I'm trying to plan a weekend getaway for my boyfriend and I. He just started as MBA program and that along with a full-time stressful job is not leaving a whole lot of time for us. Since he's got a "break" in June-July, I want to plan a weekend where both of us can relax together. I usually try to pack way too much into a weekend so I need some help with the "relaxation" part of this whole plan. I enjoy the outdoors, he's more of a city kind of person who doesn't like hoofing it too much in the country. We've both been to NYC and Boston, and in & around Conn. I was thinking of maybe the Lake Champlain area in VT, or Newport, RI, or somewhere in Maine. I love being around water. Thought about Martha's Vineyard or Nantucket as neither one of us has been there and he's expressed an interest in seeing them, but I imagine they are fairly busy that time of year.

I envision us leaving sometime on Friday or Saturday for our destination and spending a couple of nights. I'd like to keep the drive time down to 2-3 hours. Any comments about the destinations listed or other ideas would be really appreciated. Thank you for your help!

Hi sjk-

I have read your post a few times, but I still fail to figure out where you are leaving from? You want a place that is within 2-3 hrs drive, but from where? Or maybe I am blind and just missed it.

Anyhow, I would vote for Newport. It seems to satisfy both of your interests.

You might consider the Berkshires. There is so much cultural stuff to do there in the summer...the Boston Symphony at Tanglewood, dance, theater, musuems. Plus there are lakes and mountains and scenery. Also shopping, and historic sights.

I vote for Portsmouth NH. Take a relaxing boat ride. (We liked the Inland Rivers cruise on the Heritage.) There are lots of great restaurants. It's a great city on the water. If you want to just relax and look at the ocean you might take a picnic lunch to Odiorne or take a walk on a beach. Portsmouth has several theaters to choose from and other night life. We pack bag chairs in the car. Sitting in Prescott Park and watching the boats is also a good quiet activity. Should you want to try sea kayaking, I think there are places that offer lessons/rentals. You might pick a weekend when there is an interesting event. I prefer garden tours but my sister and her husband like chowder festivals. (Too crowded for us.)

yk- i live in Hartford, CT. Thanks for the suggestions.

China-cat: Is there any particular city/town in the Berkshires that you might recommend?

Lenox, Mass. is nice. The Red Lion Inn in Stockbridge, shops, museums good food, a nice break from "life"..
I am missing Williamstown, Mass right now. A very beautiful picturesque town in the mountains full of galleries and museums and some pretty good restaurants.