Last week we blogged about some of the many attractions near DINE inns in Massachusetts and New Hampshire. This week, as we turn yet another calendar page we realize there’s about a month left of summer. That’s 30 days of time to plan and book your summer outdoor adventure, culinary caper or romantic getaway to DINE country. And speaking of timing for getaways, the 12 DINE inns fill up early during prime leaf-peeping season. It’s not too early to start planning your fall getaway.
Let’s start with some of the fabulous summer attractions in Vermont. Stay at the Rabbit Hill Inn and you’ll be treated to a number of customized itinerary developed by the innkeepers. They’ve picked the best of the best in the area and themed the day around things like food, adventure and more. We highly recommend the culinary tour taking you to places like Cabot Creamery where you’ll sample wonderful Vermont cheeses, Ben & Jerry’s where you get to see how ice cream is made and taste some too and some wonderful country stores. There may even be a beer stop in there! Be sure to ask Leslie for her recommendations for the perfect itinerary to fit your interests.
Your next stop in Vermont is the Grafton Inn where there’s plenty of fun for families. Take a dip in the swimming pond at Grafton Ponds, or right in town, take the kids to the Nature Museum features hands-on indoor and outdoor exhibits and dioramas, focusing on the region’s plants, animals, and geology. There are plenty of events for kids ages three and up and you might even get the teenagers to put down their devises to explore the natural world in New England here. For more active adventure, Okemo’s Adventure Zone is about 30 minutes from the Grafton Inn. This attraction, perfect for kids of all ages, includes a mountain coaster, a mountain bike park, disc golf, bungee trampolines, a climbing wall, and the high-flying Big Air Bag. Also at the resort are zipline tours, a ropes course, two 18-hole golf courses, and a large family-friendly swimming pool with a water slide. Be sure to bring your bathing suit for Okemo and Grafton Ponds!
The next stop on our summer tour takes us to the Connecticut shoreline and the Inn at Harbor Hill Marina. One summer adventure enjoyed by all guests here is porch sitting! Every guest spends at least a little time on the porch or in the Adirondack chairs overlooking the Marina. For those who want a little more activity, start the day out with a stroll along the boardwalk. Innkeepers Dave and Sue will give you easy directions. Of course, you can’t come to Niantic without a stroll down this seaside town’s Main Street for ice cream, clams and other treats. Niantic beaches aren’t far and a ride on the Essex Steam Train and Riverboat is always a fun activity too and can be combined for a dinner cruise too. As we’ve mentioned in other blog postings, Mystic Seaport, is a popular stop for guests of the Inn at Harbor Hill Marina too.
And just under an hour from Niantic, we finish our summer adventures in New
port, RI at the Cliffside Inn. Of course the Newport Cliff Walk and tours of the Newport Mansions will always top the list, but did you know that you can walk to Easton’s Beach (First Beach) from the Cliffside Inn. There are a number of additional scenic beaches within a short drive of the inn too. Newport’s famous Ten Mile Drive is more than just a drive along the ocean. You can make an entire day trip out of this drive as it combines Newport’s summer community history with a fabulous recreational treasure trove of public parks and miles of public access shoreline. This drive has been ranked among the most popular “drives” in the country. Bring the dog and stay in one of the dog-friendly cottages at Cliffside Inn then enjoy discovering Newport’s treasures with the mutt and the mate you love!
Next week, we’ll explore the best of the summer adventures in coastal Maine, so be sure to tune in for the final chapter in our series.
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 your relaxing romantic getaway can begin.
In Connecticut: Inn at Harbor Hill Marina in Niantic
In New Hampshire: Manor on Golden Pond in Holderness & Chesterfield Inn in West Chesterfield
In Rhode Island: Cliffside Inn in Newport
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 Vermont: Rabbit Hill Inn in Lower Waterford & Grafton Inn in Grafton
In Maine: Captain Jefferds Inn in Kennebunkport & Camden Maine Stay Inn in Camden.