Best of Boston: 10 Vacation Spots In New England

[caption id="attachment_1418" align="alignnone" width="800"] The Berkshires. Photo Credit: Massachusetts Office of Travel &amp; Tourism, flickr CC[/caption]rn Whether it's a week or a weekend, these are 10 of the best places to vacation in New England. rnNew England is home to some of the most beautiful places in the country, many of them are also popular getaway destinations. From Cape Cod and Martha's Vineyard to The White Mountains, New England offers a wide range of landscapes, waterfronts, and recreational opportunities to take advantage of on your down time. Not to mention, some of which are great, if not better to visit in the fall and winter. In this post, we will look at some of the best, and my personal favorite vacation spots.rnrnAlso, if you live in a place like Boston, one of the advantages you have is being able to retreat to one of these destinations all just a relatively short drive away. And, whichever kind of getaway you desire, one of these spots is sure to make the cut.rnrn[nextpost teaser="Castine" slider="true"]rnrn rnrn[caption id="attachment_1411" align="alignnone" width="850"] Castine Waterfront. Photo Credit: Martin Cathrae, flickr CC [/caption]rn Castine, ME rnIn a state that is home to some of the most sought after vacation destinations, Castine stands out. Known as the town "Under the Elms and By The Sea," Castine is the small, quaint village on the water you thought you could only read about. Located 244 miles from Boston and serving as home to just over 1,300 residents, it doesn't take long to feel this town's history. Settled in the early 1600's, Castine and its warm cottages offer its visitors a chance to take a break from the city and its busy lifestyles and relax, while sitting in the ocean breeze.rnrnFrom the Wilson Museum to the Castine Golf Club and Guided Cruises, if you ever want a change of pace from relaxation, there are many recreational activities and sites to see on this peninsula. In town, T &amp; C Grocery serves as the local store, while Danny Murphy's Pub and Dennett's Warf offer a great place to relax and eat just off the water. Markel's Bakehouse is also a must visit as you can get some of the best pastries around, though for a price, your mouth with thank you.rnrnSome lodging destinations include: the Castine Cottages , Pentagoet Inn , The Castine Inn , and The Manor Inn . In-season rates are around $800- $1,200 a week for the accommodation. Castine is also just 43 miles from Bangor Airport, 51 miles from Bar Harbor, and 138 miles from Portland.rnrn[nextpost teaser="Martha's Vineyard" slider="true"]rn rnrn[caption id="attachment_1414" align="alignnone" width="850"] Edgartown Lighthouse. Photo Credit: brando.n, flickr CC [/caption]rn Martha's Vineyard, MA rnProbably the most Iconic of New England destinations, Martha's Vineyard isn't cheap. Though If you can afford it, you can be sure this island won't let you down. From Oak Bluffs to Chilmark, Martha's Vineyard has some of the best sights to behold. It's sandy beaches, great farms, and quaint towns, all provide a visitor with a surreal experience.rnrnBut, first you need to get to the island, and as such this requires a ferry or airplane. Here you can view the ferry schedules (from Hyannis to Oak Bluffs it takes about 95 minutes) and airlines that make trips to Martha's Vineyard. And, once on the island, biking is a great way to get around since it lets you visit and see the sights at your own pace, while being very affordable.rnrnWhen it comes to lodging, if you are in the market for a luxurious getaway with your significant other, look no further than Thorncroft Inn (around $350- 500 a night for one room). And, if you are looking for something slightly more affordable, The Christopher , The Sydney Hotel , and The Hanover House offer in-season rates to be had for $200-350 per night.rnrnSome of the best places on the island to dine are Atlantic Fish and Chop House and Atria in Edgartown, or Red Cat Kitchen and Sand Bar &amp; Grille in Oak Bluffs. Everything served at these restaurants is fantastic and given rave reviews.rnrnYou should also make sure to see the Gay Head Cliffs and stop by Edgartown Harbor Light (one of only five lighthouses on the island).rnrn[nextpost teaser="Cape Cod" slider="true"]rnrn rnrn[caption id="attachment_1416" align="alignnone" width="850"] Beach in Chatham, MA. Photo Credit: m01229, flickr CC [/caption]rn Cape Cod, MA rnCape Cod is typically the vacation spot for New Englanders. The Cape has it all, from some the best beaches, seafood, bike trails, and recreational activities (and of course the Cape Cod Baseball League), it doesn't get much better. Not to mention, some Bostonians have summer homes on the Cape, while still being able to travel back for work, which is really unique.rnrnSome of the best beaches are Race Point Beach in Provincetown, Kalmus Park Beach in Hyannis, and Marconi Beach in Wellfleet. These long, sandy