ARTICLE: New York State is a great place to live. And, not only does it have an array of wonderful cities and rural destinations all its own, it also has easy access to all that New England has to offer. So, if you are seeking a quick getaway, here are six destinations – all within a six hour or under drive of New York City. Happy travels.
Connecticut: The Interlaken Inn has been around since 1892. Situated on stunning Lake Wononscopomu in Lakeville, CT, this resort has much to offer work-weary weekenders. Surrounded by the Litchfield Hills, this inn is easily accessible to the Berkshires, high-end outlet shopping, excellent restaurants and an array of outdoor activities and sightseeing. Guests can chill by the pool, whack some tennis balls, paddle down the Housatonic River, experience trail biking or simply sit on the expansive front porch with a good book. Guests may also choose to enjoy one of many spa offerings at the Ellora Spa located on site. Treatments include a hot-stone hand facial, deep-tissue master’s sports massage and many more. Additionally, this inn is pet-friendly and a Connecticut-certified green hotel. Accommodations vary from a secluded lakeside cabin to cozy rooms in the main inn.
Visit: www.Interlakeninn.com.
Maine: The Black Point Inn is located in Prouts Neck, a very private piece of land in Scarborough, ME that spills out into the sea. This area is such a point of beauty that Winslow Homer, the American landscape painter and printer, once called this area home and made this rugged coast the subject of many paintings including, “High Cliff, Coast of Maine; and Weatherbeaten. The Black Point is the ultimate Maine seaside resort and is nestled on nine acres and surrounded on three sides by water and beautiful beaches. Guests will be wowed by the attention to service and detail and by the many recreational and cultural activities offered in the area. Guests may choose to head into Portland for the day to test their skills on the Lucky Catch, an unforgettable excursion on the waters of Casco Bay where the captain will guide guests through the daily routines of a Maine lobsterman; or they may opt to explore the Portland Museum of Art.
Its collection contains more than 17,000 fine and decorative works of art dating from the 18th century to the present. What’s most important is that at the end of their day, they return to the Black Point Inn to indulge in an amazing meal at one of the two dining rooms, the more casual Chart Room or the fine dining Point Restaurant. Built in 1878, the Black Point Inn also offers a beautifully-manicured 18-hole golf course, hiking and running trails (including an Oceanside Cliff Walk past the studio of Winslow Homer), miles of sandy beaches, tennis a geothermal heated swimming pool and exclusive beach club. This inn is truly legendary for its location, amenities and down east hospitality.
Visit: www.BlackPointInn.com.
Massachusetts: The Red Lion Inn in Stockbridge, MA is steeped in history. It actually dates back to a general store in 1773. Since then, it has undergone many renovations and owners, but what remains the same is its commitment to quality and excellence. Surrounded by the beautiful Berkshire Mountains, the Red Lion Inn is the perfect base if you are planning to attend the infamous Tanglewood (the summer home of the Boston Symphony orchestra) music festival or perhaps visit the Norman Rockwell Museum. In the winter, it is easily accessible to several of the region’s ski resorts such as Jiminy Peak or Butternut.
The inn is also close to hiking and biking trails, golfing, canoeing and other outdoor activities. Many areas of interest are all within a short walking distance of the inn. When it comes to food, guests can choose from one of several dining arenas- the elegant main dining room, the cozy Widow Bingham’s Tavern, the casual Lion’s Den pub, or, in warmer months, the flower-filled Courtyard.
Visit: www.redLionInn.com.
New Hampshire: The Woodbound Inn is located in Rindge, NH on the shores of Lake Contoocook. It sits on more than 120 acres of forest in the heart of the Monadnock region, home to Mount Monadnock, long known as one of the most frequently-climbed mountains in the world. Monadnock’s bare, isolated and rocky summit provides expansive views and multiple hiking trails ascend the mountain. It was in 1892 that the inn first opened to year-round fun. It recently underwent a renovation that includes a new state-of-the-art kitchen.
It also offers its guests a wide array of activities – whether it’s hiking, biking or snowshoeing on nearly 12 miles of trails; or golfing a USGA par-three golf course or swimming at its private beach, there is something for everyone. Guests may often be seen sitting on the front porch helping to shuck some corn or snap some peas for the evening’s dinner. The overall feeling is laid back, inviting and relaxed.
Visit: www.WoodboundInn.com.
Rhode Island: Edgewood Manor is a bed and breakfast located in Providence, RI. Most of the guest rooms and common areas are situated within this 1905, Greek Revival mansion. Elegant antiques and exquisite artwork abound. Next door sits the Charles Newhall House, which also offers accommodations decorated with Victorian and Empire furnishings. Five fireplaces make this an ideal fall or winter getaway, but spring and summer also have their enticements. The Edgewood Manor is 25 minutes to exclusive Newport, known for its famous Newport mansions. It’s also less than an hour to the Foxwood Casino. Breakfast is served daily in the two dining rooms and/or on the outdoor patio (weather permitting). Luncheon and dinner suggestions are readily available and the Providence and Newport areas are privy to some of the top restaurants in New England.
Guests may enjoy a 30-minute gondola excursion along the Woonasquatucket and Providence Rivers. A gondola can accommodate up to six passengers. Kids (and adults too) may like the nearby Roger Williams Park and Zoo – one of America’s premier historic urban parks and listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Visit: www.Providence-Lodging.com.
Vermont: The Inn at Manchester is based in the lush Green Mountains of Manchester, VT. Situated on four, park-like acres, it’s been open to guests for nearly 75 years. The grounds include beautiful gardens, a winding brook and relaxing hammock for a lazy summertime read. Guests may enjoy a dip in the pool or simply watch the world go by on its front porch. Top-notch shopping, dining and recreation are also just a short walk away. Any season is the right season for a visit to the Inn at Manchester. In summer there are craft shows, music and art festivals, golf, fishing and theater.
Fall delivers a blaze of color; winter offers a diverse collection of outdoor activities such as skiing and snowmobiling. Antiquing, gallery hopping and shopping are available all year round. Luxurious sheets and handmade quilts adorn the comfortable beds and guests will feel like they have taken a step back in time. An ample country breakfast and unequivocal hospitality await you.
Visit: www.InnatManchester.com.
Disclosure: no fee or consideration was provided to the author or NewYorkNetwire.com by any company or agency. Opinions and recommendations are based solely on the personal experiences of the author, Liisa Sullivan. © 2011 – all rights reserved.
