7 Weekend Getaways from Boston
After a busy week in the city, escaping Boston’s bustle for a peaceful weekend feels like the best form of reset. I've collected my favorite ways to spend a cozy 48 hours on a perfect weekend getaway, and I hope you'll love them too.
- #1. The Inn at Weathersfield - 2 hours 45 minutes from Boston
- #2. Normandy Farms - 45 minutes southwest from Boston
- #3. Boardman House Inn - 2 hours from Boston
- #4. High Peaks Resort, Lake Placid, NY - 5 hours from Boston
- #5. Captain's House Inn, Cape Cod - 1 hour 50 minutes from Boston
- #6. Hull-O Farms - 3 hours from Boston
- #7. The Sagamore on Lake George - 3 hours 40 minutes from Boston
The Inn at Weathersfield - 2 hours 45 minutes from Boston
Craving a romantic getaway in nature? Head to the small village of Perkinsville, Vermont (population of approximately 120 people). Here you will find The Inn at Weathersfield which used to be a farmhouse in the 18-century. It's been lovinly restored into a boutique New England inn and quickly became one of my favorite romantic weekend getaways while living on the East Coast. I love that it's such a hidden gem that few people know about.
You can look forward to a farm-to-table dining experience (the inn’s restaurant is one of the best in Vermont!). The fact that they use locally sourced ingredients really lets you get in touch with the seasons and the natural environment.
I thought the atmosphere was wonderfully intimate, with only a handful of guest rooms. Our room for two dreamy romantic days had a fireplace and soaking tub.
You can stroll around ten wooded acres complete with gardens which stay beautiful from spring through fall. Winter holds its own magic here, with white snow everywhere.
Check availability or prices at The Inn at Weathersfield.
What I loved best:
The cooking classes. I learned new ways to make farm-fresh meals.
Local tip: I have to warn you that during fall foliage weeks (especially during Columbus Day) rooms sell out months in advance. So you need to plan ahead and book early.
I love that winters are much more quite here if you need a last minute romantic getaway.
Normandy Farms - 45 minutes southwest from Boston
Love the idea of getting out into nature but prefer something more casual and kid-friendly? Check out Normandy Farms Campground, a real standout in Foxborough, Massachusetts!
My husband, son and I drove 45 minutes southwest from Boston to Normandy Farms. We stayed in a cabin for two days with cozy beds, and a sturdy deck. I especially enjoyed the outdoor space we needed to unplug for 48 hours. If you go during the shoulder season, you can even plan a last minute family vacation.
I addition, we loved the huge recreation lodge with a pool & jacuzzi, an arcade, fitness center, wellness services (sauna and massage), and a convenient snack bar.
The whole family can enjoy multiple outdoor pools, a splash pad, ponds for fishing, trails for walking (or biking, of course!), a dog park (yes, you can bring along your family dog!). There are even fields for sports. We played volleyball but there are is also tennis as an option. Playgrounds, shuffleboard, bocce, disc golf...all offer lots of ways to be (or not be) active for kids of all ages.
Dining is relaxed and perfect for families. There is a snack bar, general store, food trucks, casual meals, and sometimes items delivered to sites.
Check prices at Normandy Farms
What I loved best:
Watching the sunset from our cabin deck.
Another great option for a romantic weekend out in the country is East Haddam, CT. You'll find Boardman House Inn in a restored 19th-century mansion, close to the town's river and trails.
We celebrated our anniversary. Our room for two days had natural light, hardwood floors, nice artwork, and a luxurious king bed. I appreciated the plush robes, local artisan bath products, and a well-stocked minibar. For extra pampering, I recommend asking for a room with a clawfoot tub.
To book, check availability or prices for Boardman House Inn.
What I loved best:
Breakfast included freshly baked pastries, farm-fresh eggs, and locally roasted coffee. The dining room itself made me feel teleported to a different time. The veranda was ideal for morning coffee if you are in a hurry to go outside and explore.
In addition, we thought that the inn’s lush gardens were a hidden local gem.
