Lodging
The Free Ride Edition of the Vermont Bike and Brewery Challenge gives you the flexibility to decide your own accomodations. Here are some suggestions for each of our destinations. This is an incomplete list, so let us know if you have other solid options to suggest. Any lodging option that offers a discount to participants in the Vermont Bike and Brewery Challenge will be included on the site (and lauded appropriately). If you are really looking to do this on the cheap, we have had good experiences just laying out a sleeping bag in some field by the side of the road (with the owner's permission, of course).
Burlington (August 25th. Also to be considered for the night of the 24th and 29th, at the beginning and end of the trip):
Hotels
Courtyard Burlington Harbor Hotel: Located right downtown with stunning Lake Champlain views. Early supporters of the Vermont Bike and Brewery Challenge.
Willison Road: Several moderately priced chain hotels are about a mile up the hill from downtown.
Hostel
The Burlington Hostel: Inexpensive lodging in a terrific downtown location. Indoor space for bicycles.
Camping
North Beach Campground: Public campground in Vermont's largest city.
Courtyard Burlington Harbor Hotel: Located right downtown with stunning Lake Champlain views. Early supporters of the Vermont Bike and Brewery Challenge.
Willison Road: Several moderately priced chain hotels are about a mile up the hill from downtown.
Hostel
The Burlington Hostel: Inexpensive lodging in a terrific downtown location. Indoor space for bicycles.
Camping
North Beach Campground: Public campground in Vermont's largest city.
Stowe (August 26)
Inns
Green Mountain Inn: Right in the center of Stowe, the best choice if you don't mind paying a bit to stay right in the center of the action (well, the action for Stowe).
Stowe Inn: Another place right in town. The rooms in their "Country Lodge" are a bit more affordable.
Camping
Gold Brook Campground: This is the way to do Stowe on the cheap. Only a couple of fairly flat miles to the town center.
Green Mountain Inn: Right in the center of Stowe, the best choice if you don't mind paying a bit to stay right in the center of the action (well, the action for Stowe).
Stowe Inn: Another place right in town. The rooms in their "Country Lodge" are a bit more affordable.
Camping
Gold Brook Campground: This is the way to do Stowe on the cheap. Only a couple of fairly flat miles to the town center.
Waterbury (August 27)
Inn
Old Stagecoach Inn: Owned by a father / son team, this place is known for its outstanding breakfast. Located right in downtown Waterbury, it is walking distance to the Blackback Pub and the Prohibition Pig (former home of the Alchemist Pub and Brewery).
Camping
Little River State Park: Camping right on the lake. On the website it says that it requires a two night reservation, but they make an exception for bicyclists. Just give them a call. A five mile ride from downtown Waterbury, but a beautiful and inexpensive place to spend the night.
Old Stagecoach Inn: Owned by a father / son team, this place is known for its outstanding breakfast. Located right in downtown Waterbury, it is walking distance to the Blackback Pub and the Prohibition Pig (former home of the Alchemist Pub and Brewery).
Camping
Little River State Park: Camping right on the lake. On the website it says that it requires a two night reservation, but they make an exception for bicyclists. Just give them a call. A five mile ride from downtown Waterbury, but a beautiful and inexpensive place to spend the night.
Middlebury (August 28)
Inn
Swift House Inn: Dan and Michelle run this distinctive inn ideally situated right near downtown Middlebury. Dan biked across the U.S. in 2008 and might join us for a ride.
Camping
Rivers Bend Campground: Just over four miles outside of town, this appropriately named campground offers sites to be able to camp right by the bend in the river.
Swift House Inn: Dan and Michelle run this distinctive inn ideally situated right near downtown Middlebury. Dan biked across the U.S. in 2008 and might join us for a ride.
Camping
Rivers Bend Campground: Just over four miles outside of town, this appropriately named campground offers sites to be able to camp right by the bend in the river.