Our Story
THE Story
An inviting Bed & Breakfast in Clinton, New York
The Arbor Inn of Clinton is located less than one half mile from the Hamilton College campus (25 minutes from Colgate University) and just 10 minutes from the Westmoreland exit #32 of the NYS Thruway. Also operated by the Arbor Inn, are two charming guest suites with private entrance to Williams St. in downtown Clinton.
Situated in the Mohawk Valley of Central New York, our Bed and Breakfast rests on five peaceful acres and provides a quiet country setting, yet the historic Village of Clinton is just a short drive down “the hill” where you can enjoy our local shops and restaurants or stroll around the “New England style” village green.
Our location is also convenient to many area attractions and events including the Turning Stone Casino, the Madison Bouckville Antique Show, and the Utica Boilermaker Race. The neighboring towns of Utica, Rome, Vernon, Oneida, and New Hartford are all within easy driving distance.
The HISTORY
The History behind "Griffin House"
Guests visiting the Arbor Inn on Griffin Rd. in Clinton, NY will see a sign at the front entrance, “The Arbor Inn at Griffin House,” but may not know the history behind the name. Read further to find out the historical significance of the Griffin name as it relates to The Arbor Inn of Clinton.
Nathaniel Griffin and his family were among the earliest settlers of the Mohawk Valley. Arriving here in 1790, Nathaniel purchased a tract of land owned by George Washington and George Clinton, the first governor of New York. Nathaniel is listed on a register dated 1792 as an original contributor to the establishment of the Hamilton-Oneida Academy, which became chartered as Hamilton College in 1812. In 1855, George Griffin, the grandson of Nathaniel, acquired the property where The Arbor Inn stands today. His farm consisted of nearly 100 acres and remained in the Griffin family for 101 years.
The Griffin Homestead was sold in 1957 after the death of Bessie Griffin, who was a legendary teacher in the Clinton school system and one of the first women in the history of Hamilton College to receive an honorary degree. This commemorative event happened just two weeks prior to her death. After the Griffins sold the property, it passed through several owners until it was opened as a Bed and Breakfast in 2000. Today, “Griffin House” is proudly owned by Hamilton College, and has been greatly expanded as The Arbor Inn of Clinton, which includes lodging at the Williams Street Guest Suites.
Descendants of the Griffin family occasionally stop by to visit and they are pleased that their family home, now called The Arbor Inn of Clinton, is being well cared for and enjoyed by so many visitors.
