Girls’ Weekend Escapes in New England

New England, with its cozy, coastal towns, storied history, and stunning landscapes, offers tons of opportunities for gals to gather and reconnect, no matter their interests. Eclectic boutique shopping, top-notch dining, schooner and riverboat cruises, and live jazz, await in these five charming New England areas, each great for a girls’ getaway in New England.

Portsmouth, New Hampshire

Snuggled along the Piscataqua River, Portsmouth, New Hampshire is packed with history, culture, and charm. Shoppers will love that nearly all boutiques in Portsmouth are locally owned and operated, making it a great spot to snag an eclectic array of gifts and goodies.

Lovers of history and architecture can find a dozen or so historic homes and sites in the region, including Jackson House, the oldest wood-frame house in the state. Charter a cruise around Portsmouth Harbor: Isles of Shoals Steamship Company and Portsmouth Harbor Cruises offer narrated history tours along the river, nearby islands, or New England seacoast, plus sunset tours, while the Gundalow Company tours cruise along the river on a flat-bottom gundalow barge replica. After your cruise, don’t miss a stop at Jimmy’s Jazz & Blues Club, where some of jazz’s greatest have played, and enjoy rich fare and craft cocktails.

Book your stay at Best Western Plus Portsmouth Hotel and Suites.

Portland, Maine

Take in the beauty of the Portland region from a kayak or canoe and cruise along the inlets of Casco Bay. Looking for an effort-free ride? Hop on a schooner tour with Portland Schooner Co., which runs two-hour public sails and private charters from May to October.

Take in the salt air off the bay as you stroll along the cobblestones of the Old Port, popping in and out of specialty shops and cafes. Just about 20 minutes away, in nearby Freeport, Maine, snag a pair of cozy flannel PJs or a parka at L.L. Bean’s flagship store, with its larger-than-life Bean boot out front.

Artistic types will want to stop in the Portland Museum of Art, with a collection of roughly 18,000 works ranging from Warhol to Monet. Admission is free Fridays from 4 to 8 p.m.

Book your stay at Best Western Merry Manor Inn.

Cape Cod, Massachusetts

Cape Cod, the hook-shaped peninsula that extends for miles into the Atlantic Ocean, is one of New England’s most picturesque and popular summertime escapes. Made up of 15 towns, each offering their own distinct feel and attractions, Cape Cod is great for any girls’ trip.

Nature lovers won’t want to miss the Cape Cod National Seashore, known for its stunning scenery and iconic lighthouses, including Nauset Light, featured on Cape Cod potato chip bags (the company has a factory based in Hyannis, known for its Kennedy family history).

History buffs will want to hit up Sandwich, the oldest town on the Cape. Pop in a few art studios, where creatives specialize in photography, woodworking, glass, and pottery, and score a bag of cornmeal from Dexter Grist Mill, a 17th-century mill located on gorgeous grounds. Kick back after a long day exploring with some tea or round of drinks at The Dunbar House.

Book your stay at Aiden by Best Western @ Cape Point.

Stowe-Waterbury, Vermont

Known primarily for its stunning fall backdrop and winter skiing, Stowe, Vermont is a great place to visit any time of year. The town’s historic town center is full of over 50 fun boutiques, like Well Heeled, BunyaBunya, and Stowe Mercantile, plus great wine and dining options, including Cork and Harrison’s.

In Waterbury, hit up the Ben & Jerry’s ice cream factory for a tour and sweet treat. Between the factory and Stowe, don’t miss Cold Hollow Cider Mill, popular for its cider doughnuts, plus fudge, maple cookies, and hard ciders.

Book your stay at Best Western Plus Waterbury – Stowe.

Danbury, Connecticut

Located in western Connecticut, Danbury blends the quintessential charm of a New England town with its beautiful parks, like Bear Mountain Reservation, to explore all day, with an elevated wine and dining scene once the sun sets.

Downtown in City Center, book a group walking tour and learn about Danbury’s history, or try the Museum in the Streets self-guided tour. For the foodie pack of pals, Danbury offers a variety of restaurants and wine bars. Be sure to stop by Mix Prime Steakhouse for some New England clam chowder and its large menu of 40-day aged steaks, or Dolce Restaurant & Wine Bar, which hosts girls’ night out with appetizer and drink specials.

Book your stay at Best Western Danbury/Bethel.