With big hotel chains, you know what to expect and there’s a certain comfort in that. But outside of urban centers, name recognition is harder to come by. In its place, however, independent inns run by locals can promise a more intimate experience, breathing some magic back into travel. When executed well, these charming accommodations offer a meaningful experience you simply cannot find at any major hotel chain. Here are four options to consider for a change of pace on your next trip to the mountains. At the center of the town of Kinderhook, NY, is Old Dutch Inn. Holding…

Mary Stuart Masterson  She’s not just a local; actor Mary Stuart Masterson is a local who cares about bringing women, minorities and veterans into the film industry and breaking barriers…