When most people think of places to stay in New England they think of homey inns and B&Bs where personal touches abound. They think of quaint lodgings with antique furnishings, comfortable porches, roaring fireplaces, and home cooked meals that are reason enough to return. New England is full of such places, of course, but there's more to this region, too. From luxurious country estates to humble farmhouses, from seaside retreats to chic boutique hotels, the Northeast has such an impressive range of sleepover options that the Boston Globe dedicates a weekly "Checking In" column to exploring every nook and cranny of it. Now, the bigger and better 2008 edition of Checking In compiles some of the Globe's best reviews in one handy paperback planner that lays out an entire year's worth of getaways. It goes beyond the basics of contact information and room rates to candidly tell you what Globe reviewers liked and didn't like, what surprised them, and what made each place distinctive-be it romance, gourmet meals, seasonal activities, or a family-friendly attitude. Each twopage review also leaves room for reader notes on "things to remember," and directs more inquisitive tourists to web pages where expanded reviews and destination guides can be found, along with links to book reservations. At just $9.95, Checking In, 2008 is the perfect gift for anyone who wants to explore an incredible array of places to stay in New England. It should keep travelers plenty busy until the 2009 edition rolls around.