Stay Local: A Wicked Gift Guide for New England Holiday Shopping

New England makes for an excellent family vacation from its breathtaking hiking trails to its rocky coastlines and all of the culture and history found in between. And for the state and city that truly has something for everyone, we recommend experiencing Boston, Massachusetts with the whole fam!

• The Freedom Trail Tours — For the history buffs of the family, experience Boston as it was in the past with The Freedom Trail Tours, and visit 16 historically significant sites, including museums, churches, burial grounds, and more!
• Newbury Street — Take a walk down Newbury Street and experience the stunning brownstone-lined streets filled with all the best shopping.
• Museum Crawl — Take your pick of some of the best museums New England has to offer in Boston. There are tons to be explored, from the Boston Museum of Science to the Museum of Fine Arts to the New England Aquarium!

Plan the trip with the whole gang by purchasing a New England Inns & Resorts gift card, and ensure everyone has a say in what luxury hotel or inn you come home to after a day of exploring Boston!  

Leave everything behind, except for each other, with a romantic getaway to the awe-inspiring coastal state of Maine. Whether you and your partner are active explorers or rest and relaxation seekers, an escape to the deep woods or coastal villages of Maine may be just what you need to reconnect and recharge.

Our unique lodging experiences offer various romance packages. Explore them below as you decide on the perfect gift for your significant other this holiday season.

• Vintage Romance Package at 16 Bay View — Celebrate the essence of romance all year long at the all-new 16 Bay View boutique hotel. Enjoy an intimate evening for two in a luxurious room type of your choice. Package includes a bottle of champagne, chocolate truffles, and fresh seasonal flowers in your room upon arrival; a $25 Gift Certificate to our very own Vintage Room or The View, good toward spirits and snacks, dinner for two at nearby Blaze Brewing Co. Restaurant ($50 Gift Certificate), and our signature continental breakfast.
• Dip Me in Chocolate Package at Hartstone Inn and Hideaway — Chocolate is always a must when celebrating an anniversary or just some alone time!  We’re here to help your loved one feel extra special. Your getaway includes a beautiful bouquet of flowers, a bottle of bubbly, and a personalized plate of chocolate-dipped strawberries.  Multi-course breakfast in the morning and dinner for two, featuring the Chef’s sensational multi-course tasting menu!
• Tandem Breakfast In Bed at The Francis — Take advantage of a sleep-in and have a box of Tandem’s famous sweet & savory treats delivered straight to your room! This package is designed for two and includes a selection of baked goodies, coffee, and juice. The package will be delivered to your room at 9 am on the morning of your choice.
• Anniversary Getaway Package at The Captain Swift Inn — Celebrate your special day with a stay at The Captain Swift Inn and add our Anniversary Package. This includes a dozen roses arranged with leafy greens and baby's breath, a bottle of wine or non-alcoholic bubbly, and a 12 piece box of local Maine chocolates. 

Looking to gift an unforgettable adventure this holiday season? New Hampshire may not seem like the obvious destination, but trust us when we say there is no lack of outdoor excursions in the New England oasis! From horseback riding and dog sledding to cross country skiing and snowshoeing to rock climbing and mountain biking, New Hampshire provides adventure at every turn. 

• Horseback Trail Rides at High Meadows Farms — For the best trail rides in New Hampshire, both the summer and winter locations of High Meadows Farms offer beautiful trails through the woods. The winter rides take adventurers through acres of beautiful scenery.
• Dog Sledding Adventures Across the White Mountains — Experience the White Mountains of New Hampshire like never before with family-friendly dog sledding adventures with Muddy Paw Dog Sled Kennels!
• Cross Country Ski Lesson Tour — For novice and expert cross country skiers alike, guided cross country ski tours allow you to glide across a winter wonderland, see signs of wildlife & maybe even spot a moose!

Explore our New Hampshire inns and resorts and find the perfect spot to retreat to after a day of adventuring!    

From magnificent maple syrup to coveted craft beer, New England offers a dish or refreshment for every foodie! Take a foodie tour or experience culinary delights right outside your door at our award-winning in-house restaurants and bars. 

• Mayflower Inn & Spa’s The Garden Room — April Bloomfield, a James Beard Award-Winning Chef and the Mayflower’s new Chef-in-residence, has curated a four-course Garden Supper that highlights seasonal dishes. Including the likes of a Hamachi Crudo with Charred and Pickled Fall Vegetables, a Cauliflower Tikka Masala with Curry Leaf Butter, and more.

Note: Choose the Stay Your Way Package and receive a daily $100 resort credit!

• New Haven Beer Trail — The Greater New Haven area boasts plenty of award-winning and highly sought-out breweries. From the famous New England Brewing Company to the trendy Armada Brewing to the family-owned East Rock Brewing Company, you’ll be in good company! So grab some gift cards and take the beer-loving foodie in your life on an incredible beer trail!
• The Wharf Restaurant at Madison Beach Hotel — Discover a range of dining options at Madison Beach Hotel, from the white tablecloth experience in The Dining Room - our hotel's signature restaurant - and wine and food tastings at the Big Table in the Wine Room to alfresco casualness on The Porch. 
• Connecticut Wine Trail — Made up of a unique collection of over 40 vineyards and wineries statewide, all with tasting rooms where visitors can sample their portfolio of wines, Connecticut’s Wine Trail is the perfect place for the foodie in your life!

Remember to pick up a New England Inns and Resorts gift card that can be used at any of our participating accommodations!  

It’s time to treat yourself and enjoy a luxurious spa getaway in the recharging landscapes of Rhode Island. 

• Ultimate Spa Getaway at Hotel Viking — Hotel Viking’s Ultimate Spa Getaway Package is just what you need to relax, reset, and revitalize. Take the day for you at Spa Fjör, enjoy award-winning cuisine at One Bellevue Restaurant, then spend the night in luxury and comfort.
• Spa Package at the Shelter Harbor Inn — Indulge in some precious self-care with our Spa Package, including overnight accommodations and $100 credit to use at the Inn's Ascend Spa.

New England is a skier, snowboarder, and just all-around snow-lovers dream! If an epic ski adventure is just what the snow lover’s dream gift would be this holiday season, then you’ve come to the right place!

• Epic Pass at Stowe Mountain — Purchase you and the skier in your life an Epic Pass for Stowe Mountain and save 20% on select dates of 3 or more night stay at Sun & Ski Inn and Suites.
• 2-Day Snowboarding Discovery Program — Does the skier in your life also have an interest in picking up snowboarding? Give them the gift of learning this holiday season and embark on the 2-Day Snowboarding Discovery Program at Killington Mountain. The Discovery Program includes a two-hour lesson, rental equipment, and a lift ticket for two days, all for just $429. Learn on a Burton snowboard and at the end of your second lesson, receive a brand new board mounted with bindings.

The New England Inns & Resorts Association has proudly represented over 300 New England resorts, inns, bed and breakfasts, hotels, and motor inns since 1907. From the grandest luxury resort to the coziest country inn, what ties us together is our commitment to gracious hospitality! 

Look to us to help you find the perfect accommodations for your next trip.