A dozen great ways to beat the heat in DINE country

Recently, the temps in Southern Maine reached levels not seen for the past 107 years! New Englanders have been suffering through one of the warmest summers in decades. Yet innkeepers at the 12 Distinctive Inns of New England are taking it all in stride.  While the thermometer may be climbing, guests can stay comfortable with ocean or lake breezes, pools, ponds and air conditioned guest rooms and parlors.  The best New England romantic getaways are filled with plenty of fabulous food (there’s a reason our acronym is DINE), wonderful places to spend time together, and total removal from every day cares.  We throw in fabulous beds, chilled afternoon refreshments, and plenty of places to stay cool too.

Let our photos do the talking.  Look forward to staying cool in DINE country this summer.  Your hot summer DINE getaway offers cool fun this summer. Let us show you the ways!

We’ll start with a dip in the pool!  Visit Manor on Golden Pond, Captain’s House Inn or Harbor Light Inn and cool off throughout the day or evening in the inn’s in-ground pool.

Harbor Light Inn's pool

While it’s an easy stroll to the Harbor, guests love getting their chance to relax by the water at the Harbor Light Inn’s in-ground pool.

Captain's House Inn pool

When visiting Cape Cod the beaches are great, but for those who’d rather not get sand in their feet or salt on their skin, relax poolside at Captain’s House Inn. You can even order a light lunch, and never have to leave.

Manor on Golden Pond pool

Relax poolside or enjoy a game of tennis at Manor on Golden Pond.

And if it’s not a pool, a pond at the Grafton Inn or Rabbit Hill Inn is another great way to cool off on a hot summer day!

Grafton Inn swimming hole

Kids love making a splash at Grafton Inn and Grafton Ponds, nearby.

Pond at Rabbit Hill Inn

Pondside picnics at Rabbit Hill Inn offer couples a wonderful place to find privacy. Perhaps even a proposal?

After a day of summer hiking or biking, nothing will cool you off faster than cool drinks and dinner on the patio or front porch at Chesterfield Inn or Deerfield Inn.

Porch dining at Deerfield Inn

While porch sitting may take place throughout the day at the Deerfield Inn, porch dining is the way to go on a warm summer evening here.

Drinks on the Chesterfield Inn patio.

Throughout the summer, relax on the patio with a drink from the bar at Chesterfield Inn.

Enjoy a glass of wine or selections from the summer menu here.And speaking of drinks, for single malt lovers, you’ll find one of the largest collections of them at the Gateways Inn & Restaurant – in summer (or winter), it’s a great way to contemplate the finest in life!

Gateways Inn offers single malt whiskies

Enjoy a pre or post concert drink in the Piano Bar at Gateways Inn and Restaurant.

Why not get out on a boat and enjoy a ride on a historic schooner?  Here’s what you’ll see from Rockport Harbor,while staying at Camden Maine Stay Inn if you’re really lucky.

rainbow over Rockport near Camden Maine Stay Inn

Rainbows are top sellers for Instagrammable moments. Add this beautiful scene in Rockport, Maine, near Camden Maine Stay Inn, and you’ve captured the whole experience. (Claudio Latenza photo)

And as we all know, there’s nothing like hitting the beach on a hot summer day.  There are several choices in DINE country near Captain Jefferds Inn and Cliffside Inn!

Pet friendly Captain Jefferds Inn means you can take your dog to the beach

Bring your favorite four-legged friend and stay in one of the pet-friendly rooms at Captain Jefferds Inn. You can hit the beach together early in the morning or after 5pm when the beaches are open to dogs.

Newport, RI's Cliff WalkAnd at the end of the day, here’s the innkeepers’ favorite way to toast the summer in Niantic near the Inn at Harbor Hill Marina.

toasting at the beach near Inn at Harbor Hill MarinaPlan your next romantic summer vacation at the 12 Distinctive Inns of New England by clicking on links below that will take you directly to each of their websites.

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

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

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