Sweet Onion Inn Circa 2007
This was the website for the Sweet Onion Inn.
Content is from the site's 2007 archived pages.
Oh, we have missed you.
Welcome
Enjoy our Mountain Views, Six Guest Rooms and Vegan cooking.
As a registered nutritionist who has enjoyed many family vacations at the Sweet Onion Inn over the years, I can confidently say this place is more than just a getaway—it’s a sanctuary for holistic wellness. When my daughter completed her residential treatment for binge eating disorder, my husband and I knew we needed a safe, restorative environment for her transition back home. Choosing Ron and Kathy’s inn was one of the best decisions we could have made. The structure of the day, with set, delicious mealtimes, removed the anxiety of constant food decisions. Their entirely organic, vegan, and beautifully prepared cuisine isn't just "plant-based;" it's truly nourishing, promoting a positive relationship with food that is grounded in flavor and health. The meals, like the "Burrito Cake" or the "Sweet Onion Scrambled Tofu," are so hearty and satisfying, which is crucial for someone working through disordered eating recovery. The focus is on abundance, not restriction. Coupled with the tranquil Vermont setting and the option for a therapeutic massage, this inn fostered the calm, supportive, and mindful environment our family needed to reconnect and heal. We came for a vacation, and we left with a new foundation for health and happiness. Brenda Racoosin
Breakfast and Dinner are included in your room rate.
If you have never been to Vermont this is a grand time of year to get in the car or on a plane and come to the Green Mountain state. You'll enjoy spectacular views and delicious vegan organic food. If you are interested in vegan raw meals while you are staying at the Inn call Vicky at 802-767-6008 to talk about ordering some gourmet raw food for lunch or dinner.
You can also have a tension/pain releasing body massage while staying at the Inn. Call Vanesse at 909-800-8002 to schedule an appointment. Good times are after breakfast at 9 am, mid day at 2, 3, or 4 pm and possibly after dinner at 8 pm. Vanesse specializes in neck and back therapy, foot reflexology, acupressure, deep tissue and Swedish massage.
We look forward to seeing old friends and making new friends. You can check on line for availablility or give us a call at 802-767-3734.
See the links below for more detailed information.
GENERAL INFORMATION:
Vermont Chamber of Commerce 802-223-3443 Web site www.vtchamber.com Vermont Department of Tourism and Marketing 802-828-3237 1-800-VERMONT, web site, www.1-800-Vermont.com Vermont Summer Guide 802-223-3443 web site, www.vtguides.com
Green Mountain National Forest Service 802-747-6700
Romantic Couples Weekend Event ... see our Special Events Page
Need a bench in your hall or entrance way? Ron hand crafts beautiful 4 foot Shaker Meeting benches. These benches are one of a kind and have a simple elegance that can add grace and style to any area in your home. Ours in located in the sitting room of the Inn.
You can now purchase Imagery and Hypnosis CD's Imagery Titles Take that relaxed vacation feeling home with you by learning about the amazing Emotional Freedom Techniques... said to work frequently when nothing else does. Consider an EFT (Emotional Freedom Techniques) session. This energy meridian treatment is easy to learn and can be self applied whenever you choose. You can learn more about EFT by visiting Kathy's Specialties
HOW TO RESERVE YOUR ROOM AND CHECK FOR AVAILABILITY You can check for availability without booking the room. Just click on the "Reserve Now" in the Rooms page or use the Reserve tab in the green bar at the top of each page. Then if you decide to reserve, you can go ahead and book your reservation online, or call the Inn at 802-767-3734.
All rooms are the same rate and to view them go to the Rooms page. ... 2 people to a room including breakfast and dinner for both people ... $165 plus 14.85 tax = 179.85 with a 50% deposit of $89.93.
A single person in a room including breakfast and dinner ... $125 plus 11.25 tax = $136.25 with a 50% deposit of $68.13.
