This inn's sprawling, three-story, 1881 Queen Anne house with dormers, gray clapboard, yellow trim and green shutters is best as an overnight stay, but the wear and tear and the meager breakfast continue to prove drawbacks. Still, this is a better option for individual travelers seeking regional charm than the Sheraton. Theme weekends here often celebrate the season or the holidays with packages that include theater tickets, flowers or dinner.
A staircase
of oak and inlaid tile rises from the side entrance to a reception area glowing with polished brass lanterns. Stained glass enhances the front door, beyond which is a handsome stairway of butternut wood. Interiors are done in comfortable Victorian style. The parlor displays butternut paneling, elaborate window treatments, a fireplace, sofas and leather wingback chairs. The breakfast room has a sunny alcove and another fireplace. Lunch is served only on request to groups booking the meeting room, which seats 36 people. Two smaller meeting rooms are also available.
Sharing the floor with the main meeting room is an attractive deluxe guest room, with a sitting area, fireplace, sunken tub and separate entrance. Other guest rooms display colonial overtones, floral wall coverings, delicate window treatments, antiques, greenery and open closets. Aging soft goods are a real put-off in some, especially those with lovely antiques. Air-conditioning, VCRs, TVs, CD players, paperback books and dressing areas with pedestal sinks are standard. Many rooms have four-poster beds, and some add patios. The nine suites have living rooms, stereos and French doors. Three suites boast two-person whirlpool tubs.
The small staff here is often swamped at checkout time, but it does provide attentive service at other times, and the inn itself exudes verve and individuality.
