5 New England Towns to Visit this Spring
It’s cold and snowy out, but we’re already looking forward to sunnier days ahead. After the first thaw, when the snow melts and spring flowers start popping up, there’s nothing we enjoy more than packing up the car and heading out for a road trip to some of our favorite New England towns. Read on for our top 5 New England towns to visit this spring!
Mystic, Connecticut
Once a busy seaport where the Mystic River meets Long Island Sound, the village of Mystic is now home to a bustling scene of restaurants, breweries, and even an aquarium. The perfect option for a day trip or long weekend, this town is the ideal mix of quaint New England charm and cosmopolitan allure. Take a walk over the famous drawbridge and stroll the shops along Main Street before heading out for cocktails and dinner at one of Mystic’s acclaimed restaurants, like S&P Oyster Bar or Engine Room. Our Sea Bags Buoy Wristlet would be the perfect accompaniment for a night out on the town!
Nantucket’s ‘Sconset Bluff Walk offers stunning views and ends at Sankaty Head Lighthouse.
Newport, Rhode Island
No coastal road trip would be complete without a stop in Newport, Rhode Island - a favorite New England town to visit, no matter the season. While Newport is well known for Gilded Age mansions and the renowned sailing regatta, America’s Cup, this small city on the sea is the perfect spot for a late spring weekend away. Get some exercise with a brisk jaunt along the Cliff Walk, a 3.5 mile trail that winds along breathtaking ocean views and past Newport’s famous mansions. After working up an appetite, head over to Newport Vineyards for a snack and flight of their own wines. Be sure to try the Great White, a delicious top selling white blend with notes of tropical fruit, strawberry, and peach. Take a bottle home and enjoy it later on the beach in your Buoy Coast Stemless Wine Cup! Before you leave, be sure to head downtown and check out the quaint shops along Bowen’s Wharf.
Nantucket Island, Massachusetts
Known as a favorite spot for summering, Nantucket is actually a great place to visit before Memorial Day crowds ascend on the island. While it might be too chilly for a beach day, there is still plenty to see and do! If you’re feeling adventurous, rent a bike and ride it down Milestone Road to Sconset. This gorgeous stretch of beaches on the east side of the island features the ‘Sconset Bluff Walk, a footpath through stunning oceanfront backyards of the rich and famous. For a casual afternoon post biking, check out the island’s own brewery. Cisco Brewery features an assortment of rotating beers on tap, as well as food trucks and live music. For dinner, head downtown to one of the many restaurants Nantucket has to offer. One of our favorites? Cru is an elegant oyster bar right on the water, offering up cocktails and seafood with a view.
Newport’s Cliff Walk offers stunning views year round.
Portsmouth, New Hampshire
New Hampshire has just over 18 miles of coastline - though Portsmouth makes it feel much, much larger than that! Quaint, small town vibes meet glam urban comforts in this city by the sea nestled between Massachusetts and Maine. Among the cobblestone streets and historic New England houses you will find cosmopolitan oyster bars and chic shops. For a night out, we love cocktails and dinner at The Wilder, a modern New England gastropub located in the heart of the city. If you’re looking for something more casual, live music and cold beer at The Goat might be more your speed. Either way, Portsmouth is sure to delight with the perfect mix of small town charm and big city attitude.
Boothbay Harbor, Maine
While many visitors to Maine only make it to Portland or Freeport, we recommend driving a little bit farther north - trust us, you won’t be disappointed! Boothbay Harbor is about an hour north of Portland at the end of a peninsula, which makes this quaint, quiet town the perfect spot for a slow weekend away. For those who love the great outdoors, Boothbay is nestled among fantastic hiking paths with stunning ocean views, such as Porter Preserve. After a day on the trails, there’s nothing better than settling into a cozy spot like Ports of Italy for a hearty and delicious meal. Before you leave, be sure to grab your Buoy Boat Tote and head downtown for a walk around the charming town dock and narrow streets lined with shops.
Mystic offers a mix of world class dining and quaint coastal charm.