đ Boston Weekend Escape Plan
đ Boston Weekend Escape Plan | Hidden Gems for 2-Hour Short Trips Tired of the huge crowds in Boston? Escape the hustle and bustle and dive into the cozy charm of New Englandâs small towns! Grab this guide to Bostonâs nearby towns, say goodbye to crowds, and embrace pure relaxationď˝đĽł đ Rockport - Bostonâs Backyard "Oil Painting Town" Transportationđ: It takes about 1 hour to drive from Boston, with stunning scenic views along the way. Alternatively, take the commuter rail (Newburyport/Rockport Line) from North Stationâyouâll arrive directly in 1.5 hours, no hassle of finding parking spots! Accommodationđ : Highly recommend Rockport Inn & Suites! It comes with an ocean-view balconyâwake up to the sea every morning. Itâs just a 5-minute walk to the harbor, making it super convenient for shopping and diningđ. Want a unique experience? Rent a boathouse or a fishermanâs cottage on Airbnb. Fall asleep to the sound of waves and feel like a "local by the sea" in no timeđ . Attractionsđˇ : Top-left: Colorful fishing huts! Rows of tiny houses look like a spilled paint paletteâperfect for photosđ¨. Top-right: Donât miss the artistic alleys! You can find unique "sea glass pottery" (a New England specialty)âitâs niche and makes a great souvenirâ¨. Bottom-left: Head to the state park! The granite cliffs are breathtaking. When the tide is out, you can catch small crabs in the tide poolsâsuper fun for families or friendsđŚ. FoodđŚ : Top photo: Must-try blueberry muffins! Soft, sweet, and paired with a cup of coffeeâthey make the perfect breakfastâ. Bottom photo: Donât skip the coastal restaurant My Place by the Sea! Book in advanceâsit by the window at sunset, enjoy seafood while watching the sun go down, and soak up the unbeatable romanceđ. đ Newport - Step Into the Gilded Age Transportationđ: Itâs about 1.5 hours by car from Boston. You can also take Amtrak from South Station to Kingston Station, then take a 20-minute taxiâyouâll even get to enjoy rural scenery along the wayď˝ Accommodationđ : Hotel Viking is a top pick! This historic hotel, opened in 1926, is retro and elegant. The rooftop bar offers incredible sunset viewsâevery photo you take here feels like a vintage masterpieceđ. For a luxury splurge, choose the ocean-view villas at The Chanler at Cliff Walk. They come with a private beachâstep out and youâre right by the sea, pure luxury all the wayđŤ. Attractionsđˇ : Top photo: The Vanderbilt Mansion is a must-see! The bathroom faucets are plated with real goldâitâs like stepping into a Gilded Age nobleâs home, so stunning it leaves you speechlessđ°. Bottom-left: Hike the Cliff Walk! This 3.5-mile coastal path has crashing waves on one side and century-old mansions on the otherâsuper calming for a walkđ. Bottom-right: Rent a convertible and drive along the coastal road! The light is softest between 6-7 PMâfeel the wind in your hair, and every photo looks like a scene from an "American road movie"đ. FoodđŚ : Brunch: Lobster Eggs Benedict is a must-order! Runny poached eggs with tender lobster meat, enjoyed in a garden courtyardâboth visually stunning and deliciousđł. Afternoon tea: Try The Chanlerâs "Gilded Age Three-Tiered Stand"! Itâs packed with scones, desserts, and savory bitesâtotal elegance and ceremonyđ°. Dinner: Snag a window seat! Enjoy oysters and steak while watching yachts glide into the harborâatmosphere at its bestđŚŞ. đ Ipswich - Underrated Boston Coastal Town Transportationđ: Drive directly from Boston in 45 minutes. Lazy travelers can take the commuter rail (Newburyport Line) from North Stationâarrive in 50 minutes, no crowds, super comfortableď˝ Accommodationđ : Ipswich Inn has great vibes! This vintage-style B&B has wooden furniture and floral curtains. Its backyard leads straight to hiking trailsâtake a morning walk while listening to birds chirpđŚ. Love the outdoors? Rent a rustic cabin near Crane Beach for camping. Stargaze at night and get close to natureâsuper relaxingâ¨. Attractionsđˇ : Top photo: One of Americaâs top white-sand beaches! The sand is soft and whiteâyou can watch snowy plovers nest here in summer. Bring a picnic mat and lie back to enjoy the seaâitâs amazingđď¸. Bottom-left: A Provence-style estate with an English maze garden! Photos here look like theyâre taken in Europeâtotal "French romance" vibesđ¸. Bottom-right: Donât miss the wolf feeding show on weekends! Getting up close to wolves is thrilling (and safe)âgreat for families or anyone who loves unique experiencesđş. FoodđŚ : The "World Champion" fried clams are a must-eat! Crispy on the outside, tender on the insideâbursting with freshness, perfect with friesđ. Head to Ipswich Ale Brewery for "salt marsh beer"âpair it with local oysters. The clams here are famous across Americaâyou canât miss themđŚŞ! Check out my profile for more coastal guidesâall perfect for 1-hour short trips! Follow me so you never miss a great spot, and make your weekend getaways worry-freeđ #Boston #BostonArea