Because my husband was attending a conference at nearby Landmark College, I booked us for three nights at Hickory Ridge and absolutely loved every minute. Gill and Dennis run a CLEAN ship! Goodness! We could have eaten from the floor in any room. Seriously, I did not see one speck of dust or a cobweb anywhere.

We stayed in the Lilac Room; the bathroom is across the hall, but we found that to be no problem at all. It was worth it for the spacious bath and good shower. Here, too, I couldn't find even a water spot on the sink/faucet. In fact, the water seemed terrifically soft; I should have asked if that's a local thing or if the B & B has a system.

Although I slept late two mornings and ate breakfast only on our last day, my husband raved about the food--plentiful and delicious. When I awoke in the late mornings, he had brought me a basket and sat it by the bed filled with Welsh cakes (a cross between a biscuit and cake) and die-to-for, fresh blueberry muffins another day.

The fact that I was able to sleep so late leads to another element that makes this a great place to stay: Though the inn was fairly full and is home to two (well-behaved) dogs, it's quiet both day and night.

Dennis had lots of suggestions for us--things to do on a rainy day, places to eat, roads to cruise for fall foliage. I loved zipping down winding rural roads near Hickory Ridge House, soaking up the colors of autumn on such brilliant display. One afternoon we stopped at Basketville to shop and got in on a wine tasting--yum. We were sold and bought three bottles.

A few tips if you plan to visit:

Room fireplaces are no longer in use.

Rooms have portable heaters on wheels. I'd not seen these before and appreciated how well the one in the Lilac heated our bathroom one evening before my shower. The inn is cool--some might even say cold. I'm always hot, so it was great for me; however, those with less padding than I have would be wise to take layers and to use the little heaters.

If you buy Vermont cheese or other items needing refrigeration, the Pettits will gladly keep them cold for you, or you may store them in one of the dorm fridges located in the public areas.

Be sure to try Gill's homemade cookies! What a treat. Local orchards provide wonderful, fresh apple juice in the mornings. You might want to diet a few days before staying here.

For those wanting privacy, the Cottage is adorable and extremely romantic.

Many may tell you that southeast Vermont isn't the best place to leaf peep; they are wrong. Although I'm sure other areas have equally fine views, the area around Putney is amazing. With its warm ambience, I'm sure Hickory Ridge House is just as lovely in winter, spring, and summer. I hope to visit again and highly recommend it and the Pettits to others.

All we were hoping for was a nice clean, quiet room, but at Hickory Ridge, they provide such a wonderful experience as well. When you walk into one of the rooms you can't help but think "wow, this is nice!". No stuffy old farm house here. The rooms are all updated and decorated beautifully and the food is incredible. Everything is spic and span with not a cob web in sight. Very comfortable beds and very quiet surroundings. My wife loves to walk and she took several lovely hikes in the beautiful Vermont countryside. Dennis and Gill are quintessential hosts and even their two small dogs will gently make you feel right at home. We had no idea what to do in the area and Gill provided wonderful recommendations for dinning and other activities that were spot on.

Tucked nicely in the surrounding mountains of Vermont, this B&B is perfect for a quick get away from New York City. It's quiet, clean and charming. The bed was firm, the sheets were crisp and the bathroom was squeaky clean. And the silence of the area affords a GREAT sleep.

Dennis and Gill, the operators are gracious and hospitable without being overwhelming. They paid great attention to our vegetarian preferences and served nutritious, delicious breakfasts.

Although the rain "dampened" our cycling plans for the weekend, we ended up having a relaxing, hassle free and enjoyable stay. And we feel as if we made two new friends.

Once in a while, you travel to somewhere which reminds you of home. Not because its resembles where you live (we live in Barbados - I'm not sure Vermont in the winter could be more unlike Barbados), but because it 'feels' like home. Hickory Ridge House feels like home. Dennis and Gill Pettit are the consummate innkeepers, the cottage where we stayed behind the main house was relaxed, comfortable and clean. After a day out, whether it be pristine Grafton, a glorious lunch at Burdicks in Walpole or the friendly village feel of the Front Porch Cafe in Putney, returning to Hickory Ridge House felt much like coming home - warm and welcoming. I could go on about Dennis' and Gill's culinary skills at breakfast, or the fact that our kids enjoyed the use of the snow discs and sleds that Dennis lent them, but at the end of the day all those things simply add up to the warmest of welcomes from an outstanding bed and breakfast that we are already planning to return to.

Simply wonderful and highly recommended.