My husband has never been to Boston and has wanted to go forever so I planned a surprise trip next month. We'll spend 4days/3nights in the city then I thought of going to a Romantic B&B or Inn for 3 nights somewhere else in New Enland.
I'm thinking Newport but would welcome suggestions of other locations. (I already searched posts on this board for Newport)We're in our 40's, from Miami.

How about Wentworth by the Sea in New Castle, New Hampshire, just outside Portsmouth? If you do decide on Newport, we love the Francis Malbone House.

Newport is good (busy during the summer, so you have have issues getting a room) and can definitely be romantic if you stay away from the crowds.

If you really want to decompress, the coast of Maine is a winner too. There's a little lobster town called New Harbor about 3.5 hours north of Boston (near Boothbay Harbor.) Pemaquid Lighthouse (picturesque) is there, and there are a couple of decent inns in the area - Hotel Pemaquid (right next to the lighthouse - run by a very cool couple (Skip and Cindy) - tastefully decorated. A bit more rustic is the Gosnold Arms (think minimalist - farmhouse style inn) but so close to the harbor that if you jumped out the window of a couple of rooms/cottages, you could land in a lobster boat. The views from some rooms are wonderful (day trips to Monhegan island are very popular and fun.)

Newport probably has the edge re: romance, but the Maine places are probably better for just getting away from it all (and Norman Rockwell coastal New England.)

I think it depends a bit what you want for romance. Newport is very nice, kind of upscale with all the sailors, and very crowded in the summer. If you want good restaurants, shopping, and sightseeing its a good choice.

If you want quiet, cozy and scenic, then someplace else might be better. I like the Maine coast suggestion. You could go to Ogunquit, or Portland or Boothbay, all of which have nice inns and good dining.

If culture and scenery are romantic, you might consider the Berkshires. Stay at a nice inn, go to Tanglewood, hike in the mountains, or rent a canoe.

Martha's Vineyard or Nantucket would also be a romantic place to spend a few nights.

Of course, ALL of these places will be crowded in July. I'm hoping your nights in the city are the weekend, and your nights elsewhere are mid-week. Because you'll have much better luck finding accomodations in Newport or Maine if you're talking about Tuesday-Thursday nights, and not Fri-Sun.

dsmia the cape is a great destination too nantuckets great this time of the year it gets busy though the only bad thing is the traffic to the cape depending on the traveling days ...let me know if i can help good luck cheriberry

I think you will find that Newport, in the summer, is really crowded and draws a young, partying crowd. This according to my adult daughter, who is often a part of that crowd ;-).

I live in Kennebunkport and think that we have some of the most romantic Inns around.

I would suggest you explore THe Captain Lord Mansion, The Cape Arundel Inn ( for a place with a view), and The White Barn Inn.

We will have our crowds too, but it's not as frenetic as some and it's a town you can easily explore on foot.

Many upscale restaurants, but we also have our lobster/clam shacks, most with great views.

Hope this helps..

Marion

I recommend Newport. We stay at the Fair Street Guest House right behind the Red Parrot restaurant/bar. Great location, fair price! I think they even have a web site. The innkeepers , Wayne and Denise, will spoil you in every way.Have a great trip.

Hi--I would seriously consider a "pedestrian" visit to Nantucket. Park your car at the dock in Hyannis and take the fast ferry to Nantucket. Of course there are many people there in July, but it is an island and is like no place else. (It is "not for nothing" that so many big celebs have discovered the place!!) When you get there, rent bikes for exploring the places that are too far for walking.

We celebrated an anniversary at the Castle Hill Inn, Newport Rhode Island -absolutely charming. We rented the turret room - sunsets and tea were memory making -- the location is away from the crowds, the staff, professional, and the room enchanting.

Thank you for all the suggestions. I'm going to stick with my original plan and go to Newport- I've always been curious since my days studying American literature! I'm trying for the Castle Hill Inn otherwise Malbone Inn has availablity.We will be in Boston for the weekend and Newport Monday - Thurs. so maybe the crowds will be less. In any event if it's lively that's great.Thanks again.

Hi DSMia,

I'm sure you will enjoy Newport. I'll have fingers crossed for Castle Hill...it is a treat.

And thank YOU for thanking us ! It doesn't often happen on these travel boards.

Enjoy your time in New England !

Let us know if you have any Boston questions

Marion

Newport is fabulous, and it's always best to go where you'd think is most appealing to you.

Now is not to soon to firm up reservations for accomodations, though.

I make Ogunquit, Me. my summer drive from Boston for a day trip. One of the best restaurants in New England is there. ARROWS, now they have opened up another less expensive, American Bistro at Perkins Cove.

http://www.arrowsrestaurant.com/

Cigelchanta: have you been to the new place in Perkins Cove owned by the Arrows guys? We just received a postcard the other day about it...