New England–Style Inn with Modern Luxuries

The gilded steeple atop The Westport Inn building fits in nicely with the other buildings along this stretch of coastal New England, where main streets are dotted with churches and clapboard general stores. And though Westport has a staid, colonial feel to it, today the town has been livened up with a thriving arts community. The Westport Inn's recent renovations seem to evoke the town's mixed personality—abstract paintings hang on the walls amid restorations of original fixtures, including the stone fireplace in the lobby.

When the weather's nice, the small town acts as a sort of base camp for travelers before they head to the beach. The inn provides transportation to Compo Beach, a tucked-away hangout for locals and families located about 4 miles southwest, as well as to Sherwood Island State Park, Connecticut's first state park. Stop at Joey's by the Shore, a favorite restaurant among locals for its lobster rolls and hot dogs, or compare the weight of your carry-on luggage with the weight of strangers on the seesaw at a state-of-the-art playground area.

Eramosa, The Westport Inn's onsite eatery, serves farm-to-table fare for breakfast and dinner. Farmer's Garden omelets, egg sandwiches topped with thick-cut bacon roasted in pure maple syrup, and organic tea highlight the morning menu. The dinner entrees focus on American comfort food made with naturally raised ingredients sourced from local farms.

Feather bedding and wicker chairs add to the old-fashioned, rustic feel of the classic rooms, which also feature modern luxuries such as LCD TVs and iPod docks. In the bathroom, you can help yourself to all-natural products with soothing scents.

Westport, Connecticut: Coastal Town Steeped in Art and Culture

Once a farm town on the decline, Westport got a fresh start at the turn of the 20th century as it welcomed an influx of writers and artists retreating from the hustle and bustle of New York City. Creative types continue to flood the area, and a metropolitan vibe mingles with the quaint, rural atmosphere.

When the weather’s nice, take advantage by visiting Sherwood Island State Park, located about 3 miles southwest of the inn, where you can swim in the sea, go fishing, or scout the property values of foreclosed sand castles. In autumn, the park's green trees shift to brilliant hues of yellow and orange.

Read the Fine Print for important info on travel dates and other restrictions.