Recently, my family and I took a day trip to the Northeast Kingdom and happened across the picturesque WilloughVale Inn and Cottages in Westmore, Vermont. Located adjacent to the northern tip of Lake Willoughby, a glacial lake, it easily has the best lake-side views of any other available lodging.

The Inn itself sits up on a hill overlooking the lake, while its lakeside cottages lay just across the street, closer to the water. The whole property was awash with flowers, from the bushes covered in blooms to the hanging baskets on the wraparound porch.

Inside is Gil's Bar and Grill, which gives off a cozy atmosphere and offers beautiful views of the lake and surrounding mountains. Guests staying in the Main Inn enjoy a continental breakfast here each morning, and each evening this is the perfect spot for family dinners and drinks.

Down by the water, there is a recreational area for guests complete with small boats, lawn chairs, a playground for kids, and a small dock that leads out onto the lake’s clear water. These views were some of the best I saw while at Lake Willoughby.

Additionally, Lake Willoughby’s beaches are only mere minutes away from the Inn, as are gorgeous hikes such as Mt. Pisgah and other state forest trails. There are plenty of wintertime activities nearby as well—including snowmobiling, downhill skiing at Burke Mountain or Jay Peak, cross country skiing, snowshoeing, ice climbing, and even sleigh rides. Also, the Hill Farmstead Brewery-- acclaimed to be some of the best beer in the world -- is only a mere 30 minute drive away in Greensboro. For future trips to the Northeast Kingdom, the WilloughVale Inn will certainly be at the top of my family’s list of places to stay-- and it should be at the top of yours too.