“Where can we go for romantic getaways in New England?”
I get this question all the time, often from fellow parents who find themselves with a precious weekend of: “Family is in town to help watch the kids, so my partner and I can finally have some quality alone time together!”
Unfortunately, many of these couples are like us: So multi-tasking and harried that we haven’t even had time to research WHERE we might go with this unexpected weekend! Never fear, friends: I’ve been asked this question enough that I have been hard at work researching a list for you of towns, activities, and hotels for delicious, delightful quality time with your sweetie.

Weekend Getaways in New England for Families and Kids, Too!
Even if you’re traveling with kids, however, this list is still relevant, as each of the destinations listed have plenty of activities for children and adults, alike. But first… which state should you pick for the perfect New England getaway?
Getaways in Vermont, NH, and Maine
There is something magical for couples about Vermont travel: The rolling green hills, closeness to nature, relaxed and welcoming atmosphere, plus cheese and maple syrup are perfect for love and connection. Below, find ideas about Woodstock, Brattleboro, and WHEN to visit Vermont. If you haven’t yet tried VT for romantic getaways, do consider it!
Meanwhile, Maine boasts passionate rocky seashores and a blossoming foodie scene in Portland, while NH has lakes and mountains galore. If you’re traveling from Boston, parts of both ME and New Hampshire can be reached with shorter drives than getting to Western MA! This is an excellent and convenient region for couples to visit for romance.

Getaways in Massachusetts and RI
As a Boston-based blogger, it’s no surprise that the Massachusetts section of this “Romantic Getaways in New England” roundup is the longest of all! Browse below to see travel ideas for couples spanning Cape Cod, Martha’s Vineyard, Central MA, Hampshire County, the Berkshires of Western Mass, and everywhere in between.
Though some of the featured articles contain kids, every spot listed below is good for couples-only trips, too. Enjoy my romantic state, lovebirds!
South of MA, the Ocean State of Rhode Island gives me tingles of historic excitement. From the Newport Mansions and Cliff Walk to the spiral staircase of the Block Island Lighthouse, Rhode Island offers nautical bliss for couples.
How to Use this List of Getaway Ideas
This list of New England getaway ideas for couples flows by region, moving from VT, to ME, to RI, to NH and CT, then through the regions of MA. Simply click through the linked title for the full details on each trip idea. May this list facilitate more love, connection, and happiness all around.
Weekend Getaways in New England: Romantic or Family Trip Ideas
From romantic getaways in New England to weekend trips from Boston or other cities, here are tons of delicious ideas for destinations, hotels, and activities for couples, families, and solo travelers in Vermont, Maine, Rhode Island, New Hampshire, Connecticut, and Massachusetts!
Vermont Getaway Ideas
Green mountains beckon! Here are a few specific towns to check out.
Woodstock, VT: Covered Bridge and Falconry Fun
One of the best towns in Vermont for a romantic getaway is Woodstock, VT. It is picturesque, walkable, and even has covered bridges!
Where to Stay for Vermont Luxury: Woodstock Inn and Resort
A luxurious and welcoming hotel for your stay in Vermont is the historic Woodstock Inn. Browse these luscious photos to see why.
Vermont Wineries: Boyden Valley has Ice Wine Tasting and Cheese!
Venturing north of Stowe, VT brings you to this idyllic vineyard. We had a phenomenal time sampling their unique wine and spirits (maple creme and apple brandy?!) while reconnecting on the shady outdoor patio overlooking nature. Highly recommended!
Brattleboro, VT, Plus WHEN to Visit Vermont
This article has tips and photos from Brattleboro, which is a shorter drive from Boston than Woodstock. Regarding when to visit, remember the two somewhat awkward, brown-colored seasons in VT are "Mud Season" (April) and "Stick Season" (November). That said, this is when we have done most of our Vermont travels, because the charm is still there, and prices are great!
Hiking in Vermont With LLAMAS
Ever heard of a "llama trek?" In northern Vermont there is a farm which offers tranquil hikes in the woods with llama friends and a riverside picnic!
Maine Romantic Getaways
Great for family trips and solo travel, too! Make sure to wear stretchy pants for this foodie region.
