New England Getaways: Charming Escapes Await
Unforgettable New England Getaways
New England is an eclectic group of colorful and historic states in the northeast corridor of the United States including Connecticut, Rhode Island, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Vermont, and Maine.
Some of its cities date back to the Civil War, making it a haunting jaunt in time, especially if you dip into the misty streets of Boston or Portsmouth. Together, we’re about to unlock some fresh ideas for the best New England getaways to unruffle your feathers while giving you wings to fly.
Mystic Seaport, Connecticut
If your partner is a marine lover, Mystic Seaport could easily become one of the best romantic getaways in New England. It’s a historic seaport town known for its maritime heritage, charming streets, and quaint little B&Bs.
Rental agencies like Adventure Mystic or Argia Mystic Cruises will drop you straight into the action with kayak rentals or private sailboat charters. Argia encourages you to pack a picnic basket filled with local treats and a bottle of wine while you cruise around the islands and lighthouses dappled with abounding waves of fresh air.
When you’re back on dry land, Olde Mistick Village says it all with its name. It’s an open-air village that offers fresh sprays of seasonal sunlight and cool coastal breezes. You’ll be able to explore wondrous boutiques along with world-class dining options.
When it comes to shopping, where do we begin? You’ll find many hand-crafted gifts, high-fashion jewelry and accessories, international treasures, and mystic-made souvenirs. Alice In the Village and Gineva Murano Glass Jewelry are two specialty shops with plenty to help you commemorate this beautiful getaway.
Meanwhile, Trattoria Amalfi will show you how to seal the deal with decadent delights savored over some of the most gorgeous sunsets the Atlantic coast offers.
Providence, Rhode Island
If you end up enjoying the atmosphere of Mystic, CT, you’ll fall madly in love with Providence’s colorful streets. It’s an artist’s mecca which means you’ll find plenty of pizzazz, diverse neighborhoods, B&Bs that can only be described as gemstones, and a renowned restaurant scene.
Some of the best art galleries in the nation exist here, including Bert Gallery, David Winton Bell Gallery, and The Main Gallery at City Hall. You’ll also want to create some of your own artwork as you take snapshots of Pomham Rocks Lighthouse, built in a French Empire mansard style. For the best shots, it can be seen from the East Bay Bike Path – a perfect way to spend your day.
At night, you simply must slip into one of Providence’s speakeasies. The Avery, Needle & Thread, and 345 Speakeasy by Plant City earn high marks and will easily whisk you away to the 1920s and 30s when great cocktails, intimate atmospheres, and live entertainment felt twice as decadent.
Providence could easily become one of your most memorable New England weekend getaways when you fill it with bright spots of art and a few sips from a speakeasy artisan.
Boston, Massachusetts
Boston is one of the most beautiful harbor towns in all of New England, if not all of America. Steeped in history, it’s a treasure trove for history buffs and curious minds, making it a staple for North American travel guides.
When you’re shipping up to Boston, some of the major points of interest include the Freedom Trail, Boston Public Library, Boston Public Garden, and Faneuil Hall Marketplace.
The Freedom Trail takes you past 16 of the city’s most historic sights, including Paul Revere’s House and Old North Church. The Boston Public Garden is free to enter and proudly bears the honor of being America’s first public botanic garden.
Faneuil Hall Marketplace is absolutely magical, as one of America’s oldest open-air markets. You’re spotting a theme here, aren’t you? It’s why history buffs flock to Boston. You can almost sense the ghosts of our forefathers as you walk down the many cobbled streets in misty moonlight.
Four buildings make up Faneuil Hall Marketplace – Faneuil Hall, Quincy Market, North Market, and South Market. Within this beautiful maze, you’ll discover over 100 shops and restaurants. Whether you’re stocking up your Airbnb with snacks or looking to dine in delight, you’ll find plenty to feast on within this gorgeous open-air marketplace.
With all its treasures untold, Boston could also fit the bill for a delightful birthday weekend. Be sure to scroll through our birthday vacation ideas where the only goal is to go big before you go home.
Cape Cod, Massachusetts
It’s possible Massachusetts is the jewel in New England’s crown. Another spot you can’t overlook is Cape Cod. Although it offers endless summer breezes to soothe the soul, there’s a lot of wonder and magic to behold in the peninsula’s off-season, as well.
Woods Hole is particularly special. There, you’ll find the Woods Hole Inn, consistently named one of America’s top ten B&Bs. As you come and go throughout the day, you’ll find cool lemonade and freshly baked cookies on offer. Every detail is catered to within this inn, including luxurious bedding, clawfoot tubs, and instant access to waterfront restaurants and shops.
Best of all, it’s steps away from the Martha’s Vineyard Ferry if you’d like to stay in this sacred corner of the northeast a little while longer. With all your island hopping, this New England getaway could easily turn into a beautiful mother-daughter trip, especially if you both love fresh seafood and decadent views over the bay.