When I think of Vermont, I conjure up images of farms, fromage, fine mountain views and fabulous inns and B&Bs. While enjoying a recent ski vacation in the Mad River Valley, I was able to visit four lovely inns and B&Bs. They're an easy one-tank drive from Boston. Simply head north on I-93 to I-89, then connect to Route 2 then Route 100 into Waitsfield, and in three and a half hours or so (depending upon your initial location) you’ll find yourself in Mad River ski country and B&B heaven.

With so many inns and B&Bs in the region, these four were just the tip of the iceberg, or should I say the top of the snowbank. Time only allowed a tour of these four gems, listed here in order of my visits. Ok, I threw in a fifth inn, which I visited in June, 2009 for good measure, just because it's too fabulous to leave out.

Wilder Farm Inn: Decidedly Gen-X in atmosphere, the inn is an eclectic mix of antiques and funky, fun décor. It starts with double parlors, one decidedly Victorian while the other plum-colored and cozy, featuring a large fireplace to warm up beside after skiing. Guest rooms sport vivid color themes ranging from the lime green and black bath to the Heritage Room with a red, white, and blue stars and stripes theme. Fun additions include built-in dressers and a fabulous upholstered bench built into a former closet and decorated with piano pedals. A signature selling point here is the Stay and Clay Weekends. Innkeeper and co-owner Luke Iannuzzi also owns The Naked Potter studio (a name coined for the Raku unglazed or “naked” pottery he created in his studio), located in a distinctive timber-framed barn adjacent to the inn. Luke offers a number of Clay and Stay weekends where guests can try their own hand at the potter’s wheel. All the dishes, pitchers, mugs and vases here are creations of Luke’s, another perk of this inn.

 

Waitsfield Inn: Located in the heart of the village of Waitsfield, this circa 1825 inn is reminiscent of the rambling farmhouses of Vermont, but in this case the house was built as a parsonage. Guests are treated to a number of common rooms including the Great Room with original beams and a large fireplace surrounded by twinkling white lights on the mantle above. Guests love the inn’s bar, including the signature blueberry, raspberry and pineapple vodkas, steeped in-house, and the collection of shot glasses on display there. The Sweet Sensations Sweet Shop is an unusual find yet fitting with the historic feel of the inn. It’s filled with the sort of candies we all grew up with including candy necklaces, candy buttons, hot cinnamon gum and more. Guests are on the honor system to fill a bag and report their totals. Guest rooms easily accommodate families and well- behaved children of all ages are welcomed. Many guest rooms feature multiple beds; two offer lofts accessed through stairways within the rooms.

The Sugar Lodge at Sugarbush: Decidedly more lodge than B&B, this 24-room inn is located less than five minutes from Sugarbush Ski Resort. A welcoming common room, decorated in Woody Jackson prints (a local artist famed for his creation of the Ben & Jerry cows) features a fireplace and plenty of board games and puzzles for family fun. A wine and beer bar doubles as a breakfast bar where a continental breakfast is served each morning. The lodge features a number of rooms with two double beds, accommodating families with children of all ages. Two suites with full kitchens, living rooms with pullout couches, and king beds welcome larger travel parties. A designated stop on the Mad Bus and Sugarbush shuttle routes, the advantage of staying here is the proximity to Sugarbush, making it easy to be first on the lifts. 

West Hill House: Located just a 9-iron drive away from the Sugar Bush golf course, this distinctive inn is an ideal venue for private weddings, functions and ski getaways. Featuring a wide range of common rooms, including a library, game and TV room with a large wide-screen TV along with an organ, guests have plenty of room to spread out here. Most of the guest rooms are accessed through various circular or straight stairways, and each one features a Jacuzzi tub (ranging from doubles to the “jac-cozy” rated as a one-and-a-half tub to singles). In-room fireplaces, sitting rooms, private decks and robes are among the many amenities offered here. In the summer a canopied deck overlooks the inn’s extensive gardens and serves as a second option for enjoying breakfast. The adjacent barn serves as a rustically elegant wedding and party room. A spa room was recently added to the barn so guests can return from skiing and enjoy a single or couple’s massage. The bottomless cookie jar, Twinings Tea caddy and, of course, Green Mountain Coffee Keurig Coffeemaker means guests never go hungry or thirsty. And for those who prefer spirits, the inn offers an extensive wine list available by the glass or bottle.

