Weekend getaway in the Northeast in early December
Nov 4th, 2013, 04:29 PM
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Weekend getaway in the Northeast in early December
Need (badly) to "get out of town," and out of state for that matter, for a weekend during early December and I need help. Ideally, I'd like a spa retreat, but that is way out of the budget. So, I'm looking for a nice, romantic place where we can maybe snuggle up in front of a fire after we get back from our short walk into town. Any suggestion? Oh, I guess my starting point would help. We're in CT and want to cross the border, but don't want to go as far as VT, NH or ME. And we'd like to avoid the Jersey turnpike, so I'm thinking any of the surrounding states (RI, MA, NY, PA). We currently have Newport, RI and Rockport, MA on our short list, but we'd really like someplace new. We love the shore, but it is not a deal-breaker at this time of year. I know it's short notice, but I'd appreciate any suggestions.
Nov 5th, 2013, 11:46 AM
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Apropos of the Breakers and the NJ Tpke- You're on the NJTP for only several exits till you get onto the Garden State Pkwy. Even tho it is still in CT you might google Litchfield County Inns. What about Old Saybrook Inn and Spa (upscale motel).-How about Boston-Fairmont is very nice and the Marriott up the street or the Colonnade farther up the street. Or Cape Cod-Commodore Inn and Motel West Harwich
Nov 5th, 2013, 12:21 PM
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Coming from Newtown (hence the need to get out of town.) Litchfield is under an hour, Old Saybrook just over. Would really prefer out of state. Been sitting in front of my computer all day & my head is spinning. Trying to keep costs down, tho, and these gorgeous, high-end places are out of reach for me. Looking for something in the $200/nt range, I guess.
Nov 5th, 2013, 04:05 PM
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HappyT, I did look at the Inn. It looks gorgeous, but teetering on the high end of our price point. Tho I've lived in the state my entire life, I've never been to Stonington. What is the town like? Is it walkable from the Inn, with restaurants & shops?
Nov 5th, 2013, 04:09 PM
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I was about to second HT's recommendation when you asked your question. If I may, Stonington Borough is a little gem, a collection of 18th and 19th century houses, most beautifully maintained. There are several restaurants and and a number of small shops. Mystic is nearby, as is Westerly RI, both of which have even more restaurants and shops. I think this might be an ideal spot for you.
Nov 5th, 2013, 04:14 PM
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Sounds very much like what we are looking for. And it's far enough away from home... Hmmmmm... Looks like we're between Stonington & Newport. Thanks for all the help. I just LOVE Fodors & the fine folks in the forums!!
Nov 8th, 2013, 04:15 PM
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Well, Newport wins out, after all that. Never been there during the holidays. Thanks for all the great suggestions. I will keep them "in the bank" for next year. I have a feeling this may be an annual event, at least for the first few years.
Jan 31st, 2014, 03:00 PM
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I never did reply after our trip, so I thought, why not tonight? It's been a couple of months now, but there's plenty to tell. First, let me say that Christmastime in Newport is not really anything special. We loved the trip but not for the decorations. We did the 3-mansion tour, which did wonders to keep my mind occupied. Saved The Breakers for last, since we'd been there before. Glad we did. The others (Marble house & The Elms) weren't very "decked out." We went to Newport Vineyards after the first 2 (a must-do on this weekend as they had their "holiday extravaganza." We sample lots of wine and many fine area treats. When we left, it had just started snowing. Finally starting to feel like the holidays. We entered The Breakers and finally got a little Christmas magic. The ballroom was decked out for that evening's festivities. Spectacular. Of course, it could have been the wine, but I don't think so. We enjoyed our tour and stepped back outside into a winter wonderland. Just beautiful. Went back to our inn & walked into town to have dinner at The Mooring. Excellent. Really felt like the holidays finally. And how do you make this just perfect? The snow changed to rain overnight. No snow on the ground made for a stressless drive home!
