About the Inn

Testimonials about the Dowds' Country Inn

We truly appreciate feedback from everyone who walks through our doors. One opportunity we provide is by leaving journals in each of our 20 rooms for guests to share their thoughts and a little about their stay with us. Here are just a few testimonials from those journals.

BOWDEN Room Testimonials at the Dowds' Country Inn

January 29^th, 2012
Very nice at the Dowds'. We came up from NJ to watch our daughter ski race at the Dartmouth Skiway. Frist time in Lyme, NH! Love the town - the room Bowden was prefect for what we needed.
P.S. Also Missy and Teddy are adorable!

Laurie and Hal Curtis, Pennington, NJ

BUTTERFIELD Room Testimonials at the Dowds' Country Inn

April 18^th-20^th
A wonderful experience down to every detail! What an exciting Inn. It was wonderful. Thank you! Details, details, details! I even took pictures!

Maryanna Funaro

May 1^st, 2010 Gary and Melissa’s Wedding
Who could ask for a more beautiful day in May for a wedding for two. People who have promised themselves to love. An incredible day and night with good food, good friends and a great time. So simple is love, set in the simplicity of a quaint Inn set in the hills and beauty of New Hampshire. Our wishes and blessings to a new family who, with god’s touch, will grow and flourish as the tulips, the lilacs, the blossoms of spring to pass to the greens of the trees that will stand tall to the sky above. Many years of happiness.

Yvonne & Rolfe

CAPTAINS QUARTERS Room Testimonials at the Dowds' Country Inn

February 11^th-12^th 2011
I came to NH from Texas to visit my son at Dartmouth Medical School. He has been struggling with school and I came to give him a "Boost". I am the one who received a boost

September 24^th, 2010
We came here to attend a Road Scholar (Elderhostel) program on the history of New England and a component on exercise and nutrition. We also went to King Arthur Flour Co. each day for demos. We learned to make bread, pie crust and pita. The weather was wonderful. There was a good amount of color. We were busy and well fed. Dowds’ is a beautiful setting.

Pam Davis

February 24^th, 2011
Jeff and I needed to get away from everything-we left all seven kids behind (between the two of us) to spend a few days alone. It’s funny how a couple days can feel like a week when you are not used to taking a vacation. The best part of this trip was that up here in Lyme we could really relax. If we wanted to do absolutely nothing we did and when we needed stuff to do there was plenty to keep us busy (we went to Vermont for the day and had a great time) After, we ate in Hanover @ a couple great college eateries near Dartmouth. Dowds’ was the perfect respite for us as it’s quiet, peaceful and friendly too. Jeff and I are now ready to face reality again and go back to our kids with lower blood pressures and happiness to remember always. Jeff is already planning our next trip back to Dowds’ in the fall next year!

Jen, Shewsbuy, MA, Jeff, Leominster, MA

CHURCH TOWER Room Testimonials at the Dowds' Country Inn

February 11^th-11^th
While I live not too far from here in Vermont, this Inn proved a comfortable haven for the night. Thank you.

M. Sharp, Hinesburg, VT

January 6^th, 2011
I've enjoy a quiet, comfortable, warm stay. It was 11 degrees outside but cozy in here.

Lynn Matzke, Lebanon, NH

July 24^th, 2010
We had a pleasant stay here while visiting for parent’s day at Camp Merriwood. Service was great and staff very friendly. Thank you.

Amy & Keith Rohland

August 1^st, 2010
Truly enjoy this wonderful place and lovely room. Visiting from Alaska for a wedding and I am so happy to have had an opportunity to see it.

Rebecca McKee

July 16^th, 2009
Elderhostel’s "New England Heritage, Baking with King Arthur Flour Co. and fun fitness program" brought my sister and me to the Inn. The delicious food, the quilts on the walls as well as the charm of the Inn contributed to the enjoyment of the time spent here. The cleanliness and the kindness we found here impressed us both. Sincere thanks.

Bonnie Coltin & Harriet Dechowitz, Haverhill, MA

DARTMOUTH Room Testimonials at the Dowds' Country Inn

My name is Brinkley and I am 11, and this is the best Inn ever. Breakfast is awesome beds are so soft and comfy.

