Guests at the Deerfield Inn in the Historic Village of Deerfield, MA are invited to a romantic getaway of carriage rides and fine dining.  From now until the end of the Fall season, carriage rides are available on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday evenings prior to enjoying dinner.  JB, a magnificent white percheron, will trot off with a twitch of the reins down the loveliest street in New England.  Seated in an elegant fringed surrey, you and your dinner companion can cozy up as you clop past Deerfield’s Historic District and meadows.  Upon returning to the welcoming lights of the Deerfield Inn, a leisurely and fine dining experience will be enjoyed at Champney’s Restaurant. 

Be prepared to have your palate stimulated with menu favorites such as lobster napoleon, mixed grill, shrimp scampi, and jambalaya.  Farm fresh products are always in abundance to enhance your dining experience.  Lastly, leave room for delicious desserts which have been featured in Gourmet such as Indian pudding or dense chocolate torte.   Or try the bananas foster which is prepared tableside with a fiery panache! 

Carriage rides with dinner start on the half hour commencing at 5:30 P.M.  The price for the half hour carriage ride is $45.00 and is a lovely way to begin a romantic evening with your special loved one!  Make sure to reserve space when making reservations at the Deerfield Inn.

by Rebecca, Quantum Hospitality

La Terrazza Restaurant at Gateways Inn, Lenox, MA is hosting their Fall Single Malt Scotch Pairing Dinner on Saturday, September 26th. This is the second Single Malt Scotch Pairing Dinner and is setting an exciting trend on La Terrazza’s dining experience. This dinner will feature selections from the casks and bottles of Gordon & MacPhail and starts with a reception at 7:00 P.M.

The featured menu for Saturday, September 26th will be:

Reception

Whisky Cocktail with Assorted English & Scottish Cheeses

**

Whiskey Cured Striped Bass on Crostini

 ***

Pumpkin Ravioli with Pecorino Sauce & Toasted Hazelnuts

 ****

Roasted Quail Lady Apples, Sultanas, Sauteed Spinach & Petite Lentils

 ****

Grilled Organic Beef Tenderloin Glazed Baby Carrots, Shiitake Mushrooms, & Whiskey Demi-Glaze

 *****

Pear Tarte Tatin with Caramel & Toffee Ice Cream

 ******

 Coffee & Tea Chocolate Single Malt Truffles

 The cost for the dinner is $65.00, plus tax and gratuity. Reservations can be made by contacting the Gateways Inn at (413) 637-2532 or toll free 1-888-GWAYINN.

by Rebecca, Quantum Hospitality

Heading for Southern Vermont in September?  Renowned sax player, Paul Winter, along with the Paul Winter Consort, are scheduled for a one night concert in Brattleboro at the refurbished Latchis Theatre on Friday, September, 11, 2009.    Paul Winter who is a New Age sensation, combines a unique blend of world music, jazz and natural sounds into compositions which are both memorable and will excite fans of all types.  This is a great venue and part of the proceeds go to benefit the Strolling of the Heifers Microloan Fund for New England Farmers.  Each year in June, one of Brattleboro’s most amazing events is the strolling of the heifers where decorated cows stroll down Main Street to the cheers of crowds of local folks and tourists alike.  Another event not to be missed.

So if you like Paul Winter and his group of renowned artists, or just want to help out the heifer stroll folks, or both, then think about reserving a weekend at the Chesterfield Inn, one of Distinctive Inns of New England’s most special places.  Located in Chesterfield, NH, this wonderful country inn is just a few miles across the Connecticut River from Brattleboro.  You should sample the delicious country fare at this first-class restaurant before heading into town for the concert.  This is one weekend just before the foliage season gets going that you should be here to play.  So what are you waiting for?

By Howard, Quantum Hospitality

When enjoying a vacation getaway to Vermont, stopping to shop at the Vermont Country Store should be at the very top of your list.  The Vermont Country Store is located in Weston, Vermont, just a short half-hour drive from Windham Hill Inn, one of our very own Distinctive Inns of New England.   Step back in time and visit this amazing store which calls itself the “Purveyors of the Practical and Hard to Find. “   A perfect description for what you will discover at this incredible emporium of things unique. 

This truly Americon icon has been in business since 1946 with the Orten family still at the helm.  Not only do they specialize in yankee bargains, but have a collection of things that you are just going to stop and ponder.  Now what does that gadget do?  In this modern era of fast communication, it is nice to see a business where old-fashioned is in and bargains rein supreme.  This is a must see for travellers to Southern Vermont, and while you are there, perhaps you will stay for a while and catch a performance at the Weston Playhouse.  Here you will find world-class summer theatre in the middle of Vermont. 

Remember also, that all of this is available a short drive from one of the best of the Distictive Inns of New England, Windham Hill Inn, located in West Townshend, VT.  This fabulous country inn located on top of a hill on 160 acres of forest and verdant meadows is your perfect destination to see all of the amazing attractions that Vermont has to offer.  Why wait, reserve now and start enjoying these wonders.

By Howard, Quantum Hospitality

The White Mountain Art and Artisan Festival will take place in Jackson Village park in the beautiful White Mountains on the weekend of August 15th  The White Mountain Art and Artisan Festival will include a juried exposition featuring works of art by more than 40 artists in all forms of media, including paintings, water colors, sculpture, jewelry, glass and wood arts, and ceramics.  In addition there will be musical performances throughout the weekend along with food and refreshments.  Sample the delicious lobster rolls which will be available that weekend, and, of course, make your own sundaes is always a favorite of this festival.

Hiking and biking abound in this part of the White Mountains, and don’t forget about the trip up Mt. Washington either on the Cog Railway or via the Auto Road.   This is a perfect time to visit this area, and to explore the wonders of summer in the mountains.  Of course, we shouldn’t neglect the outlet shopping in North Conway, just a few miles down Route 302 from Jackson.

The center of your activities should be the wonderful Inn at Thorn Hill, just a few paces above the Jackson Village Park.  This incredible member of our Distinctive Inns has it all.  AAA Four Diamond award, world-class dining and superbly furnished accomodations, along with a spa facility that is renowned in the Mt. Washington Valley.   A few hours rocking on its expansive porch overlooking the mountains beyond will take away all of the pressures of the city.  You might even decide to stay forever.  Or just to make plans right there and then to come back.  What are you waiting for?

by Howard, Quantum Hospitality