beaches are both a beautiful sight and great recreational spot for surfing and swimming.rnrnMy personal favorite place to eat on the Cape is Sam Diego's in Hyannis (also located in Plymouth), though that may just be because of nostalgia. The No. 1 reviewed restaurant on the Cape is Captain Linnell house in Orleans, while Sea Street Cafe in Hyannis and Moby Dick's in Wellfleet are also excellent.rnrn Harbor Hotel in Province, Hyannis Travel Inn in Hyannis, and the Sea Crest Beach Hotel (if you have the money), are great places to spend the night in the $130-350 range.rnrnAlso, be sure to check out the Cape Cod Maritime Museum in Hyannis.rnrn[nextpost teaser="Kennebunkport" slider="true"]rnrn rnrn[caption id="attachment_1417" align="alignnone" width="850"] Breakwater Kennebunkport. Photo Credit: InAweofGod'sCreation, flickr CC [/caption]rn Kennebunkport, ME rnKennebunkport, located in the York county of southern Maine, is a hub for tourists and is a great place to spend some time vacationing. The area's great seafood, beaches, and shops bring in visitors and is the reason locals stay.rnrn Kennebunk and Colony Beach are two of the best local beaches, while Short Sands Beach in York is my personal favorite. You really can't go wrong with any of them.rnrnAnd, If you want to dine out, The White Barn has some of the best food around, and while it isn't cheap, it is worth every penny. Also, Old Vines Wine Bar and Pedro's both offer a different variety, and are more reasonable choices.rnrnLodging on the water is plentiful in this part of Maine and Kennebunkport offers some of the best. Colony Hotel , Kennebunkport Inn , and the awesome studio cabin "Sandpiper" offer some great accommodations starting at $130 a night.rnrnAll kinds of incredible shops and stores line the streets in Kennebunkport, so you should make sure to plan on spending some extra money on your trip to southern Maine.rnrn[nextpost teaser="The Berkshires" slider="true"]rnrn rnrn[caption id="attachment_1418" align="alignnone" width="800"] The Berkshires. Photo Credit: Massachusetts Office of Travel &amp; Tourism, flickr CC [/caption]rn The Berkshires, MA rnThe mountains of western Massachusetts are home to one of the most beautiful fall foliage viewing destinations on the planet. But, The Berkshires aren't just picturesque in the fall, as the summer turns the mountains green and winter turns them white. No matter the season, there's always a reason to go and something to do in these mountains.rnrnThe Berkshires are also home to the Boston Symphony Orchestra's residency at Tanglewood Music Center in Lenox, MA. In addition, there are a few festivals that take place throughout The Berkshires in the summer, so make sure to check the events calendar ahead of time.rnrnSome of the best resorts and hotels include: Berkshire Mountain Lodge , Canyon Ranch in Lenox , Berkshire Vacation Condos , and Jiminy Peak Mountain Resort . Prices vary from $200 on up, depending on which resort and packages you would like to choose.rnrn Chez Nous , Once Upon A Table , and Coyote Flaco Restaurant are some great eating spots, located throughout The Berkshires.rnrnIf you are going somewhere for the sights, you will not be disappointed choosing The Berkshires.rnrn[nextpost teaser="Providence" slider="true"]rnrn rnrn[caption id="attachment_1419" align="alignnone" width="850"] Providence, Rhode Island. Photo Credit: Doug Kerr, flickr CC [/caption]rn Providence, RI rnLocated on the banks of the Woonasqautucket River, Providence is my favorite city in New England. Providence has all the charm of a much smaller city, while offering all the amenities of being in the Greater Boston commuting area.rnrnFirst and foremost, at the heart of the city, you will notice Waterplace Park . This 3/4 mile of cobblestone paved walkway located on the river makes for a truly beautiful stroll in the summer or even the middle of winter. And, in the summer it is also the location of many concerts and other outdoor events.rnrnSome of the other great attractions in Providence are: Rhode Island School of Design Museum of Art , Providence Performing Arts Center , Roger Williams Park Zoo , and Brown University .rnrnGetting a great meal in this city is not difficult. From the popular chains of The Cheesecake Factory , to Siena Restaurant and Red Stripe , the choices are endless.rnrnHotels are also readily available, and one that works with your budget can certainly be found. Some of these hotels include: Providence Marriott Downtown , The Dean Hotel , Hotel Dolce Villa , and the Renaissance Providence Downtown Hotel .rnrn[nextpost teaser="Hull" slider="true"]rnrn rnrn[caption id="attachment_1420" align="alignnone" width="850"] Moon Rise, Hull, MA. Photo Credit: Massachusetts Office of Travel &amp; Tourism, flickr CC [/caption]rn Hull, MA rnA beautiful peninsula in Plymouth County, Hull is an easy destination for eastern Massachusetts locals. Located just 30 miles from Boston, it has some of the best waterfronts