From Sea to Sea: Southern Coastal DINEtinerary

A few weeks ago, we introduced Itineraries with a story on the blog about the two Original Historic Inns of New England, Deerfield Inn and Grafton Inn.  As we mentioned in that story, we know inngoers are looking for itineraries which allow them to visit more than one DINE inn.  Each of the 11 Distinctive Inns of New England offer a different sophisticated experience, making an itinerary where two or three properties are included the perfect way to experience a relaxing yet scenic getaway.  We like to call these trips “DINEtineraries” offering a way to bundle a few properties together into one easy vacation.

The beauty of our Southern Coastal DINEtinerary is the proximity of the three inns included.  With each inn under 2 hours from one another, it leaves plenty of time to explore the region.  This six day Southern Coastal Itinerary offers two days each three wonderful inns, with plenty of time for beaches, sightseeing and great dining.  Starting from the southern-most DINE property, this DINEtinerary can be accomplished easily from south to north or north to south.

InnatHarborHillMarina-exteriorDays 1 & 2:  Inn at Harbor Hill Marina, Niantic, CT

You’ll start your itinerary by checking in to the Inn at Harbor Hill Marina overlooking a bustling marina and Connecticut’s shoreline.  Be sure to bring your sunglasses to this inn because as you will see, you’ll need them for your new favorite sport…porch sitting.  The Inn at Harbor Hill Marina’s rocking-chair-filled porch beckons those with a cup of coffee in the morning or a glass of wine in the evening to “come set a spell” and watch the comings and goings of the marina.  And fear not, if the rockers are filled, there’s a row of Adirondack chairs in front of the inn offering the same view.  We’re pretty sure that your itinerary will begin with a welcome to the property, the chance to settle in, then at least an hour of porch sitting before you venture out to Niantic’s Main Street and a choice of restaurants within an easy stroll of the inn. Help yourself to the inn’s guest pantry where snacks, wine and beer are offered just to make that bewitching cocktail hour a little nicer.

Awake the next morning to a hearty breakfast buffet, filled with steaming baked goods, fresh fruit, and delicious entrees from the kitchen served 8:00-9:30am. We wouldn’t be surprised if you join others out on the porch for breakfast in a rocker!  You’ll have the chance to talk with other guests about ideas for the day.

There are plenty of options for sightseeing trips.  In fact, you’ll find a virtual visitors guide on the Inn at Harbor Hill’s website here.  From wine tasting to casinos, theaters, beaches, train or boat rides, just the kind of entertainment you want is within a short drive.  Many of the guests choose to spend the day exploring Mystic Seaport and Mystic Aquarium.  Others take advantage of the inn’s complimentary beach chairs, coolers and beach umbrella’s, for guests’ use along with beach passes to the two local beaches, and just spend the day relaxing. Whether it’s fun or sun you seek, you will find it within a short drive here.

If you’re at a loss for which way to go, ask innkeepers Dave and Sue Labrie.  In fact, they’ve created fabulous interest-themed itineraries complete with directions for their guests.  They love helping guests decide on a plan for the day.

A trip to the Inn at Harbor Hill Marina isn’t complete without a stroll down Niantic’s Main Street.  Voted a “Yankee Fan Favorite”, the eclectic business district offers a variety of independently owned stores, shops, theaters and restaurants with a true coastal feel. Much on tasty fried clams and homemade ice cream or venture a little further for fine dining.

The next morning, awake to another breakfast in the rockers, and prepare to head to Newport, RI. Check out by 11am and either catch Mystic along the way or head the 1:15 hour drive up to Newport and arrive just in time for a harborside lunch.

CliffsideInn-the new innDays 3 & 4:  Cliffside Inn, Newport, RI

You’ll probably arrive in Newport before check-in time, so take a little time to explore the harborside shops.  You’ll find a huge variety of stores and restaurants offering everything from tea rooms to casual to fine dining.  If sitting outside and enjoying a drink next to the harbor is your idea of fabulous, you’ll find many options along Thames Street.

Cliffside-Koty in daffodilsCheck in any time after 3pm and enjoy a quick orientation to the property and the chance to settle in. The first thing you’ll want to do is say a big hello to Koty, the inn’s mascot and honorary Assistant Innkeeper.  No one can resist Koty’s friendly welcome.

Afternoon tea is served on Wednesdays from 4:30 p.m. – 5:30 p.m. in the parlor.  Cliffside Inn features a custom blended tea, prepared exclusively for the Cliffside Inn by master tea blenders Harney & Sons plus an array of sweets and savories, both classic and contemporary.  During the warmer summer months, iced teas will be served as well.  Many guests enjoy tea in the parlor while others relax on the veranda or in the outdoor garden seating.  During the rest of the week, a relaxed wine and hors d’oeuvres reception is offered from 5 to 6pm offering an assortment of hand selected wines and an array of hors d’oeuvres prepared daily by the chef. Both Wednesday Tea and the wine reception are included in the stay at the Cliffside Inn.  Send some time during these receptions reviewing options for dinner with innkeepers Nancy and Bill or with other guests. There are so many different restaurants to meet every taste, you could stay for a week and still have more to try.

Return in the evening to a bonfire in the outdoor fireplace, set for guests’ enjoyment every evening that weather allows.  Gather with other guests or for a quiet tete-a-tete with your mate and begin planning your day in Newport.

