The Romantic.com

The Mountaintop Inn, Chittenden, Vermont

submitted by: Sheree Bykofsky

If you’re in the mood for romance, head straight for the Mountaintop Inn. It’s the perfect place for a honeymoon, romantic getaway or wedding – in any season. With its understated country elegance, the Mountaintop is cozy, rustic and pristine all at once. Nestled deep in the woods of Vermont, the first thing you see when you enter its lovely foyer is a view of the reservoir out the back window. How stunning, to have climbed six miles up a mountain and to see sparkling blue water! Then, when the helpful,professional staff – you can tell they truly love their jobs – escort you to your room, you’ll be greeted by huge beds with luxurious down pillows, Ralph Lauren bedding, antiques, and beams and floorboards of pine, oak or maple. (Try to reserve the Anglers Retreat with a balcony and a panoramic view of the reservoir and mountains!) If you’re planning a wedding, you’ll have to reserve the entire inn: this ensures that the staff can give its undivided attention to your big day. And if you’re just planning a quiet getaway, you can rest assured that the staff won’t be too overwhelmed by a huge event to see to your needs.

If you ever make it out of your room, you’ll want to head downstairs to the beautiful lobby, where you can read a book by the fire. And when you get hungry, the Inn’s divine restaurant offers beautifully-presented gourmet meals; in warm weather, you can dine outside on the patio. Or try the Highland Tavern, the Inn’s pub, for a more casual atmosphere.

And of course, you’ll want to hit the great outdoors! In winter, nearby Killington Mountain offers the best downhill skiing in the Northeast, and it’s only eleven miles away from the Inn. I re-learned to ski at their Perfect Turn Ski School! At the Inn itself, there’s cross-country skiing and snowshoeing: if you’d like to take lessons, ask for Kevin, a wonderful teacher. Or take a sleigh ride with your sweetie: you’ll huddle under blankets as Clydesdales pull you along. Right outside the inn, the steep hill to the reservoir is transformed into a toboggan run when it snows; you’re guaranteed to feel like a kid again. Afterward, warm your toes by the woodburning stove in the activity center as you sip steaming soup or hot chocolate.

In warm weather, float around the reservoir in a pontoon boat, play par 3 golf, try horseback riding (everyone from rookies to seasoned equestrians is welcome!) or play croquet on the croquet court that morphs into an ice-skating rink in the winter months. If you’re an autumn visitor, you’ll be amazed by the lush, fiery foliage; take a long hike and drink it all in.

And the day spa is open any time of year, with massage, aromatherapy, and much more. Get ready to relax! The Mountaintop Inn is the perfect place for an intimate weekend – or an elegant country wedding. (http://www.mountaintopinn.com)

Sheree Bykofsky is the author of The Best Places to Kiss in and Around NYC and the 52 Most Romantic Dates in and Around NYC