The Shire Inn takes its name from its location at the seat of Orange County, Vermont. In the early days, counties in Vermont were called "Shires", which in England, was the name given to the domain of an earl.

Did you know that the "shire reeve" became the modern day "sheriff"? And his territory was a "riding"; the distance he could ride in one day. Ridings are modern day electoral districts in many Anglo-Saxon countries. At the Shire Inn, you do not have to ride anywhere. The local sheriff will not call in. Just relax and enjoy Central Vermont's "old world" hospitality.