Off the Beaten Path: 3 East Coast Escapes for the Seasoned Traveler
- Kim-The Seasoned Lady
- May 21
- 3 min read
Look, sometimes you need a break that isn’t crowded with loud families, overpriced craft beverages, or Instagram influencers chasing sunsets. Sometimes you crave charm. Stillness. A little history. A lot of good food. And the kind of place where locals nod at you like they’re in on a delicious secret.
If that’s the kind of getaway your grown-up soul is craving, let me take you to three East Coast gems that most tourists miss—but you, my seasoned friend, absolutely shouldn’t.
Scroll for a handful of photos of my hubby and I travelling through New England last autumn.
Beaufort, North Carolina: Salt Air & Southern Grace
Not to be confused with its South Carolina cousin, this historic coastal town offers Southern charm, wild horses on nearby islands, and quiet harbor views. Adults enjoy:
Strolling the historic waterfront
Visiting the North Carolina Maritime Museum
Kayaking to nearby Rachel Carson ReserveIt’s like a peaceful, maritime time capsule with good wine and better seafood.
Local Food Secret: Stop by The Net House—a tiny dockside shack where the shrimp tastes like it jumped straight from the boat onto your plate. No pretense. No reservations. Just a picnic table and the best hush puppies you've ever eaten.
Highly Reviewed Bite: Treat yourself to a wine-paired dinner at Aqua Restaurant. Their locally-sourced scallops are life-changing.
Historic Site: The Old Burying Ground, with 18th-century graves shaded by live oaks. Eerie? Yes. Fascinating? Absolutely.
For Crafters: Pop into Handscapes Gallery for coastal-inspired pottery and artisan jewelry made by regional makers.
Unique Thing To Do: Take a boat ride out to Carrot Island and watch the wild horses graze in the marshes—no saddle required.
Shelburne Falls, Massachusetts: Artsy, Woodsy, Wonderful
Nestled in the foothills of the Berkshires, this artsy village is ideal for a slow-paced, scenic getaway. Don’t miss:
The Bridge of Flowers (an old trolley bridge turned into a botanical walkway)
Glassblowing studios and indie galleries
Waterfalls and walking trails galoreIt’s a haven for nature lovers, introverts, and romantics.
Local Food Secret: Mocha Mayas doubles as a coffee shop and evening music venue. The paninis are great, but the locals come for the cozy vibes and surprise poetry readings.
Highly Reviewed Bite: Hearty Eats—a plant-forward spot with creative, nourishing meals that don’t taste like sad health food. Their grain bowls are magic.
Historic Site: The Glacial Potholes, naturally carved by the river’s current, sit right downtown. Nature’s version of abstract sculpture.
For Crafters: Visit The Greenfield Gallery for fiber art, local paintings, and workshops that feed your creative itch.
Unique Thing To Do: Walk the Bridge of Flowers, a lovingly tended floral pathway on an old trolley bridge. It’s like stepping into a fairy tale—bring your camera and your allergies.
Smith Island, Maryland: No Roads, No Rush, All Charm
Accessible only by boat, this Chesapeake Bay island is a quiet, crab-loving slice of the past. Adults appreciate:
Bird watching and kayaking in utter silence
Eating authentic Smith Island cake (Maryland’s state dessert)
Interacting with a close-knit island community and learning their dialectNo cars, no crowds, no problem.
Local Food Secret: Ask around for Mrs. Pruitt’s Crab Shack. It's not on Yelp and there’s no menu, but if blue crabs are in season, she’ll make you something divine.
Highly Reviewed Bite: Try a slice (or three) of the famous Smith Island Cake at Bayside Inn. Ten layers of love. You earned it.
Historic Site: Visit the Smith Island Cultural Center to learn how this waterman’s community has survived hurricanes, erosion, and the rise of modernity.
For Crafters: The island quilting circle meets weekly at the church fellowship hall—and visitors are welcome to join. Don’t be surprised if you leave with a new square (or a new friend).
Unique Thing To Do: Rent a kayak and paddle through the marshy coves at sunset. The quiet is sacred. The herons, regal. The worries? Gone.
Final Word From a Fellow Traveler:
Travel doesn’t always need plane tickets or passport stamps. Sometimes the richest experiences are found down a back road, at a table for two, with homemade pie and a story from someone who’s lived there all their life.
So go ahead—plan your escape. Just don’t forget to bring back a little something handcrafted, a recipe you’ll never replicate, and maybe a shell or two.
Your soul will be refreshed by that kind of souvenir.
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