Note: The Travel Awaits team regularly updates content to provide the latest and most accurate information to our readers. The updated content in this article may not reflect the views or opinions of the original author.
In the United States, perhaps no region is more eager to embrace the arrival of spring than New England. With the thaw of the season, upscale hotels and resorts that typically command high prices in the summer months attract travelers with special offers, packages, deals, and added value.
Furthermore, as we bid adieu to our heavy winter gear and welcome lighter attire, destinations celebrate the onset of warmer weather with fairs and festivals that herald the arrival of spring, allowing visitors to enjoy the benefits of traveling before the peak season.
Spring getaways in New England offer a plethora of delights. The area is adorned with colorful flowers and blooming trees, creating picturesque settings for hiking and picnics. Coastal towns emerge from their winter slumber, offering leisurely walks along charming streets ideal for a weekend escape. Maple sugaring festivals fill the air with sweet aromas, while cozy inns provide a retreat with quintessential New England charm.
Listed below are 8 affordable spring destinations that have left winter behind and are ready to welcome travelers with enticing deals and discounts.
Some of these destinations have been visited during press trips, while others have been discovered through extensive travels in New England. All opinions expressed are personal.
8 Budget-Friendly Weekend Escapes in New England This Spring
1. Bretton Woods
New Hampshire
The Omni Mount Washington Resort in the White Mountains of New Hampshire
Photo credit: Omni Mount Washington Resort
For history enthusiasts, Bretton Woods in New Hampshire is a must-visit destination. Surrounded by the White Mountain National Forest, the region has hosted four former presidents and was the site of the Bretton Woods International Monetary Conference in 1944, making it an official National Historic Landmark. The Omni Mount Washington Resort, located in this historic area, has recently undergone renovations and expansions, including the new Presidential Wing, ensuring a modern and vibrant experience for guests.
As the ski season draws to a close, the hills surrounding the resort come alive with spring blooms, offering an ideal setting for a canopy tour. This zip-lining experience provides stunning views of Mount Washington and the Presidential Range, with the longest zip line stretching over 1,000 feet. Guests can now take advantage of a special offer at the resort, saving 20 percent off the best available rate until September 5, 2023, if booked before April 11, 2023.
Discover more about Bretton Woods and its surroundings
2. Ogunquit
Maine
The Colonial Inn is considered the last of Ogunquit’s once-numerous stately Victorian-era hotels still in operation.
Photo credit: The Colonial Inn
Nestled on Maine’s southern coast, Ogunquit offers all the charms of a quintessential New England beach town without the summer crowds. Spring is the perfect time to explore the picturesque Marginal Way, a scenic 2.5-mile coastal path that is less crowded during this season, allowing visitors to savor the views at their own pace.
The historic Colonial Inn, a Victorian-era hotel, invites travelers to experience the elegance of a bygone era. The Spring Fling package at The Colonial Inn includes a 10 percent discount on a two-night stay, along with chilled sparkling wine and a charcuterie board upon arrival.
Explore Ogunquit and its surroundings
3. Martha’s Vineyard
Massachusetts
Martha’s Vineyard’s famed colorful Gingerbread Houses
Photo credit: Ocean Park Realty
Martha’s Vineyard offers an idyllic island getaway to shake off the winter chill. Spring on the island exudes a unique charm, with the anticipation of summer palpable in the air. This season provides an opportunity to experience the island like a local and possibly encounter some of its famous residents, including celebrities like Carly Simon and James Taylor.
One of the first signs of spring on Martha’s Vineyard is the annual opening of the Flying Horses Carousel in Oak Bluffs, the oldest operating platform carousel in the country. Additionally, this season offers a chance to secure reservations at popular dining spots before the summer rush. The Vineyard Square Hotel & Suites in Edgartown presents a springtime offer, with reduced prices for stays Sunday through Thursday in May, providing a 25–30 percent discount compared to peak season rates.
Discover Martha’s Vineyard and nearby attractions
4. Manchester
Vermont
Downtown Manchester, Vermont
Photo credit: Vermont Tourism
Manchester in Vermont seamlessly blends its historic charm with modern comforts against the backdrop of the majestic Green Mountains. Spring is an ideal time to explore the region’s legendary hiking trails, such as Prospect Rock and Lye Brook Falls Trail, offering breathtaking views and serene natural beauty.
