Lareau Farm & American Flatbread, Waitsfield, Vermont

By Erin on October 5, 2014

Lareau Farm in Waitsfield—home to a classic, 13-room Vermont inn and the original American Flatbread—isn’t the type of place I would normally consider staying. We usually opt for B&Bs and inns that have personality but are more luxurious than our own home. But when I needed two rooms for one night during the beginning of foliage season, the homey, down-to-earth Lareau Farm came to the rescue. We were headed up to Mad River Glen for the Grift’s 15th anniversary party and didn’t want to drink and drive, so we booked a room last minute at Lareau for $90 (and a $10 shuttle ride in Alpine Limousine). It was the only inn in the Mad River Valley that didn’t require a two night minimum or charge close to $200—and had last-minute availibility.

Staying at Lareau Farm is definitely a no-frills experience, but the inn has a coziness and quaint Vermont feeling that makes you feel at home—like you’re staying at Grandma’s house. I was surprised we actually really liked it. The rooms weren’t very large (it’s an old farmhouse dating from 1794), but the entire building was remarkably clean, the beds comfortable and the grounds great for exploring. We met two cats while on the property (one named Peter decided Randy’s lap was the place to be), and two pigs… one of which escaped and was doing laps around the property when we arrived, chased by a gaggle of giggling kids. Make sure you wander around the meadows and woods and also visit the staff garden, where the two pigs live when they’re behaving themselves.

The property is a working farm with two-acres of organic veggies for the restaurant and inn breakfasts. There are many trails for exploring, hiking or mountain biking, porches for sitting, unwinding and relaxing, a bench overlooking the Mad River (a great picnic or late-night drink spot) and a delicious, to-order breakfast waiting for you—for us, a pick-your-own omelet and 12-vegetable hash. The breakfast was one of the better ones we’ve had in an inn in Vermont, complete with strong local coffee, banana chococolate chip cake and fresh fruit.

Close to Mad River Glen and Sugarbush, and about half-way between Warren and Waitsfield on Route 100, Lareau Farm would be an ideal place to stay for a skiing vacation in Vermont or for people who prefer to spend more time exploring the outdoors than indoors. I could see the common areas, with well-worn couches, games and snacks, perfect, being the perfect homey gathering space for friends meeting up for a ski vacation. If you want to experience classic, yet somewhat rustic, Vermont, Lareau Farm is a great place to say. Just be sure to set your expectations, and you’ll really enjoy the comfort and coziness of the Inn at Lareau Farm.

Local’s Tips:

Make sure you get into the reservation book, so your experience is as stress-free as possible. We had a bit of a reservation mixup, but the owner was extremely apologetic and took care of the situation.
Lareau Farm is pet friendly! Yes, they allow well-behaved dogs, which can be hard to find in Vermont.
If you want to eat at Flatbread, request a reservation on the waiting list when you call to book your room. It’s a popular spot and often packed. Our favorite wood-fired pizzas on the menu are the Cheese & Herb (simple perfection), the Punctuated Equilibrium and the Pepperoni & Peppers. Start off with a local beer and the Evolution Salad, and you’ll be a happy camper.
We stayed in the room Remembrance, which is one of the two rooms with a shared WC. The window didn’t open and it was quite tiny (I must of hit my head on the sloped ceiling five times), so I would opt for a larger room next time for a few extra bucks. From the rooms we saw, I liked Respect the best.
If you’re looking for a rustic wedding venue in Vermont, Lareau Farm offers a celebration barn pavilion, which is quite budget-friendly. I’ve seen some beautiful photos over the year from Lareau weddings. Worth a look!