Don’t miss summer attractions in Massachusetts and New Hampshire

As August approaches, we can’t help but think how quickly summer will be over.  August is prime time for outdoor fun and romantic getaways in New England and the 12 Distinctive Inns of New England (DINE) are ready to welcome guests with great ideas for “don’t-miss” attractions.  There are a few quintessential must-try features at each of the DINE inns.  Some might be familiar, others not so much.  Here are some not-to-miss inside secrets and ideas for places to go and things to do on your summer vacation in DINE country.

In Massachusetts

Fire table at Harbor Light Inn, Marblehead, MAStay at Harbor Light Inn in the heart of Marblehead’s beautifully restored village and you won’t want to miss some of the great museums nearby.  Rain or shine, a visit to the Peabody Essex Museum is a must-do.  Don’t wait for Halloween to go to the Salem Witch Museum and the House of 7 Gables in nearby Salem.  Afterward, enjoy some light fare or a cool drink at the inn’s own tavern or better yet, enjoy it outside at the poolside fire pit.

At Deerfield Inn, one must-do is to visit Historic Deerfield’s beautifully restored colonial village surrounding the inn. Borrow bikes from the inn and ride throughout the tree lined streets or stroll through the homes. For those seeking something more active, how about some white water rafting or Ziplining at nearby Zoar Outdoor.  Then top it all off with a cocktail made with the inn’s own infused mixtures or a local craft brew at Champney’s Restaurant and Tavern, located at the inn.

Less than an hour from Deerfield, located in the heart of the Berkshire Mountains, the Gateways Inn and Restaurant is ideally located near Tanglewood, summer  home to the Boston Symphony Orchestra.  Take in a performance there and then return to the Piano Bar for a late night bite to eat.  Top it all off to one of the Berkshires fabulous spas, like Canyon Ranch, and you’ve got a perfect getaway.

Head to Cape Cod for beaches, sun and fun.  While staying at the Captain’s House Inn, enjoy a dip in the inn’s fabulous pool, or a stroll through the gardens before heading down to the Chatham Fish Pier to watch the fisherman unload their catch of the day.  After that, stroll through Chatham Village for some window shopping in the locally-owned eclectic stores and grab a bite to eat at one of Chatham’s restaurants.  Your innkeepers are happy to recommend their favorites.

In New Hampshire

Drinks on the Chesterfield Inn patio.Less than 45 minutes from Deerfield Inn, you’ll find the Chesterfield Inn, poised just five miles from the Vermont border.  During the summer, fall and even winter nearby Pisgah State Park, the largest state park in New Hampshire, offers up more than 13,000 acres of forested terrain with trails for hiking and biking.  It’s just a 10 minute drive here from the inn.  After a day in the park, return to the inn and enjoy a cool beverage on the patio overlooking fields filled with wildflowers.

If you remember the classic film, On Golden Pond, then a visit to the Manor On Golden Pond will certainly have to include a boat ride on Squam Lake (a.k.a. Golden Pond). The Squam Lakes Natural Science Center (worth a visit in itself) offers a number of different pontoon boat cruises including a bald eagle cruise and loon cruise among others.  Afterward, return for a dip in the inn’s pool or a game of tennis, then cool off with a beverage at the inn’s very own three cocks pub. See how many roosters you can count in there!

That’s all we have room for right now, so tune in next week when we cover must-visit summer hot spots in Vermont, Rhode Island, Maine and Connecticut.

Learn more about the 12 Distinctive Inns of New England by clicking below on links that will take you directly to each of their websites where the adventure begins.  Better yet, visit them in person when you take your road trip this summer.

In Maine:  Captain Jefferds Inn in Kennebunkport & Camden Maine Stay Inn in Camden

In New Hampshire:  Manor on Golden Pond in Holderness & Chesterfield Inn in West Chesterfield

In Massachusetts:  Harbor Light Inn in Marblehead, Gateways Inn & Restaurant in Lenox, Deerfield Inn in Historic Deerfield and Captain’s House Inn in Chatham on Cape Cod.

In Rhode Island: Cliffside Inn in Newport

In Connecticut: Inn at Harbor Hill Marina in Niantic.

In Vermont:  Rabbit Hill Inn in Lower Waterford & Grafton Inn in Grafton