Portland, Maine: Ideas for a Fun New England Trip
Our first couple's getaway after our son was born was to Portland, and we couldn't have picked a better spot. It is walkable, artsy, and boasts one of the best food scenes in New England. Check out this article for ideas on fun things to do in Portland.
Inn by the Sea: Maine Resort Romance in Luxury near Portland!
One of the best romantic getaways we've taken was to this dog-friendly, oceanfront spa resort on Cape Elizabeth, near Portland, Maine. The food is so good, too! A perfectly relaxing and luxurious environment to reconnect with your love.
What is a Tasting Menu? See Beautiful Food Photos of One in Portland
Want more proof of the romantic Portland, Maine food scene? Drool over these tasting menu photos! (Don't worry... Portland has meals for all budgets, but it is fun to splurge for "food theater" sometimes.)
Rhode Island
The Ocean State! While RI has plenty of excellent towns and beaches, I have a particular fondness for Newport and Block Island.
Newport Mansions and Cliff Walk in Rhode Island
Love luxury? The opulent Newport Mansions are for you! You and your love can stroll the Cliff Walk along the ocean to ogle the mansions from the outside, or enter to tour the gold-plated Great Gatsby wonder.
Unexpected International Flair in Newport, Rhode Island
Newport, RI was one of the first romantic getaways my partner and I took before we were married, and it was perfect for giving a sense of adventure and exploration, in part because of its long and rich history, but also because of its surprising international flavor.
Where to Stay in Newport, RI to Feel Like Royalty
If you want to feel like a king or queen, the Hotel Viking is the place to stay in Rhode Island. It is right in the center of Newport, so you can ditch the car and walk to all the fun... or just stay in the amazingly decorated hotel!
Block Island, Rhode Island: Wild Beauty and Relaxation
The most famous island of RI is Block Island: Land of wind, lighthouses, lobster rolls, and escapes! Take the ferry here and feel removed from the stresses of everyday life.
Best of Rhode Island Lighthouses: Block Island Southeast Light
Block Island, RI is full of historic and unique gems such as this lighthouse. This is just one of several spots you can wander and explore as a couple on this Rhode Island getaway.
New Hampshire and CT
NH and Connecticut have much to offer, and I've just begun to explore them.
What to Do in Portsmouth, NH: Restaurants, Hotels, Day Trips, and More!
There are so many things to do in Portsmouth, NH -- both in and near the NH Seacoast town. This sweet red brick spot is just an hour north of Boston, and feels a little like Harvard Square, Cambridge with its bustling shops and great food options.
Exploring Small Lakeside Mountain Towns of New Hampshire
We've grown fond of tiny lakeside New Hampshire towns with views of the White Mountains. Renting a house or condo provides a perfect romantic escape, as shown by these sunset photos.
A Fun Weekend Getaway in Mystic, CT
You may remember Mystic, Connecticut from such movies as "Mystic Pizza." Well, turns out it's great for a romantic or family getaway, too!
Western Massachusetts
The Berkshires provide countryside, mountains, and culture, too.
Mount Greylock: The Highest Point in Massachusetts Has Great New England Views!
Moving on to my state! Let's start our romantic tour of Massachusetts in the west, then work our way east. In fact, let's start at the highest point in MA: Mount Greylock! This is a doable, fun hike (well, you can just drive up) to get some couple bonding time.
See the Red Lion Inn, Stockbridge, MA for Historic Hotel Awe
While there are tons of romantic inns and rentals in Western Mass, if you want a deeply historic and unique flavor, consider this 250-year-old inn that's chock-full of antiques.
MASS MoCA: A Perfect Art Museum in Western Mass
The colors and excitement of MASS MoCA, North Adams are hard to beat, and couples can spend a full day wandering the interactive modern art exhibits.
Where to Eat in Williamstown, MA for Foodies
We loved our getaway to Williamstown, MA, and part of the reason was this delicious local food emporium nestled right in the Berkshires.
The Clark Art Museum: Connecting in Williamstown, MA
If you make your getaway near Williamstown, the Clark Art Museum is a must-see for its classic works -- perfect for reconnecting with conversation while taking in the creativity.
Alpaca Farm Fun in Western Massachusetts!
Cuddles are always a nice feature of a romantic getaway... so how about some fluffy alpaca and llama rubs? This farm offers both, along with fresh maple syrup.
