Wanderlust World Wanderlust World Royalton, Vermont, a small town located in the heart of the Green Mountains, is situated on the White River. Home to the Joseph Smith Birthplace Memorial and Vermont's first and only law school, most buildings in the the historical town predate the Civil War. After a day filled with sightseeing, skiing, swimming, fishing, hiking, biking or kayaking, enjoy a stay at one of the area's fine lodging establishments.
The Inn at Clearwater Pond is nestled in the countryside on a six-acre gentleman's farm in Quechee, just a 30-minute drive to Royalton. The inn features brick and stone fireplaces, a wrap-around porch, perennial gardens, a gazebo and a swimming pond. Amenities include a library with games, fitness room, wireless Internet and daily breakfast. Geared to guests seeking rest and relaxation, rooms come with private baths, down comforters, bathrobes and toiletries. Massages, llama tours, bicycles, kayaks and ski rentals are available with advanced notice.
Only 30 minutes away from Royalton, the Green Trails Inn in Brookridge is a circa 1840 farmhouse situated across from the historic Floating Bridge and a small beach on Sunset Lake. Cookbook author Jane Doerfer bought the eight-bedroom inn in 2006 and completely refurbished it with deluxe mattresses, luxury bedding and new furnishings. In 2009, Doerfer bought additional guest space at the Fork Shop, a lakeside building adjacent to a small waterfall. As you'd expect from a cookbook writer, Doerfer serves up delicious northern European breakfast buffets made daily with fresh local foods. Cooking and yoga classes are available.
According to its website, the Woodstock Inn and Resort was voted one of the top 100 resorts in the United States by Conde Nast travel magazine. Located in Woodstock, about 25 miles from Royalton, the luxury resort offers 142 guest rooms complete with high-speed Internet, flat-screen televisions, coffee makers, mini fridges, bathrobes and gourmet chocolates. Amenities include indoor and outdoor pools and tennis courts, steam room, sauna, fitness room, on-site restaurants and full bar. In addition, guests can enjoy massages, manicures, pedicures and facials at the resort's full-service spa.
For visitors who prefer a hotel chain in close proximity to Royalton, the Hampton Inn about 20 miles away in White River Junction fits the bill. The 96-room, family-friendly hotel offers a pool, fitness room, coin laundry and complimentary hot breakfast. The smoking and non-smoking rooms include high-speed Internet, feather pillows, coffee makers and dining table and chairs.