While I wasn't able to include a stop to the Inn at Round Barn Farm on this trip, it is another Waitsfield gem, totally befitting of a fab four distinction. The rambling farmhouse, distinctive rooms and the beautifully preserved historic round barn make the perfect venue for weddings, functions and more. With extensive grounds, gardens and surrounding hillsides, the setting is equally gorgeous in winter, spring, summer and fall. Don't miss their nighttime snowshoe dinners in the winter and cider pressing in the fall. Okay, so the fab four turned into five. So many wonderful inns in Mad River Valley and so little time; this is a destination begging for a return trip.

For More INNformation:

Wilder Farm Inn, 1460 Main Street, Route 100, Waitsfield, VT 03907, 800-496-8878

Waitsfield Inn, PO Box 969, Route 100, Waitsfield, VT 05673-0969, 800-758-3801

The Sugar Lodge at Sugarbush, 2197 Sugarbush (access Rd ), Warren, VT 05674, 800-982-3465

West Hill House, 1496 West Hill Road, Warren, VT 05674-9583, 800-209-1049

Inn at Round Barn Farm, 1661 East Warren Road, Waitsfield, VT 05673, 802-496-2276

For a complete list of inns and B&Bs in Waitsfield and Warren, visit www.BedandBreakfast.com.

I have had the pleasure of staying at Charleston, SC's  Cannonboro (above left) and Ashley (above right) Inns on several different occasions, during the past eight years, and each experience has been a pleasant one in every way. Each of these sister inns offers guests gracious Southern hospitality, historic lodging in the heart of a major tourist destination, tastefully decorated accommodations, off-street parking, complimentary touring bikes, Wifi, home-baked afternoon refreshments, evening sherry, and gourmet breakfasts which I consider the best morning repasts to be found at a Charleston bed and breakfast inn.

Lodging offered at these sister inns includes a wide range of versatility to best suit whatever need or desire a guest may have. Shown above is a spacious suite (far left) at the Cannonboro Inn, a charming room (middle) at The Ashley Inn with direct access to the piazza, and an all-inclusive carriage house (far right and also located at The Ashley Inn).

During the past twelve years, I have personally experienced the majority of Charleston's finest bed and breakfast inns and boutique hotels. However, I have yet to find a breakfast surpassing the outstanding ones I have consistently enjoyed at The Ashley and The Cannonboro Inns. The Ashley Inn has been featured on Country Inn Cooking with Gail Greco on PBS, and recipes from each of these inns are proudly featured in a cookbook/travel guide (Lowcountry Delights Cookbook and Travel Guide) co-authored by my daughter and me--recipes often selected to serve at our book signings. Breakfast at The Ashley Inn is served in the formal dining room (left photo above), and breakfast at The Cannonboro Inn is served on the inn's circular piazza overlooking a well-tended garden (or inside during cooler weather).

Each of these sister inns offers special packages, gift certificates, and on premise catering for weddings, receptions, and other events. To offer so much, the rates found at these two Charleston inns are amazingly value-based. I highly recommend considering a visit to one or both of these delightful B&Bs whenever in the Charleston area.

A Best of BedandBreakfast.com award winner, the Inn at Harbor Hill Marina offers seaside accommodations just minutes from Mystic, CT. Ask boaters about the Inn at Harbor Hill marina, and they’ll tell you it’s the perfect stopping point for those traveling to or from Long Island Sound. Ask inn guests, and they’ll rave about the great water views. Anyone who loves being near the water and the chance to watch boats will enjoy it here. Even if boats are not your bag, the welcoming hospitality at the Inn at Harbor Hill Marina makes this a great choice for visitors to Mystic Country.

