Bring body and soul to Weston, Vt., inn

Sure enough, our room was equipped with a 27-inch TV, CD player, and VCR.

"It's the simplest to operate that I could find," Bob assured us. Since taking over the inn in 2001, he, a former cardiologist, and his wife, Linda, a former nurse, seem to have anticipated their guests' every need.

Our room occupied the first floor of a carriage house that had been added on to the original 1848 farmhouse. The electronics occupied one corner of a desk, leaving room to set up a computer. But we doubt anyone ever has the urge to work. Not when they can sink into two armchairs situated for TV watching or reading in front of the gas-burning stove, and later retire to a king-size featherbed with Anichini luxury linens.

If that weren't enough, the bathroom shower stall converts into a steam sauna and the whirlpool tub has ample room for two. The space was full of romantic vibes. As we learned from the guest book, our room had been enjoyed by a couple on the first weekend getaway of a "new relationship," another who had eloped, several honeymooners, a couple who had traveled from Florida for a civil union ceremony, and others celebrating first, fourth, 10th, 25th, and 36th anniversaries.

The inn sits midway between Stratton and Okemo ski areas, but we were too early in the season for more than a man-made base. So we lingered over breakfast in the dining room. Innkeeper Scott Hendricks, who works with the Aldriches, served sliced fruits, blueberry muffins, and buttermilk pancakes with fruit compote and Canadian bacon. At nearby tables, a father and grade-school-age son planned their day, a young woman laughed about putting too much bubble bath in her Jacuzzi, and a two-generation family group compared notes on their rooms.

After breakfast, Bob Aldrich took us on a tour of his orchid greenhouse. The lush greenery, exotic blooms, and warm, humid air were the perfect antidote to a gray day. Aldrich started with one plant, and his collection just sort of grew. "Anyone with a collector's mentality will understand," he told us. He answered questions and gave us tips on the best orchids to try on our east-facing windowsill.