07/30/2022
Eric and Elizabeth Berger have been the proud owners and innkeepers of the Arlington Inn since October 2001. Elizabeth, who grew up at the Newfane Country Store in Newfane, VT, had always dreamt of moving back to Vermont and owning an inn. She met Eric, on the west coast while working with him at Red Lion Hotel in San Jose CA, in 1994. After having their daughter Katie in 2000 and while pregnant with their son Walter, the couple purchased the Inn and moved cross-country.
The Bergers have raised their two children in Arlington for almost 21 years and have been very active within the community. Elizabeth has been involved in community projects and organizations such as the Arlington Rec Park, Girl Scouts, and most recently The Arlington Common. Eric is known for his beautiful gardens and involvement with area gardening organizations.
The Arlington Inn was built in 1848 as Martin Chester Deming’s private estate. The residence was later turned into a summer hotel in Arlington, Vermont. Today, the Southern Vermont bed and breakfast encompasses four buildings throughout four acres. This includes 16 guest rooms in the Main Inn, Carriage House, and The Old Parsonage, a restaurant and a barn for weddings and events.
The Bergers have put much love and energy into the cartaking of the inn. As it was not just their business, but also their family home. The inn has housed countless of infamous ducks and chickens, cats, rabbits, and the resident inn-dog, 14 year old Marley.
The Arlington Inn has been the venue for many local weddings, parties, and beer and wine dinners over the years. Coming to stay in Southern Vermont had been routine for many regular room guests, and many locals considered the inn’s restaurant a go-to spot. The Bergers will miss the many friends that they have made through the years.
“I will miss so many things about owning the inn and raising my children in Arlington,” Elizabeth wrote. “Eric and I have poured so much of ourselves into our business and this community, and stepping away is a difficult decision. After 21 years of hard work, challenges, and joy, we know that this is the best decision for our family and that we are leaving our home in good hands.”
Eric finds himself reflecting on the privilege of raising his family in Arlington. “You can’t beat the terrific community we have here in Arlington. Everyone is so connected and willing to help out their neighbor. I’m proud to have raised my children in such a safe and community-oriented place that really helped shape them into great people. I wouldn’t have chosen to raise my family anywhere else.”
“This is a very bittersweet time for us,” Elizabeth wrote. “We are sad to close this chapter of our life but also looking forward to relieving some of the stress that owning a business causes. Getting away for vacations and trips while owning the inn has been very tough. We are excited to spend more time with family.”
“We have always tried our best to honor the history and integrity of the Inn and Arlington, and we are confident that Buzz & Tabitha will do so too,” Eric said. “Elizabeth and I hope that you welcome Buzz & Tabitha into the community and support them as you have us and our family these past 21 years.”
