I stepped outside the door of our Timber Inn Motel room and inhaled deeply. It was a spectacular October morning – the air was crisp and cold, the ground was slightly frosted, and the sunlight danced across the colorful leaves and spots of snow that covered the nearby Okemo Mountain. An autumn trip to the great northeast couldn’t have been planned any better.

We had never heard of Ludlow, Vermont or the Timber Inn Motel and “accidentally” stumbled upon them while planning a fall excursion to the greater New England states several years ago. For all intents and purposes, it was originally a means to an end – merely a nightly stopover for an opportunity to visit the nearby President Calvin Coolidge State Historic Site in Plymouth, followed by a trip to Wilson Castle, located just north of Rutland. But as we ventured into town, looking for a place to find some breakfast, we realized we had stumbled onto something more meaningful.

Ludlow is located in Windsor County, Vermont and is snuggled at the foot of the Okemo Mountain. The village of Ludlow is a quiet and unassuming collection of shops, cafes, galleries, and inns, while the greater Okemo Valley wraps it in long country roads, hiking trails, fishing spots, golf courses, and the Okemo Mountain resorts. While our schedule constraints prohibited us from digging deeper into the delightful culture of this community, we did manage to get a “taste” at a local eatery.

The Hatchery is your typical small-town “mom and pop” establishment. The food has a tasty, home-cooked flavor and the prices are reasonable. The atmosphere is warm and inviting – a place where everyone could literally “know your name” if you stayed long enough. There’s a real sense of community and friendliness. Not only do you walk away full in body, but full in spirit to journey yet another day.

The Timber Inn is a small, rustic, delightful motel and was a welcoming place to lay our weary heads after a long afternoon drive. We arrived after dark, so you can imagine our pleasant surprise when we awoke to the spectacular views of autumn and Okemo. If you’re planning a busy vacation and won’t be spending a lot of time in a room, the Timber Inn may just be the place for you. A family-owned business, the Timber Inn offers a cordial reception and outstanding personal attention.

The Hatchery’s blueberry pancakes covered in original Vermont maple syrup and the “stopover” at the Timber Inn has put this exceptional spot on our “return” list. We think you’ll like it too!

Happy Travels!

©Copyright 2014 Scott Rhoades/Ivory Hill Studios

What exactly influenced our decision to visit The Old Mystic Inn remains a topic of conjecture, but one thing was for sure – we were battle weary and in desperate need of a few days of rest and relaxation.

Perhaps it was the delightful experience of our previous visit to the greater northeastern United States and our enchanting encounter with the quaint, historic town of Mystic, Connecticut or the quintessential country colonial decor, the white picket fence, the gazebo, and the promise of shade under the large maple trees surrounding this serene resting place. In some way, it may have been the soft, inviting photos of the guest rooms, and conceivably, the whispers from the voices of famous New England authors calling to us from the old book stacks that once lined this classic abode. Whatever the case, it was one of the most gratifying and refreshing experiences we’ve shared and one we look forward to repeating in the near future.

Our rendezvous with respite included a warm and inviting welcome by Executive Chef and Owner, Mr. Michael Cardillo, Jr., relaxation in the cozy, common areas of The Keeping Room, The Parlor and The Library, and a dreamy night’s sleep in The Emily Dickinson Room, where a shuttered bay window provided a delightful view of the autumn leaves dancing in the morning sunrise. There was no need to set an alarm clock, as the aroma of a freshly prepared, exquisite gourmet breakfast of eggs, grains, and fresh fruits wafted from The Henry Wadsworth Longfellow Dining Room below, inviting us to discover the possibilities of a new day.

While the peaceful surroundings of The Old Mystic Inn embraced us in its consoling and solacing arms, beckoning us to linger for just a while longer, it conversely enticed us to explore the charming and scenic attractions of vintage downtown Mystic, including The Mystic Seaport (The Museum of America and the Sea), The Mystic Aquarium & Institute for Exploration, whaler cruises, historic art and Indian museums, golf courses, cider mills, lighthouses, and of course, a wide variety of pleasant surf and turf dining establishments, including the infamous, Mystic Pizza.

As an Editor’s Pick in the Yankee Magazine Travel Guide to New England, and a 2013 winner of Tripadvisor’s Certificate of Excellence, The Old Mystic Inn also provides special packages, including personal and family celebrations, picnic lunches, The Perfect Storybook Wedding, and Afternoon Tea. An affiliate of Bed and Breakfasts of the Mystic Coast & Country, Karen Brown’s Guide, and MysticBandB.com, the inn offers reasonable rates and competitive prices, and is well worth the investment.

Thank you Michael Cardillo for sharing your excellence in hospitality with all of your guests. We look forward to seeing you again soon!

To learn more about The Old Mystic Inn, visit: www.oldmysticinn.com