Cookie recipes from DINE kitchens even Santa can’t resist

high tea at Captain's House InnIt’s certainly looking like Christmas with pine boughs, simmering mulled cider and plenty of fresh holiday wreaths and trees at the Distinctive Inns of New England (DINE).  And with the fresh pine smells come scents of Christmas cookies baking in … Read more

The Faces of DINE

Brian ShieldsRecently, the members of Distinctive Inns of New England (DINE) met for their semi-annual meeting. These meetings rotate between the nine inn members, and this one was held at the Inn at Harbor Hill Marina.  DINE meetings offer … Read more

Ideas for value-filled winter fun at New England inns

couple - winterWinter has finally arrived in New England and the Distinctive Inns of New England (DINE) innkeepers are officially stoked for some winter fun.   The nine DINE inns offer everything from skiing and riding to sleigh rides, winter hiking, skating and … Read more

A new year’s resolution you’ll want to keep: DINE even more in 2023

making resolutions in 2017Did you make a resolution on January 1st and are finding your determination waning right about now? The Distinctive Inns of New England (DINE) are here to rescue your resolution resolve. Throw out those old notions of “shoulds” and … Read more

A virtual tour of holiday decorations at DINE inns – Part III – Maine & CT inns

Gold holiday trees at Inn at Harbor Hill MarinaHanukkah is upon us and Christmas is not far away.  The innkeepers at the Distinctive Inns of New England (DINE) have decked the halls and are bringing on the Figgy Pudding.  With last week’s storm, we have a white Christmas … Read more

Picture yourself at the perfect DINE summer getaway

Summer, Rabbit Hill InnWhile Memorial Day feels like the unofficial start to summer, the calendar officially turns to summer this week on the longest day of the year, June 21st.  The Distinctive Inns of New England (DINE) have also unofficially turned their sights … Read more

Take a moment to enjoy the beauty of DINE country

Hearts on the beachWith story after story of breaking news hitting us with tragedy and heartbreak this week, the Distinctive Inns of New England (DINE) want to offer some solace to those suffering through so much bad news. It’s easy to lose track … Read more

Best spring and summer packages and enhancements from Vermont and Maine inns

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 … Read more

Your guide to saving on DINE spring getaways

Rainbow Falls in NHSpring has sprung and the Distinctive Inns of New England (DINE) are ready to greet you with romantic getaways and culinary adventures. New England inn travel tends to be a little quieter in the spring months, which means it’s … Read more

DINE’s looking for a few good inns

DINE members photo 2022Distinctive Inns of New England (DINE) is poised to expand its membership.  One of the oldest and established inn associations in the Eastern United States, DINE celebrated its 25th anniversary in 2020, and is now carefully seeking interested inns … Read more

Nine fine ways to celebrate Mom in DINE country this Mother’s Day – Part II

Mother's Day greetingIn Part I of our series on how to celebrate Mom this Mother’s Day, we offered ideas from four of the Distinctive Inns of New England (DINE).  This week, we’ll fill in the full nine fine ways to tell Mom … Read more

Perfect Date Night ideas and deals from DINE inns in Maine and Connecticut – Part I

couples holding handsValentine’s Day was just a warmup.  The Distinctive Inns of New England (DINE) are dedicated to creating the perfect date night throughout the month of February and March.  Don’t let the flame flicker out just because the holiday of hearts … Read more

Nine ways to unplug and find romance at Distinctive Inns of New England

Rabbit Hill Inn, VermontWith Valentine’s Day coming up, couples everywhere are wondering how to create a memorable celebration of love.  We at Distinctive Inns of New England (DINE) advise the key to celebrating each other is to go unplugged.  Put your auto-responder on … Read more

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

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