8 Picturesque Towns in the Northern United States for a Weekend Retreat
The Northern United States abounds in unique and wondrous beauty, making for the perfect getaway. From the northern reaches of the Appalachian Mountains to the gorgeous beaches that open up to the Atlantic Ocean, the Northeast is chock full of beautiful spaces to explore and enjoy. By the sea, it's possible to set sail from some of North America’s most storied coastal resort towns. Take advantage of year-round recreation and phenomenal views from the top of the mountains. And if you know where to go, you can discover one of the United States' most legendary rock music venues, one of the nation's most storied theaters, and the one town that combines Ivy League prestige with wine country elegance.
For more ideas on where to go and what to do, take a closer look at these eight picturesque towns in the Northern United States for a weekend retreat; don’t be surprised if you feel the urge to spend more than just a weekend up here.
Kennebunkport, Maine
Located about 31 miles south of Portland, Kennebunkport has long been a favorite for its beautiful coastline, and it even graced the world stage when then-President George H.W. Bush used the family vacation home as a sort of “Summer White House” and hosted fellow world leaders like Margaret Thatcher and Mikhail Gorbachev there. Though the Bush family home is not open to the public, you can catch stunning coastal views at the nearby Blowing Cave Park and take a dip in the ocean and/or stroll the shore at Colony Beach. For more room to roam (and more public amenities), head north to Goose Rocks Beach for three miles of prime shoreline or south to Gooch’s Beach for a wide, sandy beach that’s great for surfing, swimming, and simple beachcombing.
If, for some reason, you need a break from the beach, head a few blocks inland to explore the Kennebunkport Historic District, which includes dazzling gems like the 1812 Nathaniel Lord’s Mansion and 1860 Melville Walker House that are now part of the Lark Hotels complex. Of course, if you want to stay inside one of these historic homes, go ahead and book a room here. For other options, check into the White Barn Inn for stately luxury close to town, or try the Cape Arundel Inn & Resort for comfy digs with panoramic ocean views.
Westerly, Rhode Island
Though Westerly may not be as world-famous as Kennebunkport or even its fellow Rhode Island seaside town of Newport, this village (that’s about 50 miles southwest of Providence) is picture-perfect for under-the-radar coastal luxury. In fact, this town’s low-key vibes are likely a major reason why A-list celebrities like Taylor Swift own beach houses here. While those private estates are obviously not open to the public, Watch Hill Beach certainly is, and it’s a very pretty beach for swimming, surfing, sunbathing, paddleboarding, and kayaking. For more beaches to roam, head west to Napatree Point for the gorgeous coastal wilderness that wildlife like deer, foxes, ospreys, and piping plovers call home.
To get a better sense of this unique town and its allure, head up to Watch Hill Lighthouse to explore the site that’s guided ships to safety since 1807, and wander through the Westerly Downtown Historic District to enjoy the wonderfully manicured grounds of Wilcox Park and the Westerly Library, catch a show at the legendary Granite Theatre, grab some posh sweet treats at Hauser Chocolatier, and cozy up to a good book and fine coffee at Martin House Books. For the ultimate Westerly retreat, book a stay at the ultra-luxurious Ocean House resort for perhaps Rhode Island’s most prestigious accommodations and fine dining.
New Hope, Pennsylvania
At first glance, you might wonder what’s so special about New Hope, a small Pennsylvania suburb that’s about 42 miles northeast of Philadelphia. Yet once you start perusing around town, it becomes very clear how incredibly gorgeous this town is. Long heralded for its vibrant arts and cultural scene, New Hope has local treasures like Bucks County Playhouse, and “America’s Most Famous Summer Theater,” which hosts some of the best acts you’ll find off-Broadway. For a deeper dive into New Hope’s art scene, discover works by local artists at New Hope Arts Center and the New Hope Colony Foundation for the Arts. And for hearty servings of “edible art,” grab a table at The Tavern at New Hope Winery for a menu full of farm-to-table delights.
When you’re itching to get out and explore more of the area, head over to Bowman’s Hill Wildflower Preserve for a lovely collection of ecologically diverse landscapes featuring over 700 native plant species, and check out Delaware Canal State Park for over 58 miles of towpath along with a 50-acre pond, 11 river islands, and plenty more pristine Delaware River scenery. To complete the perfect New Hope weekend retreat, check into the nationally acclaimed Inn at Bowman’s Hill for a romantic five-acre gated estate where all rooms and suites feature top-notch amenities (like jetted tubs and fireplaces) and cooked-to-order breakfast every morning.
Ithaca, New York
Situated around 53 miles southwest of Syracuse and 91 miles southeast of Rochester, Ithaca is a town whose worldliness and educational pedigree far exceeds its size thanks to the presence of the Ivy League Cornell University. On campus, you can stroll the expansive Cornell Botanic Gardens and its 11 natural areas, ranging from the tranquil Beebe Lake and Woods to the remarkable Fall Creek Gorge, which is nearly 200 feet deep and adorned with beautiful waterfalls. A short walk from Fall Creek, you’ll find the Johnson Museum of Art, which houses some 40,000 works from all around the world.
