It was the mid-1970s and Muhammad Ali was my new hero. To me, a grade-schooler, he was larger than life and yet so down-to-earth. My parents were in his inner circle, which gave me magical memories and personal insights on greatness.

Don't get me wrong, I love New York City. However there are times when I need a mini vacation from the scratching and surviving. I also get tired to having to channel my inner Floyd Mayweather just to take the subway. Do I really have to be in fight formation when all I want to do is get home?

Walk in to any of these B&B's, Inns and Hotels from Vermont to Virginia (yes, admittedly not in the "Northeast" but I include it here) and you'll be astounded by the attention to detail and luxury appointments within.