Southern Vermont offers luxurious lodgings for special romantic getaways

Cue the romance: With its historic Vermont vacation rentals, The Landmark Trust USA has two in particular ideal for a couple’s getaway. The Sugarhouse is a rustic cabin that once served as part of a maple syrup operation (they still tap the nearby maples). The cabin, with a gas-log stove, was a key location for “The Cider House Rules.” It’s close to hiking, biking, skiing – or just relaxing on the screened-in porch. Equally charming is Kipling’s Carriage House, next door to Rudyard Kipling’s Naulakha retreat. It sits on the edge of a forest, above a meadow, with valley views. There’s a gas-log fireplace and ping-pong table. Ask about the Sweet Escape or Green Mountain Getaway packages, that include apple pie, breakfast and snack goodies.

As if Vermont isn’t romantic enough, the Manchester View has several more reasons to make it your go-to place for a couple’s retreat. Tucked in a tranquil valley between the Green and Taconic Mountains, most of the inn’s rooms offer serene mountain views and have rustic, in-season wood- or gas-burning fireplaces as well as one- or two-person spa tubs. You can open your windows to that countryside air, or open your sliding glass door to a private deck or patio, a perfect place to enjoy your complimentary continental breakfast before swimming in the outdoor heated pool or heading out to golf, skiing, horseback and sleigh riding. Ask about adding cake, candy and flowers to your room.

Let Vermont and the village of Grafton sweep you off your feet for your next romantic getaway. Each of the Inn’s comfortable rooms and suites are individually decorated with historic charm and modern amenities. Want to add a little something special to your arrival? Choose from one of the Inn’s optional enhancements, like a bouquet of flowers, chocolate covered strawberries, or a bottle of wine. Spend your time together in Grafton enjoying scenic walks around the village or hiking trails, lounging by the seasonal swimming pond, enjoying dinner dates, or relaxing together on the picturesque front porch.

In the heart of charming Manchester Village, The Reluctant Panther Inn and Restaurant, southern Vermont’s finest small luxury hotel, offers those seeking romantic escapes their choice of 20 rooms and suites featuring antique furnishings, four-poster beds, soaking tubs, fireplaces, marble baths and museum-quality artwork. In the relaxed yet elegantly upscale atmosphere of the Zagat-rated restaurant, you’ll enjoy contemporary American cooking and a Wine Spectator award-winning wine list. From the inn’s patio, watch the sun set over the gardens and Mount Equinox. And what is a getaway without activities: horseback riding, biking, hiking, canoeing, tennis, skiing, gondola rides, sleigh rides, fly-fishing. Vermont and this elegant inn have it all.