June 20^th, 2010
Our stay was wonderful but too short! Great breakfast-fabulous Inn! We’ll be back when our son is enrolled at Dartmouth!

-Kathi, Cincinnati, OH

July 30^th, 2010
Really enjoyed our time here-lovely spot. Breakfast was delicious and everyone was sweet and helpful! Thank you.

Bev & Peter Broberg

Beautiful place, wonderful rooms; beds were comfy and rooms were a welcome break from the dark, TV filled motel rooms. The stay was entirely too short I would LOVE to come back again. Thank you for an excellent experience.

Erin-16

EMERSON Room Testimonials at the Dowds' Country Inn

Augu^st 31^st, 2012
I really enjoyed my stay here for my granddaughter's reception. Everything was perfect: the room, the staff, the reception and the surroundings. Thanks for all!

Ester, Natick, MA

May 13^th, 2012
Thank you for this wonderful stay!

Peg, Rye, NH

June 26^th, 2010
We liked your dogs, omelets, pond, quilts, ect. Thank god you were here as it was getting late! And we’re coming back.

Adrian & Janet, Montreal

August 21^st, 2010
This stay felt like being in the home of an ‘ole’ friend. Warm, cozy and yet open & welcoming. Hope pieces of our old world history like this will always be around and I’m sure with folks like you they will be. Continued success!

Diane & Chris Appold, Green Lane, PA

February 12^th, 2010
It was a delight to return here at last. Thank you for the warmth, helpfulness, and hospitality. Warm wishes.

Jane Goodwin, Cambridge, MA

HINMAN Room Testimonials at the Dowds' Country Inn

October 10^th, 2010
My nephew Scott’s wedding!!!! What a wonderful Inn you have-friendly and competent staff, great food, and great time!

Betsy Parks

December 31^st, 2009
Last day of the year. Husband in the hospital @ Hanover with a heart condition so I really appreciated the service and attention. All were very helpful. Can’t wait for breakfast in the New Year 2010!!!

Linda Kane, E. Burke, VT

August 11^th, 2010
This was the most amazing stay of my life! I LOVE IT HERE! The cinnamon buns were warm and scrum-dilly-umptious. I’m moving in!

Grace & Erin Kelly, Buffalo, NY

August 25^th-26^th, 2010
Our first time here! The antiquity of the Inn is so precious! I love it. Awesome service, Chelsea was so nice to us at breakfast. And Tami-I just couldn’t get enough of her New England accent!! (Just joking Tami) Thanks for everything!

Roger Leuba, Providence, Utah

June 25^th, 2010
Once again a great stay, we want to live here! See you in July. Thanks!

Drew & Audrey Klotz, Weston, CT

HITCHCOCK Room Testimonials at the Dowds' Country Inn

July, 2010
On vacation with my girlfriend and her family. Absolutely wonderful vacation, absolutely wonderful people that run this, for sure coming back. Wonderful house, I love New Hampshire. I miss is here.

Derek Evans, South Windsor, CT

October, 2009
Extreme home makeover visit. Thanks for having a cool place for us to pass out between jobs! N.H. families ROCK!!

Sandi & Curtis Glover

LIKE WOW! I’m Mandira and I live in Israel and this is the most interesting experience of adjusting to new life I’ve had in a while. It’s like the movies, so quaint and small town atmosphere that makes it adorable and scary for me but I think I’m going to like it. Very nice Inn you have here, very nice. Like in Israel they say salaam aleyckum "let the morning star be upon you-

Mandira Rose Sandrolini

May 24^th, 2010
We had a wonderful time here celebrating our son’s graduating from Tuck. We will remember this weekend as one of our favorite family gatherings.

The Owens

September, 2010
A very welcoming Inn after thunderstorm driving. Here for a college visit vacation/weekend to UVM and Dartmouth! What an amazing & very enjoyable place to spend our last night on the road. I thoroughly look forward to breakfast tomorrow as I am a huge fan of great food! Enjoyed a lovely evening of cards in the common room and some lat night tea! Thanks for your hospitality & providing such a cozy place to spend a great night!