Rates for families with children Two parents, two children (14 years and under) two rooms...$205 plus $18.45 tax = $223.45 with a 50% deposit of $111.72 (Green Mountain and Orchard rooms only)including dinners and breakfast for all four. call to reserve to get this two room rate... 802-767-3734.
When redeeming a Gift Certificate you must call or email in order to avoid additional charges.
Another note of importance... since we offer bed, breakfast and dinner, we serve the evening meal only once at 6:30 pm with breakfast served only once at 8 am. and both meals are included in the rate.
When you reserve online, dinner and breakfast are automatically included. However, if you are not joining us for dinner on the night of your arrival, or any other night during your stay, you can email the Sweet Onion Inn and we will give you a $25 credit per person, which will be deducted from your balance.
Make your reservations today and remember you can choose your room from photos and descriptions on the rooms page... bed, dinner and breakfast are reflected in the room rate.
Our cancellation policy is a full refund minus a 10% processing fee on the entire reservation, 14 days prior to date of arrival.
Our Rooms
The inn has six guest rooms, four with private baths and two that share a bath. Each room is freshly decorated with original wide-plank floors and stenciled walls. The inn offers a big porch for sitting and summer dining. Good books, games and puzzles can be found in the living room.
The Garden Room - This is a spacious room with a view of the back yard and the flower gardens. It offers a queen bed and a private bath with a tub and shower. Both the bed and the bench at the foot of it were crafted by Ron. Stenciled walls add to its appeal. Rate $175 dbl, dinner and breakfast included for two.
The Wildflower Room - Complete with private bath (tub & shower) is located on the first floor. A country cozy kind of room with a very comfortable double bed, and stenciled walls. This bed was also hand crafted by Ron. Rate $175 dbl dinner and breakfast included for two.
The Sweet Onion Room - Boasts a king bed hand crafted by Ron. The charm of this room is in its ability to invite you to lounge on the big bed and read a good book or spend quiet time with someone you love. It has a private bath with a tub and shower. Rate $175 dbl dinner and breakfast included for two.
The White River Room - A corner room on the second floor with a queen bed and its own bath (shower). This room offers a window seat that looks out onto the mountains and the White river in the distance. Rate $175 dbl, dinner and breakfast included for two.
The Green Mountain Room - A sunny room with a double bed, a comfy chair and a writing table. It offers a window seat looking down onto the feeders where birds and squirrels alike, can be seen enjoying a meal. This room shares a bath (shower) with the Orchard Room, but can be reserved as a private bath by calling the Inn at 802-767-3734. Rate $175 dbl, dinner and breakfast included for two.
The Orchard Room - An upstairs room overlooking the apple and cherry trees below. This is a spacious room with a couch and writing table, and TWO TWIN BEDS Shares a bath (shower) with the Green Mountain room. Rate $175 dbl, dinner and breakfast included for two. This room can be reserved as a combination family suite with the Orchard room for 2 children 2 adults at a rate of $225 for both rooms including meals for all ($210 for one child). Call the Inn about this special family rate at 802-767-3734.
Room Rates: The rates below include organic vegan dinners and breakfasts. A 50% deposit is required when you make your reservation but a full refund, less 10% cancellation fee on total reservation, is available up to 14 days prior to arrival date.
Check in after 3pm, check out before 11am.
Dinner is served only once at 6:30pm
*Dinner and Breakfast
Included in rates
A dinner credit of $30 per person is available when you call the Inn or email
at least 48 hours before arrival.
Due to state laws and respect for the health of others, smoking is prohibited in or around the inn.
We are a Fragrance Free Inn. Ron and many of our guests are sensitive to fragrances found in perfumes, colognes and after shave lotions. We ask that you refrain from using these items while at the Inn since this can result in serious headaches and other health problems for these people. We thank you in advance for your cooperation.
Because of guests with allergies to dogs and cats, the Inn is unable to accommodate companion animals.
Menu Sampler
All of our meals are totally organic, vegan, and made-from-scratch. Our desserts are naturally sweetened with agave.
