Landers House

Just a half-block away from downtown Utica's shops and restaurants, this beautifully restored Victorian mansion stands out as a memorable place to stay. Owner Dorelle Denman has decorated with personality, a sly sense of humor and fun. Each cottage, room and suite is themed and whimsical without being precious or taking itself too seriously. In the colorful La Noche cottage, for example, a stone lion head fountain hangs on the wall and LED stars light up the ceiling so that it looks like a planetarium. You can lodge in the main house or in one of the four cottages; all have private baths. The cottages each have a private screened porch, two-person whirlpool, two-person shower, plush bedding, and border the backyard gazebo and fountain. They're really wonderful for refreshing getaways; one is even pet-friendly if you're taking your pooch to the parks (and you can request a backpack picnic lunch). The backyard also has lots of shade trees and scattered wrought-iron chairs and tables. From $159.