Lodge independent inns

Tucked into Arden just south of Asheville, Bent Creek Lodge is a rustic timber-framed bed & breakfast where each guest room carries its own theme and the mountain views do the rest of the decorating. Mornings bring a hot gourmet breakfast; afternoons bring snacks and, presumably, a slow seat with a view. With a flawless 5-star average across more than 440 reviews, it also doubles as an intimate wedding and event venue.

A small lodge set along Route 4 just outside Killington, Vermont, Turn of River Lodge keeps things simple in ski country s near the mountain. Guests rate it highly s 4.6 stars across some 140 reviews s suggesting a place that earns its reputation through hospitality rather than polish. It runs its own website and books directly, without a corporate parent in sight.

Set on Mountain Road at the foot of Okemo in Ludlow, Vermont, this resort-run lodge places guests within the orbit of the ski area's base facilities. It operates as one of Okemo's signature properties rather than a standalone inn, and reviews are few — a 3.6 average across just 13 ratings.