Vermont Lodging 2009

LODGING

Best Country Place:
RABBIT HILL INN, Lower Waterford
A Greek Revival gem overlooking the White Mountains, Rabbit Hill defines romance. Most have fireplaces, and many feature double whirlpools and/or canopy beds. The inn also offers a farm-to-table menu in an elegant dining room. Rates: from $199, including afternoon tea and full breakfast. Three-course table d’hôte: $49. 48 Lower Waterford Road. 800-762-8669, 802-748-5168; rabbithillinn.com

Best Chef-Owned Venue:
THE PARKER HOUSE INN AND RESTAURANT, Quechee
Even if you’re not spending the night at this lovely 1857 Victorian overlooking Quechee Dam, don’t miss Alexandra LaNoue-Adler’s superb cuisine. Rates: from $145, including full breakfast. Entrées: from $22. Main St. 802-295-6077; theparkerhouseinn.com

Best Family-Friendly B&B:
SWISS FARM INN, Pittsfield
Double rooms are priced low in summer, including private bath, air conditioning, and a morning repast that kids will love–how about chocolate pancakes? Rates: from $80, including full breakfast. Route 100 North. 800-245-5126, 802-746-8341; swissfarminn.com

Best Romantic B&B:
INN VICTORIA, Chester
Rooms in this elegant 1851 inn overlooking the town green are named after Queen Victoria’s children, and the British owners have decorated them in sumptuous style. Rates: from $115, including two-course gourmet breakfast. 321 Main St. 802-875-4288; innvictoria.com

Best New Luxury Hotel:
STOWE MOUNTAIN LODGE, Stowe
At the foot of Mount Mansfield, New England’s first new grand resort hotel in a half-century sports the style of yesteryear’s “great camps.” Rooms feature relaxation tubs, goose-down comforters, balconies, and oversized windows; fine dining, boutiques, pool, and a 21,000-square-foot spa on premises. Rates: from $435. 7412 Mountain Road. 888-478-6938, 802-253-3560; stowemountainlodge.com

Best Adult Camp:
CRAFTSBURY OUTDOOR CENTER, Craftsbury Common
Ever wanted to take up sculling? Squeeze it in with mountain biking, canoeing, kayaking, and hiking. Lodge rooms and suites with shared or private baths, or private lakeside cabins; meals are hearty all-you-can-eat buffets. Equipment rentals available. Rates: from $179, including three meals. 535 Lost Nation Road. 802-586-7767; craftsbury.com

Best Overnight Cruise:MOONLIGHT LADY, Burlington
Lake Champlain’s stately inland-waterway vessel is a beauty with eight double cabins. This season’s cruises range from one to six nights, and include July’s Champlain Quadricentennial voyages from Burlington to Montreal and Quebec City. Rates: from $299 per person (plus tax and gratuities), including all meals. 348 Flynn Ave. 802-863-3350; vermontdiscoverycruises.com