Ask anyone why they love visiting Distinctive Inns of New England (DINE) and they usually include the word “romance” in their explanation. From celebration vacations to simple New England romantic getaways, DINE’s 12 inns offer everything from haute hospitality to amazing breakfasts, afternoon teas and refreshments, amazing accommodations and wonderful New England destinations to visit. How’s that for one great package all bundled up into a great Maine getaway, Vermont vacation, New Hampshire escape, Rhode Island rendezvous or Connecticut shore hideaway?
DINE’s beautifully restored inns vary from contemporary to traditional, but they’re similar in one important way. They offer romantic amenities that foster the ideal intimate escape. From luxurious sheets to fine farm to table dining, and personalized attention to every guests’ need, what more could a New England vacationer want? We know! As the weather turns chillier this fall….you want fires!
And when it comes to flickering fires to add the perfect ambiance to the room, once again you’ll find it in DINE country. Let’s explore how.
Fireplaces in rooms and parlors
Imagine laying in bed under luxurious sheets and comforters, watching the first of the snowflakes fall with a fireplace flickering as you drift to sleep. Or, sitting in your deep whirlpool tub watching the fire flicker in the bathroom? Most of the DINE inns offer in-room fireplaces, some with see-through fireplaces between the bedroom and bath. Imagine enjoying a few of these wonderful rooms on your next visit to a DINE inn. And when not in your own guest room, you can cozy-up in the parlor which also offers lovely fireplaces too.
Captain Jefferds Inn offers a pass-through fireplace in some rooms or a lovely fireplace viewed from the bed in others. Photo by Jumping Rocks.
The Lydia Harding Suite at Captain’s House Inn offers a lovely fireplace.
Reading beside the fire in the parlor at Grafton Inn is a favorite guest passtime.
Fireside Dining
A number of the DINE inns have their own restaurants too. Once again, here’s another place to enjoy the light of the fire. From the Rabbit Hill Inn’s recently renovated dining room to the Manor on Golden Pond’s Van Horn Dining Room, and the Old Tavern at the Grafton Inn, you’ll find lovely fireside dining. At the Deerfield Inn a warm fireplace greets guests at Champney’s Restaurant plus in the parlor too. Ask to enjoy your breakfast at any of the fireplaced rooms at Chesterfield Inn and you can step it up another notch within the privacy of your own room.
Guests at the Rabbit Hill inn enjoy candlelit dining in the new dining room.
Fireside dining at Manor on Golden Pond’s Van Horn Dining Room.
A lovely cheese plate served fireside at the Grafton Inn. Photography by Jennifer Langille / @jennifer.langille
Fire pits
Both the Cliffside Inn and the Harbor Light Inn have recently added fire pits. In the warmer months, these outdoor attractions offer up the ideal spot to enjoy a glass of wine or a cold beverage. Many an engagement and romantic tete-a-tete has taken place in the light of the fire pit at these inns.
When the sun goes down, the firepit starts flaming at Cliffside Inn. Guests love it.
A beautiful fire, a glass of wine and some day soon…YOU…in this photo at Harbor Light Inn.
Fireworks
Beyond July 4th and an occasional wedding, we leave the fireworks up to you!
Next time you’re planning a celebration vacation or simply need some “we time” together, plan a fire-filled getaway at any of the 12 Distinctive Inns of New England.
In Maine: Captain Jefferds Inn in Kennebunkport & Camden Maine Stay Inn in Camden.
In Rhode Island: Cliffside Inn in Newport
In Connecticut: Inn at Harbor Hill Marina in Niantic
In New Hampshire: Manor on Golden Pond in Holderness & Chesterfield Inn in West Chesterfield
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.