Cliffside Inn - breakfastThe next morning, breakfast is served between 8am – 10am in the dining room, but guests often retire to the verandah with a plate. Breakfast at Cliffside Inn includes fresh juices and fruit, cereal and their must-try homemade granola, plus fresh baked muffins or breads and individually served entrees. Top it off with French-press Legendary Blend coffee roasted daily and blended exclusively by nearby Custom House Coffee, Rhode Island’s top artisanal coffee roaster.

Start the day with stroll on the Cliff Walk.  No trip to Newport and especially the Cliffside Inn is complete without a walk on this legendary public access way offering spectacular views of Newport’s shoreline combined with the architectural history of Newport’s gilded age. Best of all, it’s literally steps from the inn.

After a warm-up on the Cliff Walk, you might set out to explore Newport’s famous mansions or decide to hit another beach. There are plenty nearby. If the lure of the sea beckons, head to the harbor where a number of boat excursions are available, and then enjoy the eclectic shops in downtown Newport.  Newport maintains an active festival and events schedule, and the Cliffside Inn has summarized many of the entertainment options and festivals on their website here: http://www.cliffsideinn.com/newport-activities.html.

Cliffside_Inn_Afternoon_Tea_1024x768Be sure to return to the Cliffside in time for your afternoon or evening reception and planning session for that evening’s dining as this will be your last night of the itinerary for a night out on the town.  Return to the warmth of the outdoor fireplace and then a good nights’ sleep which you will have earned after a day of exploring Newport.

The next morning, enjoy another sumptuous breakfast, pack up and head to Cape Cod and your final destination on the Southern Coastal DINEtinerary.

 CaptainsHouse-withgardens-smallerDays 4 & 5: Captain’s House Inn, Chatham, MA

It’s less than 2 hours from Newport to Chatham, as you find yourself meandering up Route 6, the Mid-Cape Highway.  If you arrive early, be sure to explore the town of Chatham.  With its quintessentially Cape Cod Main Street, you’ll find many of the unique shops beckoning with colorful window fronts.

CaptainsHouse-Tea-smallestCheck in to the Captain’s House Inn after 3pm and after your tour of the inn and introduction to all the amenities here perhaps you’ll want to hit the pool tucked quietly beside the inn.  If it’s a rainy day, visit the library and choose from a large collection of movies in the DVD library for guests’ complimentary use, then snuggle up in your room to watch that movie you’ve wanted to see but haven’t had time at home.  Every afternoon between 3-5pm, guests can help themselves to a complimentary Cream Tea served in the dining room, on the patio or in the privacy of your own room. The complimentary Cream Tea consists of scones, cookies and delectable cakes.  You can choose to upgrade to an English Afternoon Tea where delicate sandwiches and savory pastries are added for a small fee.

Talk with James and Jill, innkeepers/owners, about the kind of dinner you’d like to enjoy that evening.  They’ll be happy to make reservations for a night on the town. And be sure to stop into the kitchen between 6:30-10:30pm when you return for a complimentary evening snack or dessert, left for guests by the chef.

This breakfast entree at Captain's House Inn was among the best I've ever had! Followed by a lavish buffet of granola, sweet treats, fruit, yogurt, muffins and more. Arise the next morning for a fabulous breakfast, served from 8-10am.  It starts with a buffet items such as cereals, yogurts, freshly baked croissants and bagels, smoked salmon, sliced ham and cheese and our homemade low-fat granola, and is followed up with a delicious and hearty entrée.

Next, it’s off to explore Chatham.  You might start with Monomoy National Wildlife Refuge. The refuge consists of 2,750 acres, 40 of which are on Morris Island and are accessible by car, offering an interesting trail approximately 3/4 mile long. The remaining acres can only be reached by guided boat trips to the island. These trips run throughout the summer until early fall.  You won’t want to miss the Chatham Lighthouse, built in 1877 and still standing, safely guiding vessels across the water. This historic lighthouse also marks the point from which you can gain the most amazing views of the Atlantic and see “the break” which was created after severe winter storms.  Be sure to hit the Fish Pier between 3pm and 4pm to see the local fisherman bring in their daily catch.  Then, if time allows, return to Main Street for a little bit of shopping or an ice cream at Buffy’s or Emack & Bolios (where the key lime pie yogurt is a favorite).

If relaxing by the pool after prior days of sightseeing sounds more like what you have in mind, you’re in luck.  The Captain’s Manor Inn also served poolside lunches for $12.  Check out the menu and complete list of craft beers and wines that can be purchased throughout your stay.

Return to the inn in time to enjoy the end of afternoon tea or help yourself to a glass of complimentary port or sherry in the library.  Then it’s off to another restaurant for the evening.  Recommendations and directions are easily found on the Captain’s House Inn website here.

Awake the next morning for another fabulous breakfast to fuel you for the day.  Be sure to stop into the gift shop before you go.  It’s filled with everything from the fabulous robes you enjoyed during your stay to mugs, local crafts and gifts to bring home to the babysitter or dog walker.

Stay tuned to the DINE blog for future DINEtineraries. We’ll feature all 11 Distinctive Inns of New England throughout our series.  Meanwhile, we’ve made it easy to plan your own itinerary. Simply visit the DINE locator map and plan a route or follow one of ours. We look forward to welcoming you to #DINEcountry this summer.