There’s no way around it: The holidays are stressful. From finding the perfect gifts for everyone on your list to cooking side dishes for each dietary restriction, there’s a lot to do. Take some time to unwind and enjoy the season with a quick getaway to one of these quaint New England towns. A little relaxation, and maybe some treat-yourself-shopping can tip the scales from frantic to fun.

Photo courtesy of the Delamar West Hartford

Treat yourself with a spa and shopping package at the Delamar West Hartford.

Delamar West Hartford
2.5 hours from Boston
860-937-2500
1 Memorial Road, West Hartford, Connecticut

Head to West Hartford, Connecticut for a spa getaway with a healthy dose of history. The trendy area offers up-and-coming restaurants, a vibrant theater scene and shopping of all kinds. It’s also home to historic sites like the houses of Mark Twain and Harriet Beecher Stowe. The Connecticut Women’s Heritage Trail is packed with artifacts of inspiring women, including Hill-Stead, a home designed by Theodate Pope Riddle, one of the first female architects in the United States.

The Delamar West Hartford offers an “It’s About Me This Holiday” package designed to help you stay sane during December. It includes a one-night stay at the luxurious Delamar, a blow out and manicure at its spa and 10 percent off chic local boutiques where you can buy yourself something special. The experience comes with complimentary champagne at check-in, soft fur blankets and Bulgari products in-room, complimentary WiFi and other amenities to make you feel pampered from moment one.

Photo courtesy of Cape Arundel Inn and Resort

Cozy up at the Cape Arundel to enjoy the winter wonderland Maine becomes in December.

Cape Arundel Inn & Resort
2 hours from Boston
855-346-5700
208 Ocean Ave., Kennebunkport, Maine

The seaside town of Kennebunkport offers the perfect, peaceful escape from your fast-paced life, especially for foodies. Off-season, the coastal town is quiet, allowing easy access to the many galleries and boutiques downtown. You can also take a cocktail class at Old Vines Wine Bar, or grab a Whoopie Pie (said to be created in Maine) from the charming general store H.B. Provisions. Who knows, you might spot Billy Joel who’s been known to vacation in the area.

The Cape Arundel Inn and Resort has been hosting guests for getaways since the 19th century. It’s safe to say the place has got the art of hospitality down. Today, the resort has all the charm of historic New England and all the modern enhancements to make you feel pampered. Upgrade your stay with extras like a dozen oysters and a bottle of champagne or handmade truffles with your turndown service. Or, simply enjoy the on-site details like the indoor heated pool with cocktail service and the gas fireplaces in-room.

Chesterfield Inn
2 hours from Boston
603-256-3211
20 Cross Road, West Chesterfield, New Hampshire

Lovers of winter and ski slopes find bliss in Chesterfield, New Hampshire. Located on the Vermont border, just 20 minutes from Brattleboro, Chesterfield allows you to take advantage of recreation in both states. Bring your ice skates for a dreamy day of skating at the Nelson Withington rink, enjoy a sleigh ride at Fairwinds Farm or get your ski fix at any of the nearby mountains. After a long day outdoors you can relax with a concert at the Apple Hill Center for Chamber Music or a lively holiday show at the Hooker Dunham Theater.

The Chesterfield Inn keeps you relaxed and rested in between activities. The Girlfriends Getaway package includes wine and cheese by the fire, a dinner at the inn’s restaurant and pedicures at a local salon. The well-appointed rooms feature gas fireplaces and country-chic decor; some rooms also have soaking tubs. The inn is pet-friendly so you can travel with your furry friend, and they also have a charging station for electric cars.

Photo courtesy of Bristol Harbor Inn

Sip a cocktail with views of Narragansett Bay at the Bristol Harbor Inn.

Bristol Harbor Inn
1.5 hours from Boston
855-313-1912
259 Thames St., Bristol, Rhode Island

Enjoy a taste of historic Rhode Island in Bristol, away from the crowds of Newport. Shop for gifts on picture-perfect Hope Street, or sample local seafood at one of the many nearby restaurants. View lavish old-world holiday decorations at the historic Blithewold Mansion and Gardens or Linden Place, a Federal period mansion that has welcomed four presidents for visits. For an eerier tour hop over the Massachusetts border to the Lizzie Borden house in Fall River.

Unwind at the boutique Bristol Harbor Inn overlooking Narragansett Bay. Sip a glass of wine at the Thames Waterfront Restaurant or relax in the lounge decorated in a quintessentially New England nautical style. Some rooms have marble fireplaces, ocean views and private balconies, a far cry from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Laundry service is available and every room is equipped with gourmet coffee from local favorite Empire Tea and Coffee.