Select Registry - Inn Scene • Spring/Summer 2023 • Our Town

Leave sandy shores behind but still bask in breathtaking waterfront views when you visit New Bern, North Carolina. This small town is a hub in North Carolina’s Inner Banks and full of inland coastal charm and rich history. Discover New Bern with a bike trip to Union Point Park, located where the Nuese and Trent rivers meet. “Guests love to spin around town,” says John Blackwelder, co-owner at The Aerie Bed & Breakfast. “New Bern is very bike friendly.”

Another way to see the town while learning about its unique stories is with a historic New Bern Trolley Tour. Experience the diverse architecture, from Georgian and bungalow homes to Green Revival-style and Victorian mansions with the help of experienced local guides. Don’t miss the exquisite Tryon Palace, a former governor’s mansion once considered the finest public building in the colonies. Tour the facilities and manicured gardens, including a special tour which tells the stories of the enslaved and indentured men, women, and children who lived on the property.

Before you leave the Inner Banks, sip on a fresh bottle of Pepsi straight from the source. That’s right—Pepsi-Cola was invented in New Bern, and The Pepsi Store is worth a visit

Feel at home in an 1882 Victorian mansion located in the heart of New Bern. Enjoy the modern amenities—courtesy of a recent renovation, gourmet breakfast, and eight luxurious guest rooms. More on page 57.

Hop aboard a boat or plane and leave the ordinary behind on Martha’s Vineyard, the jewel of New England’s stunning coast. With romantic lighthouses, beach walks, and world-class cuisine, it’s easy to see how “The Vineyard” has become such an iconic destination. But for owner Annabelle Hunton of Nobnocket Boutique Inn, Martha’s Vineyard is still chockfull of hidden treasures and delights. “It would take a lifetime to discover all the hidden gems that are tucked away ’up-island’ and ’down-island’, along dirt roads and unmarked trails,” says Hunton. Newbies take note: up-island refers to the western part of the island and down-island the eastern.

Between exploring the area’s nooks and crannies, pay a visit to Martha’s Vineyard Museum in Vineyard Haven for interesting exhibits and excellent views. Then, catch the sunset from the water with a trip to the Elizabeth Islands, a guided outing available through Island Girl Excursions. Another option? Simply exist on island time.

Retreat to the secluded Nobnocket Boutique Inn, where modern interiors give way to 2 acres of outdoor space—a rarity on the island. Escape the crowds and explore Martha’s Vineyard in style. More on page 49.

Wandering around Smithville, Texas might give you a sense of deja vu. That’s because, for years, this small town in the Lone Star State served as the backdrop in over 50 films, TV series, and music videos. Shots of Smithville appear in movies like Hope Floats with Sandra Bullock and Harry Connick Jr, Willie Nelson’s “Just Breathe” music video, and much more.

Despite its fame, Smithville is just as charming as it looks, right down to the people. “Meeting the locals consistently tends to be a memorable experience for our guests,” says Tiffany Prior, owner of The Katy House. “‘Everyone is so nice’ is a common response I hear.”

Friendly locals are just the start. Spend a Smithville getaway digging into good eats like the scones at Olde World Bakery, coffee at the Smithville General Store, or dinner at The Front Room restaurant. Indulge your adventurous side with a trip to Buescher State Park or discover hidden treasures in the antique district. And no trip is complete without visiting Smithville’s famous film locations, including taking a self-guided Hope Floats film tour. Once you’ve visited, keep an eye out for Smithville on a screen near you.

Book a room right on Main Street at The Katy House Bed & Breakfast. Featuring six thoughtfully designed rooms, warm hospitality, and worldfamous breakfasts, The Katy House is the perfect home base for any Smithville stay. More on page 69.

During summer in Exeter, New Hampshire, listen closely and you might hear the sounds of trumpets, tubas, and trombones. That’s the oldest brass band in America playing on the Bandstand, “176 years and still going strong,” says innkeeper and owner Jaime Lopez from the Inn By The Bandstand— located directly across the street from the performances.

Find history all around—in the sounds and sights of Exeter, once the war base for New Hampshire during the Revolutionary War. Visit the American Independence Museum to see an early copy of the Declaration of Independence! Wander the tree-lined streets and admire the historic architecture on an Exeter Walking Tour, and make a stop at the Phillips Exeter Academy.

For more modern pleasures, Exeter boasts an incredible dining scene. Grab a table at Otis Restaurant or Ambrose, both housed within the Inn By The Bandstand. Savor a meal and then shop, winding through local businesses, from the delightful chocolatier to the independent bookstore.

Housed in a Federal-style 1809 mansion with a bright yellow exterior, the Inn By The Bandstand is an upscale Exeter retreat. The inn features eight guest rooms, an elegant dining room, and curated art at every turn. More on page 53

Luscious forests, winding rivers, and even a white church chapel are the building blocks for Manchester, Vermont—a place that offers the best of the Green Mountain State and within striking distance of Manhattan and Boston.

The best way to experience Manchester is by embracing the outdoors. Begin with a hike along the Battenkill River, accessible from the Hill Farm by Sagra. “The walk offers incredible views of the valley and allows you to experience the local fauna and one of the most famous fly fishing rivers,” says David Rust, CEO of Sagra. If that’s not enough for you, hike up Equinox Mountain or ski down the slopes at Bromley or Stratton mountains.

For a place so connected with the land, it’s no surprise that fresh food is reflected in the local restaurants. Enjoy the bounty of southern Vermont at Grange, the newly opened onsite restaurant for the Hill Farm.

While outdoor pursuits are plentiful, Manchester’s storied past will delight history buffs. Stop by Hildene, the home of Robert Todd Lincoln, son of Abraham Lincoln, and about one mile from The Inn at Ormsby Hill. Hildene features manicured lawns, a working farm, museum, and more.

Discover more of Manchester’s historic New England charm when you stroll through the downtown area, along Main Street. Browse a selection of both local and well-known shops and restaurants near Manchester Center, within easy walking distance of the Barnstead Inn. Or explore the southern end of the street, near Manchester Village, home to stately mansions and memorable inns, including the Inn at Manchester

Stay at this 200-year-old Vermont dairy which offers a restaurant, vegetable farm, and yes–boutique inn. Reserve a room at the inn or private cottage on the ground, and fuel up with food grown on the farm. More on page 70

Don’t let the marble threshold fool you; The Inn at Ormsby Hill is a comfortable and welcoming bed and breakfast. Take your pick of 10 guest rooms, and enjoy access to miles of trails from this country home. More on page 70.

Luxury meets farmhouse at the Barnstead Inn, featuring 21 rooms and suites with modern amenities. Indulge in locally sourced cuisine, served during breakfast and at the on-site tavern or take a dip in the heated pool. More on page 69

Southern Vermont comfort awaits at each of the 21 rooms and suites found at the Inn at Manchester. There are plenty of places to relax and unwind, including the living-room-style pub, secluded pool, and scenic porch. More on page 70.

Select Registry - Inn Scene - Spring/Summer 2023

Our Town

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