by
Isabelle Raffin
| Jan 12, 2022
As you plan your next vacation or long-weekend getaway, let’s take a journey through New England to tour some of the top bed and breakfasts. We can’t wait to feel the warmth of a cozy fireplace and taste the scrumptious scones already! New England is the perfect part of the country to enjoy B&B’s year-round. You can witness the seasons change, wake up to mouth-watering breakfasts, lounge on comfy sofas, and take advantage of outdoor activities around picture perfect towns and villages. Some boast of romantic views of the sea while others are nestled in town among beautiful woodlands and gardens. Consider the following list of top B&B’s for your next trip!
MAINE
Topside Inn
Boothbay Harbor, Maine
Expect a warm welcome at this picturesque, seaside getaway. It is a beach house style B&B with the most stunning, panoramic views of the Boothbay Harbor in Maine. On a clear day, you feel like you can touch the sky as it is situated on a quiet hill at the highest point of the harbor. Its wraparound porch with comfy rocking chairs and outdoor dining tables is a favorite gathering place for guests wanting to experience the morning light or witness romantic sunsets. Light, bright and airy rooms with modern furniture fill three guesthouses sitting on four private acres of land—and all rooms have amazing views of either the harbor or a variety of colorful gardens! Breakfast at this B&B is so much more than just food. It’s an event. Hot gourmet entrees are the norm like lemon-ricotta pancakes with Maine blueberry compote and crisp, applewood-smoked bacon. Yum! The locally sourced breakfasts are so good they are open to the public by reservation. Things to do include sailing, kayaking, botanical gardens, lighthouse tours, local restaurants, art galleries and local festivals.
VERMONT
Stone Hill Inn
Stowe, Vermont
If you’re looking for a romantic getaway in Vermont, the Stone Hill Inn is your next travel destination. Seclusion, quiet, and luxury are the name of the game here, hidden from the main road and nestled among nine acres of woods and gardens. This intimate lodge will take your breath away. Couples can expect comfortable guest rooms with king size beds, fireplaces, two-person jacuzzies and separate entrances to the gardens. Guests are treated to a three-course gourmet breakfast at individual tables for each guest room in a dining room with 14-foot ceilings and surrounded by windows. Stone Hill is nine minutes from some of the best skiing in New England. Spring, summer, & fall activities include water sports, local beaches, zip lining, hiking and biking trails, horseback riding, and golf. It’s also minutes from the quaint village of Stowe with its food and wine restaurants and craft shops. Couples can get lost together here at this private retreat.
NEW HAMPSHIRE
Pickering House Inn
Wolfeboro, New Hampshire
Located in the heart of downtown Wolfeboro, New Hampshire and a stroll away from Lake Winnipesaukee, this modern inn mixes luxury with a relaxed vibe. Recently renovated, the inn offers ten spacious guest rooms and suites that serve as individual havens with queen/king size beds, large windows, fireplaces, comfy seating and views of downtown, mountains, and gardens. Pickering House boasts of tasty breakfasts from its executive chef in The Gathering Kitchen, afternoon treats, and special dining events in The Barn at Pickering House. Guests can enjoy board games, books and puzzles in the library, have a sip of wine on the wraparound porch, or gather around the outdoor fire pit on a crisp night. There’s plenty to do in the area as well. Take your pick from hiking, swimming, snowmobiling, and skiing to museums, free concerts, and shopping. Pickering House can also assist in custom itineraries and adventure packages to help you experience the region like a local.
MASSACHUSETTS
Captain David Kelley House
Centerville, Massachusetts
Looking for a homey and charming B&B on the cape? This Traveler’s Choice winner on Tripadvisor may be your next destination. This fun, charismatic place to lay your head is a renovated sea captain’s home originally built in 1835 in the quaint, Cape Cod seaside village of Centerville. Guests have their pick of six impeccable rooms designed to exude a cozy, comfy feel. Owners Rick and Tom host an entertaining breakfast called The Scone Wars throughout the year. It’s their own baking competition and guests are the winners, tasting delights like Cranberry-Orange Nut or Blueberry-Banana-White Chocolate scones all while Rick and Tom sing and strut to music. But they don’t just do scones! Enjoy entrees like maple-cinnamon french toast with fresh strawberries, quiches, and eggs benedict with key lime hollandaise. Guests can sit and enjoy meals in a beautiful screened-in porch overlooking manicured lawns and gardens and when done can take a pleasant 10-minute walk to Craigville Beach on Nantucket Sound. Its central location is a nice home base for exploring all of Cape Cod.
CONNECTICUT
Steamboat Inn
Mystic, Connecticut
This nautically themed inn is situated on the Mystic River in the heart of Historic Downtown Mystic. Each of its eleven rooms are tastefully furnished for comfort and convenience and the staff is accommodating and welcoming. A full breakfast is included with a variety of hot and cold dishes and complimentary refreshments are served all day. In the evening, enjoy some sherry and cookies on the house. Guests can watch boat traffic sail under the famous Bascule Drawbridge from their rooms or stay busy visiting the many attractions in this active seaport town. Mystic features great things to do like the Mystic Seaport Museum, Mystic Aquarium, some of Connecticut’s finest seafood restaurants, unique shops, galleries, local wineries, and nearby Foxwoods and Mohegan Sun casinos. The Steamboat Inn is the only waterfront property in Mystic, so take advantage of the views from this Connecticut treasure!
RHODE ISLAND
Cliffside Inn
Newport, Rhode Island
A restored Victorian manor house, Cliffside Inn beautifully combines elegance and history with lots of antiques, an inviting wraparound porch and bay windows. The house was first built in 1876 and just enjoyed a 2019 renovation. Each of its 16 luxurious rooms and suites feature rich color palettes, uniquely designed furniture, and gas fireplaces for guests to enjoy. There are gourmet breakfast options and complimentary afternoon wine and refreshments daily. At the heart of Newport’s Historic District, it is steps away from the scenic Cliff Walk and within walking distance of the beach, shops, and restaurants. Guests can also explore historic Newport’s Gilded Age mansions nearby where the rich used to frolic and be merry. Cliffside Inn is a worthwhile escape for anyone looking for enchantment and great hospitality rolled into one.
AH-3634