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Enjoy New England Charm at These Award-Winning Inns Print E-mail
Written by Tess Kirkpatrick   
The words New England conjure up images of ivy-covered Colonial homes, fall foliage, antique shops, and quaint villages right out of a Norman Rockwell painting. This region, which encompasses the states of Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont, Massachusetts, Connecticut and Rhode Island, is all of that and much more. A visit to the region offers everything from spectacular scenery to some of the most fascinating historic sites in the United States.
by TessKirkpatrick


The words New England conjure up images of ivy-covered Colonial homes, fall foliage, antique shops, and quaint villages right out of a Norman Rockwell painting. This region, which encompasses the states of Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont, Massachusetts, Connecticut and Rhode Island, is all of that and much more. A visit to the region offers everything from spectacular scenery to some of the most fascinating historic sites in the United States.

A trip to Boston, New England's largest city, is a staple of any tour of the region. After exploring the historic sites of the city and surrounding area, you can head to Cape Cod, Nantucket and Martha's Vineyard for a seaside experience. Perhaps you want to enjoy the scenery of rural New England. If so, drive along Route 7 through Massachusetts, Connecticut and Vermont and you'll find plenty of fall foliage and quirky villages to enjoy. Another option include exploring the coastal towns of Maine, where you'll find lighthouses dotted along the rugged shoreline.

Travel writer Karen Brown offers up some excellent itineraries in her guidebook about New England, as well as on her website, Karen Brown's World of Travel. As for where to stay, Karen Brown's readers have voted and chosen the following four lodgings as the region's best.

If it is romance you seek, book a stay at the Lodge at Moosehead Lake. Located in Greenville, Maine, this inn was voted by Karen Brown readers at New England's "Most Romantic," lodging. Set on seven acres of lawns and gardens, this idyllic retreat offers views of Moosehead Lake and the mountains beyond. The hand-carved beds add a special touch to the guest rooms in the main lodge. There are four suites in the carriage house, and each offers something unique, such as a two-person Jacuzzi tub surrounded by river rock or perhaps a deck with a spectacular lake view. The innkeepers are experts at pampering their guests, and the property offers plenty of places to relax. The huge deck commands a wonderful view. The pub, which is stocked with board games and a pool table, offers a wide selection of beverages, including several signature cocktails. Dinner at the inn includes plenty of Maine specialties, as well as lake and mountain views.

If you long for the Norman Rockwell experience, book a stay at Maple Leaf Inn in Barnard, Vermont. The picturesque white Victorian farmhouse, the recipient of the Karen Brown Readers Choice Award for New England's "Warmest Welcome," is surrounded by 16 wooded acres. The interior is decorated with hand-stenciled walls, handmade quilts and unique samplers created by the innkeeper. Antiques and king-size beds decorate the guest rooms, most of which also have a fireplace and whirlpool tub. Gourmet breakfasts are served by candlelight in the inn's dining room.

Chosen for the "Greatest Value" award by Karen Brown readers, the Whaler's Inn in Mystic, Connecticut, offers reasonably priced accommodations spread among several different buildings, some of which are historic. Several suites and rooms include a fireplace or a view of the Mystic River. The inn has a four-star restaurant, which serves up Italian specialties for lunch and dinner. The inn is just a block from the Mystic River, and close to shops, museums and the local aquarium.

The Wauwinet on Nantucket Island combines everything you could possibly want in a New England Inn. It is little wonder why this luxurious oceanfront haven earned the Karen Brown Readers' Choice Award as New England's top "Splendid Splurge." The guest rooms and cottages are beautifully appointed and each has been individually decorated, including fine linens and country antiques. The vast grounds include a private beach, and guests can enjoy the sea by land or on the Wauwinet Lady, which cruises Nantucket Bay. Natural history tours, cooking classes and even a ghost tour are just a few of the fun activities available at the inn. Topper's, the inn's award-winning restaurant, is an absolute delight and offers a selection of 20,000 different wines. The inn also has a full-service spa. With all this pampering, you may want to stay on as a permanent resident.

About the Author:

Tess Kirkpatrick enjoys writing about boutique hotels in New England and travel destinations. For more information on travel in New England or for comprehensive New England itinerary details, check out the Karen Brown online guide today.
 
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