Those looking for a relaxing weekend trip may get there quickly by taking Amtrak's North-east Regional to Westerly, Rhode Island. The train is fast, but it travels through some beautiful scenery in Connecticut, including over bridges and through picturesque river vistas and farms. When you get in Westerly, get off the train and go to The Ocean House, widely considered to be one of the most opulent hotels in the United States.

Relax in one of the spa's treatment rooms, then go down to dordle the beach without ever having to put on your shoes. The hotel has 49 guest rooms. Those who go out of the hotel will find a charming slice of Americana. Stop at the Savoy Bookshop and Cafe, The Cooked Goose, and Misquamicut Beach in the downtown area, or simply relax with your toes on the beach.

A couple more stations north on the North-east Regional and you'll be in Boston. As you go farther, you'll see more breathtaking scenery, including rural areas and even some glimpses of Providence. There are both quick and lengthy options available for this trip. Choose the Acela service for a speedier escape (where the vistas whiz so quickly you may miss them) due to its fewer stops and faster speeds. Take the slower Regional train if you have the time.

Boston is full with historical sites like the Paul Revere House and the Freedom Trail, as well as cultural institutions like the Institute of Contemporary Art and the Museum of Fine Arts. And if you're ever in town during Red Sox baseball season, a game at Fenway is an essential must. The Langham, Boston, a hotel constructed inside the former Federal Reserve Bank and situated in the city's historic financial district, is a perennial favourite with visitors.