You will want to read this post before you plan your next New Year’s Eve!
Every year, since Andrew and I have been together (15+ years), we have done a New Year’s getaway. We quickly realized how genius it was to avoid the hustle and bustle of local NYE celebrations, but more fun than staying home.
It was the best of both worlds; being able to attend a nice event without leaving our hotel and we could call it quits when we wanted, without waiting for cabs in the freezing cold. A trip straight after Christmas also gave us something to look forward to and felt like it extended the holidays!
We used to go south, but we noted how hit and miss the weather was that time of year no matter where we went. So one year we decided we would just embrace the winter and find charming destinations to do just that in style and we never looked back! (Save the hot destinations for later in winter!)
Here are a few beautiful little Hallmark Towns and our choice of festive, charming, family and pet friendly hotels we loved staying!
- Algonquin Resort (featured in video) is so lovely! Located in Saint Andrews, a quaint little seaside town in New Brunswick, Canada! Very close to the Maine boarder for my American friends. They always have a fun New Years evening planned and a beautiful New Year’s Day brunch buffet!! Their lobby is one of my faves and always buzzing. Dogs are very welcome!
- Fairmont Le Château Frontenac. Located in charming old Québec, a piece of Europe in North America (Canada to be exact)! We recommend Le Château for its old world charm, amazing level of service and family + pet friendly atmosphere! They have a spectacular Christmas decor and are located right along the St. Lawrence river in the heart of the old city.
- Inn by the Sea is located in Cape Elizabeth, a quaint seaside town in Maine. We love that it’s quiet and close to nature, but only 10 minutes from amazing little shops and restaurants in Portland (foodie heaven)! We love it for it’s spacious suites that feel like home and it’s ultra dog friendly! They even have a dining menu for your pooch! They don’t usually have NYE events, but we always enjoyed dinner at their lovely restaurant and heading back to our cozy suite to ring it in the New Year quietly by the fire (this was our go-to especially when the kids were smaller and needed to be in bed much earlier). A New Years massage at their spa and a hike around the Portland Head lighthouse is always a must!
- Wentworth by the Sea is located in New Castle, a quaint seaside town in New Hampshire. We love its history, beautiful views of the sea, walks in nature. Also, only 10 minutes from Portsmouth and about 20 minutes from outlet shops. Make sure you get tickets to their New Years Eve festivities! The year we visited, it was a casino theme dinner and dance! Also, a New Year’s Day visit to their spa is a must!
Really, anytime of year is lovely at any of these recommendations, but there is something about the holidays in historical, grand hotels. Wishing you and yours a very blessed 2024! As always, thanks for reading.
