The Mayflower Inn, CT

Stacie Flinner x Guide to Mayflower Inn CT Auberge -13.jpg

Our weekend in Connecticut was just the relaxing getaway I had hoped for. Litchfield County is a quiet spot, where quaint towns and farm stands dot winding country roads. It’s the kind of place New Yorkers go to “get away from it all”, as it’s an easy 2 hour drive north of the city. We had been looking forward to visiting for a few days of antiquing and historic house tours, and despite feeling a little stressed at the outset of the trip (our car died and we ended up renting a Tesla for the first time!) it was all relaxation once we arrived.

We stayed at the Mayflower Inn (part of the Auberge Resorts Collection) - a luxurious country retreat located in the idyllic town of Washington, Connecticut. More than a hotel, the Mayflower Inn feels like someone’s home, with a sense of gracious hosting, comfort and personality. I've known of The Mayflower Inn since middle school, as the hotel and surrounding towns served as inspiration for the Dragonfly Inn in Gilmore Girls. The historic property was recently renovated under the watchful eye of Celerie Kemble and oozes lived-in relaxation and charm. Hand painted botanicals rim the main restaurant known as “The Garden Room”, a fire roars in the insta-famous yellow living room and many of the guest suites boast elaborate canopied beds. Impressive antiques gleam next to fanciful wallpapers and paper mache flowers. No one would blame you if you booked in just for the interior inspiration. I did!

We were greeted by dry gin martinis (our favorite) upon arrival, a thoughtful touch that their sister property, The White Barn Inn, shared with the Mayflower’s team. Nostalgic summer pastimes like croquet and riding bikes into town were the order of the day, along with a quick nap by the pool, dinners at the Garden Room (their sourdough bread is to die for!) and late night s'mores by the fire pit. Locals gather at the bar, where everyones seems to know each other and I've been told Meryl Streep and Candace Bergen are regulars. I highly recommend making an afternoon of antiquing (Mill House Antiques was my favorite!) and booking a tour of the Bellamy Ferriday House, who’s original owner, Joseph Bellamy, was a student of Jonathan Edwards and then went on to tutor Aaron Burr!

Here are some of my favorite photos from the trip, along with what I wore...