Back to Woodstock

The Lincoln Inn & Restaurant at the Covered Bridge

From $295/night • Score: 4.8★ (390 reviews)

Exterior 1Exterior 2Interior 1Interior 2Surroundings

First Impressions & Architecture

Approaching The Lincoln Inn & Restaurant at the Covered Bridge feels less like arriving at a commercial hotel and more like being welcomed into an extraordinarily curated, deeply historic private country estate. Tucked away in a secluded natural enclave just moments from the storybook village of Woodstock, Vermont, the property immediately commands attention through its picturesque integration with the surrounding landscape. Spanning six pastoral, impeccably manicured riverside acres, the inn is defined by its dramatic backdrop: the majestic Green Mountains rising in the distance, the gentle, hypnotic rushing of the Ottauquechee River, and, most notably, its immediate neighbor—the historic 1877 wooden Lincoln Covered Bridge.

As you turn off the country road and cross the threshold of this intimate sanctuary, the sensory transition is absolute. The architectural vernacular is a masterclass in classic New England heritage seamlessly married with understated, contemporary luxury. The historic structure wears its decades with profound grace, featuring weathered timber siding, crisp white trim, and classic gabled rooflines that echo the rugged topography of the Vermont wilderness. Yet, step inside, and the rustic exterior gives way to a refined interior world characterized by muted, sophisticated earth tones, artisanal millwork, and an abundance of natural light pouring through oversized windows framing the river and the iconic red bridge just outside.

The arrival experience is purposefully unhurried and deeply personal. There are no cavernous, impersonal lobbies or bustling check-in counters here. Instead, guests are greeted by attentive, intuitive hosts who offer a bespoke welcome—perhaps a locally crafted cider or a glass of chilled white wine—setting an immediate tone of relaxed exclusivity. The air carries the faint, comforting scent of burning hearth wood and fresh pine, instantly melting away the stress of modern travel. Every architectural line, every carefully restored timber, and every thoughtful spatial arrangement is designed to honor the rich history of the Ottauquechee River valley while providing the uncompromising comfort expected by the modern luxury traveler. It is a stunning visual and atmospheric prologue to a truly transcendent Vermont getaway.

The Room Experience

Accommodations at The Lincoln Inn maintain the property's overarching philosophy of intimate luxury, offering a private sanctuary designed for absolute repose. Each guest room and suite is individually styled, ensuring that no two stays are identical, yet all share a common thread of exquisite craftsmanship, plush comfort, and an acute attention to detail that elevates them far above standard country inn offerings.

Upon entering your room, the eye is immediately drawn to the artisanal touches: custom-built hardwood furnishings that pay homage to local woodworking traditions, sumptuous king or queen beds dressed in impossibly high-thread-count Egyptian cotton linens, and heavy down comforters that invite deep, restorative sleep. Layered textures are a signature of the interior design, with hand-woven wool rugs resting on wide-plank hardwood floors, and walls painted in soothing, nature-inspired palettes of slate gray, moss green, and warm cream. Large windows frame living, moving postcards of the property—some offering direct, mesmerizing views of the swirling Ottauquechee River, while others capture the verdant embrace of the surrounding mountains or the weathered timber architecture of the historic covered bridge.

Modern luxury is woven invisibly into the historic fabric of the rooms. Thoughtful amenities abound without ever disrupting the serene, unplugged aesthetic. Guests will find whisper-quiet climate control, high-speed Wi-Fi, cleverly concealed flat-screen entertainment systems, and bedside USB charging ports. The bathrooms are veritable private spas, featuring heated tile floors that provide a welcome touch during crisp Vermont mornings, expansive walk-in glass showers with rainfall showerheads, and deep soaking tubs ideal for unwinding after a day of hiking or exploring. Artisanal, locally sourced botanical bath products fill the air with fragrances of balsam fir and wild lavender, turning a simple routine into a deeply sensory ritual. Turndown service is a nightly delight, featuring drawn drapes, fluffed pillows, and sweet treats crafted in-house by the culinary team, ensuring that every element of your private quarters contributes to a profound sense of well-being.

