Four Romantic Getaways in New England

New England is famous for its historic inns, luxurious resorts, and intimate bed and breakfasts. But now add in the varied and startling scenery of sandy beaches, rocky coastlines and the lakes and mountains, and you’ve the ultimate in choices for romantic getaways.

But where would I choose to visit and stay? Here are four destinations for romantic getaways in New England that would always make my list.

ACADIA REGION IN MAINE:

Travel further north than the shopping outlets and the Boothbay Harbor region and you enter another Maine of dramatic coastline, beautiful villages and islands, and Acadia National Park. Here you can cycle on carriage roads with breathtaking views, walk through silent forests or hike to mountain summits, or drive on scenic roads.

Visit the park but then slip away to Deer Isle on Penobscot Bay and take in the historic villages of Castine and Stonington, or travel north to the Schoodic Peninsular and tour along coastal Route 1 where fishing villages dot the inlets and secluded harbors all the way to the Canadian border. Places to stay that specialize in romantic getaways can be found in Bar Harbor and Ellsworth both just outside Acadia National Park’s boundary.

BERKSHIRE HILLS IN MASSACHUSETTS:

The rolling Berkshire Hills in western Massachusetts have long been popular with the rich and famous but more recently discovered by those seeking an alternative to the crowded beaches and hiking trails of more popular New England destinations. Nestled in valleys between mountain ranges, and along rivers and streams, are villages where during the day you can discover the outdoors, and at night experience Shakespeare or a musical in any of the towns dotting the region. This is also a recommended spot for fall foliage romantic getaways.

The Berkshires is also home to many of New England’s most exclusive resorts and historic inns centered in the towns of Lenox and Stockbridge.

CAPE COD IN MASSACHUSETTS:

Drive a few extra miles from the tourist haven of Hyannis and you’ll enter what the locals call the quiet or lower cape. This is the Cape Cod National Seashore region with miles of uninterrupted sandy beaches and stunningly beautiful cliffs, dunes, and ocean. You can take a walk through a salt marsh or visit historic sites and see for yourself the forces of nature erode and redistribute land in this geological wonder.

Or you can just share a walk along a sandy lane to a kettle pond and forget about the commitments to keep at home. Recommended towns to stay include Chatham, Orleans and Eastham, all of which have inns and resorts that specialize in lodging and amenities for romantic getaways.

WHITE MOUNTAINS IN NEW HAMPSHIRE:

One of the first areas of New England to be developed for tourism the White Mountains in New Hampshire once boasted a large choice of grand resorts. Today just a few of the resorts remain but the spectacular views and wide-open spaces are still a magnet for those seeking to discover places off-the-beaten path, and explore the peace and quiet of the northern woods. Spectacular scenic drives and mountain villages dot the valleys and invite a stop to admire a covered bridge or take a walk to a waterfall and a picnic lunch together.

The fall foliage in this area is considered some of the best viewing in New England and makes an ideal time for a romantic getaway to one of the inns in Jackson or Bartlett Village or any number of hideaways nestled in Mount Washington Valley.

These are just a small sample of ideas for romantic getaways in New England and I hope they inspire you to start planning your next trip together today.

For more destination ideas and lodging for Romantic Getaways in New England and to get a free trip planer package to download visit Cliff Calderwood’s New England Vacations Guide web site at http://www.New-England-Vacations-Guide.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Cliff_Calderwood

Cape Cod Getaways – Spring 2009

There are just a few weeks left before the thundering hordes of people descend on this peninsular for their annual Cape Cod Vacations. So now is a great time for Cape Cod Getaways.

While the weather may still be a bit on the cool side and many summer attractions have not opened yet – to me that makes the Cape even more attractive. No crowds, no lines, and the prices are the best they’ll be until after the fall.

Cape Cod has a number of towns ideally suited for a getaway with inns and special rate hotels, and plenty of local things to do. Be aware some of the lodging listed below may not be available for booking until May – please call first.