Just a short drive from Cornell and Downtown Ithaca, the Finger Lakes region has plenty more to explore. At the Museum of the Earth, check out a variety of paleontological wonders like a 44-foot-long right whale skeleton and the Hyde Park Mastodon, that is one of the world’s most complete mastodon skeletons. At Cayuga Nature Center, wander over 100 acres of natural habitat, gorges, streams, and woods. At Bet the Farm Winery and Ports of New York, you can sample and savor plenty of high-quality Finger Lakes wines. After all your adventures in and around town, settle down for a great night’s rest at The Statler Hotel on the Cornell campus.
Woodstock, Vermont
Nestled in the heart of Vermont’s Green Mountains, about 90 miles southeast of Burlington and 90 miles northwest of Manchester (New Hampshire), Woodstock is a charming mountain town that must be seen to be believed. For starters, this town has Marsh-Billings-Rockefeller National Historical Park, Vermont’s only national park, which has one of the nation’s oldest scientifically managed forests and includes some 20 miles of hiking and equestrian trails. For even more natural beauty, drive to Quechee State Park to discover the marvelous 165-foot-deep Quechee Gorge formed by glacial activity some 13,000 years ago.
If you’re visiting during the winter season, you can ski or snowboard at the legendary Saskadena Six resort that’s operated for nearly 90 years. For even more adventures on open snow, Woodstock Nordic Center and Ski Quechee are also nearby. No matter when you decide to visit Woodstock, you will always find a warm welcome at Woodstock Inn & Resort. This scenic refuge has everything from restaurants with locally sourced food to a full-service eco-friendly spa that rejuvenates guests inside and out.
Boothbay Harbor, Maine
Located about 59 miles northeast of Portland, Boothbay Harbor may not be Maine’s most famous beach town, but that simply adds to the appeal. This has long been a working maritime town, and you can explore Boothbay’s heritage at the Boothbay Region Historical Society Museum (check ahead for seasonal hours) and by doing a walking tour of Boothbay Harbor’s “Museum in the Streets” that spans the historic downtown. For a better view of contemporary life at sea, book a cruise with Cap’n Fish’s Cruises for whale watching, puffin spotting, and plenty more harbor and ocean scenery.
If you feel the need for a more tranquil escape, explore the 323 acres of lovingly landscaped green spaces at Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens (open May through October), wander the 123 acres of natural coastal woodlands at the Linekin and Burley Preserves, and follow the Boothbay Harbor Region Sculpture Trail to discover 18 works by local artists on display year-round. And to top off the ultimate Boothbay getaway, book a stay at the Tugboat Inn for comfortable waterfront accommodations, or try the Flagship Inn for year-round comfort and convenience.
Haddam, Connecticut
Nestled in the Lower Connecticut River Valley, about 31 miles south of Hartford and 115 miles northeast of New York City, Haddam easily makes for happy retreats. You’ll start to sense this at Haddam’s parklands, such as Cockaponset State Forest, which is the state’s second-largest state forest and a wonderland for year-round recreation (including hiking, biking, horseback riding, fishing, and hunting). For more outdoor adventures, head over to George Dudley Seymour State Park for a critical mile of Connecticut River riparian habitat and to Haddam Meadows State Park for boating and fishing on the open water.
For a little change in scenery, catch some freshly grown elegance at Halfinger Farms, which has daffodils available to pick during the spring and other flowers and produce available during the rest of the year. When you seek some fascinating throwbacks, check out the Thankful Arnold House and Haddam Shad museums to experience life in the Connecticut River Valley as it was in the 19th century. For a seamless blend of historic elegance and contemporary comfort, treat yourself with a stay at the Boardman House for an elevated bed-and-breakfast experience.
Asbury Park, New Jersey
About 60 miles south of New York City and 78 miles east of Philadelphia, Asbury Park makes for a convenient yet satisfying Jersey Shore retreat. Long hailed for having some of New Jersey’s best beaches, you can begin to explore this town’s splendid shoreline along the Boardwalk—Asbury Park even has dedicated areas for swimming, surfing, and playing with dogs. Speaking of the Boardwalk, don’t ignore the cool collection of eclectic boutiques, tasty eateries, and festive nightlife while you're there.
In addition to the beaches, Asbury Park has gained fame for its legendary music scene, one that’s played a key role in the rise of rock legends like Bruce Springsteen, Patti Smith, Blondie, and Bon Jovi. Perhaps you can see some new rock stars in the making at the world-famous Stone Pony. In addition, Premier Theatre has plenty of entertaining theatrical productions worth seeing. If you’d like to stay like a rockstar, check into The Asbury for a Victorian-era hotel that’s been renovated and reimagined as a buzzy hotspot. Or, for a cutting-edge contemporary hotel that’s just steps away from the sand, stay at the Asbury Ocean Club.
No matter the reason, there’s never a bad time of year to visit these eight picturesque towns in the Northern United States for a weekend retreat. There’s no shortage of enticing options for a getaway, such as the glorious Green Mountains of Woodstock in Vermont and the breezy shores of Westerly in Rhode Island. Even in seemingly unassuming towns like New Hope in Pennsylvania, plenty of hidden gems are awaiting discovery. Across the Northeast, these and other towns make it easy to enjoy a relaxing retreat.
