Country: North Hatley, Eastern Townships, Quebec, Canada

The Eastern Townships, just a two-hour drive from Montreal, are charming in every way. Meander from township to township, or vineyard to vineyard, along La Route des Vins and see myriad antiques shops, corner stores and outdoor theaters. The area has been popular with travelers since the turn of the last century, when Americans began hopping trains north to idyllic Lake Massawippi. The railway lines are now trails, allowing visitors to tour the breathtaking landscape by bicycle or on foot. In North Hatley, on the northern tip of the lake, is Manoir Hovey (from $195; 575 Chemin Hovey; 800-661-2421), a 41-room, five-star Relais & Châteaux hotel in a century-old manor. The waterfront property has kayaks and canoes, and its restaurant is a regional destination famous for its cheese cart. Pâté lovers take note: The Québécois food and wine festival Fête des vendanges Magog-Orford takes place in nearby Magog during the first two weekends of September.