BestWeekends visits the destinations, stays in the lodging, eats in the restaurants, experiences the activities and talks to the locals.
Then we put the “best” of what we found on our website. By doing the legwork first, we eliminate the margin of error ensureing you will have a remarkable weekend.
Discover the things to do, see and experience that are truly unique to each destination—the memorable details generic travel lists tend to miss.
02 · The shortlist
Some of Our “Finds.”
Unforgettable places, exceptional stays and tables worth planning a trip around—all personally experienced by BestWeekends.
01 · Island Life
Seaside Escape
An island of unmatched beauty, 82 miles of beaches, cobblestone streets
02 · East Coast
County Getaway
Largely undiscovered destination with 40 wineries, historical venues and a downtown pedestrian mall.
03 · Mountain Dining
Hidden Gem
An amazing Green Mountain gem that we discovered just before the chef was named Best New Chef by Food & Wine Magazine. He went on to numerous James Beard nominations
04 · Quick Escape
Peaceful City
A city with only 100,000 people but it has everything; great lodging, wonderful restaurants, historical venues, golf, the beach and much more.
05 · Country
Relaxing Retreat
A country inn that was the most incredible 24 hours we ever spent.
06 · Golfing & Hunting on Site
Outdoorsmans Delight
A resort with not only world class golf but incredible fishing and hunting opportunities.
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Search by destination style, accommodations and the nearby experiences that matter to you—from beaches and golf to museums, wineries and outdoor adventures.
Edson Hill Manor dining is the most delightful place to dine in Stowe. A warm and cozy tavern, an intimate dining room and a glorious outdoor patio with wonderful mountain views create a setting that can’t be beat. Under the direction of Executive Chef Matt Hiebsch, the menu focus is on New England farms and... read more.
Hard to beat the pedigrees of the folks running the Stockton Inn restaurants. Managing Director Anthony Rudolf is formerly of the Thomas Keller Restaurant Group (Bouchon Bistro, French Laundry), Executive Chef Bob Truitt (formerly of Michael White and Stephen Starr) and Brian Miller, a pioneer of the modern cocktail movement with tenures at Death &... read more.
OVERVIEW of the Stockton Inn Originally built in 1710, the Stockton Inn has a storied history serving as a retreat for F. Scott Fitzgerald and Jackie Kennedy Onassis. It was a speakeasy during Prohibition catering to the wealthy from Philadelphia to New York. The Inn’s wishing well was made famous by the Rodgers and Hart... read more.
OVERVIEW of River House The footprint of the River House has an interesting history, first as an overnight stop for those workmen transporting materials down the rolling river. This was back in the days when 100 barges moved through the canel every day. Later it was the site of Odette Myrtil’s boisterous cabaret, where her... read more.
Chef/owner Dennis Foy has been around the NY area dining scene for over 35 years. After stints at Le Cote Basque and the 21 Club, he opened is first restaurant, Tarragon Tree in Meyersville and set a new standard for the area. His cooking was “ingredient-focused, seasonal, and dependent on the nearest farmers.” according to... read more.
Chef Christopher Kostow helms the kitchen at this delightful restaurant in St. Helena. Kostow is the Three Michelin Star and James Beard award winning chef who ran the kitchen at The Restaurant at Meadowood before its devatating fire closed the restaurant in 2020. While the Meadowood restaurant is planning its reopening, Chef Kostow has created... read more.
It would be hard to bypass a restaurant that is such a local’s favorite. Tavola has won “favorite” for these categories in the Best Of C-Ville poll; Chef, Fancy Dinner Spot, First Date, Italian Food, Restaurant and Wine List. Wow! Tavola is a 37 seat wood floored storefront helmed by a husband/wife team Michael and... read more.
Swifty’s has an interesting history. Named for Irving “Swifty” Lazar, a famous talent agent and frequent patron, the restaurant opened in 1999 with former employees of the then closed Mortimer’s. It was a revolving door of celebrities, socialites, and locals. After a highly successful run, the restaurant closed in 2016 but later re-appeared as a... read more.
OVERVIEW OF The Brenton Hotel Opened in 2020 by a group of locals, The Brenton quickly became a favorite of well heeled Newport residents and travelers. Named for Brenton Point, the stretch of land that has welcomed merchants, naval ships, America’s Cup yachts and pleasure sailors to Newport Harbor, the inn was designed with a... read more.
Just a few miles outside of town in the lovely little hamlet of ‘Sconset, The Summer House sits on a bluff overlooking the Atlantic. Few restaurants anywhere can compete with the restaurant as a romantic evening experience. Soft lighting, flickering candles, a roaring fireplace and wonderful piano music create a memorable night. The lively piano... read more.
OVERVIEW of Faraway Martha’s Vineyard Faraway Hotels, with outposts in Nantucket, Jackson Hole, Sag Harbor is fast becoming a preferred boutique hotel brand known for stylish design, excellent restaurants and renowned service. Faraway MV took over the long standing Kelly House and re-imaged it as an upscale, boutique property. Open year-round and located in the... read more.
There is no more romantic restaurant in Key West and maybe all of Florida than Latitudes at the Sunset Key Cottage Resort. A short 7 minute boat ride from downtown Key West gets you to a private island setting that will be the highlight of your Key West trip. Make sure you time your reservation... read more.