Bash Bish Falls: Read This Before Hiking
Though Williamstown and Stockbridge are great, also consider staying in the smaller towns like Great Barrington or Egremont. While there, check out the delightful and doable hike to see Massachusetts's tallest waterfall: Bash Bish Falls. Just read this warning, first...
Central MA and Hampshire County
The middle of Massachusetts has mountains and artsy, fun towns with plenty to do.
Northampton, MA: Ideal for Weekend Getaways in Hampshire County
Let's now move east to Hampshire County, right between Western and Central Massachusetts. We loved Northampton for a getaway: Walkable, vibrant, and artsy!
2 Great Places Near Amherst, MA to Visit
Right by Northampton sits Amherst, MA: Home of rolling hills, elite colleges, and phenomenal museums, culture, and food.
Getaways One Hour from Boston
These are quick and fabulous getaways if you're in the Massachusetts capital like me.
Why Southbridge, MA is a Brilliant Getaway
Headed further east towards Central Massachusetts, consider the often-overlooked town of Southbridge, and check out the description here of how to cross south into a great hiking trail in Connecticut for a day trip.
The Secret About Old Sturbridge Village, Massachusetts
History can be surprisingly romantic when it's in such a lovely natural setting as Old Sturbridge Village. It's worth a visit, even on a just-adults trip.
Rockport, MA: A Seaside Getaway One Hour From Boston
Jaunting over to the East Cost of Massachusetts, we come to the quintessential seaside New England town of Rockport: Full of fudge, lobster, and oceanfront walks.
Cape Cod Vacations
Each part of the Cape is different. Explore this beloved region of Massachusetts, but time your visit right to avoid massive crowds and traffic. It's worth it!
Provincetown, Cape Cod: 17 Hot Photos and Travel Tips
Now we head over to the tip of Cape Cod to explore getaways there! We loved Wellfleet, but Provincetown is the spot to go for bursting color, food, and nightlife. If you want a more tranquil getaway, stay in a smaller town and hit up P-Town for a day trip.
Where to Stay in Provincetown, MA
If you do choose to stay in Provincetown for a getaway, consider this hotel right in the center of the action. It's even dog-friendly!
Provincetown, MA Has Some of Cape Cod's Best Food
Hungry? P-Town has a shockingly wide variety of places to eat, spanning a range of cuisine... but always offers a lobster roll when your romantic getaway needs one (and when doesn't one need a lobster roll???).
Falmouth, MA and Woods Hole: Yummy Cape Cod
On the southwestern point of Cape Cod sit these delicious towns: home to one of the best French bakeries outside of Paris, plus locally-sourced oceanfront fine dining! When you're hungry for even more adventure, walk to the ferry terminal at Woods Hole to take a boat to...
Martha's Vineyard
This famous vacation island is easily reachable from the Woods Hole ferry. Like the Cape, it requires careful planning to avoid crowds and secure a spot to stay.
The Best Place to Stay on Martha's Vineyard?
We now come to Martha's Vineyard: Island of the getaway. Consider going during shoulder season, like April, for much smaller crowds and better prices.
The Most Fun Thing on Martha's Vineyard: Alpaca Farm!
Wait, ANOTHER alpaca and llama farm? Yes. Indeed. I just love the fluff, ok?
Martha's Vineyard's Gingerbread Cottages Are So Cool
Art, beauty, and creativity help romance, so if you end up on Martha's Vineyard, check out these magical real-life "Gingerbread Houses."
What do YOU think about Romantic New England Escapes?
Which of these suggestions have you tried, and how were they? Which destinations, hotels, and activities would you add to this list? Do share!

The author, Lillie Marshall, is a 6-foot-tall National Board Certified Teacher of English, fitness fan, and mother of two who has been a public school educator since 2003. She launched Around the World “L” Travel and Life Blog in 2009, and over 4.2 million readers have now visited this site. Lillie also runs TeachingTraveling.com and DrawingsOf.com. Subscribe to her monthly newsletter, and follow @WorldLillie on social media!
Alyson Long
Tuesday 5th of February 2019
Nice use of this tool. Love your list.
Lillie Marshall
Tuesday 5th of February 2019
Thanks, Alyson! Still playing with ways to make the structure as useable as possible, but I've certainly been hankering for a while for a clear round-up structure to answer the travel questions I get most often!