The stars have aligned. Everyone is healthy. You have childcare lined up. A free weekend with no little kid birthday parties or sports to attend. You and your spouse can get away for a night. Now, the hard part – what to do exactly? My husband and I love going on local, mini-getaways when we can. It is a great chance to connect and to return feeling refreshed. Below are some of our favorite spots, so pack your cutest overnight duffle and get ready to enjoy one night away in New England!
Beverly, MA
To Do:
Take a walk to the ocean, listen to the waves, and take in the beautiful water views. Stroll up and down Cabot Street for some shopping. Worthy Girl is a really cute second-hand women’s clothing shop that is a lot of fun to explore. Spend the afternoon unwinding at one of the numerous breweries. I particularly enjoy Coastal Mass. Brewing for the good brews and more intimate and cozy vibe. Or stop by Old Planters Brewing Co for a flight. They have plenty of room with couches and leather chairs that are just perfect for you and your partner to get comfy and chat away.
Once you run out of things to talk about (or find you can only keep talking about your kids), head over to The Castle. This is part restaurant, part board game cafe! A little friendly competition never hurts anyone and is a perfect way to bring some fun to your getaway!
A true treasure of the North Shore is The Cabot Theater. It features numerous shows throughout the year including comedy shows, films, concerts, and more. What better way to enjoy a night away than to take in some live music?
For Dinner:
If casual but tasty is the name of the game for dinner time, you can’t miss a stop at A&B Burgers. I recommend the “Sweet and Salty Burger” which has fig jam, bacon, burrata, and arugula. If you’re looking for a more romantic evening, try Toscana Bar Italiano for some great cocktails and hearty pasta.
To Stay:
The charm at The Cabot Lodge is unmatched. While the rooms of this boutique hotel aren’t immense, they have everything you could possibly need and more, and the decor is spot-on. I found that a huge room wasn’t needed as much of our time was spent out and about. I also appreciated the large covered parking lot right behind the hotel.
For Breakfast:
Less than a block away from the hotel is Atomic Cafe for all of your caffeine needs. Then, stroll just 5 more minutes down Cabot Street to Bonny Breads. Get ready to feast your eyes (and your stomach!) on so many delicate yet decadent pastries. Trust me, grab a few extra treats to bring home and a loaf of amber sourdough bread to enjoy during the week. Don’t be embarrassed if you squirrel away a few bites of the bread on the car ride home. You wouldn’t be the first to do so.
Keene, NH
To Do:
Depending on your path to Keene, consider stopping at Pack Monadnock in Peterborough, NH for a quick dose of nature. You can drive the 1.3-mile paved road right up to the summit (open seasonally) and enjoy stunning views. Once you have arrived in Keene, the downtown area is easily walkable with shops and restaurants to explore along Main Street. Stop by Modestman Brewing for beers ranging from stouts, double IPAs, and kölsch. They have pizza on-site to snack on while you enjoy the indoor or plentiful outdoor seating.
For Dinner:
I love Luca as you can enjoy a lighter dinner including a variety of tapas or you can go big with a Pappardelle Beef Ragu, Sausage and Mushroom Penne, or Pistachio Crusted Lamb Chops.
If you have a sweet tooth, swing by Yolo Cafe after for some dessert. They offer ice cream, crepes, bubble tea, and more!
To Stay:
A variety of chain hotels are right off Main Street that are perfect for your getaway. I have enjoyed the Courtyard Marriott in the past. Being a college town, be sure to consider things like family weekends or graduation season as the rooms may be more expensive and fill up fast during those times.
For Breakfast:
Depending on the season of your visit, you may be able to stop by the local farmer’s market to grab a fresh treat. It is open on Saturday mornings from 9am-1pm starting in late April and going through late October. Otherwise, consider Brewbakers Cafe which offers avocado toast, breakfast bowls, sandwiches, and more! Pair with an espresso, coffee, tea, or kombucha, and your day is off to a great start.
Portsmouth, NH
To Do:
History buffs will enjoy visiting the Strawberry Banke Museum where you can see a waterfront neighborhood and way of life that has been preserved through the years. Right across the street, stroll through Prescott Park and enjoy the beautiful open space and gardens. Nearby, park (for free) at Four Tree Island, and walk out across the gravel causeway for some great ocean views. You may even see an artist with an easel set up as they capture the beauty of the water.
For those who enjoy a challenge, try your hand at Monkey Mind Escape Room. You select a game that appeals to you and reserve your spot ahead of time. During the game, you have 60 minutes to solve puzzles, find clues, and unlock countless locks and doors until you are free!
After that, grab a beer at Great Rhythm (I love the Squeeze IPA) or Liar’s Bench (try the Young Upstart IPA or the Fizzarita – yes, that’s right, they have a fizzy margarita on tap). During the warmer months, both breweries have huge windows that open for the perfect mix of indoor/outdoor seating.
Check the schedules of not only The Music Hall on Chestnut Street but also their sister site just around the corner called The Music Hall Lounge. We love this smaller, more intimate setting found on Congress Street. We have seen many incredible performers there from amazing musicians to knee-slap-inducing comedians.
For Dinner:
Build your own taco at Barrio. Trust me, and order a marigold margarita to sip on while you munch on chips and salsa. For something a bit more upscale, try The Oar House. If you like trying lots of different things, you can’t go wrong with Moxy for some great cocktails and tapas. We always order the beef short rib marmalade and patatas bravas as a starting point and then go from there depending on what sounds most delicious that day!
To Stay:
We really enjoy some of the cute boutique options in Portsmouth including The Sailmaker’s House or the Ale House Inn. Both have great proximity to all of the downtown attractions and offer a unique stay that can really elevate your trip, even if it is just for one night. If you are looking for a more traditional hotel option, The Residence Inn and Sheraton have great locations.
For Breakfast:
Depending on where you stay, it can be a quick drive or a beautiful morning walk over the Memorial Bridge to Lil’s Cafe just over the border in Kittery, Maine. Take in the sights as you pass over Badger Island and get ready for a really tasty breakfast! The crullers are to die for, the bagels are beyond fresh and the coffee is spot on. Don’t let the long line worry you – it moves really fast and gives you time to stare at the case of pastries and decide which one (or four) you just have to have!
Here’s to hoping you can find the time to sneak away for a one night getaway with your special someone. There is nothing like good adventure, good food, and good company to really fill your cup and refresh your soul!
