Four hot, sticky and sweet deals in New England this spring

by Tom Johansmeyer on

Now that the freeze that grips New England is easing up, the region’s becoming dirty, sticky and sweet. “Mud and maple season” is upon us says the New England Inn and Resorts Association, and its members are offering some delectable deals to lure you up to its small corner of the country. NEIRA boasts more than 250 member properties, but I just don’t have the stamina to poll all of them to find out their deals for spring. So for now, at least, let’s stick with the top four.

1. Mud Season Getaway: Three Stallion Inn, Randolph, VT
Spend your time hiking on 35 km of trails … after having started your day with a Vermont breakfast cooked to order. At night, enjoy a gourmet dinner, served with mudslide drinks and mini-mud pies for dessert. You can get all this for $242 per couple per night through April 30, 2010.
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2. Maple Sugaring Weekend Getaway: Rabbit Hill Inn, Lower Waterford, VT
Pick up two nights, an intimate dinner for two and breakfast every day with this package. You’ll also be invited to afternoon tea and take home a gift of maple syrup and maple candy. While you’re up in Lower Waterford, take advantage of two free passes to the Rocks Estate Maple Experience. Rates start at $500 a couple.
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3. March Maple Tree Hugger Package: Centennial Inn Hotel, Farmington, CT
Any deal that involves a jug of maple syrup is bound to get my attention! In addition to that gift, you’ll score a night in a studio suite, breakfast and maps to sugar houses. Also, for every booking, which starts at a mere $135, the Centennial will donate $10 to the ARBOR Foundation. This deal’s only good through the end of March.
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4. Celebrating Maine Mud Package: Inn by the Sea, Cape Elizabeth, ME
With your two nights in a single-bedroom accommodation, settle in and enjoy a Peppermint Maine Mud™ with chocolate chip cookie amenity, two mudslide cocktails by the fireplace and two pairs of L.L. Bean signature boots for walking in the mud. At $687.98 per couple, this is a bargain. You’ll have to stay by April 30, 2010.
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Pink slip relief in Vermont

by Tom Johansmeyer on

The Rabbit Hill Inn in Lower Waterford, VT is willing to share your pain. If you or your spouse has been unemployed for more than six months, send your story to Leslie and Brian Mulcahy – the inn’s proprietors – and you could win a two night getaway, with everything from candlelight dinner to a rabbit’s foot and wishes for a return to gainful employment.

Every month from April through July and November through December, Leslie and Brian will award one of these trips, called “Pink Slip Getaways,” to the most deserving story. The total package doesn’t include liquor or transportation to the inn, but that’s a rounding error compared to two nights lodging (Sunday to Thursday, non-holiday only), a gourmet dinner for two, afternoon tea and pastry and a candlelit breakfast each morning. All gratuities, service charges and taxes are included, too.

In a page or less, lay out your tale of woe, and send it to info [at] rabbithillin.com. You may win some relief!