Jillian Dara

According to the magnolias of Newbury Street and tulips of the Public Garden, spring is in full swing in Boston. With the weather only getting warmer, there are more al fresco events in the May lineup—whether you want to sip, sing along or savor a meal outside, there’s something for everyone when it comes to the best things to do in Boston this month.

It’s no secret that Boston is home to an extensive list of amazing restaurants, which includes some of the city’s most prominent dining options for getting a taste of la cuisine française. That’s right: The best French restaurants in Boston strive to emulate France’s renowned culinary tradition, which spans from casual cafes and intimate bistros to refined brasseries and upscale Parisian eateries. Here in the Hub, you’ll find all of your French favorites, whether it’s a croque madame, coq au vin, ratatouille or even a distinctive, imported cheese plate—just check out this list of the best French restaurants in Boston right now. In search of more European eats? Visit the best Italian restaurants in Boston. 

From Cuba to the Middle East, smoking tobacco is historically a culturally strong social activity. In western society, cigar lounges and hookah bars are now prolific, with nightclubs garnering inspiration from these respective regions to adopt social smoking customs. From shisha (also spelt sheesha and called hookah) to cigar lounges, here are Boston’s top places to join in the fun—just keep in mind that most of which are exclusively 21+. For other casual nightlife outings, check out Boston's best college bars or Boston's best beer bars. Looking for something more refined? The best cocktail bars in Boston will do the trick. RECOMMENDED: See the full list of the best bars in Boston

If you’re craving steak frites or coq au vin, this South End address is here to satiate. The elegantly styled French bistro serves a number of unique French dishes at both lunch and dinner (like calf’s liver with onions and beef tartare), all of which can be perfectly paired with a selection off of its lengthy French wine list. No matter what time of day that you visit, just don’t skip the baguette, an elevated offering on a bread course you won’t want to miss.

This Relais & Châteaux property on Cape Cod is a beachside haven. Nine of the 18 rooms here offer personal fireplaces, including one suite, two premier fireplace category rooms and six standard fireplace rooms (there’s even one with a double-sided fireplace that opens to a soaking tub for optimal R&R). The rooms follow a stunning contemporary format, with clean, minimal lines that encourage you to declutter your mind on a weekend away. In case you muster up the energy to leave your intimate, cozy quarters, the property also has fireplaces in the dining room, wine bar, common sitting area and an outside fire pit.

Nothing embodies Kennebunkport charm more than an oceanfront Victorian mansion, and at Cape Arundel that’s exactly what you can expect. With rooms perched above the famed Ocean Avenue, guests can admire pronounced ocean views from their windows—an enchanting juxtaposition next to the roaring fireplace. The rooms are warmly decorated in a homey style you’d expect from an Inn-inspired property, however, with a modern flair you might not normally get at this historic seaside destination. There are also a mix of fireplaces throughout the public space, in case you want to wander outside your personal accommodations.

Nestled in the woods of Western Connecticut (Litchfield Hills), this Relais & Châteaux offers 18 designer cottages, all equipped with at least one wood burning fireplace. In case this isn’t cozy enough, hearths also line the common areas, restaurant and even the spa, where two of the treatment rooms feature—you guessed it—wood burning fireplaces. Though you’ll likely catch a whiff of smoke from another guest’s chimney, with the accommodations spread over 113 acres, Winivan Farm ensures a rustic privacy, where you’ll feel as if you’re miles away from anyone else.

A rustic retreat in Meredith, New Hampshire, this property overlooks Lake Winnipesaukee and is just a short drive from skiing at Gunstock Mountain. There’s a total of 98 guest rooms with fireplaces across the variety of accommodations offered on site, ranging from the main inn to cozy cottages and separate houses, like Chase House, which is geared toward romantic getaways with all 21 of their guest rooms featuring crackling fireplaces and two-person jetted baths.

Located in Barnard, Vermont, this adults-only, all-inclusive property proves you don’t need to travel far (or to a Caribbean destination) for this style of getaway. Twenty cottages and suites are spread over 300 acres of tranquil woods, each designed by various architects and designers to impart their unique flair. One thing they all have in common? Guests can expect wood-burning fireplaces that open onto screened porches at all 20 lodgings on the property.

With 95 years of history behind this landmark building, Hotel Viking maintains Rhode Island’s golden-gilded age of hospitality with its renovated locale at the esteemed One Bellevue address. Check into an Estate Fireside Guestroom, Kingscote Mansion Two Bedroom Suite, or Marble House Mansion Suite for a cozy respite with their in-room hearths.

Less than an hour outside Boston, this relaxed, farmhouse-style boutique hotel is a gem along Massachusetts’ North Shore. All 30 guest rooms are outfitted with gas fireplaces and accessories to cozy up any stay, including Sferra throw blankets, robes and slippers. The onsite restaurant, Grove, also features a fireplace, as does the second-floor library.

Designed as a welcoming guest house with only nine rooms, Blind Tiger uses its Portland, Maine, surroundings as inspiration for its uniquely fitted rooms, all taking on their own personality and all offering fireplaces to snuggle up to. From cerulean walls to 19th-century art, the mix of modern and vintage decor liken each room’s appeal to visiting your eclectic friend’s home who always makes you feel welcome.

This Lenox, Massachusetts, property was revamped and reopened in June 2021 from its existing 18th and 19th century standalone buildings, to now reflect a 28-room inn–17 of which have personal fireplaces. The lobby also offers a double-sided fireplace to appeal to the property’s bed and breakfast style allure, but with all the luxuries of a contemporary resort.

As Stowe Mountain’s only ski-in, ski-out luxury resort, The Lodge is the spot to see and be seen (and stay!) in Stowe. The property’s suites are designed with cozy in mind as fireplaces bathe the rooms in golden hues set against the backdrop of the mountain’s snowy trails in winter and lush greens in summer.

Ideally situated between downtown Burlington and Vermont’s eminent mountains, a dreamy long weekend awaits at The Essex Resort & Spa, filled with as much (or as little) activity as you’d like. Though the resort hosts nightly happenings at the common area fire pit, which includes s’mores and hot cocoa, you can also experience the cozy magic in-room, with most accommodation options featuring an electric fireplace.