Summer updates and news from DINE inns

As we move closer and closer to the first day of summer, we wanted to share some tidbits of news from the 11 Distinctive Inns of New England.  From new and blooming gardens to renovated guest rooms, entertainments and a significant birthday here and there, there’s plenty of news to tell.  For those seeking the perfect romantic New England vacation destination this summer or just a little getaway, the Distinctive Inns of New England are ready and waiting with welcoming hospitality and some new offerings to go with it!

NEWS FROM DINE INNS

Cliffside-InternVlad

The Cliffside Inn has recently welcomed their new summer intern, Vlad, and are looking forward to his fiancé, Tatiana (who worked at the Cliffside Inn last summer) joining him.  Vlad and Tatiana are from a little former Soviet Union country, Moldova.   Look for Vlad and Tatiana over the next three months helping in the yard, and with cooking and housekeeping.  Welcome to Newport, Vlad and Tatiana.

The Gateways Inn & Restaurant recently announced a new  summer lunchtime presentation series called AMERICA’S MUSICAL GREATS.  The series will feature prominent keynote speakers Martin Bookspan, Harvey Granat and Jeremy Yudkin presenting insight into such musical greats as Gershwin, Bernstein, Copeland and many more.   The programs will be presented on Sundays and Wednesdays starting  July 13.  All shows will be limited in seating; first come first to sit. Tickets are $15 in advance and $20 at the door. The Price does not include lunch, which will be served immediately following the presentations.  Click here for a complete schedule.

Chesterfield-privatedining

The Chesterfield Inn has created a whole new look for Room 23.  It’s located in the Wetherby building and includes a gas fireplace, beautiful new bed, wing chairs, and private bath. There’s also a private garden terrace where guests can choose to enjoy a very romantic breakfast for two or even decide to enjoy a private candlelight dinner delivered to this lovely setting.

The Inn at Harbor Hill Marina wants everyone to know that the State of Connecticut “Fan Favorite Town” contest for 2014 has begun. As a reminder, your help and votes last year helped Niantic and the Inn at Harbor Hill Marina capture this honorary title. Casting a vote this year could earn you a FREE 4-night stay at the Inn at Harbor Hill Marina this year, so go out and cast your vote, and please share with your facebook friends and get them to vote too. You can vote here: http://on.fb.me/1kWaTyr. 

New shower in Northern Lights.

In February, while James and Jill of the Captain’s House Inn were on vacation, a pipe burst in the Lydia Harding Suite causing water damage in all three rooms in the Stables building. They worked quickly to repair the damage and made lemons out of lemonade by updating the three rooms with beautiful new hardwood floors, new wall coverings and more.  The bedroom in Wild Hunter went from blue to red; a nice change while maintaining the character of the room.   Look for new wallpaper and a lovely tiled shower in  Northern Light, and the new carpet in the Lydia Harding Suite is so soft, you might just decide to sleep on it!

The Rabbit Hill Inn has added a new garden in back of the inn.  The new garden is located below the shuffleboard court and features assorted miniature ornamental trees, perennials, and edible flowers which you can see in the garden and possibly on your plates in the dining room!

The Manor on Golden Pond recently hosted the winners of the Select Registry 2013 Vacation of a Lifetime.  Michael Hubbard and Sossi Chungrian from Montreal were chosen from 49,853 entries as one of the grand prize winners of the 2013 Vacation of a Lifetime from Select Registry Distinguished Inns in Canada and the United States entitling them to  a free night at all of the nearly 350 Select Registry inns across the United States and Canada. While in New Hampshire, they chose to stay at the Manor on Golden Pond.  Click here to read more.

DeerfieldInn-porchThe Deerfield Inn is celebrating its 130th birthday throughout July and having survived floods, droughts, and hoards of grasshoppers, they have reason to celebrate their legacy!  As their gift to their guests, some rooms have been made available in July for just $130. Afternoon tea and cookies, a full country inn breakfast, and free passes to the museum houses of Historic Deerfield are all part of your stay when you visit this historic inn, one of New England’s original historic inns. 

The 2nd Annual Grafton Food Festival, July 12-13th.

The Grafton Inn is gearing up for the 2nd Annual Grafton Food Festival taking place  July 12-13, 2014.  Look forward to tastings, cooking demos, giveaways, farmers market and a great lodging package to go with it!

Both the Maine inns,  Camden Maine Stay Inn in Camden and Captain Jefferds Inn in Kennebunkport are tending to their gardens and oh how lovely they are.  While the blooms are not necessary new, each year the gardens come up a little more colorful and a little more beautiful too.  You won’t want to miss them this summer!

Gorgeous gardens at Captain Jefferds Inn

Gorgeous gardens at Captain Jefferds Inn

An aerial view of the garden paths at Camden Maine Stay Inn.

An aerial view of the garden paths at Camden Maine Stay Inn.