Stately Historical Mansion in New England Countryside

The wallpaper inside The White House Inn was hand-painted nearly a century ago. In fact, much of the decor inside the Victorian-style mansion can make you feel like you’ve entered a time warp: it still has its original light fixtures, an old-fashioned servant-call system, and even a hidden staircase.

Built in 1915 as a summer home for a local lumber baron, the inn is set atop a rolling hill on 16 quiet acres in southern Vermont. Take a walk through its 1.5 acres of gardens, and you’ll find stone terraces designed by English landscape architect John Hall.

Various New England period pieces adorn each of the inn’s guest rooms, which feature one or two queen beds or one king bed draped in elegant linens. Select rooms come equipped with a private terrace or balcony. Come morning, you can dig into a breakfast spread of omelets, pancakes, and more. Later risers can enjoy bloody Mary’s and rhubarb mimosas during live music Sunday brunch.

The White House Tavern offers a casual environment, cocktails, and a gorgeous view of the sunset, while the onsite restaurant has a more upscale feel. Chris Bonnivier crafts gourmet cuisine that can be enjoyed in the original Mahogany Dining Room or on the garden terrace around a fire pit.

Wilmington, Vermont: Charming Small Town in the Green Mountains near Lake Whitingham

A quaint town nestled in the mountains, Wilmington is classic Vermont: family farms set up roadside stands for selling produce, and vintage buildings host gallery displays by local artists. It’s also a haven for outdoor activities in warmer months. The nearby Mount Snow has more than 20 miles of trails coursing through Green Mountain National Forest—perfect for a peaceful hike or mountain-bike ride. You can also take a chairlift ride to the summit, which towers at 3,600 feet. A scenic drive from the inn is Lake Whitingham, also known as Harriman Reservoir. Stop by here for a boat cruise or to fish for walleye and pike.