In 2024 just book the trip!

2024The New York Times publishes a popular Morning Newsletter offering a news recap, along with updates on cultural, lifestyle, arts and other insights.  As we count down to 2024, the newsletter’s focus this week has been on a look back … Read more

DINE inns celebrate National Ice Cream Day with favorite cool recipes

ice cream photoThe heat is on in New England, and with summer temps come all kinds of ways to cool down.  The Distinctive Inns of New England not only offer the ideal summer getaway destination, with everything from lakes, rivers and oceans … 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

Fall flavors offer the perfect choices for Harvest to Holidays

Squash -PexelsAs we turn the calendar to November, we officially mark the time of year we call Harvest to Holidays.  Visit any of the Distinctive Inns of New England (DINE) and not only will you find décor turning from pumpkins and … Read more

DINE inns offer quintessential holiday experiences – Part III – in Vermont, New Hampshire and Connecticut

Holiday planter at Chesterfield InnFor weeks we’ve focused on the fabulous Hallmark experiences the Distinctive Inns of New England (DINE) offer to those seeking that quintessential New England holiday setting.  We started with the beautiful experiences offered by inns in Maine. Next we … Read more

Confessions of a masked traveler

Rabbit holds toilet paperBy Marti Mayne

It’s been well over a year since I left New England and the confines of Northern New England. As the administrator of the Distinctive Inns of New England (DINE) I was in the process of visiting all … Read more

Please respect and understand the new rules: Here’s why

maskThe first half of 2020 is behind us and its been one for the record books.  A history making pandemic has led to the largest drop in GDP in the history of our country. Hundreds of thousands of lives lost, … Read more

Get ready to travel to DINE inns for July 4th: State by state guidelines for staying at DINE inns

Open for businessWhile technically, we have not quite started summer according to the calendar, ask any traveler or innkeeper at Distinctive Inns of New England (DINE) and all eyes are on summer vacations. This is especially true this year after three long … Read more

Hope reigns in DINE country

Quote about hopeOne of the only certainties we are all feeling in the global coronavirus pandemic is the uncertainty it has brought to so many aspects of our lives. As innkeepers, closing the doors of the 11 Distinctive Inns of New Read more

Meet the Innkeeper: Laurie McDonald from Deerfield Inn

Years ago, we profiled the innkeepers managing the 12 Distinctive Inns of New England (DINE).  Several new faces have joined the scene replacing well-loved former members.  In the coming weeks we will focus on introducing new DINE faces and offering … Read more

Four important reasons not to skimp on cheap lodging

Are you starting to plan for that memorable celebration vacation?  PerhaPiggy Bank with words "why skimp" next to itps instead, you’ve decided on a last minute getaway.  Either way, one of the first things you think about is where you’ll stay.  You want your New England … Read more

Jump Inn & Cool Off:  Great swimming pools at DINE inns – Part I

It’s summer. The thermometer is rising and already we’ve had a record number of 80+-degree days in a row.  The sunny days of summer are upon us and we say bring on the heat! You’ll find plenty of ways to … Read more

DINE Innkeepers best kept secret spots revealed – Part II

secret information from Distinctive Inns of New EnglandWhat separates an inn from a vacation rental?  There are many differences between staying at an inn or B&B and an Airbnb.  In fact, we wrote about this in an earlier blog in March.  One of the biggest differences, … Read more

Elopements, Small Weddings & Recommitments at New England Inns, Part IV – Maine

couple walking on the beachWe continue our series on elopements, small weddings and recommitment ceremonies at New England Inns with ideas from Distinctive Inns of New England (DINE) members in Maine.  For those seeking a beautiful coastal Maine town and inn, both the Captain Read more

The Up side of Down time: Vacations are healthy

Vacations are healthy signSome say that the annual #PlanForVacation Day is one of those self-serving holidays created by the Travel Industry to promote sales.  Okay, we’ll there’s surely a little bit of that there, but for years, the U.S. Travel Association has been … Read more

DINE’s recipes for a romantic Valentine’s Day

Romantic getaways at Distinctive Inns of New EnglandAs we approach the month of love, we thought it might be a great idea to offer some ideas for Distinctive Inns of New England (DINE) recipes from the heart.  After all, the stomach is simply a by-pass when it … Read more