Kiah, Krista & Tess

MANCHESTER Room Testimonials at the Dowds' Country Inn

September 30^th, 2012
Another lovely stay! Such a cozy place on a chilly fall day. Thank you!

Laura & Joseph, Stowe, VT

September 16^th-17^th, 2010
After an 18 mile north bound thru-hike on A we arrived in Lyme, NH. The rain had started and we knew a night in a lean-to was not high on our want list, so…..after stopping in for a cup o coffee and a treat at the Lyme Country Store we were informed about this "country Inn". Wow! What a wonderful and special place! Without a doubt, one of the best so far along the AT for me. I began my thru-hike on April 4th (Easter Sunday) and have been enjoying the journey to the "max." My great friend Moe is providing a "slack-pack" opportunity for me, so I have been doing between 18-25 miles on the trail for the past 3 days. Today I head to Glenclif NH. Moe will drive North and hike back to meet me at a point on AT. Works great and hope to be at the Loon Mt. Highland games on Sunday (1 mile kilted race I hope to enter J) Thank you Dowds’ for having this establishment-hope to be back at some point-can’t wait for breakfast.

Kip Nelson, Bangor/Hampden ME

April 23^rd-11^th
Without exaggerating, this might be the twentieth time we, or at least one of us, has stayed at the Dowds'. Without question, returning to the Dowds' is like returning home.
Currently, I am here with my mother for a quick weekend trip to visit our Aunt Hellen (my great-Aunt) We have been coming to Lyme essentially every year, to visit, for virtually the duration of my life. (I am now 28, married, and a grown-up).
Both my mother and I have incredibly fond memories of this - myself and my sibling playing game, running rampant and playing with Patrick and Duncan, and the two big dogs (who are so sweet and nice). Time may have passed, but so many things remain the same - the wonderful homey feel, the caring and helpful staff, and the feelings of coming home.
We look forward to many more visits here (and I am sure Mom looks forwards to carting grandchildren up here soon!) Thanks for another wonderful stay! Hugs and Kisses!

Joy (Nadler) Frankel and Barbara Nadler

October 14^th, 2009
"While staying at Dowds’ in Lyme
Three California women went for an A.T. climb
They found the trail with such ease
And hiking was such a breeze
Until!!!!!.........
Leaving Trapper John’s Shelter
We found ourselves going helter skelter
No trail to be found with snow patches all around
We called Angel Tami who put out a rescue call
To the warden, the fire chief and all
The adventure ended well and here we are to tell!

Thanks to all.
"

-Ellen O’Neal, Betty Morse, Bev Deasley

June 3^rd, 2012
Another Wonderful stay at Dowd's. Thank you!

Frank, Salisbury, MD

MARSHLAND Room Testimonials at the Dowds' Country Inn

June 4^th, 2011
Great to make this our second home while visiting with our new grandson, Jackson.

Nancy Briggs, Ottawa, Canada

September 4^th, 2011
What a wonderful place. We loved the hospitality, food, gardens and staff. Thank you for making this joyous occasion so memorable.

Judy and Ken Williamson, Oakville, On. Canada

January 29^th, 2012
We spent a lovely and quiet weekend away from it all. Many thanks for your hospitality; the delicious, restorative breakfasts; and the company of your two adorable dogs.

Stephanie and Ben Reynolds, City Island, NY

January 1^st, 2012
Thank for your hospitality and fabulous breakfasts. We will definitely be back.

Akiyo Shimizu, Astoria, NY

February 6^th & 7^th, 2010
Once again we had an enjoyable stay at Dowds’ Country Inn. This is our fifth consecutive year of being here, and we have always enjoyed our stay. The management, food, and atmosphere of the rooms-just great. This is our first time in this room-very quaint, cozy, and comfortable. Thank you for all you do to keep us coming back. We will see you again next February-if not before.

Connie & John Gordon, West Newbury, MA

MAXWELL Room Testimonials at the Dowds' Country Inn

October 10^th, 2010
Wonderful stay! Beautiful place! Staff were all awesome!

Jo-Anne & Carmen, Rochester, NY

December 29^th, 2010
A very pleasant stay and outstanding breakfast!

