Roughly an hour north of Boston, Portsmouth is an easy-going seaport town with plenty of activities to fill a weekend escape.
While there are plenty of places to perch in Portsmouth, I recommend a suite at Wentworth by the Sea, a grand hotel overlooking the harbor, for a romantic getaway.
History lovers will find Strawbery Banke, a work-in-progress restoration of homes from different centuries, an agreeable place to stroll and steal a kiss.
Lovers of the open sea can take to the waters on a whale-watching expedition, then return to shore in time for a clam chowder or lobster repast.
And those who love shopping can do that to their heart's content in nearby Kittery, Maine, where there's no tax and Route 1 is lined on both sides with outlet malls.
