Old Drover’A Inn
Off Rte. 22,
Dover Plains, NY 12522,
tel. 914/832—9311
Three of the guest rooms have working fireplaces, and all are stocked with terrycloth robes, soaps, bubble bath, shampoo, and conditioner. The largest room is the Meeting Room, with two double beds, a sitting area, and a high barrelvault ceiling painted to look like parchment paper. It is also the only room with both a tub and shower (others have tubs only). Lovely botanical prints hang on the walls and built-in benches line the room, reflecting its original use as a hail for town meetings.
Everyone faces the center of the Federal diningroom, which islined with red ban-quettes. Murals, painted in 1941 by Ed-ward Paine, cover three walls. The largest of the inn’s nine working fire-places is here. It’s a dark, regal room where classical music quietly plays. Weekday Continentalbreakfasts include granolas, fruit, and homemade breads— the house specialty is an Amish Friend-ship bread. Weekend breakfasts are much more elaborate, with items such as Belgian malted waffles and Southern-style grits.
Downstairs, where lunch and dinner are served, bartender Charlie has been serving his infamous double cocktails for 33 years. Copper pots hang from the dark-beamed ceiling, and empty bottles of impressive wines fill the shelves that line the room. The menu will include the inn’s signature dishes—a silky-smooth cheddar cheese soup and browned turkey hash—along with other, more sophisticated entrées, perhaps seared Mahi Mahi with ginger tomato sauce or roasted vealloin with shallot and truffle sauce. Don’t pass up the lamb chops if they’re offered.
At press time, there was talk of adding cabins to the property. If you’re looking for the ultimate private getaway, call to see if they’re available.
4 double rooms with baths. Restaurant (no lunch Mon.—Thurs.), airconditioning,fireplaces in 3 rooms and 6 public areas, hiking. $150—$395; full breakfast. Discover, MasterCard, Visa. Pets permitted with prior arrangements, 2-night minimum on weekends. |
