FEW towns in America come with more literary and historical links than Concord. Henry David Thoreau, author of Walden, lived in what is now the Colonial Inn in the 19th century. There is now a new wing, but the house retains its sloping wooden floors and period feel.

Concord’s Colonial Inn: 001 978 369 9200, www.concordscolonialinn.com. Doubles from £90, room only.

The Griswold Inn, Essex, Connecticut

THE Griswold opened its doors in 1776 to cater to the boats that sailed past on the Connecticut River. The sprawling, low-ceilinged dining rooms offer great steaks, pasta and seafood. There is a fabulous line in martinis. Rooms are traditionally furnished.

The Griswold Inn: 860 767 1776, www.griswoldinn.com. Doubles from £55.

The Pitcher Inn, Warren, Vermont

FOR luxury combined with cosiness and informality, the Pitcher is a good bet. Rebuilt in 1993 after a fire destroyed the original 1800s structure, each of the 11 rooms has plenty of maple wood, local artworks and antique furniture. The wine cellar has some 600 bins from around the globe.

The Pitcher Inn: 802 496 6350, www.pitcherinn.com. Doubles from £180.

The Red Lion Inn, Stockbridge, Massachusetts

A PERFECT choice for a traditional inn, with rocking chairs on the porch, the smell of woodsmoke in the lobby, and rooms with claw-foot baths and pastel-striped wallpaper. It’s not perfect — the restaurant is pricey and rather formal, but the Widow Bingham’s tavern, a dark, cosy second eaterie, is more fun. The Red Lion has been an inn since 1773, but the original building has been added to, and it now has a sprawling 108 rooms. The Norman Rockwell Museum, about ten minutes’ drive from the Inn, is a must-visit.

The Red Lion Inn: 413 298 5545, www.redlioninn.com. Doubles £63, room only.

The Copper Beech Inn, Ivoryton, Connecticut

SINCE it was renovated two years ago, the inn has become a top spot for weekending New Yorkers who come for the renowned restaurant, which features roasted rack of lamb with couscous and ratatouille, melt-in-the-mouth lobster and a divine chocolate tasting plate. The fabulous breakfasts — crab-stuffed omelettes and cinnamon toast — are included in the room price.

The Copper Beech Inn: 860 767 0330, www.copperbeechinn.com. Doubles from £95.

York Harbor Inn, York Harbor, Maine

JUST an hour north of Boston lies Maine’s spectacular coastline, with long, sandy beaches. York was settled in 1623 and the inn opened in the 19th century. It has rooms in several different buildings, some with working fireplaces and some with glorious views out to sea from balconies and terraces.

The York Harbor Inn: 207 363 5119, www.yorkharborinn.com. Doubles from £54.

All rates are for two people, including breakfast, unless stated.

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