DINE Innkeepers best kept secret spots revealed – Part II

secret information from Distinctive Inns of New EnglandWhat separates an inn from a vacation rental?  There are many differences between staying at an inn or B&B and an Airbnb.  In fact, we wrote about this in an earlier blog in March.  One of the biggest differences, however, is the on-site innkeeper.  Your innkeepers are not only there to help make reservations and answer questions, they can also share insider knowledge of the best experiences.  Last week, we started this two-part series about great secret spots revealed by DINE innkeepers.  This week, more innkeepers weigh in with wonderful ideas for places to visit and experiences you can enjoy during your romantic getaway in DINE country.

From Leslie at Rabbit Hill Inn:

One of my favorite local secrets is Harry’s Hardware. It sounds crazy to send folks to a teeny old  hardware store with one gas pump out front . But it is a REAL DEAL unique FUN Vermont experience.  I just tell folks to “trust me and goPhoto of Harry's Hardwear in Cabot, VT there!”, and they do.  ”Nowhere else can you wander in, do a little funky shopping, sit and enjoy a great variety of the BEST VT craft beers on tap at a very social bar with tractor seats (called Ken’s Den”), or perhaps have a great lunch in the adorable mini country diner in the back of the store (called Sarah’s Diner). Visit with Sarah while she makes your yummy (and very economically priced) lunch. She proudly makes everything from scratch in that tiny kitchen.   On weekends, live music is added to the mix.  Our guests find themselves spending HOURS at Harry’s Hardware – chatting up with anyone & everyone who pops in from near & far.  Recently, we had someone return to the inn and say that “Harry’s is my favorite place on the planet!”  As a bonus, it is right across the street from the Cabot Creamery Cheese Factory. A visit to the Cabot cheese tasting room is icing on the cake! In my book, Harry’s Hardware is a “must-do”.  (Note: photo courtesy of Harry’s Hardware website)

From Carolyn at Harbor Light Inn

I don’t know if this is one of my “best kept secrets” but something that a lot of people find fun/intriguing is a “Hocus Pocus Tour” where you go and seBurial Grounds near Harbor Light Inne a few of the filming locations.  One of them being right up the street from the Harbor Light Inn is at Old Burial Hill.  It was used in the scene where Max gets his shoes taken by the “punks”.

He also rides his bike down State Street which is right around the corner from the Harbor Light Inn.  We have shown guests in the past different locations in Salem as well.  One of them being the main characters home too.  For those who love to visit places where celebs strolled, the Hocus Pocus tour is really fun.

From Julia at Inn at Harbor Hill Marina

photo of Stonington Borough, CTLocated approximately 30 minutes north of our inn, Stonington Village or the “borough” as locals call it, has kept its seafaring atmosphere as a traditional New England fishing village for years.  Our guests really enjoy Stonington’s charming setting with its tree-lined village streets and historic houses offering a variety of unique quaint restaurants, antique and gift shops, and galleries.  From “The Point” and Dubois Beach you can view three states; –Connecticut, Rhode Island and New York and panoramic views of Fisher’s Island Sound.  If possible, be sure to visit the Stonington Harbor Lighthouse and Museum (only open seasonally), located at the end of Water St., which was built in 1823. (Note:  Photo courtesy of Stonington Borough, CT photo gallery)

Between Part I and Part II, you are now equipped to explore some of the sweetest and most beautiful spots in DINE country. Don’t forget, when you make your reservations for your next DINE getaway, book direct for the best rates.

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

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.

In Connecticut: Inn at Harbor Hill Marina in Niantic