BEST FARMHOUSE RETREAT Meadowlark Inn, West Brattleboro Loll in the hammock or soak in the Jacuzzi while you listen to birdsong and keep a watch for deer at this classic B&B in a beautifully restored 1870s farmhouse. Rates: from $145, including full breakfast. 13 Gibson Road. 800-616-6359, 802-257-4582; meadowlarkinnvt.com BEST BOVINE B&B Shearer Hill Farm […]
BEST FARMHOUSE RETREAT
Meadowlark Inn, West Brattleboro
Loll in the hammock or soak in the Jacuzzi while you listen to birdsong and keep a watch for deer at this classic B&B in a beautifully restored 1870s farmhouse. Rates: from $145, including full breakfast. 13 Gibson Road. 800-616-6359, 802-257-4582; meadowlarkinnvt.com
BEST BOVINE B&B
Shearer Hill Farm B&B,Wilmington
Years before agritourism became a popular concept, guests at this small, out-of-the-way farm were milking the cows and plowing into hearty breakfasts. The rooms–all with private baths–are comfortable and the hospitality impeccable. Rates: $115, including full breakfast. 297 Shearer Hill Road. 800-437-3104, 802-464-3253; www.shearerhillfarm.com
BEST RETRO ESCAPE
Casablanca Motel,Manchester Center
Don’t look for an arcade; join in a game of bocce, volleyball, or croquet instead. The 10 themed cabins (“Norman Rockwell,” “Sugar Maple,” and so on) offer up-to-date conveniences and great mountain views. Rates: from $75. 5927 Main St. (Route 7A) 800-254-2145, 802-362-2145; casablancamotel.com
BEST PLACE TO TOAST YOUR TOES
Maple Leaf Inn,Barnard
Nancy and Mike Boyle have melded country chic with Woodstock sophistication to perfection at their romantic B&B in a Victorian-style farmhouse. Five of the seven cheerful guestrooms offer wood-burning fireplaces; all come with private baths. Rates: from $150, including full breakfast. 5890 Route 12. 800-516-2753, 802-234-5342. mapleleafinn.com
BEST JAMAICAN ESCAPE
Three Mountain Inn,Jamaica
The country-inn experience, with no facet overlooked: antiques, featherbeds, fireplaces or stoves (in 10 of the 15 guestrooms), three-course breakfasts, and dinner in one of only a handful of AAA four-diamond establishments in Vermont. Jamaica State Park is right next door. Rates: from $165, including full breakfast. 30 Depot St. 800-532-9399, 802-874-4140; threemountaininn.com
BEST ISLAND GETAWAY
The North Hero House,North Hero
There’s no city on North Hero’s City Bay–little more than this cozy lakeside inn. Some of the 26 rooms and suites have private balconies and/or fireplaces; most offer splendid lake and mountain views. Rates: from $125, including full breakfast. 3643 Route 2. 888-525-3644, 802-372-4732; northherohouse.com
BEST REFUGE BY A REFUGE
Campbell’s Bay Campground, West Swanton
Canoeing and kayaking are popular pastimes at this Lake Champlain complex bordering a 7,500-acre wildlife refuge, but fishing reigns supreme. The lakefront cottages offer basic but comfortable accommodations; boat rentals are available. Rates: daily from $95, weekly from $525. 200 Campbell Bay Road. 802-868-7258; campbellsbayvermont.com