Great escapes (Photo 3 of 11) - Pictures

PORTLAND, MAINE: Less than a two-hour drive from Boston (or take Amtrak’s Downeaster from North Station), this city is home not only to some of the freshest seafood and hippest restaurants on the East Coast.

Photograph by iStockphoto |

Portland, Maine...10/28/01....A woman takes a solitary early-morning stroll on Exchange St. in the Old Port district. REMOTE TRANSMISSION RW Library Tag 11042001 TRAVEL 03newengland

PORTLAND, MAINE: It’s also a manageable city with both artsy and outdoorsy things to do. Pictured: the Old Port district

boston globe photograph/file |

NEWBURYPORT: This coastal town has its own lively boardwalk, numerous nearby beaches, and various boutique stores and art galleries — perfect for stocking up on pieces to transform two households into one home. Plum Island Kayak offers seasonal rentals of kayaks and stand-up paddle boards.

photograph by istockphoto.com |

BOSTON: Quarantine yourselves in the Back Bay at the deluxe Eliot Hotel and feast on room service cooked at Clio, one of the city’s finest French restaurants.

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Boston-04/11/2012-Dining Out- Clio in the Eliot Hotel. The bone marrow flan. Boston Globe staff Photo by John Tlumacki

BOSTON: Step outside your room, and try one of chef Ken Oringer’s three tasting menus that are offered in the restaurant — choose from seven, 10, or 14 courses with wine pairings.

photograph by John tlumacki/globe staff |

BOSTON: Should you choose to venture beyond the hotel, play tourist during the day and stroll through the romantic Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum.

photograph by Nic Lehoux |

Boston-10/21/2009- Boats lie in the calm water of the Charles River in the lagoon near the Hatch Shell on the Charles River Esplanade. Boston Globe staff photo by John Tlumacki (metro) Library Tag 10222009 Merto

BOSTON: Or take a walk along the Charles or through the Common.

photograph by john tlumacki/globe staff |

ATLANTIC CITY, NEW JERSEY: Lucky in love? Then Atlantic City might be the perfect destination. Beyond the casino resorts, this beachfront New Jersey city offers a wide range of activities and attractions: art shows, concerts, shopping, surfing lessons, and museums.

photograph by istockphoto |

View from Mt.Philo over Charlotte Vermont and Lake Champlain with the Adirondacks in the background.

BURLINGTON, VERMONT: If you’re looking for adventure, plan a few days in Vermont. Set up a home base in Burlington. There you can see Lake Champlain like a native with a ride along the Burlington Bike Path, stopping to picnic at North Beach. Then head to Church Street Marketplace for casual dining and window shopping.

photograph by istockphoto |

An employee fills growlers for visitors at Hill Farmstead Brewery in Greensboro, Vermont. photo by Monica Donovan for the Boston Globe

BURLINGTON, VERMONT: Forget maple syrup tasting, though, and check out some of Vermont’s many breweries instead. You can make a road trip of it, spending each night in a different place (the Vermont Brewers Association has a useful map on its website).

photograph by Monica Donovan |

BURLINGTON, VERMONT: The Willard Street Inn in Burlington (800-577-8712, willardstreetinn.com; from $150) is a restored Victorian mansion with 14 rooms and elegant English gardens. Plus, they’ll deliver a plate of chocolate chip cookies to your room each day.

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