By Ahmad Yassir, Vermont Country Magazine.
Looking out the window of your elegant suite at The Reluctant Panther, the Green Mountains rise gently in the distance, framed by the golden glow of Vermont sunlight. In that moment, you realize: this isn’t just a beautiful place to stay, it’s the heart of Southern Vermont’s magic. From the quiet hush of Manchester Village to the velvet touch of Frette bathrobes, everything at the Reluctant Panther is designed to make guests feel like royalty, without ever being out of reach.
“At The Reluctant Panther, it’s about more than just a place to sleep. It’s about creating a space where guests truly feel welcomed. We take the time to get to know our guests, because to us, hospitality is about connection as much as comfort,” said Morgan Ams, Innkeeper at The Reluctant Panther Inn and Restaurant.
Nestled where West Road meets Main Street in Manchester Village, The Reluctant Panther Inn & Restaurant isn’t merely a hotel, it’s a cornerstone of Vermont charm, with a history as compelling as the landscape that surrounds it. Since the 1960s, when Wood and Joan Cornell opened their original bed and breakfast here, the Panther has grown into a symbol of gracious hospitality, independence, and a fierce sense of place.
An Inn Where Details Matter
With just 20 suites and rooms spread across three distinct buildings, the Main House, Mary Porter House, and Carriage House, every stay is steeped in intimacy, elegance, and quiet luxury. Each room blends antique charm with modern comforts, offering fireplaces, marble baths, Malin + Goetz spa products, and a complimentary breakfast basket for two, delivered to your door each morning.
The Deluxe Suites, spanning over 600 square feet, include private outdoor decks and separate living areas, ideal for guests seeking serenity and space. Even the Superior Rooms, at a generous 350 square feet, feature plush linens, fireplaces, and thoughtfully curated furnishings.
“We arrived to a warm fire, fresh cookies, and a bottle of wine waiting for us. Every detail was perfect,” one guest shared in a glowing review, echoing the sentiments of many who return year after year.
A Place to Stay and to Discover
From check-in to check-out, it’s the attention to detail that sets the Panther apart. Daily towel and trash service, complimentary parking, and staff who go beyond to personalize your stay, this is Vermont hospitality elevated.
And yet, The Reluctant Panther isn’t just a place to relax, it’s a launchpad to experience the best of Southern Vermont. Steps away from Manchester’s boutiques, bookstores, and galleries, and just minutes from hiking trails, waterfalls, historic sites, and winter sports, the inn offers seamless access to the Shires region and the surrounding mountains.
“The staff made us feel like royalty,” another visitor wrote. “They helped us book a private distillery tour and even found us a hidden gem of a trail we wouldn’t have discovered on our own.”
Whether you’re fly-fishing in Battenkill, browsing local art at SVAC, or planning a wedding with the mountains as your backdrop, the Panther is more than a stay, it’s a curated Vermont journey.
Dining to Remember
While the focus of this story is on the overnight experience, it’s impossible not to mention the inn’s celebrated culinary offering. Under the helm of Chef Sigal Rocklin, who once noted, “Cooking in Vermont is about telling a story with the seasons,” the Main Dining Room delivers refined, seasonal fare rooted in local ingredients. It’s no wonder Rocklin has been named Vermont Chef of the Year.
Whether you reserve a quiet table for two or join fellow guests on the terrace, dining at the Panther is an essential part of the stay.
A Touch of the Extraordinary
To elevate your visit, the Panther offers a suite of thoughtful extras like champagne, local artisanal cheese plates, floral arrangements, and even in-room massage services. These small luxuries, often prepared on request, transform a simple getaway into something extraordinary. Many of them reflect the lifestyle guests come to Vermont to experience, celebrating local flavors, farmstead cheeses, fine wines, and access to nature’s rhythm through outdoor excursions and nearby recreation. Guests can spend the morning with a gallery stroll or at the Southern Vermont Arts Center, then return for an evening glass of wine under the stars. Nearby festivals, farmers markets, and cultural events mean that your stay can be as enriching as it is relaxing.
The Story Behind the Name
The name “Reluctant Panther” has its roots in both Vermont history and a dash of 1960s wit. Inspired by the elusive panthers of the region, symbols of Vermont’s defiant independence, the inn’s founders chose a name that would intrigue and endure. Joan Cornell once asked her husband why these powerful creatures were rarely seen, and he replied, “They’re reluctant to come down out of the mountains.”
And thus, a legacy was born, one that endures to this day, even in the color scheme. The original brilliant purple façade may be gone, but nods to it remain throughout the building, from shutters to accents, as a tribute to bold beginnings and timeless character.
Your Shires Escape Begins Here
With regal touches, heartfelt service, and a location that seamlessly connects you to the soul of the Shires, The Reluctant Panther is more than a luxurious hotel, it’s a warm invitation to experience Vermont as it should be: elegant, peaceful, and deeply welcoming.
Book your stay today at reluctantpanther.com and discover why The Reluctant Panther is not just one of the best places to stay in the Shires, it’s the one you’ll never forget.
