Southern Vermont offers luxurious lodgings for special romantic getaways

Romance is in the Vermont air at The Reluctant Panther Inn and Restaurant, an idyllic setting for your couples getaway. The boutique inn’s 20 luxurious rooms and suites all feature antique furnishings, fireplaces, marble baths and original artwork. Fall asleep on sumptuous bedding, and wake up to a complimentary in-room breakfast basket for two. Make your stay even more special by adding a bottle of wine or champagne, chocolate-dipped strawberries, house-made truffles or flowers to your room. Or, arrange for an on-site massage. Dine in the relaxed, elegantly upscale restaurant, then enjoy a cocktail on the terrace or in the cozy bar. Plan to spend your days kayaking, golfing, horseback-riding or, in the winter, going for a sleigh ride or ski run. Check the website for seasonal packages and promotions.

Turn your couples night out into a midweek getaway with the Date Night Special at the exquisite Grafton Inn. The package includes a three-course dinner for two in the 1801 Tavern and breakfast in the sunny garden room or patio. The historic inn’s setting in a quintessential Vermont country village is romantic in itself: tranquil and lovely four seasons of the year. Hiking, biking and skiing trails are right in the town, or choose to take a covered-bridge tour or to relax on the patio by the swimming pond. Order chocolate-covered strawberries, wine or flowers to be there when you check in to your spacious, comfortable room or suite. The inn also offers an Anniversary Retreat Package with Prosecco and a candle-lit dinner.

Prescription for a romantic getaway, courtesy of the Lanmark Trust USA properties: Book the cozy, rustic 1915 Sugarhouse, which sits at the edge of a stand of maple trees still used for spring sugaring. (Yes, you may bring your two dogs.) Add in a local treat basket with all the essentials for a hearty breakfast (local maple syrup, pancake mix, coffee, cream, milk, eggs, cheese and more) or the Just Dessert basket with an apple pie and ice cream. Stir in some hiking, biking and, in season, cross-country skiing and snowshoeing, all of which are conveniently nearby. You’re on the historic Scott Farm property, so head over to the Market for coffee and locally made goodies. The farm is where they filmed key scenes in “The Cider House Rules.”

At the Manchester View, perched high on a hill between the Green and Taconic Mountains, they want couples to have the perfect romantic getaway. That’s why they offer celebration enhancements, from cakes and handmade candies to bouquets and balloons. Just let the friendly staff know your ideas, and they’ll do the rest. You’ll fall in love with your romantic suite, with a gas or wood-burning fireplace and perhaps a two-person soaking spa tub. Most have spectacular mountain views, some from private balconies. Nearby activities include scenic hiking trails, including to a waterfall, antiquing, skiing in winter and swimming in summer. There are intriguing shops to explore in towns and villages and great places to dine al fresco or by candle light.