Waterfront Waysides: Cool off on the porches of these hot B&Bs

New England is experiencing record breaking heat and you’re not only really ready to cool off, you’re also ready for a break. Now is the perfect time for all Bostonians and those beyond to consider a quick B&B getaway. Imagine rocking your cares away on the porch of a welcoming B&B, cool drink in hand. Whether it’s in Boston or along the Massachusetts, Maine, Rhode Island or Connecticut coasts, here are a few recommendations for hot B&Bs in cool places, just a hop, skip and jump from Boston. Each one offers a fabulous balcony or porch poised to catch cool sea breezes and scenic views.

Veranda House, Nantucket Island, MA: Close to beaches, enjoy sweeping shoreline views and sea breezes from this chic boutique inn. The wrap around verandas all offer sweeping views of Nantucket Harbor. Be on the lookout for their delicious chocolate chip cookies too.

Inn at Harbor Hill Marina, Niantic, CT: This is about as close to the Connecticut shore as any inn can get! Enjoy the views of the marina from your room or your rocker on the porch. Take a walk along the shore on the boardwalk or stroll into town for fresh seafood.

Dockside Guest Quarters, York, ME: Launch your kayak from the rocky beach in front of the inn overlooking sweeping views of the Atlantic Ocean, or simply sit and rock on the porch watching the boats go by. This combination inn, marina and restaurant offers the ideal spot for everything from business meetings to weddings, family reunions and romantic getaways.

Harbour Cottage Inn, Southwest Harbor, ME: Just five minutes from Acadia National Park, the porch here doubles as a breakfast deck and a cocktail haven. Located on the quiet side of Acadia, the view offers lobster boats coming and going and beautiful sailboats. Walk to nearby restaurants and shops or consider a vacation rental, each with its own balcony, deck or porch, from Pier One Rentals.

Emerson Inn by the Sea, Rockport, MA: Here’s the perfect porch to rock your cares away with an expansive view of the Atlantic Ocean before you. Enjoy a cocktail and dinner on the screened in porch or claim one of the rockers on the entry porch overlooking the pool and the ocean beyond.

Cliffside Inn, Newport, RI: Sip a steaming cupa Joe on the porch overlooking the yard, the Cliff Walk at the end of the street, and the ocean beyond. Better yet, stroll the Cliff Walk at the end of the street, and then relax on the porch afterward.

If you’re in Boston or heading to Boston, here are three fabulous ideas for hot B&Bs where you can stay cool with city and harbor views.

Boston Yacht Haven, Constitution Wharf: From your private balcony watch the mega yachts come and go from the marina and Boston Harbor beyond, then walk to all of Boston’s downtown attractions and restaurants in the North End.

Clarendon Square B&B, Back Bay:  While stately on the outside, this chic modern inn features a fabulous roof top deck with a hot tub and plenty of rod iron furniture.  Relax with a fabulous view of the city with a cool drink and a good soak seven stories up.

Floating B&Bs: You can’t get much closer to the water than aboard your own floating B&B. Choose your yacht at Bed and Breakfast Afloat at Constitution Wharf or try the Bed and Breakfast Dine and Cruise option on The Golden Slipper, a classic 1984 Catalina Chris Craft. The Green Turtle Floating B&B and the Aquarius Houseboat in the Charlestown Navy Shipyard offers a dockside location with great views of the city.

For more information on Boston's floating B&Bs,  click here.

To read more about visiting York, Maine, read Stillman Rogers story about hikes and ramblings on the York shoreline. Stillman is the New England Getaways Examiner.  Click here