Sometimes, you need a change of scenery.
As much as we love Boston, the city life can be overstimulating. Why not treat yourself to a lovely weekend getaway in a neighboring town or state? Escape the bustling city life and relax in a quaint New England town for a few days, and you’ll be ready to return to Boston fully recharged! Check out some of our favorite weekend getaway trips from Boston, perfect for any of our dazzling four seasons!
1. Burlington, Vermont (3.5 hour drive from Boston)
Driving through Vermont is gorgeous year-round, and the destination of Burlington has all the small-town charm and friendly establishments that you could ask for. The vibe is somewhere between hippie and hipster, making for a laidback weekend getaway.
You’ll find a surprisingly good assortment of shopping on Church Street, a pedestrian-only marketplace in downtown—from records and vintage clothes to culinary shops and knick-knacks. And once you’ve explored Burlington, make sure to take a stop in Stowe, VT: a photogenic little town that’s famous for its foliage and skiing.
2. Woodstock, New Hampshire (2 hours)
There’s one attraction that makes Woodstock, NH a must-visit destination in the winter – the nationally-lovedIce Castles experience!
These Ice Castles are crafted using thousands of icicles hand-placed by professional ice artists, with around 12,000 icicles growing every day. Needless to say, it’s an absolutely magical sight to behold. But Woodstock, is beautiful in all four seasons, enjoy the ever-changing landscape from summer through spring.
While you’re in Woodstock, there are plenty of outdoor trails and hikes to check out on Mount Lafayette and Cannon Mountain. Looking for a cozy respite? The Woodstock Inn Station & Brewery is the perfect spot to stay, eat, and relax while you’re in town. If you prefer something less “touristy” visit this stunning chalet in Conway perched atop a mountain and with plenty to do on and offsite.
3. Kennebunkport, Maine (1.5 hours)
Dubbed America’s “2nd best Christmas town” by HGTV, Kennebunkport is a coastal town that’s charming any time of year, but you’ll really want to visit in summer and winter. In summer, enjoy the coastal charm of a seaside Maine town, featuring clear beaches, great seafood, and historic resorts to enjoy! Kennebunkport is even home of what was dubbed “America’s best lobster roll of 2024” —and in the world.
Every February, the town will “goes rouge” when they “paint the town red” in honor of Valentine’s Day. Throughout the month, you’ll be able to see shops and restaurants in Dock square decked out in red lights and adorned with heart decorations. Many establishments will offer ‘red tag’ deals and specials dishes to commemorate the red theme as well. It’s festive, romantic, and just plain fun!