Located at the top of the gangway from the Harbor Hill Marina, Dave and Sue Labrie have created a welcoming retreat with a whimsical, nautical feel. Enter into the living room, and you’re enthusiastically greeted by Dave, Sue or one of the assistant innkeepers, and given a tour of the inn. Here B&B also means beverages and biscotti, which are available 24-7, along with a complimentary glass of wine, beer or soft drinks. I stayed in a water view room, and I encourage you to make your reservation early to reserve one of these rooms. The picture window looks out onto the marina through glass so spotless, my photos of the marina came out as though there was no window there at all. While the rooms aren’t palatial, there is plenty of space for two people to be cozy, especially with an eco-friendly fireplace adding to the ambiance. The rooms have all the modern amenities including complimentary wi-fi, telephones and TVs.

I think what stands out for me most here is the warm hospitality of Dave and Sue, who are genuinely interested in their guests. They’ve created printed itineraries and directions to just about anywhere guests might want to go, and will make recommendations for things to do and places to see, eat and enjoy. Here’s one inn where you enter as strangers and truly do leave as friends. Whether visiting for business or boating, The Inn at Harbor Hill Marina offers welcoming “slipshape” accommodations.The INNside Skinny: Come by boat and stay at the Inn at Harbor Hill Marina, and $1.00 per foot comes off your transient slip fee. Check out the many value-filled packages offered year-round for additional savings, too.

More INNformation:

Inn at Harbor Hill Marina, 60 Grand Street, Niantic, CT 06357, (860) 739-0331, info@innharborhill.com

Skippers Seafood, 167 Main Street, Niantic, CT, 860-739-3230, www.skippersseafood.com

During my childhood, I often vacationed at Florida beaches. The drive always seemed to take forever, especially those long stretches of nothingness that provided absolutely no fodder for automobile bingo. However, a recent drive to a New England oceanside destination was pleasantly different. The countryside I meandered through was picturesque and punctuated with exclamation points of history at every turn. There were no areas of nothingness or sameness in these parts, nor were there topographical clues that I was approaching a magnificent and expansive ocean vista.  

I have an affinity for bold colors artistically woven into a color scheme of interest and good taste. However, I love the crisp white color motif found throughout A Beachhouse Oceanfront B&B. The beaches of New England do not have the sugary white sands of Florida beaches. Yet, the monochromatic whites gracing the decor of this charming B&B beachhouse suffices for me and conveys an airy beach feel. Located on a private beach, just 20 feet from the ocean, the sound of swooshing waves and salty breezes completes the beachside magic. From the inn's common areas and sundeck, guests are able to enjoy the beauty of Cape Cod Bay and beyond. Though the guestrooms (two) and baths are not capacious, they are welcoming and comfortable. For guests desiring a larger area, the garden level's Sandcastle Room (shown above), provides more space as well as additional privacy.  

A delicious breakfast is prepared and served each morning by Denise and Jack, the resident owners/innkeepers who have a knack for making guests feel special and wanted even before their arrival at the inn. The beautifully presented meal is enjoyed by guests either in the seaside dining room or alfresco on the sundeck. Breakfasting at Oceanfront B&B, while drinking in the ever-changing ocean view and chatting with the inn's gracious hosts and other guests, provides the perfect elixir for beginning a new day in old Cape Cod.

Fine dining opportunities are available for guests staying at A Beachhouse Oceanfront B&B, including special privileges at the nearby White Cliff's Country Club where upscale dining may be enjoyed in a high-style atmosphere. In addition to enjoying a delicious dinner in the dining room of White Cliff's Country Club, I also enjoyed a delectable lunch at Isaacs' Restaurant (shown above left) in the midst of historic Plymouth with an unobstructed view of The Mayflower II (shown above right).