1. Nantucket
Nantucket is most popular between Memorial Day and Labor Day, but insiders favor the shoulder season (April-June and September-November). September is ideal: the ocean is still warm, the restaurants are open, and there are fewer crowds. It’s also charming to visit in December when the island is wrapped up like a Christmas tree in tinsel and white lights. July and August are the hottest months, with an average high of 75°F. January is the coldest month, with an average high of 39°F. Nantucket’s location makes it vulnerable to unexpected changes in weather patterns. Always bring a coat, and be aware that high winds—which are more common in the winter—can cause ferry cancellations, and fog sometimes prompts flight cancellations.
2. Providence
In Providence, you can do your own thing. Sample the latest dishes at a red-hot restaurant. Score a one-of-a-kind find in distinctive neighborhood shops. We’ve got tons of public art, great museums, award-winning theater, and cool music. Plus, it’s affordable and easy to get to. Some of Providence’s greatest assets are its vibrant, thriving neighborhoods. Each neighborhood has its own distinct personality, unique history, and welcoming community. Considering moving to Rhode Island? Providence Houses for Sale offers a good balance between city and town life. One of the biggest advantages of living in Rhode Island is that you won’t spend too much time commuting in the state. It’s a small state, so going from one end of the state to the other doesn’t take too long.
3. Boston
If you’ve ever lived in Boston, it’s probably one of your favorite places in the world. It’s certainly one of the most unique. Ask ten people what they love about Boston and you’ll get ten different answers. Boston’s quirky; it’s the One Man Band guy playing oldies but goodies on Newbury Street and grown men quacking on duck boats. Boston’s historic: The Kennedy’s, the infamous Boston Tea Party, The Freedom Trail. Boston is a sports paradise: if you want to eat, sleep, and breathe sports, this is the place to do it. And of course, Boston’s wicked smart; there are over 50 colleges & universities in the Greater Boston area, including Harvard and MIT. It has the art, food, and nightlife of a big city, with the friendliness and heart of a small town.
4. Martha’s Vineyard
This triangle-shaped island, sitting about 8 miles off the coast of Cape Cod, Massachusetts, has been a secret summer hideaway of the rich and famous for more than a century. Today, the “Hollywood East” reputation is going strong. But despite the all-star summer lineup, a laid-back lifestyle rules the island. The main draw rushing Vineyard visitors off the ferry is the chance to let their hair down for a long weekend. Sure, you’ll find insanely expensive summer cottages, and a pricey dining atmosphere to match, in some corners of the town of Chilmark. But low-key towns like Vineyard Haven and Menemsha are still predominantly focused on their marine industries and offer a more casual experience.