Grace Newman
Grace Newman (left, with wife Maria Doyle) founded the women-only resort The Highlands Inn with her then-partner in July 1983. Built on the site of 200-year-old one-time dairy farm and former inn in rural Bethlehem, NH, Newman renovated the property to create a relaxing country sanctuary for women. Now the sole owner, Newman has been an enthusiastic host to numerous commitment ceremonies at the Inn since 1985; the Highlands Inn began celebrating weddings in 2010 with New Hampshire’s legalization of same-gender marriage. “I think that our 27 years here has helped to increase acceptance from local residents. I’d like to think this has had a ripple effect and made things better for the local gay community,” she says. -CB
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