Are you trying to find a safe, social distancing getaway for the weekend without having to fly? I highly recommend Washington, CT and a stay at the Mayflower Inn and Spa.
If you want to feel like you have stepped back in time to days gone by, head to Washington, CT. It is an easy commute from New York City; with just over an hour’s drive until you reach this charming New England town. It’s an ideal weekend getaway and the perfect time to enjoy the fall foliage.
You will be surrounded by nature, met with friendly smiles from the townspeople and have a variety of activities to enjoy. The cell phone service is not the best, but honestly you won’t mind.
The small town is walkable and as I later learned, was the inspiration for the famed TV show Gilmore Girls! I highly recommend stopping by Marty’s for a coffee or a nice lunch. Then feel free to meander over to the bookstore, shops or hardware store to check things out. The town green is very beautiful should you choose to sit outside and take in the sites. There are also hiking trails nearby if you want to enjoy nature while getting a little exercise.
When I say the town is small, the population is 5,000 people. A lot of that population are people who enjoy Washington as a place for their second homes. Fun fact: the former butcher is now the town selectman. He won by 17 votes!
A short drive away is The Gunnery, a private school set on a lavish piece of property with beautiful buildings. On your way to the Gunnery, you will pass by the Post Office which is right next to Café on the Green. Be sure to stop in the Café for a milk shake or snack of your liking.
For your weekend accommodations, take a 5-minute drive to the Mayflower Inn & Spa. Once you pull in the driveway you are engulfed with a serene peaceful setting. The Inn is grand yet welcoming. You will be met by a friendly face and escorted to the reception desk like you were family. I have stayed in the main Inn as well as one of the buildings on the property. Regardless of where your room is, it is marvelous.
The hotel has taken great measures to ensure safety protocols are in place, social distancing and contactless check-in and check-out.
My room’s décor was traditional with wonderful features like a gas fireplace, 4-poster bed and terrace with two rocking chairs to enjoy my morning coffee.
The property is beautifully landscaped with many areas to walk and enjoy the tranquility. The main Inn houses The Mayflower Dining Room and Tap Room for your dining experiences along with several common areas to play board games or relax by the fire. There is also a wonderful library room off the main lobby. Grab one of the books off the shelves, cozy up by the fireplace and enjoy. At night, there is a live pianist who has been known to encourage a sing-a-long.
A short walk up the hill brings you to the Spa building. I enjoyed several different treatments as well the aquatics area, gym and sauna. Before and after my treatments I lounged in the quiet room. Not only was it relaxing but the view of the small pond allowed me to watch the ducks swim and the deer graze on the surrounding grass through the wall of windows that overlooks the gorgeous grounds. Should you want to make a day of it at the Spa, no problem. Lunch can be served in the Spa dining room in between your treatments. Before leaving the Spa, make sure to stop by the shop for any items you may need or a special treat to remember your stay.
If you are a fan of Gilmore Girls, you will recognize the similarities of all the components of the town and Inn and how they were brought to life in the show. The writer not only stayed at the Mayflower Inn & Spa but worked on the script in the Tap Room!
If you are looking for an ideal setting to escape and relax, The Mayflower Inn & Spa and town of Washington, CT are the place to visit!
