Glen Sutton

Vibrant and eclectic - Glen Sutton is a "must" to visit

Photo by Eddie Vos, Glen Sutton
By M. Helmuth Starhemberg
The onl;y reason I live in Sutton is that almost 20 years ago a friend invited us to spend a weekend at the Auberge Glen Sutton. For nine years we vacationed there every year, visited on weekends and enjoyed the hospitality which still carries on at the storied hotel. Eventually we moved to Sutton permanently but still cherish our almost weekly visits to "the Glen".
Located on both sides of the Mississquoi river, the village is neat as a pin, the rolling hills of the Sutton massif frame one side, the Green Mountains of Vermont the other. There is hardly a lovlier view to be found than when, after an early morning hike up on of the local hills, a hiker descends back into the valley which may still be shrouded in fog, yet the surrounding mountains stand in their immense beauty, sunlit and stark against the blue morning sky. When the fog lifts, the meandering river, the green expanse of the fields and the cheerful dots of farms and residences appear as in a fairy tale.
There are attractions other than the hikes. There is superb biking, the Bar and Grill at the Auberge, recently re-named "The Red Room", which serves traditional Mexican fare beckons tourists to enjoy the large terrace, or on winter evenings to sit next to the great fireplace.
Across the street from the hotel is the "Outdoor Loge Glen Sutton" owned by Stephen Giesler and wife Joy Wattie. Since 1976, Stephen and Joy have been organizing outdoor adventures in the countryside of Southern Quebec and Northern Vermont. "We cater to pre-arranged groups. Bicycling, skiing, tennis, golf, hiking/walking, kayaking and dancing groups have enjoyed our site during the last 18 years. We welcome groups of 12 - 24 adults. Smaller groups can be included with other pre-arranged groups, i.e. tennis teams, ski families, etc." explains Stephen.

 
Photo courtesy Stephen Giesler
So what else is there? There is a great campground which rents Kajaks, the fishing in the river is good and about one kilometer from the village center is Au Diable Vert. Their brochure explains it better than I can:
"Our 100-year old mountain lodge will take you back in time with bear rugs, antlers and alpine memorabilia. The fully licensed terrace overlooks the Missisquoi river valley with the spectacular backdrop of the Green Mountains of Vermont. Accommodation choices range from all season camping on 35 secluded sites spread over 200 majestic acres, rustic wood-heated cabins to 2-bedroom suites with kitchen and fireplace. Maybe fulfill a lifelong dream with a stay in one of or Treehouse cabins. 14km of private trails with log bridges and interpretation panels, provide direct access to the Sentiers-de-l’Estrie and the over 95km of trails in the Park Sutton and Green Mountain Nature Reserve trail networks. Other activities include guided hikes with a trained tracker, mushroom and plant workshops, daily kayaking tours, moonlight kayaking and in winter snowshoeing, and backcountry skiing. The ski centers of Sutton, Owl’s Head and Jay Peak are only 20min away. Dogs are welcome!"

Log cabin at Au Diable Vert