4 Great Mid-Atlantic B&B Getaways

Worn out? These four B&B retreats within easy driving distance from Philadelphia and New York will have you rested and rejuvenated in no time.

March 20, 2007

Highway traffic and the Mid-Atlantic region's suburban sprawl do their best to make you forget the scenic areas that aren't too far from the exit ramps. Here are four retreats within easy driving distance from Philadelphia and New York that will have you rested and rejuvenated in no time.

Buttermilk Falls Inn and Spa (tel. 877/746-6772; www.buttermilkfallsinn.com) is a stunning property located in Milton, NY -- on the Hudson River about 90 minutes drive north of the city but a million miles away. I dream of returning here and indulging in the spa treatments, peace and tranquility. The spacious rooms are beautifully and tastefully decorated with antiques, books, romantic four-poster beds and bathrooms featuring spa tubs. The main house, which houses several of the rooms, was built in 1764 and was recently restored to its former grandeur. There are also suites in three carriage houses located adjacent to the house, plus a building that houses the spa. The 70-acre estate, right on the banks of the Hudson has been magnificently landscaped and features exquisite gardens, flowering terraces, ponds complete with gliding swans, streams and waterfalls. Room rates start at $225 per night for two people and include a sumptuous home-cooked gourmet breakfast by their in-house Culinary Institute of America-trained chef in the sunny breakfast room or on the terrace overlooking the pond and river. Free afternoon tea is served daily and is the perfect excuse to return to the garden terrace or browse through the Inn's library. Enjoy their Shop and Stay Package with 20% off any Sunday to Thursday night stay (except holidays) plus receive a VIP voucher for potentially hundreds of dollars of savings at nearby Woodbury Common Premium Outlet stores. A mid-week, two-night Gourmet Spa Getaway Package available on Tuesday and Wednesday nights year round includes luxury accommodations for two for two nights with breakfast and afternoon tea, a 60-minute Swedish couples massage, dinner for two Wednesday night at Buttermilk Falls and entrance to Storm King Art Center, DIA: Beacon or a tour at the Culinary Institute of America or FDR's Home and Presidential Library in Hyde Park. This package is priced from $575. One hour massages start at $80 and 60-minute facial treatments start at $75 with a wide array of spa services and special packages to choose from.

LeFevre House (tel. 845/255-4747; www.lefevrehouse.com) is a boutique B&B located in historic New Paltz, NY just 90 miles from New York City. The fall in particular is a beautiful season to visit this area which is home to the several vineyards and the historic Huguenot Street, which features seven stone houses and a church dating back over 300 years. LeFevre is an 1870s Victorian home offering color-themed rooms, king sized four-poster beds, Versace bedding and a romantic porch with sunset views over the Shawangunk ridge. You've got to love a property that lists chocolate amongst its amenities, along with a hot tub, wireless Internet and plush bath robes. Rooms like the Clockwork Orange, Brown Sugar or Am I Blue are priced from $185 per night. $200 will get you Green with Envy, Purple Rain or Red Hot. All rates include a three-course gourmet breakfast. Their in-house spa services include facials from $120, mud or seaweed wraps for $135 and massages from $125.

Glenwood Mill (tel. 973/764-8660; www.glenwoodmill.com) is a 200 year old grist mill steeped in history and authenticity in Glenwood NJ, about 55 miles from New York City. Featuring two rooms and two suites, it is an intimate location to spend a quiet weekend or get away for a midweek break. A romantic garden includes a waterfall, bridge and secluded lawn area. The rooms are exquisitely decorated with a combination of rustic antiques and comfy furnishings, gas fireplaces and bubble jet tubs. Room rates range from $150 to $215 per night including breakfast. The region around Glenwood is teeming with antique stores, vineyards and art galleries.

Lancaster County and the Pennsylvania Dutch Country offer some of the oldest and prettiest B&Bs in the nation. Spend you days discovering Amish farms, craft markets, covered bridges and galleries and by night sleep peacefully on four-poster beds and wake to delicious home-cooked breakfasts. Lovelace Manor Bed and Breakfast (tel. 866/713-6384; www.800padutch.com/z/lovelace.htm) in Lancaster lies in the heart of Amish Country, about 160 miles from New York City. Built in 1882, it is an ornate and elegant example of Victorian empire architecture at its best with a wrap-around porch, 12 foot ceilings and etched glass doors. There's a hot tub in the garden and a communal parlor for socializing with other guests. A hearty breakfast is served each morning in the formal dining room. Guestrooms are named for the works of the great 17th century poet Richard Lovelace with prices ranging from $125 to $175 per night. Management can arrange a one-hour massage for $70 per hour or even a dinner with an Amish family during their stay. Dine by candlelight or gas light with other B&B guests and sample traditional Pennsylvania Dutch cuisine for a donation (a minimum of $15 per person is recommended). Stay three nights and get a 10% discount or stay five nights and get the sixth night free.

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