Question: What's a good choice for a romantic anniversary getaway?

Answer: So many inns! So little space! Here are a dozen favorites (some newly discovered), listed alphabetically by state, plus some general advice:

Mountain Thyme, Hot Springs, Arkansas. Once you've settled in the idyllic Dogwood Room, with king-size bed, fireplace, and whirlpool tub you'll never want to leave this hide-away in the Ouachita foothills.

Artists Inn, San Francisco, California. Escape to this 19th century farmhouse and artist's studio in the Pacific Heights' neighborhood of this most romantic of cities.

Blue Lake Ranch, Hesperus, Colorado. Fifteen minutes from Durango and not much further from heaven is this utterly romantic hideaway in the Four Corners region. Charming casitas look out to lush gardens framed by mountain views.

Circle S Ranch, Lawrence, Kansas. Yes, Dorothy, you are still in Kansas, although this handsome barn-style country inn, set amid acres of rolling hills and woods will make you wonder. Don't miss the hot tub in the Silo.

House on Bayou Road, New Orleans, Louisiana. Exquisite décor, outstanding breakfasts, attentive staff, quiet location in a 1798 National Register Creole plantation home.

Inn on the Harbor, Stonington, Maine. Down East villages don't get more picturesque than Stonington. Watch lobster boats and schooners right from your room and deck overlooking the harbor.

Brampton Inn, Chestertown, Maryland. Make this 1860 Greek Revival Plantation your relaxing headquarters for a visit to the Eastern Shore and the Chesapeake Bay Region. Ask for the Garden Cottage for a getaway treat.

Palmer House Inn, Falmouth, Massachusetts. Stained glass and gleaming woodwork are complemented by fine linens, plump pillows and firm mattresses. After a sumptuous breakfast, explore Cape Cod, then relax with iced tea and just-baked cookies.

Notchland Inn, Hart's Location, New Hampshire. Rushing mountain streams and dramatic White Mountain views are enhanced by romantic dinners for two and a wood-burning fireplace in each guest room.

Stephanie Inn, Cannon Beach, Oregon. Wonderful views of Haystack Rock, the Pacific Ocean and the Oregon Coastal Range from luxuriously appointed guest rooms. Romantic dinners, too.

Barley Sheaf Farm, New Hope, Pennsylvania. Bucks County activities are just minutes away, but then you'd have to leave your cozy room, and the comfortable lounge chairs out by the shaded swimming pool.

Brierley Hill B&B, Lexington, Virginia. Sweeping views of the Blue Ridge mountains in this peaceful yet dramatic setting. Unobtrusive innkeepers will make your stay in their lovely inn a delight.

Want to find your own favorite romantic inn? Look for some of these qualities:

A lovely setting. Ask for a room with a porch or balcony offering views of the water, mountains, fields of flowers, or twinkling city lights down below.

A quiet room. The roar of truck traffic is not conducive to sweet whisperings in a loved one's ear, let alone a good night's sleep. Good sound-proofing is equally important; nothing is less romantic than listening to the couple in the adjacent room being intimate.

Appealing decor. Handsome, uncluttered, distinctive furnishings, with a big, comfortable bed. A cozy fireplace and double Jacuzzi or soaking tub are definite enhancements.

A private breakfast, served at your convenience. Start the day with breakfast in bed, or at a cozy table for two. Family-style breakfasts with lots of group interaction are not as conducive to intimacy.

Adult atmosphere. You'll want unobtrusive innkeepers who respect your privacy, yet are available for questions. Select an inn that doesn't cater to families. Cranky toddlers and whiny kids are not what you'll want to hear.

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