Rob Sharlet, Schenectady, NY

December 26^th, 2010
Another lovely stay at Dowds’! Christmas lights, fire in the fireplace, snow (thank you for arranging that), cranberry/orange pancakes…We can’t remember how many times we have stayed here but A. it’s always a delight, and B. we think we are going to try a new room every time (Maxwell is wonderful) Thank you.

Jean & Phil Valence, Wellesley, NH & Sedona, AZ

February 19^th, 2010
Lovely stay in your comfortable Inn-Thank you for all your help.

Wendy & David Miller

MOSES EATON Room Testimonials at the Dowds' Country Inn

August 23^rd, 2011
This room was a lot of fun! Unfortunately, we only had a one night stay. I liked that the Moses Eaton room was at the very top of the house so we used all sorts of stairs and hallways to get here. The room was very quaint because of all the wonderful curtains and quilts and we all really enjoyed it. The breakfast was amazing: We all loved the food. The maple syrup was the best we have ever tasted. Everything was clean, cute and quaint. - The He Family - New Jersey

November 26^th, 2010
We had a wonderful time. After Thanksgiving dinner we came here and sat in front of the fire in the living room then a great sleep and long-almost 10 hours-glorious. Delicious breakfast and pleasant. Met Tami who used to clean our Whipple Hill house in Lyme-and then her father Wayne Pike who externally restored the house way back. All lovely people.

Jan & George Emlen

October 10^th, 2010
BEAUTIFUL!! Fabulous job w/ the Hayes Wedding. Thank you for making us feel @ home.

Amanda Yupe, Charlton, NY

September 11^th, 2011
The room was warm and cozy. The staff was wonderful and helpful. We are hoping to come back to Lyme so we can stay at your 5 star Inn again! - The Harlow's -- EatonRick, Barbara and Nancy

December 29^th 2011
This was the second time in the two "Tower Rooms" with our family. We spent Christmas in Thetford with our 101 year old grandmother, an uncle and our Aunt Christine. We are coming from Berlin, Germany, and the Inn is always very cozy and comfortable for us. We like to ski but unfortunately there was not enough snow - today my 54 birthday it is quite cold but there is a clear light and blue sky. Thanks for the nice family atmosphere.

The Brildaus

NEW HAMPSHIRE Room Testimonials at the Dowds' Country Inn

March 14^th, 2010
I enjoyed my week-long stay here at the Dowds’ Inn. It was a wonderful touching and heart-warming experience. From the moment I stepped in here it was cozy as one could imagine-it was like home (but without the noise!) I appreciate Patrick letting me stay here and loved his family! Tami has done a wonderful job renovating this and it is truly a remarkable place. The Dowds’ made my stay a memorable one.
P.S. You guys are always welcome to NYC, just give me a buzz and I’ll be your tour guide!
Best Regards,

Adil

July 14^th, 2009
We are on a trip through the USA & Canada and stop every night in different hotels and the Dowds’ Inn was the best we stayed in. Everything is so cute and the breakfast was very tasty. The staff is super friendly!

Yuonne & Stefan, From Germany

October 18^th, 2009
We came to attend Dartmouth’s Ski Ball to celebrate the 100th anniversary of skiers at Dartmouth. We really enjoyed our stay at your lovely Inn.

Nancy & Dave, Ottawa, Canada

April 10^th, 2010
Another wonderful stay in a beautiful place and filled with wonderful friends. Thank you for your hospitality. The New Hampshire room is cozy and comfortable; four rooms down, sixteen more to enjoy!
Our love to you,

Josie & Dave

PIKES SUITE Room Testimonials at the Dowds' Country Inn

October 12^th, 2009
My wife and I stayed here after a conference in Boston. This is a beautiful and welcoming place. The food is excellent, the staff friendly, the residents in the town welcoming and the dogs comforting. A great time.

