the history of the Inn
In the enchanting hamlet of Simonsville, nestled within the picturesque town of Andover, Vermont, stands this charming Inn & Tavern—a living piece of history that echoes the spirit of a bygone era. This quaint hamlet finds its place along the gentle eastern slopes of the Green Mountains, where the whispers of history mingle with the rustling of leaves.
Andover, a gem in southern Windsor County, was originally chartered by the Royal Colony of New Hampshire in 1761, embracing a sweeping area that included what is now the neighboring town of Weston. By 1799, the town was officially divided into east and west sections, birthing the separate entities of Andover and Weston. The natural boundary between these two towns is marked by the rugged peaks of Markham Mountain and Mount Terrible, which once made travel and communication a challenging adventure.
Simonsville, once spelled Simons Ville, was named in honor of Edward L. Simons, a visionary who bought the building to life in 1826. Back in those days, rural stage stops like Simon’s Inn were far more than mere resting places; they were vibrant hubs of community life, where travelers and locals alike gathered for social events, exchanged news, and shared tales of distant lands.
with its dual role as a post office (serving from 1826 to 1950) and a general store,
was a beacon of convenience and camaraderie.
The Inn's story moved to the next chapter in 1910 when it was purchased by Frederick Rowell, giving the establishment’s name up until 2024, The Inn has remained a steadfast sentinel of Vermont’s past. Its rural isolation has preserved its charm, shielding it from the rush of modernization that swept through the region. Today, it stands as a living testament to Vermont's settlement era—an era before railroads, urban sprawl, and the transformation of rural hill communities into bustling towns.
As you wander through the serene landscape of Andover and come upon The Inn BEtween, you’ll find yourself stepping into a chapter of Vermont’s rich tapestry, where history and nature dance in harmony, and where the echoes of the past invite you to linger and explore.
Hello friends & families of the historic Rowell’s Inn .
We are excited to be a part of this wonderful building’s history and a new chapter in its book of hospitality. We look forward to hearing the personal stories of people that have spent time here. The laughs, the tears and every moment in between. We felt a love for the building from the first moment we entered its decorative doors and recognized the hard work and dedication from its previous owners. We are not the first and we will not be the last to open these Doors and offer a warm bed and a great meal . Right now we are spending this time, renovating. We will preserve its classic structure as we patch and paint our way to reopening. As it has gone through name changes in the past we will also be changing the name. The new name is “The Inn Between “ as it magical lies between multiple wonderful locations. The Tavern will also have a new name. “The Which Way Tavern” more than once have we been asked in our short time here. Which way is it to Chester, Londonderry, Springfield, Weston? We also realize change is hard for some will be refereed to this majestic building as the name they grew to love it as. As always it will be warm, fun place for families and friends to call their second home. We love and respect the history of this building and looking forward to be a part of the community. All input and stories are appreciated and welcomed. We will keep you all posted as we progress. Thank you all and looking forward to clinking a mug of your favorite beverage! Cheers!
Sincerely
Brigitte and Jason Fijal
Jan 17, 2024