Our chosen listings have been independently reviewed and consistently scored high ratings for service and atmosphere and are reasonably-priced for a getaway. This does not mean there are other excellent lodging and deals to be had – this is to get you going. Expect to pay $125-$175 per night pre-season.

Chatham:

Chatham is in an area called the quiet Cape, and located away from the bustling summer seaside towns between it and Hyannis. A number of expensive resorts call Chatham home but there are still reasonably-priced accommodations available – especially out-of-season. Chatham is close to National Seashore beaches and has the Monomoy National Wildlife Refuge and Chatham Lighthouse as points of interest along with a few museums. The town also has plenty of browsing-type shops. Chatham is classic Cape.

Carriage House Inn: Open year round this six room bed and breakfast is located in a scenic and quiet area of the cape. All guest rooms elegantly decorated with private bath and the carriage house rooms have fireplaces for that extra romantic touch. Full breakfast included in price. Call 508 945-4688.

Falmouth:

Falmouth is known as the jumping off spot to visit the Islands of Martha’s Vineyard and Nantucket. Woods Hole – where the ferries leave – is a short ride away. But Falmouth has plenty to attract for a quiet weekend or week away especially if you enjoy the outdoors. The Shining Sea Bikeway is a flat 4-mile path used by bicycles, walkers and joggers as well, and affords scenic views of Vineyard Sound. If nature walks among ponds and marshes spotting local wildlife is your idea of a quiet getaway, then head for Petersen’s Farm which was purchased by the town in 1998 and is now conservation land maintained by a group called the 300 Committee.

Inn at Siders Lane: This is intimate lodging with just three guest rooms is ideal for a spring or fall getaway. Built in 1994 but styled in the fashion of an18th century stately home, all guest rooms are warmly decorated with private bath and rates include a full breakfast. Hosts serve afternoon tea and baked cookies. Call 508 495-4359.

Hyannis:

Hyannis is the largest town on the Cape and has all the amenities (and trappings) such as the Cape Cod Mall, chain restaurants and challenges with parking. But brushing all this aside it is centrally located for visiting the outlying towns and coastal areas, with ferry service to the Islands of Nantucket and Martha’s Vineyard. Here are a few favorite lodgings in the area which have special spring rates.

Seacoast Inn: A Tripadvisor #1 choice for 2009 the rooms are clean with plenty of space and the staff gets top marks for attention to you, and you get a free continental breakfast. And did I mention the rates are very reasonable? Each room has free speed wireless internet access just in case you need to check on email on your Cape Cod getaway. Open between May and October. Call 1-800-466-4100.

Green Mountain Inn: In case you’re wondering the hosts are from Vermont – hence the name. Well-located in central Hyannis this Bed and Breakfast offers room and a full cooked breakfast with TV and a fridge. Before May 13th call (802)-878-4649 after (508)-778-4278.

Sandwich:

Sandwich is an ideal Cape Cod town to spend a getaway. It’s a quiet community but boasts historic Dexter Grist Mill, Shawme Pond, Sandwich Glass Museum and Heritage Museums and Gardens. But it also has some gorgeous beaches to walk and explore along with freshwater ponds, conservation lands for nature studies, and bike paths.

Annabelle Bed and Breakfast: Another Tripadvisor #1 choice for 2009 in the category of inns. Billed as a luxury romantic inn you get to choose your room preference with names such as Endless Summer and Garden View Room you can get the picture quickly. Packages and spa services are available and everything about this inn is elegant. If you’re looking for a special Cape Cod getaway with your partner this is one of the best in the U.S. – just ask Tripadvisor visitors. Call 508-833-1419.

The Inn at Sandwich Center: The Inn is set in a historic house built originally in 1750. The inn has five guest rooms with private bath, and your room rate includes a hearty breakfast. Close to Cape Cod Bay and some great walking beaches, the setting and location offers the perfect antidote to city stress relief. Call 508-888-6958.

Good Cape Cod Getaways hunting.

Jed