The perfect weekend getaway from New York City or Boston, the seaside town of Bristol, R.I. embraces all that’s best about the New England coast. Along with chocolate-box charm, there’s plenty of scenery — Bristol is bordered by Narragansett Bay in the west and Mount Hope Bay in the east. On Oct. 25, the town plays host to A Taste of Bristol and Beyond at Linden Place Mansion, one of the area’s historic landmarks that’s famous for its appearance in The Great Gatsby with Robert Redford and for the number of U. S. presidents who have visited.

Other noteworthy addresses include Blithewold Mansion, Gardens & Arboretum, Coggeshall Farm Living History Museum, and Herreshoff Marine Museum/America’s Cup Hall of Fame, the site of classic yacht regattas and renowned sailing school. Exhibitions feature some of the country’s most historic maritime memorabilia, including the history of the Herreshoff Manufacturing Company and America’s Cup Competition. The Bristol House Bed & Breakfast has teamed up with Bristol Explore Pass to create a weekend escape that includes a two-night stay, gourmet award-winning breakfasts, two passes, a choice of a full day bicycle rental or full day kayak rental, discounts for local boutiques and spas, and a $50 dining certificate to local restaurants including Persimmon and DeWolf Tavern. Prices begin at $659.