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

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

B&Bs vs Airbnbs: The differences, pros and cons

By Marti Mayne

vacation rental bedroomMore than just the word AIR differentiates B&Bs from Airbnbs. They are two distinctly different lodging options. The Distinctive Inns of New England (DINE) are here to explain how they differ and to explain some of the … Read more

Three DINE recipes adapted for the perfect St Paddy’s Day treat

Green heart cookiesSt Patrick’s Day is just around the corner and with that comes some tasty treats from the kitchens of the Distinctive Inns of New England (DINE).  In keeping with our acronym, the innkeepers at DINE love to offer up special … Read more

Ideas for New England Winter Fun at Grafton Inn, Vermont

Grafton Inn guest roomOnce again we’re delving into the five best things to do in the winter at the Distinctive Inns of New England (DINE).  One by one we’re doing a deep dive into each of the nine DINE inns to offer wonderful … 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

The DINE mantra for 2023: Kindness

Innkeepers are kind to guestsKindness does not come as a new concept to the innkeepers at Distinctive Inns of New England (DINE). In fact, the nine DINE innkeepers are among the most kind-hearted people you’ll ever meet. Recall the Tea & Sympathy story on … Read more

A virtual tour of holiday decorations at DINE inns – Part I, Vermont & NH

Mantle for holidays at Grafton InnTis the season to be jolly around the Distinctive Inns of New England (DINE). We’ve decked the halls with boughs of holly and the bells are certainly jingling as trees, wreaths, pine boughs and more go up around the nine Read more

Holiday festivities & specials in DINE country – Part III, Vermont festivals and packages

holiday on tree at Rabbit Hill InnIt’s tough to find two more quintessentially New England towns than Grafton and Lower Waterford, VT, and when it comes to a Norman Rockwell inspired New England holiday towns, these are two very special places.  We continue our blog series … Read more

Travel trends of 2022 and beyond – Are you a “redefined traveler”?

2017 is the year of Distinctive Inns travelThe pandemic put a kibosh on travel, and we all know the relief among travelers once they felt free to roam once again. While Covid still remains a concern among travelers, the Distinctive Inns of New England (DINE) will testify … Read more

Five gift ideas to take home from your DINE getaway

gift giving coupleLike it or not, we’re already on the countdown to the holidays.  The Distinctive Inns of New England (DINE) are preparing to help guests celebrate this year with beautifully decorated inns, plenty of fanfare and some great gift ideas to … Read more

DINE inns still the best choice in a pandemic world – here’s why

Travel quoteThe worst of the Covid 19 pandemic is hopefully behind us with the introduction of vaccines and boosters for all above 6-months old. Travelers have returned to the Distinctive Inns of New England (DINE) with a thirst for getaways that … 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 Massachusetts inns

Purple lilacs on a desk at Deerfield InnWith warm weather and May flowers comes the spring itch to travel.  We’ve surveyed the innkeepers at Distinctive Inns of New England (DINE) for their most popular and well loved packages and enhancements.  Some of the ideas they offered will … 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

DINE inns buck inflation and offer guests $50 toward their next stay

Sample DINE $50 Reward CerticateWhen is the last time your hotel or vacation rental handed you $50 toward your next stay on your way out the door?  The  Distinctive Inns of New England (DINE) are betting that doesn’t happen very often. Yet, while other … 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

Four great ways to ensure high gas prices won’t ruin your getaway

gas tank with moneyIt’s no secret that gas prices are at an all-time high, but they don’t have to spoil your plans for that special getaway to any of the Distinctive Inns of New England (DINE). According to USA Today, as of … Read more

Green themed recipes to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day from DINE kitchens

 St Patrick's Day dogTis the season for all things green to celebrate St Patrick’s Day.  Step aside corned beef and cabbage, your friends at Distinctive Inns of New England (DINE) have other ideas for the day of the leprechaun. We’re all about green … Read more