Rabbit Hill Inn
48 Lower Waterford Road
Lower Waterford, Vt.
800-762-8669, 802-748-5168
What we liked most: The Mulcahys are warm and welcoming hosts. Eager to find out what activities we would like to do, they helped make them happen.
What we liked least: There are reminders of the inn's name everywhere, from stone sculptures to dolls to napkin holders. These were charming, but if former guests don't stop sending rabbit accoutrements to the Mulcahys, the theme could get . . . overworked. Remember the tendency of bunnies to proliferate if you don't keep an eye on them.
What surprised us: In a seemingly chaotic world, how quiet and serene it can be in this lovely part of the Northeast Kingdom.
You know you're at Rabbit Hill Inn when . . . Leslie Mulcahy rushes to the door to greet you with a smile and a cup of coffee, or lemonade, or cider, or a cosmopolitan.
Rates: Doubles $195-$350, including breakfast. Three-course dinner $43 per person. Romantic special touches, including champagne picnics for two, a surprise party with a balloon bouquet, handmade truffles, in-room massages, even a customized personal Stave puzzle with loving message, are $70-$120.
Directions: About 165 miles, or a three-hour drive from Boston. Take Interstate 93 north through New Hampshire to exit 44, Waterford, and turn left onto Route 18 north to Vermont. Follow carefully for two miles (it bears to the right). Turn left onto Lower Waterford Road. Rabbit Hill Inn is on the corner.