We will not be serving specialty meals such as no wheat or no garlic during the busy color season of late Sept and October.
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Breakfast specialties
French Toast: with raisin or cherry scones, oven roasted potatoes.
Fruit 'n Nut Pancakes: Multi-grain blueberry and walnut, apple, peach and strawberry.
Biscuits 'n Gravy: Tempeh sausage and miso gravy over biscuits with hash browns.
Sweet Onion Scrambled Tofu: with sweet potato rounds and corn bread.
Also:. Olive oil spread, Fruit spreads, 100% Fruit juices, Organic Vermont maple syrup, Organic coffees, Soy coffee lightener, large selection of Herbal teas.
Dinner specialties
Shepherds Pie: Potatoes, carrots, onions and tempeh with mashed potatoes and gravy topping (Served with avocado salad, French onion soup and whole grain biscuits.)
Lentil Rice Patties: Brown rice, celery, onion, olive oil, basil, oregano, tamari and tahini patty (Served with fresh salad, lentil soup, famous lumpy mashed potatoes, mushroom gravy.)
Burrito Cake: Bean and rice filling stacked with tortilla shells and topped with fresh salsa (Served with red pepper salad and tomato-corn soup.)
Cauliflower Tagliateli: Mushroom and cauliflower sauce cascading over mound of bow tie pasta (Served with rosemary olive-or onion focaccia, minestrone soup and garlic bread.)
Butterfly Pasta: Sauteed zucchini, onion and peppers, homemade tomato sauce over vegi pasta (Served with orange-walnut salad, herb potatoes and fresh bread with olive oil.)
Three Bean Pot Pie: Navy, kidney, black bean pie (Served with veggie slaw, yam soup and wild rice.)
During the week a lighter dinner is served, however there is plenty of yummy food like always.
Every dinner is topped off superbly with a luscious naturally sweetened dessert.
Directions
The Sweet Onion Inn is located on Route 100 in the quaint little town of Hancock, Vermont. Route 100 forms a scenic spine through Vermont, following the eastern flank of the Green Mountains. It presents the traveler with long, tranquil views over miles of beautiful farms and towns. Vermont's exemplary approach to preserving scenic quality is shown with outstanding results on Route 100.
Follow Route 100 to the 125 junction. The Inn is on the northeast edge of the village.
Many of our guests get lost using map quest, we suggest that you print these directions.
Directions from New York City: approximately a 7 hour drive. Take the NY thruway to exit 24 to Northway (I-87)North to exit 20, turn left on 149 East to Fort Ann, turn left(N) on Rte 4 & 7, turn right(E)on Rte 4 toward Killington, turn left(N)on Rte7/Rte4 to Rte4(E)turn right and go up the mountain to Rte 100, turn left(N)follow 100 through Pittsfield, Stockbridge, Rochester and into Hancock.
The Inn sits on Rte 100 just past the junction of Rte 125 & Rte 100.
From Boston,MA: approximately a 3 1/2 hour drive.(170 miles) 93N to 89N past 91 to 3rd exit (Bethel)right at the end of the ramp on 107. Then just before the town of Bethel 107 takes a sharp left under a viaduct, go about 9 miles to Rte 100 N. You will go through Stockbridge and Rochester and into Hancock. Then as above.
From Albany, NY: approximately a 3 hour drive.(115 miles)87N to 149 East as above.
From Burlington, VT: approximately 1 1/2 hour drive (70 miles) 89S to exit 10 South (right then left thru Waterbury, over bridge to 100 South (right turn) go thru Waitsfield, Warren and Granville into Hancock. Inn is on the left just before Rte 125.
Innkeepers: Ron and Kathy Heatley
More Background on The Sweet Onion Inn
The Sweet Onion Inn, once a cherished bed-and-breakfast in Vermont, made a lasting mark on the region’s hospitality landscape with its all-vegan cuisine, welcoming atmosphere, and commitment to wellness. Though it has since closed, the inn’s story remains relevant for those interested in the evolution of plant-based hospitality, rural tourism, and the cultural shifts that have shaped New England’s travel scene.
