There’s one secret to a sure-fire excellent vacation:
Planning ahead.
In service of that, we dirtied our hands and found you these seven knockout jaunts that’ll meet any and all of your spring travel needs.
From an oceanside retreat that doubles as a work of art to an overnight stay on a boat with timeless charm, you’ll wanna book ’em right now.
Then R&R later.
Newport, Rhode Island
Where to stay: Forty 1 North
Why to go: Because you’re looking for that quintessential marina experience.
What to do: Visit the Breakers, take a stroll down Thames or visit the Audrain Auto Museum if you must. But if you’re not actually on a yacht, Newport is best suited to sipping a heavy white and gazing out at them as “We should” slips into the hour of “Let’s not.”
Montréal, Quebec
Where to stay: Vilage de Ecluse
Why to go: Because you’re into urban camping … with a twist. Spend the evening on a private wooden boat docked in the historic Lachine Canal each with private facility tent. It’s all the pluses of being on the water, without all that navigation stuff.
What to do: Montréal is anything is a foodie city. Hit up La Banquise Resto for some poutine, of course, the Marché Jean-Talon for French crepes and fruits and then take a leisurely jaunt through their biggest park, La Fontaine.
West Kill, New York
Where to stay: The Spruceton Inn
Why to go: Because there are only nine rooms, one big fire pit and countless stars.
What to do: Drink a beer. Play some bocce. Repeat.
Narragansett, Rhode Island
Where to stay: Shinglenook
Why to go: Because this Victorian beach home built in 1887 just underwent a superior restoration and it’ll fit an army. Suited to dine and sleep 20 of your nearest and dearest with ease, other amenities include nine bedrooms, four bathrooms, an expansive wraparound porch and outdoor shower.
What to do: For dining, the area is saturated from the light-hearted Matunuck Oyster Bar and Brickley’s Ice Cream to the more decadent Ocean House and Al Forno. And should you crave an escape from the troops, the Exeter Country Club and Meadow Brook course are within reach.
Athens, New York
Where to stay: The Stewart House
Why to go: Because The Stewart House is one of the Hudson’s best kept secrets. The feeling is rustic, but the quality is far from it.
What to do: Dine at Happy Jakes and chat up the locals after during the nightly live entertainment. Then, settle in and watch the world go by riverside.
Water Mill, Hamptons
Where to stay: Villa Maria
Why to go: Because via OneFineStay, this locale offers a private home rental, but with hotel-like services. Plus … just look at the place. It’s 20,000-sq.ft. of one-of-a-kind with three pools, eleven bedrooms, a tennis court and a wine cellar. Plus, you’re just a stone’s throw from the plethora of Southampton dining options.
What to do: Write home about it.
Sagaponack, Hamptons
Where to stay: Daniels Lane II
Why to go: Because you want to live in a photographic moment. This one from OneFineStay is 4,300-sq.ft. of picturesque perfection.
What to do: The Wölffer Estate, One Woman Wines and the Duck Walk Vineyards warrant a visit. Beyond that, we’re not certain why you’d leave at all.
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