My husband and I are trying to plan a weekend getaway to Vermont in March or April. We're looking for a charming bed & breakfast. We have no interest in skiing. We just want a quiet weekend strolling..., antiquing..., exploring..., eating..... Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.

Diane

hi diane--my girlfriend and I just got back from a similar weekend getaway.
We went to the Lilac Inn which is in Brandon (South Central, midway between Rutland and Middlebury) The inn is a beautiful 8 bedroom, where each of the rooms have its own theme and the innkeeper (Michael) and Helen are the most friendly people ive met. The town is also incredible, with a lot of history and scenic drives. Also Middlebury is 20 minutes away and is centered around local crafts

check out Lilac's site:
www.lilacinn.com

feel free to email me if you have other questions

It's not a B&B but the Middlebury Inn is great. It's right in town with many restaraunts and shops within walking distance. Middlebury College has a beautiful campus and is worth a visit.
If money is not an option, there is a very small in in Barnard, VT (near Woodstock) that is supposed to be wonderful. It's called Twin Farms (I think). When I mean money being no option, I'm not joking. I've heard it starts at $800/night!!! The Woodstock area has plenty of other options too...

Check out the Inn at Round Barn Farm in Waitsfield, Vt. Very peaceful location, friendly staff, comfy rooms. They serve a great breakfast but no other meals. We did a bit of exploring and found several nice restaurants in the area.
I know the Inn has a website.

Can't help you with your question but please allow me to suggest that you listen to the late, great Betty Carter's rendition of 'Moonlight in Vermont'.

Betty Carter was a phenomenal, fiercely independent jazz-singer who died of cancer in 1998 shortly after receiving an award at the White House.

My husband and I spent the last weekend in April last year at The Battenkill Inn in Manchester, VT and loved it. The innkeepers allowed us to lock our canoe in their garage at night. The inn is situated right on the Battenkill River (we watched beavers in the river) and is very close to Manchester Center which has outlet malls and several restaurants. Usually Manchester is crowded but at that time of year we found it pleasingly quiet to walk around. We ate outside at the Mexican restaurant and ate Ben & Jerry's everyday.

My husband and I spent our first weekend getaway in Randolph, Vermont at the Three Stallions Inn. Although it was quite on accident, we loved it so much we ended up getting married right there! It has three or four separate old houses with rooms in each one. There are acres and acres of beautiful land and trails so you can take good walks. There is a great dining room in the main house and the service is great, too! I highly recommend this - its perfect!

Diane,

Stowe is a great place to visit, even if you don't ski. There are tons of great restaurants, shops, hiking trails, etc. If you do go in March you could still take advantage of other winter time activities, like sleigh rides, snowmobiling, snowshoeing, etc. Late March/Early April is also sugaring season so you can visit a sugar house and watch them make maple syrup.

Enjoy your trip!