OVERVIEW AT Marquesa Marquesa is part of the Noble House Hotel & Resort Group which includes some of our other favorites like Estancia La Jolla in San Diego, Little Palm Island in Florida, Ocean Key Resort also in Key West and the Chatham Inn in Massachusetts. All of their hotels are top notch with excellent... read more.
OVERVIEW at The Marker Resort Named for Key West’s famous Mile Marker 0, The Marker, opened in 2014, was the first new hotel built in Key West in 20 years. Today, it is still fresh and vibrant. Located just steps from Old Town and three blocks from the action on Duval, the resort is perfectly situated, close... read more.
Brothers is a warm and welcoming take on an upscale Irish pub, decorated in a whimsical and eclectic style. The owners have taken great pains to elevate a typical pub with a creative menu, outstanding service and a delightful ambiance. Our first visit here was in March and little did we know it was for... read more.
Seldom do we encounter the “perfect storm” of dining when food, ambiance and service come together to create a memorable evening. Such was the case, though, at Ember & Eagle, a wonderful restaurant on the grounds of the Suneagles Golf Club in Eatontown. Under the direction of Ryan DePersio who worked for David Bouley, Bill Telepan and... read more.
Opened by acclaimed chef/owner Nancy Oakes in 1993, Boulevard is a favorite of locals and tourists alike. The restaurant has received local, national and international accolades, including The James Beard Foundation Award for Best Chef in California and Outstanding Restaurant in the United States, as well as the Filiale des Etats-Unis in France. Housed in... read more.
Bix is a throwback to the days of the old supper club. It would have been called “swanky” back then. It’s a place for ice cold martinis, cool jazz and meeting people. Tucked down an alleyway, it almost feels like you’ve come upon a speakeasy. The two story venue has a main floor and a... read more.
Zuni Café is a warm and inviting restaurant with soft lighting, big picture windows, a copper bar, a roaring wood fired oven and piano music. The interior is kind of rustic chic divided into intimate rooms on multiple levels. It is a favorite of foodies near and far and is also on GQ’s list of... read more.
Tadich Grill is the oldest continuously operating restaurant in California and the third oldest in the United States. Their servers average 33 years in the industry and 16 years at Tadich Grill. It’s quite incredible that a restaurant that is 174 years old has maintained its popularity and reputation through all those years. Tadich Grill... read more.
Close your eyes and breathe in the scents of oregano, a wood burning fireplace and fresh flowers. Your mind takes you to a small Greek Island and an intimate taverna. This is Kokkari Estiatorio. Wood beamed ceilings, colorful pottery, flower vases and hardwood floors complete the picture. Candles and shaded table lamps cast a golden... read more.
Gary Danko is one of the most award winning restaurants in San Francisco. It has garnered Five Stars from Forbes, Four Diamonds from AAA, a Michelin Star and has also earned several James Beard Awards, including Best New Restaurant, Best Service and Best Chef – California. The restaurant has also been awarded the Wine Spectator... read more.
Originally opened in 1949, the House of Prime Rib continues to be a San Francisco favorite for its 21 day dry aged beef. There’s only one thing on the menu – prime rib, in a variety of sizes. (well, they do have a daily fish catch) Served with a tossed salad, mashed or baked potato,... read more.
State Bird is one of the most unique and fun places to dine that we have ever encountered. Not surprising, it is one of the toughest reservations to get in town. The restaurant has garnered accolades from Bon Appétit Magazine and the James Beard Foundation. They have earned a Michelin star, and Zagat even named... read more.
OVERVIEW of The Chatham Inn Incredibly, Cape Cod has three Forbes Five Star properties and they are all in Chatham, MA. The Chatham Inn was built in 1830 and is the oldest, continuously operating inn on Cape Cod. After a variety of owners over the years, the inn was purchased in 2014 by Jeff and... read more.
OVERVIEW of Beach Plum Farm Cape May is a seaside resort at the southern tip of New Jersey. It is known for its Victorian homes, 3 block pedestrian mall and the Cape May Lighthouse. It is a bustling town in the heart of the summer season, but equally as enchanting in the “off-season.” The Beach... read more.
The Mill Room is the signature restaurant at The Boar’s Head Resort, but its wonderful lakeside setting and creative menu make it a worthy stop even if you are not staying at the resort. This AAA Four Diamond restaurant offers cozy inside dining with hardwood floors, beamed ceilings and intimate booths. Outside the terrace overlooks... read more.
January of 2017 saw the opening of Charlie’s of Bay Head, a sophisticated and intimate restaurant overlooking Twilight Lake in Bay Head. The beautiful two story building has dining rooms on two floors, plus outside dining on the lake level. The main level dining room has an open kitchen and fireplace. There’s a 20 seat... read more.
OVERVIEW of Wave Resort Wave Resort is a wonderful addition to the Jersey Shore lodging scene. Opened in 2019, in the vibrant Pier Village in Long Branch, it is just an hour from New York City and accessible by NJ Transit to it’s train station just a mike away. It is a stunning 67 room... read more.
Everyone has their “go to” restaurant, that place where you feel so comfortable, it comes to mind every time you think about dining out. Fratello’s is one of our “go-tos”. The atmosphere is cozy, the staff is well-trained and fun, the owner is always there to greet you and the food is delicious You can... read more.
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The BestWeekends Difference
The Best Recommendations Come From Experience, Not Algorithms.