The Hugging Bear bed & breakfast and teddy bear shop - an Victorian residence circa 1850, is an enchanting b'n'b in the Vermont tradition. Located in Chester, Vermont, the Hugging Bear features a wonderful shop with the finest selection of Teddy Bears in the Northeast.

Country Inns and Teddy Bears are both symbols of warmth, closeness and family ties. They belong together! Teddies of every size and personality give the Inn a homey touch all its own. The Teddies have plenty of company in the shop. You're likely to find anything from aardvarks to zebras and a lot in between.

We have the largest selection of Steiff collectibles, artist bears and Muffy Vanderbear in the Northeast. You will find puppets (Folkmanis and others), Webkinz, Gund, Boyd's, Bearington, Princess, Douglas, jewelry, cards, cups, shirts, hats, books and endless other bearaphernalia.

You'll stay in any of six guest rooms and suites blending 19th-century charm and modern touches, each with a private bath and air conditioning. Rooms accommodate couples, singles, and families. Wake up to a hearty country breakfast where seconds are encouraged and there is plenty of Vermont maple syrup for your pancakes. Relax on a spacious wrap-around porch, in the living room, or the cozy den featuring wireless internet access, cable television, and a cheerful fireplace.

Georgette Thomas, the innkeeper and keeper of the bears, welcomes children of all ages to this lovely Victorian Inn filled with laughter and Teddy Bears. This place is enchanting and magical. It is a place to remember the child in all of us and have fun!

Inn History

In 1850, a unique Italian Colonnade home was built and situated across form the village green in Chester, Vermont. It saw many years, many seasons and went through many changes. It had different owners, was a schoolhouse for a period and went through the Victorian era, which changed this home into a beautiful Queen Anne style Victorian home by adding a tower, bow windows and a big wrap around porch. Circa 1905, a Carriage House was constructed on the property. One of the finest examples of carriage barns in New England, it shares the Colonial Revival style - notably the gambrel form of roof - with several contemporary Chester village buildings. The projecting loft gable and the pyramidal-capped cupola distinguish the finely executed barn.

In 1982, this Victorian home went through another transformation when it was renovated to accommodate guests with a private bathroom in every bedroom. The Hugging Bear Inn was born and continued to welcome families, children, and everyone from all over the world that love Vermont, enjoy a Bed and Breakfast Inn and, most of all, have a passion for Teddy Bears. Teddy Bears, you ask? Yes, the theme of the Hugging Bear Inn revolves around teddy bears, family, fun, collecting and enjoying the lovely countryside of Vermont.

Not long after the Inn was established, the Hugging Bear Shoppe began. It's a gift shop that quickly grew from one to four extensive rooms of the finest selection of teddy bears in the Northeast, with over 10,000 teddy bears and similar products available for purchase.

In 2005, The Hugging Bear Inn and Shoppe ventured into the online world with the launch of its online store. Now, everyone from all over the world can enjoy the Teddy Bears and their friends by purchasing directly over the Internet.

Despite the changing times and seasons, you always get friends for life at The Hugging Bear Inn And Shoppe.