Flying into either Providence or Manchester, where would be a good place (within a two-hour drive) to get a house for the weekend to explore and relax?

You've got beaches and mountains, rivers and lakes, cities and the sticks.

Give us some guidance regarding what you want to do?

I apologize for the vagueness. Basically, we would like to get a house or cottage either on the coast (Maine?) or in Vermont. A quaint town for sightseeing, boating if on the coast or hiking. Just a relaxing weekend in a new place.

Rhode Island ! I was just looking on the Frommer's website and saw under the 'Tips from Publisher' section about little known (shhhhhh) beaches there.

http://www.frommers.com/activities/road_trip/article.cfm?articleid=500&destid=ROADTRIP

Wells Beach, Maine
Ocean Park, Maine
Sebago Lake, Maine
Meredith, New Hampshire

I doubt if you will be able to get a house or a cottage for just a weekend but you might be able to rent a condo at places like Loon Mountain in NH or other ski resorts unless you are coming in the off season. Cottages around Lake Winnipesaukee are booked up early in the year. Try the B&B locator at Yankee Magazine's website www.newengland.com.

From Manchester Airport, Kenebunkport Me is 80 miles...1 3/4 hr drive. A gorgeous seacoast town, it's where President Bush's family has their summer home. Of course, if you're a raging democrat, never mind...

1 1/2 hrs to the north are the white Mountains, either the Franconia Notch or North Conway side. Lot's of beautiful places to see and stay...it will satisfy the Mountain/hiking thing.

Agree with Donna F...renting a house for the weekend is close to impossible...check on condo rentals, or if your into a bit of victorian luxury, try the Mt. Washington motel.
http://www.mtwashington.com/
http://www.loonmtn.com/
http://www.cranmore.com/summer/

I'd suggest Misquamicut beach or Watch Hill on the southern coast of RI. It's a 45 min. drive from TF Green airport in Providence. There's cottages and houses for rent as well as hotels and motels, and all kinds of activities and water sports. Newport is a short drive away as well as Mystic, CT. and Foxwoods is a 20 min. drive. www.cshell.com Have fun!