During December, classic inns and charming B&Bs across New England dress up in holiday finery and open their doors to visitors during special inn-to-inn tours. Whether the theme is "cookies" or simply holiday splendor, this is a unique opportunity to peek inside some of the region's prettiest inns during this warm and wonderful season. Some tours are open to day visitors, but why not plan a weekend away to fully enjoy the magic of the season?
December 6, 2008: The annual Stockbridge Main Street at Christmas festivities in Stockbridge, Massachusetts, include a chance to visit some of the classic town's finest B&Bs, inns and historic homes, all decorated in their holiday finery. 413-298-5200
December 6 and 13, 2008: On two December Saturdays from noon until 4 p.m., tour historic and other lodging properties in the Manchester, Vermont, area. Each is decorated for the holiday season and will serve a special treat. Tour tickets include a bag filled with special holiday shopping offers and gifts from local businesses. Proceeds from the inn tour will benefit the Komen Vermont-New Hampshire Race for the Cure. There will be a breast cancer survivor at each property to greet visitors. 802-362-1163/802-362-1793.
December 6 and 13, 2008: Tour festively decorated B&Bs and inns in four New Hampshire towns during two Saturday afternoons from 1 to 4 p.m. You'll enjoy homemade treats at each of the stops in Bethlehem, Franconia, Lisbon and Sugar Hill. Tickets are just $10 per couple and include an ornament: the perfect souvenir of your tour. 603-444-2600.
December 7, 2008: Camden, Maine, hosts a busy weekend of Christmas by the Sea events December 4-7, 2008, and on Sunday, December 7, members of Bed and Breakfasts and Inns in Camden will open their doors for holiday tours from 1-4 p.m.
December 13-14, 2008: Get in on the yummy fun as 15 participating inns in New Hampshire's Mount Washington Valley offer visitors an opportunity to sample holiday cookies and candy. You'll take home recipes for the sweet treats you've sampled, and if you visit all 15 inns, you'll receive a keepsake ornament and a chance to win a $250 gift certificate for the participating inn of your choice. Though you need not stay overnight, you'll get two free tour tickets if you stay two nights at any participating inn. 800-233-8309
December 13, 2008: Visit Cape Cod's grand oceanfront resorts, intimate B&Bs and historical sites, all decked out in their holiday best. 508-945-5199