Rainbow Lodge

Imagine if taking a break from the urban jungle was less about roughing it and more about the best of what the country has to offer. Instead of a tent, a sprawling log cabin, set with stag's heads, stone accents, airy decks and delicate antler chandeliers. Instead of a thorny wilderness, a picturesque acre of gardens, a citrus grove and a burbling creek. Most importantly, instead of throwing whatever you can catch on an open fire, imagine if a world-class chef was serving up fresh and refined game, fish and fowl (think potato-chop crusted Idaho trout, griled venison paillard, Bryan farms hen wrapped in pancetta and Berkshire pork chops brined in maple). That's what awaits at the exquisite Rainbow Lodge, and you don't even have to go outside the loop. Sitting inside is a cozy way to savor the game-and-seafood menu, but for our money we always try to sit on the terrace, overlooking the stunning grounds. Score one for the great outdoors.

Tired of the everyday wine bar? Rainbow Lodge has half-priced glasses on Sunday nights.