this close to the city. The small town has just over 10,000 residents, but has been the summer home location for those such as Calvin Coolidge and John F. Fitzgerald.rnrnThe main attraction in Hull is Nantasket Beach, which is one of the busiest beaches in Greater Boston. The one and a third miles of beach also has a great boardwalk with restaurants right across the street like Barefoot Bob's . Or, to get some seafood, check out Jake's Seafood or Schooner's .rnrnHull is also the home to the beautiful getaway that is Nantasket Beach Resort. This accommodation, located right on the water, can be booked starting at around $200 a night. Also, two bed and breakfasts that are sure to suit just about any taste, are Josephine's and The Beacon Luxury Bed and Breakfast .rnrnHull is without a doubt one of the most convenient summer vacation spots for anyone in Boston or its surrounding area.rnrn[nextpost teaser="Fitchburg" slider="true"]rnrn rnrn[caption id="attachment_1421" align="alignnone" width="850"] Great Wolf Lodge - Fitchburg, MA. Photo Credit: Massachusetts Office of Travel &amp; Tourism, flickr CC [/caption]rn Fitchburg, MA (The Great Wolf Lodge) rnJust 55 miles from Boston, in Fitchburg Massachusetts, you'll find one of the most family oriented getaways to be had. The Great Wolf Lodge , North America's largest indoor water park, has seemingly endless activities to enjoy with your family. From the Wolf Tail waterslide, to Club Paw Pool and Northern Lights Arcade room, your kids will be plenty busy. Not to mention MagiQuest, an interactive game that sends players on an exciting adventure all around the resort.rnrnWhile the surrounding Worcester County is no tourist destination, Fitchburg and the other towns nearby are a great place to find food outside of the resort. Chain restaurants like Olive Garden , Chili's , or even Five Guys are in the mix, as well as local favorites like Il Forno and Espresso Pizza .rnrnStaying at Great Wolf Lodge will cost you around $200-250 per night for a standard room that sleeps 4-5. Or $330+ for a themed or premium room that also sleeps 4-5.rnrnIf you can afford the price, The Great Wolf Lodge is fun for the whole family.rnrn[nextpost teaser="The White Mountains" slider="true"]rnrn rnrn[caption id="attachment_1422" align="alignnone" width="850"] Rolling Fog, White Mountains, NH. Photo Credit: Ken Snow, flickr CC [/caption]rn The White Mountains, NH rnPart of the northern Appalachian, and possessing the highest peak in the northeast (Mt. Washington), The White Mountains are also home to some of the most rugged camping and vacation spots in New England. But, if an adventurous outdoor camping trip isn't for you, plenty of hotels and resorts are also available and offer all the comforts one could desire.rnrn The White Mountain Hotel &amp; Resort , Mountain View Grand Resort &amp; Spa , and The Omni Mountain Resort are some of the best resort/hotels to stay in The White Mountains. Other less expensive accommodations include: the Golden Gables Inn , Top Notch Inn , The Kancamangus Lodge for around $150 a night.rnrnThe White Mountains are also one of the best locations for a winter getaway. Having some of the best slopes in the Northeast, it doesn't take long to understand why. Whether it's Bretton Woods or Cannon Mountain , countless trails offer skiers and snowboarders a challenge no matter their level of experience.rnrnGreat dining options are also available all over The White Mountains. Some of the best restaurants like May Kelly's in North Conway are reasonably priced. Gypsy Cafe in Lincoln and Polly's Pancake Parlor in Sugar Hill are also very good.rnrn[nextpost teaser="Burlington" slider="true"]rnrn rnrn[caption id="attachment_1424" align="alignnone" width="850"] Burlington, VT. Photo Credit: Ann Nguyen, flickr CC [/caption]rn Burlington, VT rnLocated on the banks of Lake Champlain, Burlington is home to over 40,000 residents, making it Vermont's most populous city. Also home to the University of Vermont, Burlington has a college town feel, while being surrounded by rolling green hills.rnrnThere are lots of great places to stop and eat around the city, many of them are also reasonably priced. Some of the best eats include: Pizzeria Verita , Penny Cluse Cafe , The Farmhouse Tap &amp; Grill , and Sweetwaters . These are truly fantastic restaurants that offer all kinds of variety on the menu.rnrnLodging options are available throughout the city, though wherever you decide, the options are not very cheap especially in-season. The Hilton Burlington , Courtyard Burlington , and Homewood Suites for example, will run about $250-330 a night. But, you can find a couple of hotels like the Best Western Plus , that will offer you a room for around $170 a night.rnrn rnrn rnrn rnrn rnrn

Boston

10 Great Places to Vacation in New England

Whether it’s a week or a weekend, these are 10 of the best places to vacation in New England.

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