a ver political sigh about welcoming all etc etc that is they welcome all until u hurt there feelings. We tried to be a quite as you can with a newborn and a carrier and i small place and when we went through all this work and finally sat down we were rudely asked by the lady at the barn if we had a reservation to which a I responded no but did we need one- she stated along with another rude staff member that the table was reserved (for who and why anyone would reserve that place I don’t know because it’s not that great) we clumsily gathered all our things to another table and I was slightly annoyed as no one greeted us so I sat myself this could have all been prevented had someone been there to assist in the first place I stated to my husband and nuts of been sort of loud as I have a hard time hearing “why do we have to move it’s the same size table what difference does it I quote “freaking” make I did not use the very bad word I used freaking exactly - the waitress came over and stated that they won’t tolerate that kind of language to which I stated I’m Sorry hit freaking isn’t even a swear I could have said the big word that starts with F and she went on and on and I told her I wish to make this as quick as possible (I was only willing to stay as it is Impossible to find food here at a normal dinner hour- most places are lunch and breakfast only) until said waitress stated to colleague something about our table being difficult.That did it right there you yell at me For using a word that’s not a swear and also imposed on the conversation that wasn’t yours and then whispered- my family and I stormed out of there - rude rude rude never going back horrible taste in my mouth - in general though a beautiful place to visit Vermonters do not welcome tourist well at all and I have been many places and am From MA (one of the “rude” states) very rude and unwelcoming here and in the...

As a local, it was hard to believe this place could be so good since we had never heard about it and it is in the middle of nowhere! Went for a friend's birthday dinner and, wow, what a treat! It is in several small rooms of a very old house that used to be an inn. The eclectic atmosphere and historic ambiance made for a warm and homey vibe. You need to make reservations because seating and parking are limited. We sat at the bar, which seats 6, where Heidi took great care of us. What a sweetheart! The drinks were amazing, and the food was top-notch, local, fresh, everything made from scratch!! This means it takes a little longer to prepare, and it was pricey but well worth it for a special occasion. We will definitely be back! It is family-owned, and everyone, even the chef, interacted with the guests - you can feel the family ties here. These folks have a very special thing going on, and it is working, and apparently, has been for many years. It didn't appear that the building was wheelchair accessible and the bathrooms were up very narrow stairs on the 2nd and 3rd floors, so if you have mobility issues, this may not...