By Linda Weber

Mount Rainier's beloved Paradise Inn, a national historic landmark, reopened its doors on May 16 following a two-year closure for renovation.

The changes to the 1917 timbered lodge were both structural and cosmetic: Workers repaired cracked fireplaces, replaced parquet floors with wood planks, and reinforced leaning walls. A new visitor center was also built to replace an older, less energy-efficient structure.

Refreshed and reinvigorated, the 121-room inn is essentially the haven it has always been—free of television, computers, and even cell phone coverage. It's an ideal spot for hiking, fishing, listening to nature talks, reading books, taking naps, and playing board games. If that's your idea of bliss, Paradise awaits. Open May to October. From $150. (360) 569-2275, rainier.guestservices.com.