Chris and I both absolutely love Lake Placid, and have been many times. This is one of my favorite weekend getaways in the Adirondacks, and truly, it’s one of the most charming lakeside escapes in upstate New York.
I love that it's the kind of place where I can kayak on Mirror Lake in the morning, relax with a cocktail by the fireplace in the afternoon, and stroll through the boutique-filled Lake Placid Village Main Street in the evening, all without ever needing to drive anywhere! I instantly thought our journey was worth it!
Chris and I stayed in a lakeview room for two nights, which featured floor-to-ceiling glass doors, a private balcony, plush bedding, a walk-in rain shower, and locally inspired décor. Mornings started with coffee on the balcony and days ended with sunset over the lake - I thought that it doesn’t get better than that.
Later we headed out for a hike since Lake Placid is known for some of the best trails. The fresh air and quiet woods made everything feel joyful and exciting. We stopped at a scenic overlook and that moment felt like a once in a lifetime experience. Dinner that night was in town at an underrated restaurant with amazing comfort food. Walking back under the stars felt peaceful and kind of unreal. The next morning we started slow with breakfast overlooking the lake which was my favorite part. Then we explored the Olympic sites nearby, which was such a cool and unusual experience. Learning about the history made the trip even more meaningful and unique. We rented kayaks after and paddling on the lake felt like pure weekend magic. Lake Placid feels vibrant but relaxed, making it great for both families and couples (we plan to return soon for a trip with our son). Before leaving we took one last walk by the water, trying to soak it all in.
To book, check availability or prices for High Peaks Resort.
What I loved best:
What I love most is how that there is so much to do here for active travelers, including going for a paddleboard or swim right from the resort’s private waterfront in the summer, and easy access to Whiteface Mountain for skiing in the winter.
I find it especially relaxing to get away to Cape Cod last minute with my husband.
In fact,
I think this Cape Cod gem was absolutely perfect for a romantic couples' escape, a real standout! In addition, there are heaps of unique things to do here!
When I stayed at the Captain’s House Inn for two days this month, it was absolutely perfect, set in a beautifully restored 19th-century sea captain’s estate. I made sure I booked a room with a fireplace since it was getting colder outside. In addition, we loved the four-poster bed and soaking tub.
We loved all the attractions and activities we could enjoy without driving far, including visiting the iconic Chatham Lighthouse, exploring the Monomoy National Wildlife Refuge, and catching a Chatham Anglers game. You can also relax on the beaches like Harding and Ridgevale, enjoy seafood at the affordable Chatham Pier Fish Market, and explore museums such as the Atwood Museum or the Marconi-RCA Wireless Museum.
What I loved best:
For me, Captain's House Inn is one of the best weekend getaways from Boston. I loved that it's romantic romantic, peaceful, and a favorite escape I can’t wait to return to!
The landscaped gardens along with their afternoon tea add to the refined atmosphere, making it feel like a cozy private retreat especially if you go in the off season like we did.
For a weekend that blends nature, nostalgia, and hands-on fun, this is one of my favorite family weekend getaways in the Catskills!
In fact, if you loved the idea of Normandy Farms but are looking for just a little more creature comforts on your family vacation, then Hull-O Farms is for you! This is a warm farm stay tucked away in the rolling Catskills of Durham, New York that lets you have a true hands-on farm experience!
Our accommodation (a farmhouse room) for two days was bright, spacious, and had cozy country vibes, complete with antique furnishings, quilted bedding, and big windows overlooking the farm which made it so easy for me to relax. Hull-O Farms felt homely and welcoming rather than polished or modern, which I thought added to the authentic experience. For me, hardwood floors, floral curtains, and hand-carved furniture created a nostalgic atmosphere that instantly made me settle in for the weekend.
A highlight for my son was being able to participate in all the farm activities at Hull-O Farms, including bottle-feed calves, collecting fresh eggs from the chicken coop, and greeting the goats, sheep, and even horses.
