While many people do not always travel for Mother’s Day, there are still some Mothers that enjoy going to brunch or having afternoon tea.  If you have not already planned a special getaway for Mother’s Day, why not consider a visit to one of the ten Distinctive Inns of New England?  Strategically located from Chatham, Massachusetts to Camden, Maine, we are sure that one of our very special Inns will make Mother’s Day unforgetable!  Here is a sneak peak of some of the things that you can enjoy:

·        Windham Hill Inn has a fantastic Mother’s Day two nights Getaway Package with dinner and an option to have a butler-drawn bath!

·        Captain’s House Inn is featuring its’ special English Afternoon Tea from 3 P.M. until 5 P.M.  – Now what can be more motherly than this?

·        Inn at Thorn Hill is having a special Mother’s Day Brunch from 10 A.M. until 2:00 P.M. at $28 per person.

·        Gateways Inn is featuring a three-course Mother’s Day lunch from 12 noon until 5 P.M. at $30 per person.

·        Deerfield Inn is having a Mother’s Day Brunch for the entire family from 11 A.M. until 2:30 P.M.  The cost is $30 for adults, $14.00 for ages 6-12, and children under 5 eat for free!

If you are not traveling for Mother’s Day, but are looking for a special gift, why not consider purchasing a Gift Certificate for your Mom.  She can then enjoy the day at home with the family and then sneak away for a pampering, romantic getaway with her special loved ones or friends.

Wishing everyone a special Mother’s Day!!

by Rebecca, Quantum Hospitality

Many people travel for romantic getaways, but what about a cooking school to go along with that romantic getaway?  Well, this is exactly what you can expect when you sign up to attend the “Fork in the Road” cooking classes at the Manor on Golden Pond.  Normally they hold six sessions of cooking classes on weekends from November through May.  The cooking classes vary in themes from The Big Easy, Hunting, Say it with Chocolate, and the list goes on.  The next cooking class is scheduled for May 1^st and 2^nd and is titled Mexican Fiesta.  The menu is Scallop Ceviche, Filet Mignon Tacos, Grilled Salmon with Tequila & Lime Sauce, Coconut Flan.  Sign me up!

Now let’s take it a step further.  Are you ready for a girl’s getaway weekend?  How about a special Honeymoon with friends?  Don’t laugh…it has been done!  Get a group of your friends together and they will even create a special cooking class with any theme you want just for you and your friends.  Now, how much fun is that?

So what does it cost for all of this fun?  Packages start at $600 and include two nights lodging, breakfast and dinner daily, three hours of cooking classes on Saturday and Sunday, recipe book and a culinary gift!  Oh yes, at the end of the cooking class you can feast on your prepared dishes…yum!  Please note this pricing is based upon double occupancy, with one person attending the class.  If two people would like to attend the class, just add another $75.00.

What you are waiting for?  Fork in the Road cooking classes are waiting for you to join in with all of the fun. 

by Rebecca, Quantum Hospitality

The Captains House Inn of Chatham, Massachusetts has received the coveted AAA Four Diamond award for the 23^rd consecutive year.  Each year, 65 full time tourism editors evaluate over 58,000 hotels and restaurants.  Of those, only about 3% are awarded the coveted four diamond award.  

The Captains House Inn, located in the picturesque seaside village of Chatham on Cape Cod prides itself on its sixteen sumptuously appointed guestrooms housed in a Greek revival style sea captains home built in 1839 coupled with exceptional service, gourmet breakfasts, and authentic English afternoon tea.  

The luxury Chatham MA bed and breakfast is one of five Distinctive Inns hotel or inn properties that are AAA Four Diamond rated. The others are Vermont’s Rabbit Hill Inn, New Hampshire’s Manor on Golden Pond and the Inn at Thorn Hill, and The Cliffside Inn in Newport, Rhode Island.

To experience the Captains House Inn’s four diamond facilities and service for yourself, click here to book online now.

by Jill & James, Captain’s House Inn

Martini anyone?  If you are a lover of martinis, then pick up the phone and call the Deerfield Inn, located in Deerfield, Massachusetts.  To date, they are touting an impressive list of over 101 martinis and the good news is that you can enjoy them and then walk up the stairs to your room.   The martinis were named after Historic Deerfield and also some named  with a little local humor.  If you choose to try a few different combinations, you can choose between either a 2 ½ oz. or 4 ½ oz. martini.  When you visit, you can expect some lovely martinis with names such as 

• Meeting House Martini (Tanqueray Gin, Peach Schnapps, and Orange Juice)
• Benedict Arnold Martini ( Jack Daniels Bourbon and Benedictine)
• Well Street Martini ( Bombay Sapphire Gin, Triple Sec, and Angostura Bitters) 

Now, I can not share the whole list with you as I truly want you to be surprised when you see it for yourself!   

Now do not worry.  If you are not a martini drinker fear not!  Additionally, they boast over 18 varies of wine that are available by the glass and even more selections by the bottle.  This all can be shared with their new spring menu.

What are you waiting for? 

by Rebecca, Quantum Hospitality

The Inn at Thorn Hill’s annual Spring wine weekend will take place on Friday and Saturday May 1st and 2nd, 2009. It will feaure fantastic wines of Oregon and Washington. It begins with a grand testing of fourteen wines and food stations on Friday evening, a wine class destroying the myths of Pinot Noir on Saturday afternoon given by Ed Mansing and Bob Hill and comclude with the spectacual five course wine dinner on Saturday night. There are a few rooms left for this event and also spaces left for just the wine events. Call us at 1-800-289-8990 or email us at stay@innatthornhill.com for prices and availability. 

Saturday Night’s Menu 

Hors d’ Oeuvres 

L’Ecole No. 41, Chenin Blanc, Walla Voilla 

* * *
Kumomoto Oysters with Cucumber and Olives 

Cadaretta, Sauvignon Blanc/Semillion, “SBS” 

* * *
Walnut and Parmesan Dusted Pheasant with Fresh Ramps and Morels 

WillaKenzie Estate, Pinot Noir 

* * *
Charred Lamb Sirloin with Cracked Wheat Cake and Lamb Sausage Dumplings 

Coeur D’Alene Cellars, Syrah

 * * *
Colombian Dark Chocolate Souffle with Black Olive and Dark Cherry Tapenade 

Belle Vallee Cellars, Pinot Noir Port 

by Jim & Ibby Cooper, Inn at Thorn Hill

Everyone has been hearing of people giving back in these troubled times.  The evening news even has a segment on special things that individuals are doing to assist others with a little happiness in times of need.  Now you can add a member of the Distinctive Inns of New England to that list.

Rabbit Hill Inn is a proud members of Distinctive Inns of New England and Select Registry and is located in Lower Waterford, Vermont.  Innkeepers Brian and Leslie Mulcahy have been involved with the Rabbit Hill for over 15 years and have known the strains of unemployment and understand the meaning of hard work.  They are now reaching out to individuals who have been laid off from their jobs by developing a “Pink Slip Getaway Giveaway” package. 

How does the Pink Slip Getaway work?  If you have been laid off from your job for six months or more, they ask you to write a letter to the Inn prior to June 1 telling them about your personal situation. The strictest confidence is kept!  They read each and every letter and to date have received more than 50 stories.  Each month they’ll choose one couple to come to the Inn for an all inclusive two-night midweek getaway, free of charge.  Recipients of the package enjoy all of the joys of the Inn, including a dinner one night, lodging, breakfasts, and more.  There will be six packages given away in total, one each month April through July, and again in November and December.

Now that is an Innkeeper giving back!

by Rebecca, Quantum Hospitality