Spring’s warmer weather and budding trees spark an itch to travel to New England inns. It happens every year and the Distinctive Inns of New England (DINE) are looking forward to one of the busiest summers for travel in a long time. Knowing that there’s plenty of pent up desire to hit the road, each of the nine DINE inns have created packages and enhancements to make the most out of a stay at their inns. We asked DINE innkeepers to recommend their most popular add-ons, promotions and offers. Over the next few weeks we’ll feature innkeepers’ best advice for popular packages at each of their inns on the DINE blog.
Ideas for spring and summer travel from Vermont inns
Angela Comstock, General Manager at the Grafton Inn suggests taking advantage of the inn’s Spring Midweek “Date Night” Special. Guests are jumping at the chance to play hooky and sneak off for this special date night package available Sunday throughThursday for arrivals through June 16, 2022. Starting at $369 per couple (rates vary depending upon room choice) this offer includes one night in the romantic room of your choice, a three-course dinner for two in the 1801 Tavern, breakfast for two in the Garden Room or patio (on warmer days) and the inn will even waive the resort fee during this package. Need more than one date night? Make it a true getaway and extend the package for extra days – just ask for the multiple day rate when you book. Spring has come to Vermont, and rushing rivers, budding trees and spring flowers will greet all those who enjoy time here in May and June.
You may want to time your Grafton Inn Date Night to include a Wednesday when the Patio Wednesday Music Series takes place (weather permitting). Starting in June, look forward to live music from local performers taking place on the patio from 6:00-8:00pm on Wednesdays. Patio dining will also offer rotating specials on Wednesdays too, in case you plan to extend your Midweek Date Night to include another night.
Leslie and Brian Mulcahy, owners and innkeepers at the Rabbit Hill Inn, suggest getting outdoors on trails and rivers this spring and right into the summer. Two of the Rabbit Hill Inn guests’ favorite packages are the ATV Adventure package and the Lazy River Paddle Package. Both these outdoor adventure packages offer perfect ways to enjoy the scenery and adventure in Vermont’s Northeast Kingdom. The ATV Adventure Package is offered in cooperation with NEK Adventures and includes a guided ATV tour through some of the Northeast Kingdom’s most beautiful back roads and 
woodlands. Leave the inn with a filling lunch included in the package and drive about 20 minutes. NEK Adventures will provide your registration, helmets, and passes, and you’ll enjoy a 2-hour ATV tour either on your own vehicle or share one with your partner. The package including lunch and the ATV tour is $330 for two ATVs or $265 for one shared ATV, plus applicable taxes and tour guide gratuity in addition to room charges.
If you’d rather ride the rivers than the roads, choose the Rabbit Hill Inn’s Lazy River Paddle Package, partnering with Clyde River Recreation. This package includes A 3-hour paddle trip on the Lazy Clyde River with drop-in and take-out transportation from Clyde River Recreation. You’ll choose between one canoe, one tandem kayak, or two single kayaks. Life vests are provided, plus a hearty picnic lunch for two in a keepsake RHI cooler bag and an intimate three-course dinner on one evening from the inn’s regular menu. Gratuities for staff are also included in the package price of $235 per couple. The package is an add-on to room charges.
Ideas for May getaway savings from Maine inns
Looking to save on a Kennebunkport getaway this spring? The Inn at English Meadows is offering lower midweek rates through May 26, 2022. Spring is a perfect time to visit this southern Maine town and if you’re looking for a great little romantic getaway, the Inn at English Meadows offers an ideal retreat in Lower Kennebunk Village. Stroll Kennebunkport beaches and enjoy shopping in Kennebunkport’s unique boutiques at Dock Square. There are so many restaurants to choose from, and May is the ideal time to enjoy less crowded dining and attractions too. To check on rates and availability, simply click here.
Want to make your Inn at English Meadows stay even more special? Add a beautiful bouquet customized by a local florist just for you. Won’t your travel partner be surprised to find a bouquet waiting in the room with his or her favorite colors and flowers? Simply let Elizabeth, the owner and innkeeper know what you’d like in your bouquet when you order it. This add-on is $80 in addition to the room charge. Other enhancements to your stay include Mimosas at breakfast, handcrafted chocolates or an artisanal cheese tray.
In case you missed our recent blog post about spring savings, click here for additional ideas on how to save on your spring romantic getaways in DINE country.
Stay tuned to the DINE blog for ideas from innkeepers for the ideal spring and summer escapes. We’ll feature ideas from Massachusetts inns next week. Remember, when you make your reservation book online directly with the inn or call for the best rates and availability.
In Connecticut: Inn at Harbor Hill Marina in Niantic
In Massachusetts: Harbor Light Inn in Marblehead, Deerfield Inn in Historic Deerfield and Captain’s House Inn in Chatham on Cape Cod
In Maine: Inn at English Meadows in Kennebunkport
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.