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 ons to make your stay even more special – Part 1

couple - holding fingersAfter fourteen months of the same four walls, isn’t it time to bust out of the place that’s become home, classroom, office and restaurant all in one?  The Distinctive Inns of New England (DINE) await to help you dip your … 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

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

DINE innkeepers shut the door on 2020 and welcome in 2021 in ten words

Hello 2021Throughout New England the innkeepers at Distinctive Inns of New England (DINE) are gleefully shutting the door on 2020, easily the most difficult year for all of them, and welcoming 2021 with cautious optimism.  As they join revelers throughout America … 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

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

Let DINE homes be your home for the holidays

Fall decorations at Deerfield InnHoliday season 2020 will be a little more distanced this year.  While spikes in Covid-19 are on the rise, traditional Thanksgiving and holiday gatherings are being given a second look.  Sadly, some families have decided not to gather for the … Read more

Romantic Fall Packages in DINE Country, Part II – Massachusetts and New Hampshire

coupleIn the second of our Fall In Love series of packages from the Distinctive Inns of New England (DINE), this week we explore options for finding love in all the right places at DINE inns in Massachusetts and New Hampshire. … Read more

Celebrating CROCKtober with soup recipes from DINE kitchens

Hands holding a bowl of soupThis week we interrupt our series on romantic fall packages to bring you some comfort food that just may be needed as we face the end of daylight savings time and election day all in a row! We will resume … 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

Updates on travel restrictions and protocols at Connecticut and New Hampshire inns

Cleaning a doorLast week we wrote about the newest updates on travel restrictions, plus new protocols guests can expect at the Distinctive Inns of New England (DINE) members in Massachusetts and Maine.  Today we will explore what to expect when you arrive … 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

Three muffin recipes, perfect for spring and summer from DINE kitchens

Rhubarb Strusel muffins from Captain's House InnWe’re all spending more time in the kitchen as we’ve hunkered down during the Coronavirus pandemic.  Try to find flour on the grocery store shelves – it’s right up there in value with toilet paper and has been conspicuously missing … 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