Best Winter Weekend Getaways in New England

What to do: The hunt for fresh powder and corduroy are over. Head to the White Mountains for epic skiing at one of Mount Washington Valley’s 13 ski resorts and cross-country centers. Explore the towns and villages of the area like Bartlett, Glen, Jackson and North Conway. Take an informative and fun culinary class from an experienced chef. 

Getting there: Glen, New Hampshire, is about a two-hour drive north from Concord, via Interstate 93 North and U.S. Highway 302. The town is 80 miles north of Dover, New Hampshire, via State Route 16 North. It is about two hours from Portland, Maine, via U.S. Highway 302 and State Highway 25.

Where to stay: The 12-room Bernerhof Inn, Bed & Breakfast has been completely remodeled from top to bottom and has plush guestrooms with sophisticated décor and state-of-the-art amenities. The hotel’s Black Bear Pub and Martini Bar offer European-inspired fare along with craft beer and select wines and cocktails. Sign up for a culinary class, or plan to attend a children’s seminar with your little chef. For a more romantic escape, book a couple’s massage or a soothing aromatherapy foot bath or other pampering treatment. 

What to do: Visit the iconic Berkshires, hit the ski slopes at several nearby resorts, visit local wineries and orchards, explore the amazing Green Mountains, or take in a live performance or shop at the many retail outlet stores around Lenox. 

Getting there: Lenox is just a little more than a two-hour drive from metro Boston along Interstate 90 West. It is about 75 miles northwest of Hartford, Connecticut, via Interstate 91 North and then Interstate 90 West. You can also get to Lenox is under an hour from Albany, New York, via Interstate 90 East.   

Where to stay: The Yankee Inn in Lenox is a Berkshire landmark hotel that offers seven types of lodging, including a deluxe FireSpa suite and a king canopy fireplace suite. There are also standard rooms available with a king, two queens, or two double beds. The family-friendly hotel has indoor and outdoor pools. 

What to do: Make your way to a beachfront resort in southeastern Connecticut near Westbrook or Old Lyme. There are plenty of amazing dining experiences and lots of history to explore. Tour the Lynde Point Lighthouse or the Gen. William Hart House, the Meigs Point Nature Center, escape for a glass of wine at Chamard Vineyards, or take a winter stroll along one of the area’s many sandy beaches.

Getting there: Westbrook, Connecticut, is about a 50-minute drive from downtown Hartford via Interstate 91 South and Connecticut Highway 9 South. It’s only 28 miles from downtown New Haven, via Interstate 95 North. Westbrook is 67 miles from Stamford via Interstate 95 North. 

Where to stay: Kick back on the Connecticut shore with a weekend stay at the Water’s Edge Resort and Spa. This New England beachfront resort is a perfect home base for exploring the shoreline and all southeastern Connecticut. It’s perfect for a family getaway or a romantic trip because its right on the beach and has luxury guest rooms with views of Long Island Sound. Dattilo Fine Italian offers creative a bold menu at the resort, and the Seaview Bistro and Sunset Bar & Grill both offer a relaxing-yet-intimate dining experience.  

What to do: Explore the classic seaside at Cape Cod. Walk along spectacular private beaches and dine on traditional New England cuisine like fresh lobster and crab cakes. Explore the seaside and take a lighthouse tour, plan a boating excursion on Cape Cod Bay, or spend the afternoon shopping at a local boutique.

Getting there: Chatham is slightly under a two-hour drive from Boston, via Route 3 South and U.S. Route 6 East. Providence is about 90 miles from Chatham, via I-195 East, U.S. Route 1A and U.S. Route 6 East. The town is about two-and-a-half hours from Worcester, Massachusetts via Interstate 195 East and U.S. Route 6 East. 

Where to stay: The Chatham Bars Inn has been greeting guests since 1914 and offers 217 beautifully adorned guest rooms. The hotel is often recognized as one of the top hotels on Cape Cod for its award-winning service and amenities. Dine at four on-site restaurants that feature delectable farm-to-table and pier-to-plate dishes amid glorious water views. The inn also offers relaxing spa treatments on-site, and a relaxing heated pool and hot tub courtyard. 

What to do: Stowe is largely considered the best ski resort in New England. Pack your gear and head to the powdery Green Mountains of Vermont and get your weekend fix of skiing or snowboarding. Spend your days skiing and hit up one of the local breweries for après-ski. There’s ample terrain for newbies or those just getting the hang of it. But there’s still plenty of steep East Coast hills that are more challenging for seasoned skiers and riders. 

Getting there: Burlington International Airport is nearby and offers several arrivals and departures daily from major cities. Stowe is about two and a half hours from Concord, New Hampshire, via Interstate 89 North. It is about two and a half hours from Keene, New Hampshire, via Interstate 91 North and Interstate 89 North. 

Where to stay: The Trapp Family Lodge sits on a 2,500-acre mountain hillside and is inspired by the family from “The Sound of Music” movie. The classic Austrian-inspired inn is only five minutes from Stowe Mountain Resort. Other amenities include a fitness center, indoor and outdoor pools, fitness classes and yoga. Dine at one of four European-style restaurants on-site or make your way to the Von Trapp Brewery for a home-brewed Austrian lager or other libation.

What to do: The New England port town of Newport, Rhode Island, has been a hub for sailing and shipbuilding for more than 300 years, and there are ample history and sights to take in. The Newport Cliff Walk is a walking trail overlooking the ocean, and the families will love the Roger Williams Park Zoo. Other key destinations include the Sachuest Point National Wildlife Refuge, Point Judith Lighthouse, and Culinary Arts Museum. 

Getting there: Newport is about 71 miles from downtown Boston, via Interstate 93 South and Interstate 95 South. It’s about 85 miles from Hartford via Connecticut Highway 9 South and Interstate 95 North. Newport is about 60 miles from Plymouth, Massachusetts via Interstate 195 West. 

Where to stay: The majestic Castle Hill Inn sits on a 40-acre peninsula on Newport’s famous west end. The secluded oceanfront resort is perfect for an intimate romantic retreat or a family-bonding weekend. The seaside hotel is near antique shopping, boating, fishing, ice skating, lighthouse tours, sailing and whale watching. Guests love the locally sourced seasonal menu that’s chock-full of creative items.