New England is replete with B&Bs and small inns to suit every taste, and the finalists for the 2012 New England Travel Readers' Choice Award ran the gamut from classic to chic, from seaside to mountainside, from affordable to extravagant.
The winner and runners-up for Best New England B&B or Inn are...
1. ***Winner*** The Inn at English Meadows
Photo courtesy of the Inn at English Meadows, © Christian Giannelli Photography
A Victorian Greek Revival home built in 1860 has been transformed into the Inn at English Meadows: a sleek, chic Kennebunk, Maine, bed & breakfast that offers modern styling and amenities. With three-course gourmet breakfasts featuring fresh, local ingredients and an ideal location just a few minutes' walk from Dock Square in Kennbunkport, the inn consistently earns rave reviews from guests.
2. Chebeague Island Inn
© 2011 Kim Knox Beckius
Situated on an island in Maine's Casco Bay, the historic Chebeague Island Inn is just a 15-minute ferry ride from the mainland, yet it is substantially removed from the frenetic pace of everyday life. Rooms lack televisions, telephones--even alarm clocks, but these devices are rarely missed by guests, who spend their days basking on secluded beaches, biking to the island's clam shack, golfing, fishing and savoring seafood and sea views as the sun sets.
3. Red Clover Inn
Media photo courtesy of Red Clover Inn
Situated near Killington, this 1840s farmhouse turned 14-room Vermont country inn is known for its farm-to-table restaurant. "Whatever your idea of the perfect getaway, the Red Clover can make it happen," raves the Boston Globe's Suzanne Rowan Kelleher in a recent review, and she's far from alone in singing the praises of this recently rejuvenated mountain retreat.
