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

DINE’s elopements and micro weddings ideas in Massachusetts, Vermont and Connecticut

weddings-just marriedFrom the Berkshires, White and Green Mountains to the shores of Cape Cod, Marblehead and Niantic, the Distinctive Inns of New England (DINE) members offer the ideal venues for micro weddings and elopements.  Last week we examined all the great Read more

State by State Guide to Re-opening in DINE Country

Flags - Memorial DayIn any other year – and hopefully in future years – Memorial Day weekend is a busy start of the summer season for members of Distinctive Inns of New England.  With spring fully underway, gardens blooming, boats going into … Read more

A message of caring from Distinctive Inns of New England

Connections via handsCoronavirus has crept its way into every moment of our lives.  From TV, newspaper, radio and online messaging to the very lifestyle we’re all now adapting to, the new normal is anything but normal.  Yet, despite the psychic whiplash we … Read more

Meet the all-female sizzling kitchen squad at Gateways Inn & Restaurant

by Marti Mayne

There are famous trios like the three musketeers, Ghost Busters, and Snap, Crackle and Pop, but when it comes to magic in the kitchen, no other trio holds a candle to the “quad squad” of the Gateways Read more

February is for lovers and winter getaways at Distinctive Inns of New England

Dessert buffet at Harbor Light Inn.We all know that February is for lovers and Valentine’s, but don’t lose track of the winter beauty that New England offers too.  The ten Distinctive Inns of New England (DINE) offer the ideal location for lovers to celebrate Valentine’s … Read more

Creative French Toast Recipes from Distinctive Inns of New England

As the weather turns from fall to winter, innkeepers at the Distinctive Inns of New England start thinking about hearty breakfast recipes to fuel guests for a day of exploring New England hillsides and beaches.  While the tradition of baking … Read more

Un-be-LEAF-able places to view fall foliage near New England inns – Part I

Deerfield Inn wreathIt’s not too early to start thinking about fall foliage in DINE country.  While it’s still summer time in New England, all  9 Distinctive Inns of New England (DINE) will be offering up fabulous fall settings for the perfect … Read more

Work sucks, the boss sucks – DINE will fix that

Photo of woman writing - Trust yourself - Be the boss".From time to time, every working traveler has muttered that works sucks. When you’d rather be traveling, work really can suck.  And for those who are not the boss, it’s not uncommon that the boss sucks from time to time … Read more

June blooms in DINE country

Pansies welcome guests to the Camden Maine Stay Inn.June is busting out all over in gardens, fields and areas surrounding the 11 Distinctive Inns of New England (DINE).  Despite a chilly and somewhat gloomy few weeks, spring is coming to New England and bringing beautiful color to … Read more

DINE Innkeepers best kept secret spots revealed – Part I

Distinctive Inns of New England shares secret spots. One of the best things about staying at an inn or B&B is the innkeeper(s). The innkeepers of the 11 Distinctive Inns of New England (DINE) are such a wealth of information about the local community.  Travelers love to live … Read more

Sweet treats for Mom on Mother’s Day from DINE

Mothers Day - daughter hugging her mother.She says she’s got everything she could ever want, so what do you give to Mom for Mother’s Day?  Last week we wrote about the gift of getaway to any of the 11 Distinctive Inns of New England (DINE), a … Read more

Elopements, small weddings & recommitments at New England Inns – Part I, Massachusetts

April, May and June are months when love springs eternal. Elopements and recommitment ceremonies are meant to be small gatherings of those you love most, and spring is a perfect time to celebrate in New England.  A small and intimate … Read more

Beautiful bountiful breakfasts from Distinctive Inns of New England

This blog was inspired by a recent photo shoot at Grafton Inn in Grafton, Vermont, one of the 12 Distinctive Inns of New England (DINE).  When reviewing the photos, it occurred to us that even breakfast food can be a … Read more

Thinking outside the box: Small corporate retreats at New England Inns

Meeting at Deerfield InnBy Marti Mayne

This is a topic that’s near and dear to my heart because some of the best meetings I’ve ever been to have been held at the Distinctive Inns of New England (DINE) member inns.  As a former … Read more

Make 2019 the year of bucket list vacations: Pair adventure and romance with a DINE inn

New year's resolution listJanuary is resolution month.  And the Distinctive Inns of New England (DINE) have solutions for your resolutions.  We’re willing to bet that at least one of your resolutions has to do with more travel, more adventure or perhaps more romance.  … Read more

Your guide to ringing in a distinctive 2019 at a DINE inn

Your guide to New Year's Eve at Distinctive Inns of New EnglandNew Year’s Eve is a time for celebrating old and new acquaintances and creating memories to never forget them.  There’s no place better than one of the 12 Distinctive Inns of New England (DINE) to ring in the new year … Read more

What happens at DINE meetings? Innkeepers smile

Twice a year the innkeepers and owners of the 12 Distinctive Inns of New England (DINE) meet to go over business, promotions and new ideas.  If your ears were burning earlier this week, they may have been talking about you … Read more

Shoptember: November is for shopping in DINE country

“But what is there to do in November?” ask guests considering a visit to one of the Distinctive Inns of New England (DINE).  The ideal activity to add to a romantic getaway filled with plenty of time with hot toddies … Read more

In Gourds We Trust: Fall decorating ideas from DINE inns

We can not allow fall in New England to pass us by without adding some decorating ideas from the Distinctive Inns of New England (DINE) innkeepers.  A trip to any of the 12 DINE inns during any of the autumn … Read more