Portland, Bangor, Providence, or Burlington?

Question

I realize this category is specific to each state, but I have a question about New England in general. My best friend and I, both young 60s want to do a few days in July in either Providence, Rhode Island; Portland, Maine; Burlington, Vermont; or Bangor, Maine. We like things like spas and wineries, nice restaurants, quaint, walkable towns and lovely views. Access to airport also a factor. Can you provide input on which place we should choose? Your help is much appreciated.

Answer

It sounds like you and your friend are looking for a relaxing, charming New England getaway with a mix of spas, fine dining, quaint towns, lovely views, and good access to an airport. Here’s a comparison of the four places you mentioned: Portland, ME; Bangor, ME; Providence, RI; and Burlington, VT. Each destination has its own unique appeal, so I’ll help you weigh the options based on your preferences:

1. Portland, Maine:

Portland is a vibrant, walkable city with a great mix of culture, restaurants, and beautiful coastal views. It’s well-known for its food scene, particularly seafood (lobster rolls, anyone?) and craft breweries. Portland has several excellent spas and wineries nearby, and it’s very walkable, especially in the Old Port district, with its cobblestone streets, galleries, boutiques, and waterfront views. There are also a number of lovely seaside inns and resorts, which could make for a relaxing stay.

Attractions: Old Port, waterfront dining, scenic views, nearby lighthouses, and the beautiful Casco Bay islands (ferry rides available).
Spas and Wineries: Portland has several spas such as Soakology and Pure Tranquility Day Spa, and wineries like Cellardoor Winery are within driving distance.
Airport: Portland International Jetport (PWM) is the city’s airport and provides good access to the city with a short drive (15 minutes). It’s the most convenient of the four options in terms of proximity to the airport.
Distance from airport: 15-20 minutes.

2. Bangor, Maine:

Bangor is a smaller town compared to Portland, but it has a charming, more laid-back vibe. While it may not be as bustling as Portland, Bangor offers some lovely nature and history, with the added bonus of being close to Acadia National Park and Bar Harbor. There are some nice parks, hiking trails, and waterfront areas for scenic views. The dining scene is quieter, but you’ll find some excellent local seafood and comfort food.

Attractions: Paul Bunyan Statue, Bangor Waterfront, nearby Acadia National Park and Bar Harbor, and historic landmarks.
Spas and Wineries: Bangor isn’t known for high-end spas or wineries, but there are some local places like Bangor Day Spa and Black Bear Winery (a bit outside of town).
Airport: Bangor International Airport (BGR) is relatively small but offers good connections. While it’s not as large as Portland’s airport, it’s still a convenient option with about a 10-minute drive to the city center.
Distance from airport: 10 minutes.

3. Providence, Rhode Island:

Providence is an excellent choice for those seeking a combination of cultural attractions, history, and walkability. Known for its historic architecture, vibrant arts scene, and culinary culture, Providence is a great town to explore on foot. The city offers upscale dining, galleries, and local breweries. For a more relaxing experience, you can explore nearby areas like the East Side, which is quieter and filled with historic homes and green spaces. While Providence doesn’t have the beachy, scenic views of the other locations, it offers charm and convenience.

Attractions: WaterFire (a unique art installation), RISD Museum, historic neighborhoods, and nearby coastal areas.
Spas and Wineries: Providence has a good range of spas such as Swansea Day Spa and Tranquil Touch Day Spa, and there are wineries in nearby areas like the Newport Vineyards (about a 30-minute drive away).
Airport: T.F. Green Airport (PVD) is just 10-15 minutes from downtown Providence, making it very convenient.
Distance from airport: 10-15 minutes.

4. Burlington, Vermont:

Burlington is a charming college town known for its outdoor beauty, arts scene, and lakeside views. If you’re looking for a relaxed, scenic retreat with access to nature, Burlington is a great option. The town has a wonderful pedestrian-friendly downtown area with shops, restaurants, and outdoor spaces. You can also explore nearby Lake Champlain for beautiful views and outdoor activities, such as kayaking or biking. While it’s not as bustling as Portland or Providence, Burlington offers a more relaxed vibe and a cozy atmosphere.

Attractions: Church Street Marketplace (shopping, dining, and entertainment), Lake Champlain, and the nearby Green Mountains.
Spas and Wineries: Burlington has a few spas like Mountain Sun Spa and some local vineyards, such as Shelburne Vineyard, located nearby.
Airport: Burlington International Airport (BTV) is a small airport, but it offers connections to major cities and is just a 10-minute drive to downtown Burlington.
Distance from airport: 10 minutes.

Summary and Recommendations:

Each of these destinations has its own appeal, but based on your preferences for spas, wineries, nice restaurants, quaint towns, and lovely views:

Portland, ME is probably the best option if you want the most vibrant city with a mix of food, culture, and seaside charm. It’s the most accessible with great restaurants, spas, and nearby wineries.
Providence, RI is a close second for its art scene, history, and access to coastal areas. It offers a good mix of culture and relaxation.
Burlington, VT is a great choice for a scenic and relaxed getaway with outdoor activities, but it may feel quieter compared to the other options.
Bangor, ME is the most laid-back and quiet, but it’s not as bustling as the other places. It’s a good base if you want to explore Acadia National Park and Bar Harbor.

I hope this helps you make your decision! All of these destinations offer a wonderful New England experience, but based on your interests, Portland or Providence seem to be the best fit. Enjoy your trip!