11 Most Romantic Getaways in Vermont

World-renowned ski resorts such as Smugglers’ Notch, along with well-known towns like Burlington and Stowe, have long put Vermont on the map, attracting both couples and families alike. However, it’s the secluded inns, some of them seemingly hidden in the countryside, that make Vermont particularly worthy of a romantic escape.

From historic icons like the Woodstock Inn & Resort to lesser-known bed-and-breakfasts like the Inn at Shelburne Farms, these are the most romantic getaways in Vermont.

Surrounded by 300 wooded acres, Twin Farms provides an idyllic setting for a romantic, all-inclusive getaway in Vermont. Nightly rates at this Forbes five-star hotel include house-made breakfasts, made-to-order lunch and multicourse dinners (all of which can be ordered to your room); evening cocktails and canapes; and a selection of fine wines, beers and spirits. Guests also have access to a variety of amenties and activities that range from bathing in a Japanese furo (a spiritual ritual in a cedar hot tub) to kayaking, canoeing and paddleboarding on the property’s 9-acre pond.

Romantic accommodations include luxury treehouses and cottages, the latter of which feature cozy fireplaces and screened porches. While Twin Farms is a considered an adults-only resort (guests must be age 14 or older), pets are welcome in the cottages.

For a romantic getaway off the grid, head to The Grafton Inn. Located in the tiny village of Grafton, the historic hotel dates back to 1801, with previous guests including Ralph Waldo Emerson, Ulysses S. Grant, Theodore Roosevelt and Woodrow Wilson. Today, the inn is owned by the Windham Foundation, a local nonprofit whose mission is to preserve Vermont’s rural way of life in the state’s smaller communities.

The Grafton Inn offers 42 rooms, suites and guesthouses. Each room’s unique decor reflects the heritage of the inn; some are located in the main inn, while others are situated across the street in the annex building. Casual dining options include the 1801 Tavern – where you’ll find the Pine Room Bar – and the Phelps Barn Pub, which often hosts live entertainment.

While you’re in town, walk to Grafton Village Cheese to sample its award-winning aged cheddars, and be sure to browse the handcrafted wares at Small Town Forge, a historic blacksmith shop under new ownership. You can also go for a driving tour of the local covered bridges, a dip in the swimming pond or a hike in the area.

Opened in 1892 and later purchased by Laurance Rockefeller – conservationist, philanthropist and founder of RockResorts – the Woodstock Inn & Resort is one of the most iconic hotels in the U.S. Accommodations include six Legacy Suites, inspired by the Rockefeller family and others who shaped the town of Woodstock.

The Red Rooster, an AAA Four-Diamond award-winning restaurant, is a must for dinner, as are tandem treatments at the on-site spa, which features a four-season outdoor courtyard, Scandinavian cedar sauna and whirlpools. Guests also enjoy complimentary admission to the Billings Farm & Museum, a short stroll from the hotel.

While you’re in Woodstock, take time to browse the the eclectic collection of toys, tools and everything in between at FH Gillingham and Sons General Store. The flagship Simon Pierce store in nearby Quechee is also worthy of a day trip; watch glassblowing artists make the actual pieces that are sold in the store before dining at the on-site restaurant, which overlooks a waterfall.

The Inn at Shelburne Farms feels like a secret – and in some ways, it actually is. Tucked away on Shelburne Farms’ sprawling 1,400-acre property, the stunning hotel is located down a winding road reserved for overnight guests or patrons of its farm-to-table restaurant. It’s nearly impossible not to be blown away as the 19th-century building comes within view and you discover that it actually sits on Lake Champlain.

Inspired by the hotel’s past as a country estate, each accommodation is different from the next. Select inn rooms feature antique clawfoot tubs, while the Glass House offers lakefront seclusion and convenient amenities like a fully equipped kitchen. None of the accommodations offer modern technology (though Wi-Fi is available in the lobby); instead, couples can enjoy the simple pleasures of life in the countryside. Order a glass of wine and settle into Adirondack chairs that overlook the lake and gardens, or enjoy a meal at the on-site restaurant, where breakfast and dinner are largely sourced from the property’s working farm. It’s also fun to tour the farm campus, which includes a dairy, a solar orchard and a number of hiking trails.

Note that the Inn at Shelburne Farms and its restaurant are open seasonally, mid-May through mid-October.

For a bona fide resort experience in Vermont, check in to The Equinox Golf Resort & Spa. The expansive property offers nearly 200 guest rooms and suites, a 75-foot indoor swimming pool, fitness classes and a 14,000-square-foot spa. There’s even an award-winning par-71, 18-hole championship golf course.”

Don’t mistake the hotel’s grandiosity for a lack of intimacy, though. Couples in search of romance can tuck into a meal at the cozy Marsh Tavern, open since 1767 and one of four romantic dining establishments on-site. You can also cozy up by a fire pit in the evening, go ice skating in the winter, and practically have the hiking trails to yourselves at any given time – the trails encompass 914 scenic acres in the Green Mountain National Forest. Recent guests praise both the resort and its location in Vermont.