Signature Amenities & Atmosphere

The true magic of The Lincoln Inn lies in its ability to foster an atmosphere of profound tranquility and secluded luxury. The public spaces are designed to act as extensions of a grand, sophisticated private home, encouraging guests to linger, converse, and disconnect from the frenetic pace of everyday life. At the heart of this communal experience is the cozy library parlor—a sublime sanctuary featuring towering bookshelves filled with literature and local history, comfortable velvet armchairs, and a magnificent stone fireplace that crackles with hardwood logs on cooler evenings. It is the ultimate spot to curl up with a vintage hardcover and a glass of small-batch bourbon as the sun dips below the Green Mountains.

Step outside, and the six pastoral riverside acres become your private playground of natural beauty. Meandering walking paths wind their way down to the banks of the Ottauquechee River, where weathered wooden benches invite guests to sit in absolute silence, listening to the water cascade over ancient stones and watching local wildlife navigate the pristine valley. The proximity to the 1877 Lincoln Covered Bridge is not merely a visual bonus; it serves as a central anchor for the property’s distinct sense of place. Guests can stroll across the historic wooden span, capturing timeless photographs or simply appreciating the masterful 19th-century engineering that has withstood the elements for nearly a century and a half.

Unlike larger, more sterile luxury resorts where service can feel transactional, the atmosphere here is intimately familial yet professionally immaculate. The staff operates with an invisible efficiency, anticipating needs before they are articulated—whether that means setting up a private riverside seating area with a curated picnic basket, arranging private guided fly-fishing excursions on the river, or simply ensuring your favorite fireside chair is open when you return from an afternoon hike. Every amenity, from the quiet corners of the library to the sweeping mountain vistas just beyond your doorstep, is calibrated to deliver a restorative, deeply authentic Vermont escape.

Food, Drink & Local Nightlife

While the setting and accommodations are undeniably alluring, the culinary program at The Lincoln Inn is arguably the crowning jewel of the entire experience. Operating as a true destination dining inn, the property attracts epicurean travelers from far and wide, cementing its reputation as a powerhouse of contemporary New England gastronomy.

Evenings at the inn center around the highly celebrated multi-course chef tasting menus. These culinary journeys are a masterclass in synthesis, brilliantly marrying refined European culinary techniques with the hyper-local bounty of Vermont terroir. The kitchen maintains close, symbiotic relationships with surrounding organic farms, foragers, and artisanal cheesemakers, ensuring that every ingredient tells a story of the local landscape. Diners might be treated to exquisitely pan-seared local trout accented with foraged chanterelles and a delicate white wine reduction, followed by perfectly rendered venison paired with a reduction of Vermont maple and tart wild berries. The pacing of the meal is deliberate and theatrical, with each course introduced by knowledgeable servers who explain the provenance of the ingredients and the inspiration behind the pairings. An exhaustive, expertly curated wine cellar offers rare vintages and biodynamic selections that elevate the tasting menu to dizzying heights.

The culinary journey does not conclude with dinner. Each morning, guests are treated to an included gourmet breakfast that completely redefines the morning meal. Far from a standard continental spread, breakfast here is a bespoke affair featuring items like freshly baked brioche, delicate herb-infused omelets utilizing farm-fresh eggs, house-cured meats, and rich local coffees—all served in a sun-drenched dining room overlooking the river.

When it comes to local nightlife, the surrounding Woodstock area offers an upscale yet rustic charm. Guests seeking a post-dinner digestif can venture into nearby Woodstock village to experience sophisticated cocktail lounges housed in historic brick buildings, intimate taverns pouring local Vermont IPAs, and seasonal cultural events. However, many find that the most compelling nightlife option is simply returning to the inn’s library parlor or sitting by the river under a canopy of stars, letting the symphony of the flowing Ottauquechee River provide the soundtrack to the night.

Who This Stay Is For

Practical Travel Notes