DINE inns open the door to 2022

New Year's eve celebrations at DINE innsAs the calendar turns from 2021 to 2022, the Distinctive Inns of New England (DINE) get ready to open the door to a new year.  Perhaps nothing is more evocative of hospitality than a welcoming door to one of ten Read more

DINE inns offer quintessential holiday experiences – Part I – in Maine

Ornaments on the Christmas tree at Rabbit Hill Inn.Innkeepers at the Distinctive Inns of New England (DINE) wish they had a nickel for each time they answer the question, “Do you offer a Hallmark movie experience?”. The answer, Virginia, is yes! There is a Santa Claus, along with … Read more

Pumpkins, Halloween and fall fun in DINE country

Inn at Harbor Hill Marina's porchWhile post-Halloween often signals a shift to holiday season, the Distinctive Inns of New England (DINE) continue to celebrate pumpkins, ghosts and fall fun throughout November.  Hayrides, pumpkin patches and Witches Balls give rise to fall food tours, farm stands … Read more

DINE innkeepers share Great Pumpkin decorating tips

grafton Inn rockers and pumpkinsWhen it comes to fall, it’s not just the brilliant foliage that makes the Distinctive Inns of New England (DINE) glow. Pumpkins adorn mantles, porches and steps at the 9 DINE inns, along with mums of all colors and … Read more

DINE innkeepers say “Yes” to the guests

“I’m a people pleaser,” says Angela Comstock, General Manager of the Grafton Inn in Grafton, VT, one of the Distinctive Inns of New England (DINE). In a recent zoom meeting, DINE innkeepers talked about operations while Covid continues to be … Read more

Come sit a spell in DINE country – a pictorial essay

Camden Maine Stay guestroomAs we begin to feel more comfortable to roam and travel to places we love once again, we can’t help but crave those places that bring us comfort, especially at the Distinctive Inns of New England (DINE).  Wooded hikes, rushing … Read more

Add-on’s create the perfect memorable DINE getaway at inns in CT and Maine, Part 2 in the series

couple-watersideLast week we covered all of the fabulous enhancements and add-ons from inns in New Hampshire and Vermont to make for the perfect memorable getaway.  Now that the CDC guidelines allow vaccinated travelers to roam outdoors without masks, isn’t it … Read more

New travel guidance loosens restrictions for travel to DINE country

girl with maks ready to travelAs more and more people are vaccinated, travel becomes possible for those yearning for vacations to the Distinctive Inns of New England (DINE).  Surveys show that more than 80% of would-be travelers are anxious to hit the road for vacationsRead more

Five perfect ways to celebrate spring at Distinctive Inns of New England

Tulips and daffodils at Rabbit Hill InnNew England offers such beauty as spring comes slowly yet intently to this beautiful part of the country. The Distinctive Inns of New England (DINE) make the perfect home base to explore the fifty shades of green that emerge during … Read more

Spotlight on Camden Maine Stay Inn in Camden, Maine

Camden Maine Stay InnToday we will shine the light on the Camden Maine Stay Inn on the Mid-Coast of Maine.  We’ve created this spotlight series to offer up-close and personal views of what make the Distinctive Inns of New England (DINE) so special … Read more

State by State Guide to Maple Sugaring Celebrations in New England Plus Recipes

Maple syrupMarch is the month for maple syrup making in and around the Distinctive Inns of New England (DINE) and the ten DINE inns invite guests to visit sugar shacks throughout New England. As the days get a little longer and … Read more

An armchair tour of Christmas decorations in DINE country

Holiday planter at Chesterfield InnIt’s not beginning to look like Christmas at Distinctive Inns of New England (DINE). We’re thick in the heart of the holiday season here.  From whimsical to traditional to exquisite, the 10 innkeepers at DINE inns have once again pulled … Read more

Give the gift of getaway to DINE country – the perfect safe & socially distanced holiday present for the person who has everything

Give the gift of getaway to a Distinctive Inn of New EnglandAs we continue to hear about record breaking Covid outbreaks, each of the Distinctive Inns of New England (DINE) innkeepers hope that their guests can stay safe.  While the holiday shopping tradition is among the most prized customs for many, … Read more

Heading into the holidays, DINE innkeepers give thanks

Thankful signIt’s been a year like no other in every innkeepers mind, especially among the Distinctive Inns of New England (DINE) members. The Covid-19 pandemic shut down inns across the country, and the 10 DINE inns spent months developing new safety, … Read more

Romantic fall packages in DINE Country, Part I: Maine, Connecticut & Vermont

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 … Read more

Fall foliage New England inns photo tour

Fall mums and pumpkinsThe  Distinctive Inns of New England (DINE) are delighted to bring you a glimpse of the beauty of fall in DINE country.   Mother Nature never disappoints and harvest hues fill the hillsides and shorelines surrounding all the DINE innsRead more

Update on Covid protocols, new procedures and state-mandated travel orders for Massachusetts & Maine DINE members

hand cleaningThere have been some updates, easing and changes to the travel restrictions for visitors to the six New England States since our last state by state update in June. Since then, restrictions have been lifted in every New England … Read more

Why this is the year for your leaf peeping getaway to New England

Deerfield Inn wreathIn years past, travelers seeking a New England fall foliage inn getaway would be scrambling by now to find availability.  But 2020 is not like any other year.  The Distinctive Inns of New England (DINE) would normally be close to … Read more

DINE’s elopements and micro weddings ideas in Maine and New Hampshire

Wedding at Manor on Golden PondAccording to a survey conducted by TheKnot, a leading digital wedding brand, in 2017, the average cost of a wedding was $33,391, with high spenders spending an average of $105,130 on their wedding day. Considering this is the cost … Read more

Garden fresh colorful summer dishes from DINE kitchens

vegetables in bowl - foodSummer is here in DINE country and the colors are beautiful.  Throughout the Distinctive Inns of New England (DINE), kitchens are overflowing with the colors and dishes that make summer so delicious.  From red raspberries to blueberries, the greens from … Read more