Romantic Inn with Great Restaurant - any recs.?

[lupaglupa]

I want a great place for an overnight with my DH for our anniversary. Can anybody give me a recommendation? I'd like it to be in a rural (or ruralish) area, have a great restaurant and nice rooms for not a stunningly high amount of money (say $400 total). We're up for anywhere in Upstate New York, Hudson Valley or Western Connecticut (also New England but I'll post there for those ideas!). Proximity to a natural area where we can hike/walk would be a plus. Thanks for any ideas!

[pobo]

The Homestead in Greenwich is a lovely inn with a top-rated restaurant (Henkelmann's). My sister is going there in June to celebrate her 10th wedding anniversary.

[eatermom]

We love Stonecroft in Ledyard, CT. It's close to Randall's Ordinary (which is reputed to be haunted) and to the casinos, but it's very rural and the restaurant is one of the top rated in CT. We ususually stay in Shubel or Sarah's room. They're not in the main house, but they're where the restaurant is. Nice place.

[hauswriter]

Bernard's in Ridgefield CT and adjacent inn; The Elms also in ridgefield.

[meg944]

Inn at Erlowest (near or maybe in Lake George) just got a new young chef, Jason Baker, a few month's back. We went to his previous, eponymous restaurant and were very impressed.

[jspear]

Check to make sure Jason is still there, he moves A LOT!!!

[momof3]

I have stayed at and enjoyed fully both the Boulders in New Preston Ct. and the Emerson Inn and Spa in or near mt trempor ny. They both offer spa services and have very good restaurants, service and beautiful room options. We stayed at the Boulders in a free standing cottage that has a fireplace, private terrace, and great bathroom with jacuzzi that fits (at least) 2 :)
Have a great time and let us know where you go.

[riverhound]

just up nys thruway(87) to new paltz, lake mohonk and the mohonk house....

[shopgirl]

http://www.castlehillinn.com/

[jackieparis]

I'd love to hear more ideas about places closes to NYC (Hudson Valley, Conneticut, NJ)

[markabauman]

This place may be a little far, but it definitely fits the bill for beautiful, romantic, great spa and restaurant. It's in the Auburn, NY (near Finger Lakes) area:

www.mirbeau.com

[L_W]

LOVE this place...but it is very expensive.

[Avalondaughter]

Would you settle for a romantic restaurant with accomodations nearby? The Iron Forge Inn in Warwick/Bellvale is beautiufl, has fantastic food, and is as romantic and cozy country atmosphere as you could possibly find. (It's on a set back country road). Right up Route 17A is a charming B&B called the Peach Grove and if you go in the other direction towards Greenwood lake there is an inn as well. There are three or four other B&Bs within a 20-minute drive as well. The area has tons of hiking option as part of the Appalchian trails runs through this area.

www.ironforgeinn.com

[billpitcher]

Hotel Fauchere in Milford, Pa., where New York, New Jersey and Pennsylvania meet.

It's a fully restored boutique hotel with an excellent restaurant and a really cool bar. It opened about two years ago.

The town and surrounding towns are full of antique shops, hiking trails and waterfalls.

[MMRuth]

I agree - it's a wonderful place. I posted a report on the Pennsylvania board after a visit there for my fortieth birthday two years ago.

http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/380446

[corky]

mohunk mountain house has a lot of hiking and the setting is beautiful

[Marge]

Agree that the setting is beautiful, but, unless it's changed in the few years since I've been there, the food is vile.

[corky]

i did the buffet recently and it was nearly ok...but oh that setting

[wincountrygirl]

The food hasn't changed - it is vile.

[chaz]

The Boulders-New Preston, CT
Mayflower Inn-Washington, CT

[otisman]

You must be thinking of the Old Inn on the Green in New Marlboro, MA. Fabulous restaurant. http://www.oldinn.com/directions.php

[moma1bud]

Glenora Inn, (part of Glenora Vineyard) near Watkins Glen State Park. Gorgeous lake views, private balcony, fireplace in room, jacuzzi tub for two (you have to go for the best room, but mid-week isn't too pricey) they have snowbound pkgs with dinner included, (maybe breakfast too I can't remember) wine and champagne in room,excellent restaurant. Hiking in Watkins Glen is awesome too.

[kerryfood]

We really like the Friends Lake Inn in Chestertown NY. Their rates are rather high, but include breakfast and dinner, and the food has always been terrific (and the wine list very impressive). Depending on the time of year, you can either hike or snowshoe/cross country ski on premises - in winter you are very close to Gore Mountain for skiing, and in summer the lake is right there. We've always had a great, relaxing time. Wherever you go, have fun!
http://www.friendslake.com/

[jspear]

I always forget the Friends Lake Inn, I have never stayed there but Love the food...

[kerryfood]

I'll admit - the food outshines the accommodations in my opinion, but that's not difficult given the caliber of the food! The accommodations are cozy and comfortable, and it's great to be able to enjoy the wine and food and then just wander upstairs - and I love breakfast, so theirs is a highlight for me as well.

[agent99]

friends lake inn definitely. was there in january mid week. we were almost the only ones there, meal was great. room was typical inn but very nice and we were in the basic room. the fireplace area and jacuzzi rooms we peeked in were quite romantic though.

[billpitcher]

My wife and I used to do an annual trip to Friend's Lake Inn, but the overall quality seems to have declined over the last few years. The restaurant is still excellent, although our breakfast on our last visit was rather pedestrian. Just not worth the four-hour trip.