Historical Mansion Tucked in Green Mountains Foothills

At the beginning of the 20th century, Vermont governor Allen Fletcher hired a team of European craftsmen to build a country house in the Green Mountains foothills. With an Old-World aesthetic in mind, the builders tapped into New World resources, quarrying local stones for the exterior and carving the interior out of mahogany and other fine woods. They constructed an English Cotswold–style mansion that has become the Castle Hill Resort and Spa, a building listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Inside, you can still find original elements such as the grand staircase, carved plaster ceilings, and Tiffany light fixtures.

An elegant grandfather clock sits outside of the oval-shaped dining room, where executive chef Alphonsus Harris serves French-influenced American cuisine using locally sourced produce and meats. This deal includes a $25 voucher toward a three-course gourmet dinner for two (not valid 8/17 and 11/27).

The hotel’s Aveda Concept spa sits apart from the old mansion, inside a historical carriage house. You can choose from a variety of services, ranging from deep-tissue sessions to specialty Black River hot-stone massages and Elemental Nature treatments with aromatherapy. With this deal, you’ll get a $25 voucher toward a 50-minute massage.

The resort’s 10 individually decorated guest rooms feature antique and reproduced period furniture, flat-screen TVs, Keurig coffeemakers, and private bathrooms. Each condominium hotel suite is 300 square feet and features a queen bedroom, a separate den with a queen pullout sofa, a private bathroom, a mini refrigerator, and a microwave.

Ludlow, Vermont: Quaint New England Town near Okemo Mountain

Ludlow invites visitors to embrace their adventurous sides at Okemo’s Adventure Zone, which features a mountain coaster, ropes courses, a zipline tour, and mini golf, among an array of activities. If seeking a more relaxing day, head over to one of the local breweries, see a show at the Weston Playhouse, or visit the Calvin Coolidge Homestead. The town also offers a diverse culinary landscape that includes Irish pubs and steakhouses. Window shoppers can stroll past boutiques and antique shops to feast their eyes on elegant gifts, collectors’ items, and local art.

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