Located in the Mad River Valley, The Pitcher Inn is the perfect place to escape with your partner – whether you plan to hit the slopes at nearby ski resorts or not. Each guest room has one-of-a-kind decor: Some accommodations are rustic and reflect the mountain environment, while others are classically elegant with a historic twist. Couples can make the experience extra special by adding a “Welcome Amenity” (enhancement) to their reservation. Options include the “Romantic Escape,” which includes a prepared fire in their in-room fireplace, Champagne and an intimate dinner for two at one of the on-site dining establishments.

A Relais & Châteaux property, The Pitcher Inn offers farm-to-table fare in the elegant Dining Room, private dining in the Brook Room and casual cuisine at Tracks. A full country breakfast is included in rates. While in town, be sure to browse the beloved Warren Store across the street. There you’ll find everything from a full-service deli and bakery to unique gifts and home decor.

Reminiscent of a French chateau, the Inn on Putney Road exudes romance. Built around 1930, the six-room inn is situated on a stunning riverfront property (a highlight for previous travelers) in Brattleboro, where you and your partner can admire award-winning gardens, fountains, birds and butterflies. There are also 18 miles of trails to explore from the property.

Each of the sophisticated guest rooms is equipped with luxury amenities, such as plush bathrobes and a refrigerator stocked with complimentary snacks. Book the “Romance Package” to have roses, Champagne or wine, and locally made chocolates delivered to your room. A two- or three-course gourmet breakfast is included with each stay, and guests can take advantage of the billiard table, sunroom, board games, conservatory and living room with a fireplace. When you feel like exploring beyond the hotel, downtown Brattleboro is a five-minute walk away.

A B&B with an intriguing name, The Reluctant Panther Inn and Restaurant offers cozy accommodations in Manchester Village, close to Hildene (The Lincoln Family Home) and Mount Equinox. Twenty rooms and suites are situated in three buildings – the Main House, the Mary Porter House and the Carriage House – and all offer top-notch amenities including plush bathrobes, luxury bath products, a fireplace, a refrigerator and in-room breakfast for two, plus parking. Treat yourselves to a meal at the Main Dining Room, a highlight for previous guests. Casual alfresco dining is available seasonally on the patio.

Situated amid lush gardens and pine forests, The Castle Hill Resort and Spa provides the perfect setting for a romantic getaway in Vermont. The inn’s old-world interior boasts period furnishings and artwork among other upscale decor. Guests can choose to stay in a sophisticated Castle Room or condominium-style accommodations. The Castle Suite includes a decorative fireplace, sitting room and private bathroom with Aveda bath products.

Twosomes will enjoy relaxing at the inn by taking a soak in the hot tub or heated outdoor pool (open all year), relaxing in the library, or getting a well-deserved treatment at the spa. A meal in the dining room is a lavish affair with French-inspired American cuisine on the menu, featuring fresh local produce and quality meats for a seasonally changing prix fixe, three-course dinner.

While in the area, make time to visit the quaint town of Ludlow, as well as other nearby attractions including the Plymouth Cheese factory and President Calvin Coolidge State Historic Site.

Perched atop a mountain in Chittenden, Vermont, the Mountain Top Resort yields awe-inspiring views of the surrounding wooded landscape and serene lake. The resort, also a popular venue for weddings, is situated on 700 private acres that afford year-round outdoor activities for all interests and abilities. When it’s warm, guests can hit the hiking trails, use the volleyball and tennis courts, swim in the heated pool, relax at a private beach, go kayaking or paddleboarding, and more. Winter amenities include passes for cross-country skiing trails, snowshoeing trails or the ice skating rink, plus an on-site sledding hill. You can always order a picnic for two, or enjoy the hot tub, s’mores by the fire pit and luxurious spa treatments year-round.

Accommodations take the form of rooms and suites in the Main Lodge, two-person cabins, or large guesthouses for families or groups. Couples might enjoy the privacy of a cozy cabin with a wood-burning fireplace, vaulted ceilings and a kitchenette; some even come with a separate seating area.

Mountain Top Resort offers indoor and outdoor dining with mountain and lake views at the Mountain Top Restaurant and Mountain Top Tavern, and menus focus on locally sourced products.

Reconnect with your partner at the Rabbit Hill Inn, where the guest rooms and suites purposefully don’t have TVs or other technology. Instead, they feature double whirlpool tubs or hydro-massage tubs for two, fireplaces, impressive mountain views, and in select accommodations, porches or sun decks.

Room rates include a full breakfast by candlelight and afternoon tea and pastries. Previous visitors can’t say enough great things about the delicious food and excellent service at the Rabbit Hill Inn.