The Wilburton
The Wilburton
257 Wilburton Dr ., Manchester ; 802-362-2500 ; wilburtoninn . com
Nestled on a majestic 30-acre estate in Manchester , The Wilburton is an inviting oasis for people - and their furry friends . Here , dogs aren ’ t just welcomed ; they ’ re pampered . All guest rooms and vacation homes on the property are dog-friendly except for The Wilburton Mansion , and every guest is treated to a batch of locally-made Wagatha organic dog biscuits .
Melissa Levis , whose family has owned and run The Wilburton for over 36 years , is a deeply-passionate dog lover . Wherever she goes on The Wilburton grounds , their beloved mascot , Jetson , follows close behind . Jetson is a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel who is affectionately referred to as their “ Canine Concierge .” Levis adds : “ Guests travel from around America with their dogs to visit The Wilburton because they know their dogs are truly welcome here . A couple drove 14 hours from Indiana with their two cavaliers for one of our Doggie Slumber Parties and loved it so much that they moved to Vermont ! We know firsthand it ’ s not a vacation unless the whole family can come .”
Together , Levis and Jetson host legendary Doggie Slumber Parties at The Wilburton where guests and their dogs can come together and bond in unique and memorable ways . “ Our annual Canine Christmas Doggie Slumber Party on the first weekend after Thanksgiving each year ( December 6-8 , 2024 ) is our most famous dog-celebrating event ,” says Levis . The festivities kick off with an ugly Christmas sweater doggie fashion show . Additional events include a group stroll through Manchester Village , a holiday party in which a professional photographer captures all of the “ doggone ” cuteness , and a heartwarming pajama party where guests and their furry companions sing carols and the “ 12 Dogs of Christmas ” by the fireplace in matching pajamas .
At “ Cavapalooza ,” Levis and Jetson hosted The Cavalier Brigade , a national dog rescue organization and Cavalier King Charles Spaniels and their owners came from over 46 states . Levis shares , “ It was a 4-night buyout with 60 guests and almost 100 Cavaliers . Talk about going to the dogs !” The event featured ice cream sundaes , a pajama party , and a caricature artist who captured the essence of each furry attendee . “ All breeds are welcome at The Wilburton , but because we specialize in family reunions , I want Jetson to enjoy having his family reunions , too , so Cavaliers always stay at The Wilburton for free .”
Cavapalooza at The Wilburton .
Dogs and owners dressed to impress at The Wilburton ’ s annual Canine Christmas Doggie Slumber Party .
manchester life life magazine 2023 2024 51