An Easy-Breezy New England Beach Cottage One Hour from Boston
All photos courtesy of Lark Hotels.
Blue — Inn on the Beach
Plum Island, Massachusetts
Seaside Serenity, $$
Some summers call for the simple pleasures of a coastal bike ride, shellfish on ice, a rainy afternoon exploring a charming maritime museum. For that kind of easy, seaside vacationing, we often look to Lark Hotels, a clever Massachusetts-based hotel brand that has been snapping up and revamping little inns all over New England. Blue — Inn on the Beach is a 13-room retreat on the north end of the eleven-mile-long Plum Island, a barrier island with a wildlife refuge and tide pools that's less than an hour from Boston. Spacious rooms and suites offer ocean views with tidy contemporary furnishings, terraces or porches, and easy appeal for kids and beach-loving pets. Nearby, guests will find cozy watering holes, casual beach restaurants with great sunset views, ice cream shops, historic homes, and a quiet wildlife refuge.
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At a Glance
The Vibe: No-brainer beach vacay.
Standout Detail: You can make a beeline for the ocean.
This Place Is Perfect For: A New England beach escape (sea breeze, crashing waves, hot tub — you get it) an hour from Boston.
Rooms: There are rooms and freestanding cottages. In total: 13 clean and contemporary blue-and-white guest accommodations — many with terraces, fireplaces, porches, balconies, and beach side hot tubs. The Blue Suite is 2,200-square-feet of serenity with direct access to a private beach that's great for families. The Lark Suite has wraparound waterfront views and is very romantic. You'll find mini fridges, coffee makers, waffle robes, Tivoli radios, and free concierge services.
On Site: Beach loungers and plush towels on a quiet stretch of sand, communal fire pits, free parking, fast WiFi.
Food + Drink: Daily breakfast (coffee, juice, and small plates like baked eggs, overnight oats, mini smoothies, etc.) is delivered to your door.
What to Do Nearby
Travelers reach Plum Island by a causeway and drawbridge over Plum Island River. The town of Newburyport has a burgeoning restaurant scene and local shops and just enough for a blood pressure-reducing weekend away. Sign up for birdwatching at Parker River Wildlife Preserve. Dine inside the local lighthouse. Borrow a bike from the hotel to cycle the coastal trail. Finish the day with a local brew, the sunset, and a lobster roll from Bob Lobster. Put that on repeat for a few days, and it'll be smooth sailing through the rest of the summer.