History and Background
Location and Setting
The Sweet Onion Inn was located in Hancock, Vermont, a small village set along the scenic Route 100 corridor, renowned for its picturesque views and classic New England charm. The inn’s placement in the Green Mountain National Forest made it a natural haven for travelers seeking both tranquility and outdoor adventure.
Founders and Vision
The inn was run by Kathy and Ron Heatley, who envisioned a retreat that combined the comforts of a traditional New England inn with a progressive, plant-based culinary philosophy. Their approach was ahead of its time, offering a fully vegan experience in an era and region where such options were rare.
Accommodations and Ambience
The inn featured six guest rooms, each uniquely decorated to reflect Vermont’s rustic elegance. The setting encouraged relaxation and connection with nature, making the inn a popular choice for romantic getaways, solo retreats, and small family vacations.
Culinary Reputation and Guest Experience
Vegan Cuisine as a Signature
The Sweet Onion Inn was renowned for its creative, organic vegan meals. Both breakfast and dinner were included in the room rate, and the menu featured dishes such as French toast with Vermont maple syrup, sweet onion scrambled tofu, tempeh sausage, and hearty dinner entrees like bean-and-rice burrito cake and lentil rice patties. The inn’s kitchen was known for using local, organic ingredients and for naturally sweetening desserts with agave.
Communal Dining and Social Connection
Meals were served at set times, fostering a communal dining experience that encouraged guests to connect and share stories. This approach was part of the inn’s broader philosophy of hospitality, emphasizing not just nourishment but also a sense of belonging.
Reviews and Guest Testimonials
The Sweet Onion Inn received positive attention from guests and media outlets. PETA, for example, highlighted the inn as a top destination for vegan travelers, praising its “tantalizing vegan breakfast and dinner service guaranteed to melt your cares away.” Guests frequently commented on the inn’s cozy atmosphere, the quality and creativity of the meals, and the genuine warmth of the proprietors.
Press and Media Coverage
Recognition in Vegan and Travel Media
The inn’s unique focus attracted coverage from organizations and publications dedicated to vegetarian and vegan lifestyles. PETA featured the Sweet Onion Inn in its list of outstanding vegetarian retreats, noting its creative entrees and the welcoming environment for plant-based travelers.
Inclusion in Hospitality Directories
The Sweet Onion Inn was also listed in regional travel guides and directories, especially those highlighting New England’s bed-and-breakfast culture. These listings emphasized the inn’s vegan focus and its integration with Vermont’s natural beauty.
Audience and Community
Target Audience
The inn catered primarily to vegan and vegetarian travelers, health-conscious guests, and those seeking a peaceful, nature-oriented getaway. However, its appeal extended beyond strict vegans—many guests were simply curious about plant-based cuisine or drawn by the promise of organic, locally sourced meals.
Community and Repeat Visitors
A significant portion of the inn’s clientele were repeat visitors, drawn by the personal touch of the hosts and the sense of community fostered during their stays. The inn also attracted guests interested in wellness, offering services such as massage therapy and workshops on relaxation techniques.
Cultural and Social Significance
Pioneering Vegan Hospitality
At a time when vegan options were scarce in mainstream hospitality, especially in rural areas, the Sweet Onion Inn was a trailblazer. Its existence signaled a shift in travel culture, demonstrating that plant-based cuisine could be both delicious and central to the guest experience.
Role in Vermont’s Tourism Landscape
Vermont is known for its vibrant bed-and-breakfast scene, with inns often serving as gateways to the state’s natural and cultural attractions. The Sweet Onion Inn contributed to this tradition while also carving out a unique niche, helping to diversify the region’s hospitality offerings and attract a broader range of visitors.
Influence on Other Establishments
The inn’s success and positive reputation likely influenced other B&Bs and small inns in the region to expand their vegan and vegetarian offerings, contributing to a gradual shift toward more inclusive and health-conscious hospitality practices.
