While many believe that fall colors end in early October, that’s simply not the case everywhere in New England. In the Northern parts of DINE country, fall color may be past peak, but it’s definitely not gone. In the Southern parts of the region, you’ll find fall colors peaking closer to early to mid-November. No matter in what part of fall you decide to travel, a getaway to any of the Distinctive Inns of New England (DINE) promises just what you need – that perfect romantic respite from the rigors of work, homeschooling, and election time. Best of all, the 10 DINE inns offer independently owned New England lodging, with on-site innkeepers dedicated to the cleanliness and safety required in the age of Covid. All protocols have been updated and meet and often exceed state, federal and industry guidelines at DINE inns.
Just to entice you a little further, here are a number of packages to sweeten the reason for traveling during the harvest to holidays period. In Part I of this series, we’ll offer packages in Maine, Connecticut and Vermont. Next week, we’ll cover the rest of the DINE members’ packages. Be sure to check the travel restrictions in each of the states you plan to travel before booking.
In Maine
Enjoy the romance of a fall escape with these two celebration vacations. Whether it’s a quick Maine romantic getaway, or an anniversary, birthday or to “get out of the doghouse”, a little bit of romance goes a long way to soothing the soul this fall especially.
Kennebunkport Romance at the Inn at English Meadows
Whether you’re celebrating an anniversary, a birthday, or just in the mood for a romantic seaside getaway with your sweetheart, the Kennebunkport Romance Package is sure to add the perfect touch to your stay.
The Inn at English Meadow’s package includes:
- A dozen roses or seasonal mixed bouquet
- Chilled Extra Dry Prosecco
- $50 gift certificate to one of our favorite local restaurants.
Price: Add $145 to your room stay.
Romantic Celebration Vacations at Camden Maine Stay Inn
Considering a mini-moon? Celebrating an anniversary or other special occasion? Or are you simply a hopeless romantic? Show that special person in your life the depth of your love with this Romantic Getaway package. With this package comes with:
- A beautiful arrangement of fresh flowers
- A chilled bottle of bubbly
- Fresh chocolates prepared in Midcoast Maine will be waiting in your room upon arrival.
- And when it comes time to leave this romantic Inn and re-enter the real world, you can laze around in your room following your gourmet breakfast and enjoy a late check-out.
Price: $120 | Number of advance days needed to prepare: Two.
In Connecticut
Here’s a perfect Connecticut Shore package with a nice price break too. Visit beautiful Niantic, Ct – an easy drive from New York or all parts of Southern New England. Believe it or not, it’s still boating weather, and this package will get you out on the water, perhaps for one last time until next spring.
Inn at Harbor Hill Marina 20% Off October Promotion
Cozy up with our fall special! Enjoy 20% your October stay. Valid Sunday – Thursday with a minimum 2-night stay. Enjoy:
- Room Service
- In-Room Fireplace (Captain Clark House only)
- Pontoon Cruise with Hot Cocoa
- Spectacular Fall Foliage Views
- Unbeatable Niantic Charm
Blackout dates and restrictions may apply. 20% off rates figured upon online booking. Be sure to check 20% off October Promotion when booking.
In Vermont
Take a pre-holidays respite to Vermont where you’ll be greeted with friendly innkeepers, flickering fires, and perhaps the romance of the season’s first snowfall on Vermont’s beautiful Green Mountains. If you are an out-of-state resident, please review Vermont’s current cross-state travel information before making your reservation.
Grafton Inn’s November Stay & Dine:
This package has DINE included as half its name! Perfect for foodies and those who love DINE inns!
The all-inclusive two-night Stay & Dine weekend package includes:
- Two nights in any available room (taxes and fees included)
- A 3-course dinner for two on one night (tax and gratuity included)
- The Grafton Inn’s delicious Vermont country breakfast each morning
Valid for the following weekends: November 6th & 7th, 13th & 14th, or 20th & 21st.
Price: All-inclusive $459 per couple
Note: Due to COVID-19, the inn is only requiring the first night’s deposit at the time of booking. The Grafton Inn’s cancelation policy is flexible – in the event of health or travel restriction complications, shift your stay to a future date at the same rate.
Rabbit Hill Inn’s Romantic Getaway
This Vermont country inn getaway is the perfect blend of relaxation, romance, and great dining; plus, it affords you time to enjoy a variety of fun fall activities. Special touches are already included in this add-on package. Yet, if you desire, your innkeepers can also arrange additional treats such as flowers or an in-room massage.
This Add-On Package Includes:
- Sparkling wine in room upon arrival
- Fine Vermont chocolates in your room upon arrival
- Intimate three-course dinner for two from our regular menu
- Dinner gratuity
Package Rate: $190 per couple (+tax) in addition to room charges. Minimum stays apply. If booking online, be sure to select Romantic Getaway Add-On Package.
Most importantly, all 10 of the DINE member inns remain dedicated to providing the best guest experience for those enjoying romantic getaways to DINE country. Remember, as we mentioned last week, behind those innkeepers’ masks are smiles. Don’t forget to book directly with these DINE members when you make reservations.
In Vermont: Rabbit Hill Inn in Lower Waterford & Grafton Inn in Grafton
In New Hampshire: Manor on Golden Pond in Holderness & Chesterfield Inn in West Chesterfield.
Connecticut: Inn at Harbor Hill Marina in Niantic
In Maine: Camden Maine Stay Inn in Camden and Inn at English Meadows in Kennebunkport.
In Massachusetts: Harbor Light Inn in Marblehead, Deerfield Inn in Historic Deerfield and Captain’s House Inn in Chatham on Cape Cod