If you're sick of Mass. Ave. traffic andhigh-rise buildings, or just want to see cleanwater, take a quick 45-minute drive to Marblehead.The only objects obstructing the horizon aresailboat masts. Located along the North Shore,Marblehead is a quaint historic harbor town andbirthplace of the U.S. Navy. The narrow serpentinestreets of Old Marblehead teem with history andhouse exquisite boutiques that would appeal to thetastes of Martha Stewart.
Harbor Light Inn--One of the classiest inns onthe entire North Shore, this Colonial style B&Blocated in the heart of Marblehead blends historywith hospitality and is guaranteed to delight.$90-185. (781) 631-2186.
Harborside House--Built in 1850, HarborsideHouse offers a splendid view of the harbor. Thelong-time owner is particularly welcoming. $60-85.(781) 631-1032.
Salem, Mass.
Travel 10 minutes from Marblehead and arrive inSalem, the City of Witchcraft. Visit the SalemWitch Museum and the House of Seven Gables, placesyou've read about in history texts and novels.Browse the shops along Pickering Wharf, but mostimportantly, don't miss out on Harbor Sweets, homeof New England's gourmet chocolates.
Amelia Payson Guest House--Its superb centrallocation makes this B&B the best place to stay inSalem. $75-95. (978) 283-2080.
Williamstown, Mass.
Williamstown, home to Williams College, is aperfect destination for students who are curiousabout the rustic college setting they missed outon by attending Harvard. The town provides exactlywhat Cambridge lacks--tranquility and isolation.The B&Bs are cozy, and if you cam rouse yourselfout of bed, the art museum at Williams houses awonderful collection.
Field Farm--This unusual B&B more closelyresembles a Frank Lloyd Wright creation than atypical Berkshire abode. Its sprawling geometricshape spans the 296-acre privately owned grounds,complete with pond, pool, tennis courts and skitrails. Formerly owned by an art collector, thisunique modern estate is a different twist on thetraditional B&B. $75-90. (413) 458-3135.
River Bend Farm--Built by one of the foundingfathers of Williamstown in 1770, this former farmretains the charm of its time period with antiquefurniture and homey interior decoration. Specialbonuses include a river for canoeing. $80-100.(413) 458-5504.
Jackson, New Hampshire
Conveniently located near the outlet malls ofNorth Conway, yet far enough away to retain thecharm and tranquility of a New England town,Jackson is a convening point for all sportingactivities. There's plenty of opportunity forhiking or skiing. Wildcat Mountain, Black Mountainand Attitash are all within driving distance. Mt.Washington is located 15 miles north and canprovide some challenging hikes, even for the car.The panoramic view of the surrounding PresidentialMountains is decidedly worth the climb. PinkhamNotch is a favorite spot among hikers, with itstrails that wind beneath ravines, including thefamous Tuckerman's Ravine, known for its springskiing. (Contact the Appalachian Mountain Club formore information.)
Inn at Thorne Hill--This year-roundestablishment is popular for its romantic appeal.Dinners by candlelight provide an especiallyintimate atmosphere. The mansion is renowned forits exquisite New England cuisine and maintains anideal location just outside the town center.$110-210. (603) 383-4242.
Snowvillage Inn--Located in Snowville, this B&Bis nestled on the side of Mt. Foss and isdistinguishable by its 1,000-foot elevation.Snowvillage offers splendid views of thePresidential Range. The environment isintellectually stimulating as well--each room isnamed for a different literary figure and isequipped with works by the author.
Deer Isle and Mt. Desert Island, Maine
Deer Isle and Mt. Desert Island are Maine's twolargest islands. While Mt. Desert Island has beendiscovered by eager tourists, Deer Isle hasremained relatively isolated from tourist traffic.Still, Bar Harbour--the "19th-century resortturned 20th-century tourist town" located on Mt.Desert's eastern shore--is a source of immenseentertainment and deserves to be explored,especially the restaurants. One can't leavewithout a plate of fiery red lobster or bowl ofthick chowder. Bar Harbor can be unduly expensive,so it's best to seek shelter on the quieter westside, known as Southwest Harbor. The AcadiaNational Park offers easy as well as rigoroushiking trails with scenic lake and mountain views.Bikes and canoes can also be rented.
If you're bargain shopper, don't forget