Five perfect ways to celebrate spring at Distinctive Inns of New England

Tulips and daffodils at Rabbit Hill InnNew England offers such beauty as spring comes slowly yet intently to this beautiful part of the country. The Distinctive Inns of New England (DINE) make the perfect home base to explore the fifty shades of green that emerge during … Read more

State by State Guide to Maple Sugaring Celebrations in New England Plus Recipes

Maple syrupMarch is the month for maple syrup making in and around the Distinctive Inns of New England (DINE) and the ten DINE inns invite guests to visit sugar shacks throughout New England. As the days get a little longer and … Read more

Spotlight on Grafton Inn, Grafton, VT

Grafton Inn winterTo date we’ve had the opportunity to spotlight three of the Distinctive Inns of New England (DINE) on the DINE blog. We started our series with a focus on the Manor on Golden Pond. Next in line was an article … Read more

An armchair tour of Christmas decorations in DINE country

Holiday planter at Chesterfield InnIt’s not beginning to look like Christmas at Distinctive Inns of New England (DINE). We’re thick in the heart of the holiday season here.  From whimsical to traditional to exquisite, the 10 innkeepers at DINE inns have once again pulled … Read more

Let DINE homes be your home for the holidays

Fall decorations at Deerfield InnHoliday season 2020 will be a little more distanced this year.  While spikes in Covid-19 are on the rise, traditional Thanksgiving and holiday gatherings are being given a second look.  Sadly, some families have decided not to gather for the … Read more

Romantic fall packages in DINE Country, Part I: Maine, Connecticut & Vermont

While many believe that fall colors end in early October, that’s simply not the case everywhere in New England.  In the Northern parts of DINE country, fall color may be past peak, but it’s definitely not gone. In the … Read more

Updates on travel restrictions and safety procedures at Vermont Inns

handwashingThis is part three in our series updating travelers about travel restrictions and all of the safety precautions put into place at the Distinctive Inns of New England (DINE). We covered Massachusetts – from Cape Cod to Cape Ann and … Read more

DINE’s elopements and micro weddings ideas in Massachusetts, Vermont and Connecticut

weddings-just marriedFrom the Berkshires, White and Green Mountains to the shores of Cape Cod, Marblehead and Niantic, the Distinctive Inns of New England (DINE) members offer the ideal venues for micro weddings and elopements.  Last week we examined all the great Read more

Garden fresh colorful summer dishes from DINE kitchens

vegetables in bowl - foodSummer is here in DINE country and the colors are beautiful.  Throughout the Distinctive Inns of New England (DINE), kitchens are overflowing with the colors and dishes that make summer so delicious.  From red raspberries to blueberries, the greens from … Read more

Meet the Chefs: Executive Chef Cal Hingston, Grafton Inn

Grafton Inn-outside diningTechnically, we started the Meet the Chefs series back in February with a description of the all-female “badass” kitchen staff at the Gateways Inn back in February.  Then the pandemic hit, and we had to put our chef series … Read more

State by State Guide to Re-opening in DINE Country

Flags - Memorial DayIn any other year – and hopefully in future years – Memorial Day weekend is a busy start of the summer season for members of Distinctive Inns of New England.  With spring fully underway, gardens blooming, boats going into … Read more

DINE innkeepers check in during the pandemic – updates on their lives – Part 2

Brian Mulcahy at his deskLast week we started our series offering insight into the day in the life of a Distinctive Inns of New England (DINE) innkeeper during the Coronavirus shut down.  While most DINE innkeepers are finding themselves with more personal time, they … Read more

What do DINE innkeepers do during quarantine – Part I

The Covid-19 pandemic has shuttered lodging in the six New England states.  Since early April, lodging properties and restaurants have been closed per state orders.  While the mandates have varied from state to state, all of the Distinctive Inns of Read more

Spring inspiration from Distinctive Inns of New England

Spring bouquet at Inn at English MeadowsAfter nearly a month of social distancing and staying at home, we’re willing to bet that a little inspiration will go a long way. Just as Easter signals rebirth, so does springtime in New England. While all of the Distinctive Read more

Meet the Innkeeper: Angela Comstock of Grafton Inn

Angela Comstock, Innkeeper at Grafton InnSpend any amount of time at the Grafton Inn and you will certainly have the good fortune to meet the innkeeper, Angela Comstock.  You’ll recognize her by the broad smile on her face and the friendly welcome.  Whether engaging with … Read more

A message of caring from Distinctive Inns of New England

Connections via handsCoronavirus has crept its way into every moment of our lives.  From TV, newspaper, radio and online messaging to the very lifestyle we’re all now adapting to, the new normal is anything but normal.  Yet, despite the psychic whiplash we … Read more

February is for lovers and winter getaways at Distinctive Inns of New England

Dessert buffet at Harbor Light Inn.We all know that February is for lovers and Valentine’s, but don’t lose track of the winter beauty that New England offers too.  The ten Distinctive Inns of New England (DINE) offer the ideal location for lovers to celebrate Valentine’s … Read more

Pair Holiday Shopping with inn getaways in Vermont

Rabbit Hill Inn Christmas Tree in the Parlor with 1800 white lightsA National Retail Federation recently predicted that holiday spending will be up by 4-percent this year for an all-time high of $730.7 billion dollars in total holiday spending.  Their survey conducted in October also found that an astonishing 39-percent of … Read more

Work sucks, the boss sucks – DINE will fix that

Photo of woman writing - Trust yourself - Be the boss".From time to time, every working traveler has muttered that works sucks. When you’d rather be traveling, work really can suck.  And for those who are not the boss, it’s not uncommon that the boss sucks from time to time … Read more

Jump Inn & Cool Off:  Great swimming pools at DINE inns – Part I

It’s summer. The thermometer is rising and already we’ve had a record number of 80+-degree days in a row.  The sunny days of summer are upon us and we say bring on the heat! You’ll find plenty of ways to … Read more