Enjoy a special Vermont getaway during this fall foliage season with a visit to Rabbit Hill Inn and sample their “Taster’s Tour”.  Any time of the year is just perfect for a Vermont getaway and couple this with fall foliage and you have the perfect pairing.  Rabbit Hill Inn has put together a Taster’s Tour for guests visiting northern Vermont and it is just jam packed with fun things to do.  This day trip is filled with spectacular scenery and several places to tour, shop, and enjoy the flavors for which Vermont is famous. 

The day starts with a stop in St. Johnsbury and a visit to Maple Grove Farms.  It is the oldest and largest maple syrup and candy producer in the USA and has tours available for visitors.  After getting a sugar fix, continue on and stop at Diamond Hill Store in Danville where you will enjoy an abundance of antiques and fine gifts.  Once you have a little shopping under your belt and tucked away in the car, stop at Cabot Creamery and sample some of the finest cheese in Vermont!  Then just up the road, Grand View Winery creates traditional fruit wines and offers tastings and tours from May through October.  I think you are getting the idea!

Now we are off to Montpelier, home to New England Culinary Institute.  Enjoy the talents of the culinary students with lunch at the Main Street Bar & Grille.  The town offers many shops and other things to see, but save some time because your day is not done yet!  We still have to visit Ben & Jerry’s Ice Cream Factory, visit the Ziemke Glass Blowing Studio, and sample some Green Mountain Chocolates and coffee.  What are you waiting for?  It is time to get your Taster’s Tour on the road and enjoy the fall foliage along the way!  

by Rebecca, Quantum Hospitality

Fall on Cape Cod is a time to celebrate at the Captain’s House Inn with CLASH week, the Cape Land and Sea Harvest from September 20-26.   A salute to fishing, farming and all things Cape Cod.  The week is packed with activities for foodies and wine connoisseurs, and this is the week to eat your way through Cape Cod and celebrate the rich heritage and abundance of local foods. 

Tours, tastings, and hands-on events will take place at farms, bogs, breweries, wineries, and restaurants throughout the Cape September 24-26.  Visit wet harvest bog tours, learn about aquaculture, visit apple orchards, sample jelly, participate in wine tastings, and the list is endless!  Restaurants will participate in Eat Local Week and will feature special menus utilizing local ingredients on Friday and Saturday evenings.  These will be in addition to their normal menus. 

On the way home, wrap up the weekend on Sunday with a Farm-to-Table dinner at Coonamesset Farm in Falmouth.  Spend an afternoon at the farm and enjoy a sampling of freshly shucked oysters, listen to live jazz, take a farm tour and then sit down to an elegant six-course community meal.  You just can not get any stronger of a link to the food, farmers, and community!

Bring your appetite and make your reservations to stay at the Captain’s House.  This is sure to become a yearly favorite!

by Rebecca, Quantum Hospitality

Fall foliage in New England is just around the corner, and if you have not yet made reservations at one of your favorite Distinctive Inns of New England you had better hurry!  If you have yet to enjoy Fall foliage in New England, let us share with you just what it is all about.

Growing up in New England, it has always been my favorite time of the year.  The weather is just perfect with temperatures hovering around the low 70’s during the day and the evening dipping into the 50’s.  There is something about this time of year that makes the sky a deep vibrant blue and with low humidity, the air is just perfect.  Of course, what would fall be about without the brilliant colors that the trees provide as the season is celebrated with vibrant reds, oranges, and yellows.  Taking a ride on just about any country road is a treat as Mother Nature puts on her best show of the season.  Oh, if we could just make time stop so that it could be enjoyed a little longer!

In addition to fall foliage, it is also time for the fall harvest.  Apple orchards are bustling with people gathering apples and sampling apple cider.  Whether you would enjoy picking your own apples or purchasing them already picked, the tradition of going to an apple orchard brings out the kid in all of us.  Pumpkins are in great supply and many locations provide hay rides!  Just perfect!!  Lastly, as we approach the end of fall foliage, try spending some time finding your way through a corn maze. 

This is absolutely the best time to visit New England and we hope to see you at the Distinctive Inns of New England!

 by Rebecca, Quantum Hospitality