Genteel New London is a place to saunter, sip, shop, and ski when the weather turns frosty. Pegged as a Lake Sunapee region summer haven, its also a year-round commercial hub for small towns between Concord and Hanover. And with its distinctive shops, handsome homes, village green, and friendly taverns, it makes for a great getaway for couples any time.
Stay Colonial Farm Inn and Restaurant
(499 Andover Road, www.colonialfarminn.com, 800-805-8504, doubles $149) is comfortable and unpretentious. Jon and Heidi Greene bought the six-room, 1836 inn two years ago following career changes. He was in quality assurance, and she was a financial analyst. Now she cooks, and he manages the inn with its 100-year-old oak drop pocket pool table, original wooden floors, and three fireplaces. The handicapped accessible Sunapee room is the only one with a TV, while the rustic upstairs Potter Place has carpeting. Tea-loving guests have an extensive selection to choose from and breakfast options include treats such as bananas Foster French toast and pancakes with apple-smoked bacon. Those seeking an alternative to inns should check out the Lamplighter Motor Inn (34 Newport Road, www.lamplightermotorinn.com, 603-526-6484. Doubles start at $99, including tax).