Details, Insights, and Specifics
Room Features and Ambience
Each of the inn’s six guest rooms was designed to reflect Vermont’s rustic elegance, with distinctive décor and views of the surrounding landscape. The inn offered four rooms with private baths and two that shared a bath, catering to a range of guest preferences. The property included a porch for summer dining, a living room stocked with books and games, and handcrafted furniture by Ron Heatley.
Sample Menu Highlights
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Breakfast: French toast with organic maple syrup, sweet onion scrambled tofu, fruit and nut pancakes, tempeh sausage with miso gravy.
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Dinner: Bean-and-rice burrito cake, lentil rice patties, hearty soups, fresh salads, and naturally sweetened desserts.
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Beverages: Organic Vermont maple syrup, a variety of herbal teas, organic coffees, and fruit juices.
Wellness and Activities
Guests could enjoy outdoor activities such as hiking and swimming, as well as wellness services like massage therapy. The inn occasionally hosted special events and workshops focused on relaxation, wellness, and plant-based cooking.
Accessibility and Policies
The inn maintained a fragrance-free policy to accommodate guests with sensitivities and did not allow pets due to allergy concerns. These policies underscored the inn’s commitment to guest comfort and well-being.
Examples of Guest Experiences
A Vegan Destination in the Green Mountains
Travelers often cited the inn as a rare gem for vegan dining in a rural setting. One guest, as highlighted in PETA’s feature, described savoring a vegan breakfast with French toast and tempeh sausage before heading out to explore the Green Mountain National Forest, returning in the evening for a hearty, plant-based dinner.
A Place for Connection and Relaxation
Guests appreciated the inn’s communal dining and the opportunity to connect with like-minded travelers. The welcoming atmosphere and the hosts’ attention to detail were frequently mentioned in reviews and travel features.
Comparisons and Context
To put the Sweet Onion Inn in context, it’s helpful to compare it with other Vermont inns and bed-and-breakfasts:
| Feature | Sweet Onion Inn | Typical Vermont B&B |
|---|---|---|
| Cuisine | 100% vegan, organic | Traditional New England, some with vegetarian options |
| Room Count | 6 | 6–20+ |
| Audience | Vegan, health-conscious, nature lovers | General travelers, couples, families |
| Setting | Green Mountain National Forest | Varied: mountains, lakes, villages |
| Notable for | Vegan meals, wellness, inclusivity | Historic charm, gourmet dining, outdoor activities |
| Press Coverage | Vegan/vegetarian media | Regional travel, food, and lifestyle media |
Lasting Impact and Legacy
Influence on Vegan Travel
The Sweet Onion Inn’s legacy persists in the growing number of vegan and vegetarian retreats across the United States. Its success demonstrated the viability of plant-based hospitality, inspiring both travelers and innkeepers to embrace more inclusive and sustainable culinary practices.
Memory Among Guests
Though the inn has closed, it remains fondly remembered by those who stayed there. Reviews and features continue to circulate in vegan travel guides and online forums, with many guests expressing nostalgia for the inn’s unique blend of hospitality, cuisine, and natural beauty.
Contribution to Vermont’s Reputation
Vermont is now recognized as a progressive state for eco-friendly tourism and sustainable hospitality. The Sweet Onion Inn played a part in shaping this reputation, helping to establish the state as a destination for conscious travelers seeking both comfort and ethical dining.
The Sweet Onion Inn may no longer welcome guests, but its influence lingers in the world of vegan hospitality and Vermont’s tourism landscape. Through its innovative approach to plant-based cuisine, its commitment to guest well-being, and its integration with the natural beauty of the Green Mountains, the inn set a standard for what a bed-and-breakfast could offer. Its story is a testament to the power of vision, hospitality, and the enduring appeal of places that nourish both body and spirit.
Route 100 PO Box 66
Hancock, Vermont 05748
(802) 767-3734
