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Color me biased because I’ve lived near New England for so long that I truly believe the region is one of America’s most romantic places. During spring and summer, visitors can enjoy the stunning beaches, islands and cliffs that dominate the America’s northeastern coastline. When fall rolls around, I think everyone can agree that there is no place offering the gorgeous hues of fall foliage better than New England. And, even though winters can be especially cold in New England, there is something magical, serene, and uniquely romantic about being with loved ones during a gentle snowfall. Here are 5 spots in New England for a romantic getaway anytime of year!
RELATED: 5 beautiful things to do on Nantucket Island
Kennebunkport, ME
Just past the New Hampshire border in southern Maine lies Kennebunkport, one of the most quintessential New England towns to see and be seen during the region’s spring and summer seasons. You can easily walk the town’s entirety within an hour, and take in Kennebunkport many amazing farm-to-table restaurants (my favorite is the White Barn Inn!), dozens of food stands featuring everything from lobster rolls to homemade ice cream to freshly-squeezed lemonade, and countless boutiques offering cute mementos to remember your time in Maine. For an off-the-beaten-path activity that’s great for couples, check out the Honey Maker Mead Room, a delicious boutique featuring guided tastings of regular and flavored meads, a liquor made from fermenting honey with water.
Find a cozy place to stay in Kennebunkport here.
Rockland, ME
Head a few hours up the Maine coast and you will arrive in Rockland, a town perhaps most famous for hosting the Maine Lobster Festival each July and August. And, while the town itself boasts a cute Main Street dotted by delicious restaurants, coffee shops, and breweries, its true romanticism lies on the water. Known as the unofficial capital of Maine windjammer cruises, Rockland provides a jumping off point for multi-day sea journeys aboard traditional schooner sailboats. After casting off on a Maine windjammer, you and yours can learn more about sailing, eat delicious food cooked onboard in a wood-fired oven, and enjoy the gorgeous Maine coast from sunrise to sunset. What could be more romantic than that?
Find a great place to stay in Rockland here.
Nantucket Island, MA
Although commonly considered a vacation destination for New England’s elite, Nantucket Island is at once sophisticated but welcoming, secluded yet accessible. Reachable only by plane or ferry, tucked-away Nantucket Island is an incredibly private place to unwind, recharge, and reconnect. And, because the Island is only accessible via plane or ferry (you can actually pay to have your car shipped via ferry, but at a very steep rate), bicycle is the preferred method of transportation on the island. So, when the only way you have to get around somewhere involves something as cute and adorable as riding bicycles together, you know you’re in a pretty romantic place. Via bike, you can easily ride around to all of the beaches, restaurants, and lighthouses—all of which are pretty romantic themselves!
Find deals on fantastic Nantucket inns here.
Boston, MA
I know what you might be thinking: Unless you and your partner are history teachers, how exactly does Boston, a city famous largely for its place in our country’s development, represent a romantic weekend getaway? Well, let me direct you to the gorgeous natural beauty that exists in places like the Boston Common, the Boston Public Garden, and the gorgeous homes and streets that line the posh Beacon Hill neighborhood. Boston also has plenty to offer for couples enjoying a more active getaway, including a tour of the famous Harpoon Brewery in Boston’s up-and-coming Seaport district, or catching a Red Sox game at world-famous Fenway Park!
Find a beautiful Boston hotel here.
Newport, RI
Once home to high-society American families such as the Vanderbilts, Wideners, and Astors, the mansions of Newport have been dazzling visitors for nearly 175 years. If you and your partner want to see homes you’ll never forget (and ones that are are impressively accessible), you’ll both love the sprawling lawns, manicured hedges, and mansions variously designed in the style of French palaces or Italian villas (my personal favorites are Miramar and The Breakers!). After touring the mansions, take a romantic stroll along the Cliff Walk, a 3.5-mile trail hugging Sheep Point Cove that offers stunning views of the Atlantic Ocean. Lying less than 200 miles from New York City and within 90 miles of Boston, Newport offers an incredibly convenient getaway option for millions of East Coast denizens and tourists alike.
Find a great Newport place to stay right here.
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