The Old North Branch Inn

My man and I stayed here on a whim last week while exploring Sullivan County and had a wonderful time. Victoria is a wonderful host and knows how to make people feel right at home. From very comfortable beds, spotless rooms to delicious breakfasts, we almost stayed an additional evening.  The Inn is a throwback and makes its home in a beautifully restored building on what looks like an old main street. The village sort of reminds me of the street in the film "To Kill a Mockingbird" with Gregory Peck. Go visit!

It's really surprising that there aren't more country inns in this part of Sullivan County, which has plenty of cute little villages and lovely scenery. I guess that's just an indication of how dead the economy of this area is, and it's getting deader thanks to harebrained efforts to bring gas drilling to the region.

Thankfully, the Old North Branch Inn is available. I've never stayed here, but the inn offers tasty breakfast and lunch dishes in a relaxing, country atmosphere. There's even a (small) bowling alley! The proprietor is Virginia Lesser, who was formerly in the fashion industry in NYC, and you can see that in her design of the inn.

North Branch itself is not exactly chockablock with activity (this is the country, after all), but the area contains some of the most gorgeous scenery in the northeast, including some farms that are located right at the edge of town. This is a great inn to visit if you want to get away from it all.

I can't say enough about this wonderfully restored 19th century inn. Owner Victoria Lesser has created a friendly, fun, stylish atmosphere and a kitchen that turns out spectacular food. Make a reservation.