• Keene, N.H.

  Lively college town with a river of charms

  In Keene, N.H., stroll its broad, leafy Main Street - billed as the country’s widest - lined with shops, cafes, restaurants, museums, and, of course, students.
• Provincetown

  Provincetown plays up its quieter side

  The real perks of P-town in the fall: gorgeous foliage, empty beaches, and no reservations needed for dinner.
• Springfield

  Oh, the places you’ll go in Geisel’s hometown

  Springfield was the wellspring for the Dr. Seuss books, and it’s still full of fun and whimsy, especially for wide-eyed kids.
• Providence, R.I.

  In Providence, a frothy mix of fun

  Stroll historic neighborhoods, funky shopping districts, and a bit of Old World charm to boot.
• Westport., Conn.

  An old-style haven in Westport, Conn.

  It’s all about good old-fashioned fun in this low-key and upscale commuter town.
• Jackson, N.H.

  Jackson, N.H. offers a respite from the din

  When you’re looking for a truly peaceful family getaway, head 10 minutes farther north to low-key, pretty Jackson, where you’ll still find plenty of things to do minus the crowds and the kitsch.
• Brattleboro, Vt.

  Explore town and nature in Brattleboro, Vt.

  A thriving, artsy town along the banks of the Connecticut River, Brattleboro is bucolic enough for city-weary visitors while offering plenty of activities for energetic travelers.
• • photos Tour Brattleboro
• Walpole, N.H.

  Flea markets, hayrides, and apples aplenty

  You may never have trouble getting the kids to eat their fruits and vegetables once you’ve brought the family here during the fall harvest season.
• Williamstown

  Williamstown’s allure is heightened

  The town is framed right now by autumn foliage, which just adds to its appeal as a weekend escape.
• • photos Tour Williamstown
• Amherst

  A trip back in time in the Pioneer Valley

  Just a two-hour drive from Boston, there are dinosaur tracks in rocks, a vertiginous hike with sweeping scenic views, and an impressively diverse menu of restaurants.
• westport, mass.

  There’s a taste for all palates in the Bay State’s Westport

  Westport offers up vineyards, sun, and sand, clearly a great getaway for couples or singles. More important, it’s also more than 100 miles closer to Boston than Westport, Conn. Not that it’s a competition.
• essex, conn.

  A perfect riverside getaway

  This historic village on the Connecticut River is great for couples looking for some quality hand-holding time while strolling, eating ice cream, and scoping out the 18th-century houses.
• north conway, n.h.

  Family fun in the shadow of Mount Washington

  For decades this region has been a popular destination for families looking to get away, not only with a number of attractions geared toward kids, but a relatively short drive (125 miles from Boston) that should limit the number of times you hear “Are we there yet?’’ from the back seat.
• portland, maine

  Portland is for walkers, and eaters, and sailors. . .

  You can spend an entire weekend here walking, eating, and drinking and still feel like you have accomplished a lot.
• vineyard haven, mass.

  Walkable Vineyard Haven just perfect for two

  Absent a visit by the Obamas, Vineyard Haven makes an ideal couples getaway.

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