News for the Traveler (3)

In '115 Country Inns of New Hampshire and Vermont'' (Down East Books, Camden, Maine 04843, $9, plus $2 per copy for shipping and handling, Maine residents add 5 percent sales tax), author Peter E. Randall reviewsselected inns located throughout these northern New England states.

Describing the Lyme Inn in Lyme, New Hampshire, Mr. Randall writes, ''Sconces with tiny lights illuminate the dining rooms, where Hitchcock chairs and tables, wide pine floors, exposed beams, old baskets, and other domestic antiques complete the Colonial atmosphere.''

Describing the Barrows House in Dorset, Vermont, he says ''The latest touch is a beautiful white gazebo set off to one side of the six-acre grounds and lighted at night. Two tennis courts and a swimming pool keep summer guests occupied when the inn has its busiest season.''