John & Fran Wilson, Lexington, KY

February 14^th, 2009
Best Inn ever! We had our wedding reception here and it was beautiful! Amazing food, great service, and Tami Dowd is a sweetheart. I would recommend the Dowds’ Country Inn to all. This is a memory I will cherish for life. The Fielder-Spaulding Wedding

Ashley & Christopher Spaulding

February 26^th, 2010
We traveled her from PA. My husband and I are here because of a two day training session with Bio Heat. We also stayed here about 5-6 years ago for training also. Both times here at the Inn have been very enjoyable, accommodating, warm, friendly and always great food. As much as we were satisfied last visit there are two new staff members we really find an asset here. Missi and Teddi! We have and love dogs and it makes us feel like home. Hoping to come back and visit some summer for a vacation.

Stan & Christine Blankenbiller

June 17^th, 2009
I stayed here going to and coming from my 50th reunion at Dartmouth. A lovely oasis amidst the serene wilderness.

Dunn Chickering ‘59, Lexington, KY

PRESIDENTIAL SUITE Room Testimonials at the Dowds' Country Inn

December 11^th, 2010 Christmas in Lyme
We are part of the Argenti clan here to help put up my brother Paul’s tree. This is our second stay at the Dowds’ and we love its charm. Staying in the Presidential Suite was a special treat. Our morning after breakfast feast is certain to be a big success. Thanks for the hospitality and Happy Holidays!

Linda & Pat

November 7^th, 2009
Here from Central NY for the Cornell-Dartmouth game. Inn is incredible. Tami-the greatest- thanks so much for making & changing dinner reservations for us. Stella’s shrimp scampi, unbelievable. Breakfast (and choices!!), wonderful. We’ll be back.

Rud & Judie, Waterloo, NY

March 5^th, 2011
Another wonderful stay - Thank you Tami! We'll be back.

Jen and Buddy, Greenland, NH

December 16^th, 2010
We went to a Christmas party last night and stayed here because it’s close. We live about an hour and a half away. Tami was a lovely hostess and the breakfast was amazing! They even invited our friends that were giving the party. We would definitely do it again. Thanks for everything. Merry Christmas.

Michael & Tammy

February 20^th, 2011
Dowds' is a lovely place. For some of us, this is our third year coming here. This suite is very nice! I love the quiet and the warmth - of both the house and the hospitality. I'd like to steal those two sweet dogs, Missy and Teddi, and take them home with me. Have a lovely and successful 2011. - Marge - Lebanon, CT

SHELBURNE Room Testimonials at the Dowds' Country Inn

November 13^th, 2010
Pat & I enjoyed our visit w/ my college roommate her in Lyme. A nice change from Cape Cod. Pat (My grandson) doesn’t want to leave but, The Lighthouse (My restaurant on the lower cape) calls. The Inn (I’ve stayed here 3 times) is as accommodating as always.

Joe Wancol & Pat Keigans

October 2^rd, 2011
We enjoyed three days here. Each morning we tried a different breakfast. Everything was very good. It was our second trip here. So nice to visit the area in the fall. Even though it rained some, we got some good pictures. We enjoyed visiting our Vermont cousins. Thanks for everything.

Lois and Landon McDonald, Gillette, NJ

July 17^th, 2011
What wonderful, lovely and charming 2 days in this delightful B&B and town. The weather warm and the people lovely. Our breakfast was just perfect. Great time, great shopping in Hanover. We will be back to enjoy more of the country side.

George and Deborah Vieira

March 12^th, 2012
Had a wonderful stay and enjoyed Dartmouth Skiway - even though it was 60 degrees! Thanks for everything!

Mary and Don, Far Rockaway, NY

September 2010
We have had a very relaxing two day stay. Dave’s first stay in a B& B, he loved it. It has rained during our stay and we just relaxed. We will be back in some future year to spend more time and really get to experience the beauty of this area. The food was great as well as the hospitality.

Steph & Dave, From KY

WILDFLOWER Room Testimonials at the Dowds' Country Inn

October 6^th Columbus Day Weekend,
I am here for my daughters cross country race in Thetford, VT. She is staying elsewhere with her team. I miss my other daughter and husband who could not attend, so I am here alone. This Inn and room-"Wildflower", are as I imagined. It is so welcoming and cheerful and cozy. After a very long trip from southern Connecticut, including a flat tire, this is a most welcome sight. The cup of tea I was offered was just delightful. My dream of a pleasant and peaceful night has been answered. Thank you.

Sally, Stratford, CT