Harbour Towne
By Maryann Hammers
When it comes to R & R, the only thing that beats a romantic country inn is a romantic country inn with a military discount. We found these:
Georgia
Glen-Ella Springs Inn , a century-old, 16-room restored inn in Georgia's Blue Ridge Mountains, is surrounded by 17 acres, including a flower and herb garden and meadow. It's near hiking trails, a national forest, and the Chattooga River, and art and pottery galleries dot the region. Servicemembers can stay for as little as $135 a night Sunday through Thursday, including breakfast (regularly $160). Weekend rates are regularly $185, but the military weekend rate is $160. Call (706) 754-7295.
Illinois
Market Street Bed and Breakfast Inn , a 10-room Victorian mansion in Taylorville (also known as "Lincolnland"), offers an "American Heroes" discount - 20 percent off a two-night stay or 30 percent off a three-night stay. Rooms include private baths and double whirlpool tubs, and wine, fruit, and cheese are served during the complimentary social hour. Call (217) 824-7220.
Maine
Innkeepers (and sisters) Stefanie McElman and Tricia Richardson offer a generous 50-percent military discount when you stay at least two nights at the picturesque Harbour Towne Inn On The Waterfront , a historic and elegant Victorian home in Boothbay Harbor. Regular rates start at about $189 (but remember, you get half off). Call (207) 633-4300.
Tennessee
Whitestone Country Inn near Knoxville is a four-diamond resort with farmhouse and cottage on more than 600 acres. Active duty servicemembers get a 50-percent discount off the nightly rates, which regularly start at $165. Call (865) 376-0113, and ask for the military discount. The offer is valid Sunday through Thursday.
Virginia
L'Auberge Provencale , in the Shenandoah Valley, is just an hour west of the Washington, D.C., beltway and convenient to Skyline Drive, Civil War battle sites, antiquing, hiking trails, and Virginia wine country. The inn offers active duty and retired servicemembers a 20-percent discount off rooms and suites Sunday through Thursday and a 10-percent discount off weekend rates. Going wine tasting? "We offer a military discount on our chauffeur-driven wine tours, as well," says innkeeper Celeste Borel. "Our normal price is $299, but the military price is $225." Call (540) 837-1375.
Wyoming
The Bentwood Inn in Jackson Hole is a four-season lodge, minutes from Grand Teton National Park and about an hour from Yellowstone. Guestrooms feature luxurious amenities including plush robes, private fireplaces, and personal decks. Active duty and retired servicemembers are offered a 15-percent discount year round (regular rates start at $219). Call (307) 739-1411 and mention the discount; show ID at check-in.
For more B & Bs and inns, check out BnBFinder.com . (Use the "advanced search" option to find military discounts. Just click on "Packages and Specials" link.) Find more country inns offering military discounts here , here , here , and here . Many of those past offers are still valid.