With fall in full swing and the days growing colder, there’s nothing better than snuggling by a fireplace and taking in the beautiful views of Vermont’s mountains. Whether you’re seeking a romantic getaway or a weekend with the girls (or guys), Vermont is home to bed and breakfasts, expansive lodges and charming boutique accommodations.
If you’re looking for cozy digs on your next trip to Vermont, this guide is for you.
Bed & Breakfasts
Tucked away in the forests outside of the small town of Bennington stands the Four Chimneys Inn & Restaurant. Perfect for a quiet getaway or a romantic weekend, this historic 1916 bed and breakfast exudes old-warm charm, from its white, wood plank exterior to the four red-brick chimneys for which it gets its name. Stay in one of eleven rooms, each distinctly designed, featuring bright and floral décor or warm, rustic furnishings. Some rooms even come with skylights – perfect for stargazing. In the mornings, enjoy a private country-style breakfast in the dining room. In the evening, end the day with a spectacular sunset from the patio. Nearby, Bennington offers a variety of attractions to experience, from The Dollhouse and Toy Museum of Vermont to Robert Todd Lincoln’s family home.
Chic rooms, a British-inspired pub and Hallmark-movie mountain views are just a glimpse of what you’ll experience when staying at the Rabbit Hill Inn. Located in Lower Waterford near the Connecticut River, this elegant bed and breakfast is a go-to spot for the ultimate romantic escape. Book one of the luxury suites, where you can enjoy a glass of wine in a spa tub, watch the sunrise from your private balcony and cozy up to a crackling fireplace. A buffet-style breakfast is served for all guests in the mornings, along with tea for two in the afternoon. Cocktails are a must at the Snooty Fox, which serves up tavern fare like beer-battered fries, charcuterie platters and pretzel bites with cheese fondue. Elevate your stay with enhanced experiences like a therapeutic massage or a bottle of champagne and chocolate bonbons from Vermont chocolatiers.
Nestled among historic homes on a tree-lined street in Burlington, the Blind Tiger is a 14-room bed and breakfast that blends the opulent styles of the past with modern amenities and décor. Located in a grand brick mansion built in 1881, this boutique hot spot is just a short walk from Burlington’s bustling Church Street Marketplace, home to shops, restaurants and many art galleries. Stay in one of the unique rooms, all sporting Colonial-Georgian and Queen Anne style with a modern twist, from the abstract art on the walls to the original moldings and wood floors. Enjoy a complimentary toast bar daily featuring breakfast nibbles like fresh-baked bread, quinoa, oats and yogurt. Take a moment to explore the jungle-themed solarium, where a mix of exotic plants and artwork is displayed. In the evening, lounge in the living room on the 1970s Swedish sectional and enjoy a glass of spirits from the bar.
Boutique Hotels
Rustic charm meets modern elegance at Edson Hill in Stowe. Located on 38 acres of gorgeous Vermont farm country, this boutique hotel is home to 22 rooms in two spaces, the Manor House or the Guest Houses on the hill overlooking the property. Inspired by country inns of the past, each room is uniquely designed, from the “Live What You Love” room with its barn doors and pink floral accents to the peaceful shades of grey in the “Rise and Shine” room featuring black and white photographs and gas fireplace. Breakfast and dinner are served in the on-site dining room, where you’ll indulge in fresh plates such as honey-roasted cauliflower and seared scallops. Or, stop by The Tavern for pub grub and cocktails – reservations are required.
You’ll find over 200 years of history at The Inn at Montpelier, a grand mansion just a short walk from downtown Montpelier. Featuring 19 rooms, the inn originally served as residences during the town’s settlement before becoming a hotel in 1988. Each room is unique in decoration, featuring a quaint mishmash of historic accents with modern amenities, such as four-post beds, ornate dressers and free-standing sinks. Beyond the inn, you’ll find plenty of activities in Vermont’s capital city. Check out the Vermont State House, take a riverside stroll in Hubbard Park, or visit Bragg Farm Sugar House for a taste of pure maple syrup and candy.
In Ludlow, the Main + Mountain Bar & Motel offers a mountainside retreat near Okemo Mountain. Part neighborhood cocktail bar and kitchen, part 13-room motel, this boutique space features a unique invisible service system. From code-based check-ins to preordering cocktails and a 24/7 self-serve pantry, you’ll never see a sign of the staff. Need anything? Text it, and it will arrive within minutes. Vacation over? Simply leave – you have no choice because there isn’t a front desk. On Thursdays through Sundays, head to the bar and kitchen for cocktails. Cozy up by one of the outdoor firepits, sip a cider margarita and nosh on dishes like pork belly bao buns and creamy pickle dip.
Lodges & Cabins
The only ski-in/ski-out resort in the area, The Lodge at Spruce Peak in Stowe, Vermont, is home to 250 luxury hotel rooms, suites and expansive mountain cabins. Imagine a gorgeous mountain view from your balcony at a 3,000-square-foot alpine cabin outfitted with a full kitchen, massive fireplace and outdoor hot tub. Looking for something more intimate? Book a suite, each unique, with views of the slopes, kitchenettes and a rustic charm. Beyond the accommodations, the lodge has multiple dining options, from the Alpine Hall serving farm-to-table fare in an upscale cafeteria setting to The Whistlepig Pavilion pouring craft beer and cocktails. Nearby activities include skiing, but the resort is perfect for year-round adventures, such as hiking in Smuggler’s Notch State Park or fishing at Waterbury Reservoir.
The hills are alive at the Trapp Family Lodge, another resort in Stowe that will transport you to the mountains of Austria. This lodge is perfect for folks seeking adventure on 2,600 acres in the Vermont Mountains, featuring European-inspired rooms, four seasons’ worth of activities, and delicious dining. Rooms and suites in the Main Lodge give off log cabin vibes with wood paneling, plaid furnishings and rustic décor (accessible rooms are available with roll-in showers). For the VIP treatment, book a villa or chalet. The lodge has multiple dining options, but the highlight is the von Trapp Brewing Bierhall, serving local yagers and hard ciders with mouthwatering pub bites. Of course, adventures await on the grounds, with outdoor yoga, guided forest tours and disc golf in the spring, summer and fall (the leaves are incredible during autumn). During winter, enjoy cross-country skiing and snowshoeing.
Hidden on 140 acres in northern Vermont, Eden Mountain Lodge in Eden Mills offers a complete escape from the modern world. With three private cabins to rent, gorgeous views of the Lowell Mountains and year-round activities, it’s the perfect getaway for the outdoor enthusiast seeking solitude. Each cozy cabin feels like it leaped off the page of a storybook with its rustic décor, antique wood stove and pine floors. The lodge’s biggest stars are the Un-Chained Gang, a team of friendly Alaskan huskies who offer dogsledding excursions in the winter and cart rides during the rest of the year.
In the mountains of Jeffersonville, Sterling Ridge Resort offers a pet-friendly log cabin retreat within the Vermont wilderness. You’ll discover multiple cabin options, such as value cabins perfect for one- or two-bedroom cabins with wood stoves, fireplaces, and views of the pond and picturesque stream. Activities are abundant on the lodge grounds and the surrounding areas. Find nirvana at the on-site spa, where you can indulge in holistic healing via Abhyanga massages (a traditional Indian massage promoting peace – perfect for anxiety) or a Vishesh massage for lethargy and depression. Winter is ideal for skiing and snowboarding at the nearby Smugglers’ Notch Ski Area. And when the weather is warm, canoeing, kayaking, fishing for bass and electric bike tours in the Lamoille Valley.
