What to expect: Located less than a mile from Old Sturbridge Village, this lakefront hotel combines resort and conference amenities in the style of a colonial village. Guestrooms surround the large landscaped atrium sheltering the pool, spa tub, and raised cocktail lounge. Vacationing families book here regularly, as do tour groups and regional meetings and conferences.

Amenity highlights: The small, picturesque lake is ideal for swimming, pedal-boating, and fishing. Year-round recreation options include a freeform pool in an atrium, a workout room with cardio machines, and an outdoor miniature-golf course. The resort offers a lakefront dining room in an 1820 building and a conservatory-style breakfast room. The 35,000-square-foot conference center comprises a ballroom, 15 meeting rooms, and an exhibition hall.

Insider tip: Leaf peepers in the area during October can do no better than to head north from Sturbridge and make a loop through Brookfield, Hardwick, Petersham, Barre, Rutland State Park, and back to Sturbridge to witness some of the most spectacular autumn foliage in New England and several of its quaintest villages.