For meals, the focus was on farm-fresh, hearty cooking, including farmhouse-style breakfast with fresh eggs, homemade breads, and jams, all sourced straight from the farm and sitting around the farmhouse table family-style, with the scent of fresh coffee and baked goods in the air, felt like a step back in time to a simpler, more connected way of living.
Beyond the farm activities, there were plenty of serene spots to relax at Hull-O Farms such as rocking chairs on the porch, trails to wander, and wide-open lawns perfect for stargazing at night.
To book, check availability or prices for Hull-O Farms
Boardman House Inn - 2 hours from Boston
High Peaks Resort, Lake Placid, NY - 5 hours from Boston
Captain's House Inn, Cape Cod - 1 hour 50 minutes from Boston
Hull-O Farms
What I loved best:
My favorite highlight was watching my son feed the playful baby goats, an unforgettable memory he still talks about!
The Sagamore on Lake George - 3 hours 40 minutes from Boston
If you're dreaming of a classic Adirondack escape with serious luxury, this place is such a standout, a stunning resort that sits on its very own private island on Lake George!
Just a few hours north of New York City, tucked into the foothills of the Adirondack Mountains, you’ll find Lake George, a place I also didn’t fully appreciate until I visited. I’d heard it described as “classic Americana,” and it fit that description with its old-fashioned lakeside charm, nature everywhere you look, and a summer atmosphere that feels like a postcard come to life.
My guest room for two days in the historic main hotel was a treat with lovely Adirondack-inspired touches (wood tones, warm textiles, classic furniture) in combination with crisp, contemporary comforts, but you can also choose to stay in one of the lodges, or in a luxury suite so if you book early there's tons of choice!
Public spaces are plentiful and beautiful since The Sagamore offers both indoor and outdoor pools with lake views, a full spa and salon, multiple recreational courts (tennis, pickleball), a wonderfully scenic 18-hole golf course, waterfront dining options, a Rec Center, a dock and marina, boats and water sports, and easy access to Bolton Landing (we walked but there's a shuttle also).
We truly enjoyed The Sagamore's dining variety, from elegant dinners in upscale restaurants to casual lunches by the water or snack bars by the pool, there are multiple bars and food outlets depending on how fancy or relaxed you feel.
To book, check availability or prices for The Sagamore on Lake George.
What I really like about Lake George is how easy it is to enjoy nature without being an expert outdoors person. The lake itself is the star of the show. Walking along the village waterfront, you’ll get clear views of the water framed by mountains, with boats constantly coming and going. It’s an ideal place for a slow stroll, people-watching, or just sitting on a bench and taking it all in.
If you want to get out onto the water, one of the most popular things to do is a Lake George steamboat cruise. These historic boats offer sightseeing cruises that give you a great overview of the lake and surrounding islands. It’s a relaxing way to learn a bit about the area while enjoying views you can’t get from shore.
For a bit of history, Fort William Henry Museum sits right at the southern end of the lake. Even if you’re not a history buff, it’s interesting to see how important this area once was during colonial times, and the location alone makes it worth a visit.
Getting to Lake George does take more planning than a quick hop across the river, but it’s still very doable. Many people drive from New York City (about 4–5 hours), and there are also bus options if you don’t have a car. Once you’re there, the village is walkable, especially if you’re staying near the lake.
What I loved best:
I thought that The Sagamore is one of the best weekend getaways from Boston. Why? First off, there are the great accommodations, tasty meals and spectacular views. In addition, My favorite highlight was my stroll through the gardens with Chris and our son - simple and grounding!
Booking Checklist
1. Book Your Flight - I use Expedia because I like their mobile app with my itinerary. They've helped me re-book flights on many occasions. Once you reach their Gold tier, support is especially good.
2. Book Your Hotel - I use Booking.com or Expedia, depending on my destination.
3. Book Your Rental Car - I use Expedia.
4. Book your tours on Viator or Get Your Guide.
5. If you are planning to visit more than three national parks in the next 12 months, we've found that buying the America the Beautiful Pass is cost effective.
