Sometimes, you need a change of scenery.
As much as we love Boston, sometimes the city can be overstimulating. This winter, why not treat yourself to a lovely weekend getaway in a neighboring 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 for the winter months ahead!
1. Burlington, Vermont (3.5 hour drive from Boston)
Driving through Vermont is gorgeous this time of year (as long as you check the weather first!), 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 Christmas ornaments. And one you’ve explored Burlington, make sure to take a stop in Stowe, VT: a photogenic little town that’s famous for its skiing.
2. Woodstock, New Hampshire (2 hours)
There’s one attraction that makes Woodstock, NH a must-visit destination this winter – the nationally-loved Ice Castles experience opening at the end of January for visitors!
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. While you’re in Woodstock, there’s plenty of outdoorsy 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 between November and February.
Next month the town will “go 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!
4. Berkshires, Massachusetts (2 hours)
5. Providence, RI (1 hour)
Providence is the perfect day trip destination for foodies, art lovers, history buffs, and scholars alike. The Rhode Island School of Design’s museum houses hundreds of thousands of objets d’art, from ancient Egyptian clothing to works from Manet, Monet, Matisse, and more.