Tags: romantic inns in Vermont, romantic inns in New England, weekend getaways
By Ken Baron
Long before New England became synonymous with romantic country inns, there was the Equinox. This 195-room slice of Americana, built in 1769 in the Green Mountains, has been a home away from home for generations of out-of-state  leaf peepers and love seekers. Indeed, it is Vermont’s first hotel and the second oldest continuously operating hotel in the country. History aside, the Equinox remains among the state’s best escapes.
Right in Manchester Village, the Equinox’s secret lies in the fact that it offers up the intimacy of a B&B with the amenities and service of a top resort.
Having recently undergone a $20 million renovation, it seems especially outfitted for the romantic—be it those thinking of proposing, those getting married, or couples taking a second honeymoon. The new Falcon Bar, with its fire pit, is a magnet for couples who sample local cheeses and wine while taking in the mountain views. The resort’s adjoining 13-room 1811 House frequently rents out to wedding parties. And its post-and-beam Pond Pavilion located at the base of Mount Equinox, offers an unrivaled wedding experience: Bride and father typically enter the ceremony by walking along a lantern-lit berm that rings a pond dappled with floating candles.
The resort’s spa, meanwhile, is newly expanded—and, yes, of course it offers “couples massages.” Other onsite amenities lend themselves to the more adventure-minded romantic, including falconry, fly-fishing, archery, a Land Rover driving school, and a classic 1927 Walter Travis-designed golf course. Then again, perhaps all a true romantic need do here is to take a long hike on one of the many wooded trails. Ultimately, it’s the natural beauty of Vermont that continues to make it a destination for lovers of all ages.
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