15 New England Historic Inns

The beautiful brick-laden Mill Street Inn is conveniently located only one block from the waterfront in the Historic Hill neighborhood. The National Historic Landmark building was originally used as a mill in the 19th Century but has been repurposed as a 23-room hotel with studio, deluxe and townhouse suites.  

The rich exposed brick and original beams throughout the hotel are a perfect blend with upscale furnishings and plush linens. Guests love the harbor views and complimentary Continental breakfast from the rooftop patio in the summer, and the short walk to plenty of shopping and dining choices on nearby Thames Street.  

The oldest operating inn in the United States, the Wayside Inn has been greeting travelers since 1716 at its historic address. The inn, once known as Howe Tavern, gained worldwide acclaim following a visit from Henry Wadsworth Longfellow in 1862 that resulted in a collection of poems known as Tales from the Wayside Inn.  The inn was renamed to honor Longfellow in 1892. It was later owned by American business mogul Henry Ford.  

The bed and breakfast offers 10 guest rooms, including two historic rooms that date back to the late 18th Century. The hotel is a popular destination for group events like weddings because of its beautiful, expansive woodland area and more than 125 acres of grassy fields.

This federal-style building has received a few facelifts since President Washington stayed here in 1789, but plenty of the original craftsmanship and woodwork remains. Now known as The Merchant, this quaint boutique hotel has 11 stylish rooms with modern furnishings and luxury touches. 

The boutique offers a fine selection of tastefully appointed king and queen rooms, with super-soft linens and impeccable furnishings. Ask for the George Washington King Deluxe Suite if you want to sleep in the same room the newly-elected President chose in the 18th Century.

Lenox was a hotbed during the Gilded Age in the 19th Century (1865-1901), attracting notable names like Carnegie, Morgan, Vanderbilt, and Westinghouse. The Hampton Terrace Inn was one of the original "Berkshire" cottages constructed in 1897 to act as a summer residence for the elite. It was converted to a bed and breakfast in 1937. 

The tastefully updated 14 cottage rooms feature period antiques and vintage fabrics coupled with today's modern appliances. Twelve of the rooms have fireplaces and 10 suites have spa tubs.

The Red Lion Inn is another prime Berkshire hotel that's a popular stop for history buffs. The inn has a history dating back to 1773, and is rich in Colonial charm. Over the years, the hotel has grown to include not only the Main Inn, but also the country-inspired Maple Glen and other village houses. 

The 125-room hotel has a family-friendly approach: Pets are allowed, and guests love the heated pool and hot tub, live entertainment and fitness center. Dining options range from fine dining to casual fare.

The Old Sturbridge Inn & Reeder Family Lodges offers 39 modern hotel rooms right next to the historic Old Sturbridge Village. The property includes the 10-room Oliver Wight House built-in 1789. It is listed on the National Historic Register. Heritage travelers love visiting Sturbridge for its rich New England history, village, and numerous museums.  

Guest rooms feature modern conveniences but still retain the classic feel of a colonial inn. Guests enjoy the outdoor pool during warm-weather months, as well as the fire pit and workout room.  

A former mill complex, the Porches Inn is a must-visit in the revitalized town of North Adams. The simple-yet-elegant hotel is best known for its lengthy veranda that connects its six buildings. Inside, 47 lodge rooms offer chic-yet-classic designs that will be the highlight of your vacation. Rooms feature unique decor and are individually furnished.

The quaint hotel has a number of signature touches, including a healthy continental breakfast served daily, as well as the popular Porches lunchbox. Guests can choose from a number of king and queen rooms, with or without a porch.  

For a touch of more recent history, visit the European-inspired Four Columns Inn in  Newfane, Vermont. This 138-acre property has been entertaining dignitaries since 1965 and has earned a reputation as a cultural center in southern Vermont, known for its healthy living and sustainability. 

Rooms at the inn showcase the vibrant history of Windham County, the local towns and the surrounding woodlands. They are a unique mix of antiques, fine linens, and new furniture. Most rooms have king beds and Jacuzzi soaking tubs.  

The Dorset Inn is Vermont's oldest continually operating inn, first opening its doors to guests in 1796. The country inn has 25 individually designed guest rooms and suites. Most rooms feature elegant appointments such as Oriental rugs, marble floors, and walk-in showers.  Guests rave about the comfy lodging and delectable bistro-style treats at the historic red dining room. 

The hotel is a popular destination because it's close to Manchester as well as near several historic attractions like Hildene (the Lincoln Family Home), Southern Vermont Arts Center, Dorset Theater Festival and Weston Playhouse Theater.  

The Norwich Inn is so close to Dartmouth, it's no wonder that its first proprietor was a graduate of the historic college way back in 1797. It's only a mile from Hanover and continues to retains much of the classic country charm that has brought visitors to its doors since Colonial times.  

The present-day hotel offers guest rooms with all of today's modern conveniences. The Main Inn presents 17 rooms with a classic New England appeal. Walker House was added in 2010 and has an additional 18 rooms. The Ivy Lodge has four additional residences. 

With roots dating back to the early 19th Century, the Wakefield Inn is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The original home was built in 1804 and remained a private estate until 1890, when it became an inn. The current bed and breakfast offers five guest rooms with a king or queen beds.  The inn has a three-sided fireplace and wrap-around front porch with views of the village. 

The acclaimed Wakefield Inn Restaurant offers dinner service to guests and the public. Guests love the flawless local flavor at the restaurant and the live jazz on Sundays in the front sitting room. 

The Hartstone Inn is a Mansard-style Victorian home originally built in 1835 that has been converted into one of Maine's most unique bed and breakfasts. Only steps away from the picturesque Camden harbor, the 21-room inn is perfectly located in mid-coast Maine near hiking, lighthouses, ferry rides, golf and plenty of arts. 

Dining at the Hartstone Inn begins with a tasty breakfast, but don't sleep on the hotel's signature gourmet lobster roll picnic basket, five-course dinner menu or extensive wine list. 

The Griswold Inn has roots dating back to 1776 and is one of the country's oldest operating inns. This authentic New England inn is located on Main Street in the historic seaport village of Essex, Connecticut, often recognized as one of the Best Small Towns in America. The inn offers 33 unique guest rooms and three dining choices only a short walk from the town's many galleries, boutique shops, and fine dining, as well as the Connecticut River and the Essex harbor. Rooms range from a standard room to a family cottage and include junior, deluxe and superior suite choices.  There are three awe-inspiring dining choices (Historic Dining, Taproom and Wine Bar), each with its own remarkable flavor and extraordinary menu.

For more than 100 years, guests have been vacationing at the Camden Harbour Inn. The Victorian-era inn has a traditional white clapboard exterior and European design. The unique hotel sits high on a hilltop and features large picture windows and a wrap-around porch with break-taking views of Camden Harbor, Penobscot Bay, and the surrounding mountains. 

Guests can choose from 20 lodge rooms and suites that have been expertly planned and designed with an emphasis on comfort. 

Nestled on 1.2-acres of lawn and gardens, this Queen Anne-style Victorian mansion is only a short walk from Camden Harbor and Camden village. There are plenty of opportunities for adventure on nearby Mount Battie or at Penobscot Bay. The inn offers 10 guest rooms spread over two buildings, Main House and Carriage House.  

Guests can relax in a soaking tub, Jacuzzi tub, or warm up by the fireplace after a long day of outdoor adventure.