For a more relaxed experience, visitors can drive up Equinox Mountain to enjoy panoramic views or visit The American Museum of Fly Fishing for a unique cultural experience. The Reluctant Panther Inn & Restaurant in historic Manchester Village offers the Third Night’s a Charm package, allowing guests to enjoy a complimentary third night when booking a stay of three nights or more (book by May 23, 2023).
Explore Manchester and its surroundings
5. Newport
Rhode Island
The Newport Harbor Island Resort on Newport’s Goat Island
Photo credit: Newport Harbor Island Resort
Newport, Rhode Island, known for its opulent mansions and coastal beauty, welcomes visitors to experience its grandeur in the spring. This season offers a more affordable and less crowded alternative to the bustling summer months, allowing guests to explore attractions like the Cliff Walk and historic mansions at a leisurely pace.
Spring in Newport also brings a plethora of events, including the Newport Beer Festival in April and the Great Chowder Cook-Off in May. The Newport Harbor Island Resort on Goat Island presents enticing offers such as the Book Early & Save promotion, providing up to 20 percent off the best available room rate when booking in advance. Additionally, guests can indulge in the Suite Life package, offering 15 percent off spacious suites along with complimentary amenities.
Discover Newport and nearby attractions
6. Cape Cod
Massachusetts
The golf course at Blue Rock Resort on Cape Cod
Photo credit: Red Jacket Resorts
Cape Cod, the iconic peninsula off the coast of Massachusetts, undergoes a transformation in spring, signaling the start of a vibrant season. The region’s museums, galleries, shops, and restaurants come alive, offering a range of activities for visitors to enjoy. Golf enthusiasts can take advantage of the numerous public and private golf courses across Cape Cod, such as Highland Links in Truro and Cape Cod Country Club in East Falmouth.
Blue Rock Resort in South Yarmouth welcomes guests with the Goodbye, Winter Blues package, featuring perks like early check-in, late check-out, and a special welcome amenity. The package also includes access to amenities at nearby Red Jacket Resorts, ensuring a memorable spring getaway.
Explore Cape Cod and its surroundings
7. Bar Harbor
Maine
Situated in Frenchman Bay, Bar Harbor serves as a charming gateway to Acadia National Park. While most visitors use it as a base for exploring the park, Bar Harbor itself offers a range of attractions, including local history museums, oceanariums, craft breweries, and fresh seafood dining options.
A leisurely stroll along West Street, a visit to the Abbe Museum, and indulging in craft beers and seafood delicacies are just a few highlights of a visit to Bar Harbor. Be sure to sample the famous blueberry pie found throughout the city for a sweet treat.
Explore Bar Harbor and nearby attractions
8. Block Island
Rhode Island
Located off the coast of Rhode Island, Block Island boasts 17 miles of pristine shoreline and historic lighthouses. Despite its small size, the island offers a variety of activities and attractions, making it an ideal weekend getaway destination.
Block Island’s beaches are free for all visitors, making it a budget-friendly option for a summer escape. The island’s old-fashioned cottages and scenic landscapes provide a tranquil setting for relaxation and exploration.
Explore Block Island and its surroundings
Best Coastal Weekend Getaways in New England
Cape Cod, Nantucket, Martha’s Vineyard, Block Island, Bar Harbor & Acadia National Park are among the top coastal destinations in New England, offering stunning views and delectable seafood options.
Countryside Weekend Getaways in New England
For a magical countryside retreat, consider the White Mountains region in New Hampshire. With its charming towns and scenic landscapes, this area provides an enchanting escape for nature lovers.
Affordable Times for Weekend Getaways in New England
Traveling during the shoulder season can transform expensive New England getaways into affordable vacation spots. Fall, with its vibrant foliage and charming towns like Burlington, Vermont, and Newport, Rhode Island, offers an ideal backdrop for budget-friendly trips.
Ideal Audience for a New England Getaway
Adventure seekers, food enthusiasts, culture aficionados, and sports fans will find New England to be a diverse and exciting destination. Whether hiking in challenging terrain, catching a game at Fenway Park, or savoring delectable lobster rolls, there is something for everyone to enjoy in this picturesque region.