Have you ever tried to recreate a feeling? A scent? A moment in time that slipped by too quickly?
After spending three unforgettable weeks wandering through Italy this spring—slow mornings with cappuccinos, sunset piazzas, and golden evenings that felt suspended in time—I didn’t expect to feel that magic again so soon. And I certainly didn’t expect to find it… at Tuscan Village Salem NH.
But that’s exactly what happened.
If you’re craving a romantic holiday escape without boarding a plane… if you want a weekend that feels nostalgic, cozy, and just a touch Italian… Tuscan Village might be the most unexpected winter getaway in New England.
Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. If you book through them, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.
Behind the Story: Our Three-Week Italian Adventure
I’m Jennifer Leigh, a romantic-travel blogger who recently spent three weeks wandering through Italy with my husband and friends — an experience that transformed how I travel and how I help others plan their own dream trips.
I share expert tips, packing advice, and gluten-free recommendations from our journey. And when I find a destination here in New Hampshire that captures even a spark of that Italian charm — like Tuscan Village — you know I can’t wait to tell you about it.
The Unexpected Romance of a Winter Stay at Tuscan Village Salem NH
We left the Lakes Region early—8:30 AM—with that same slow-travel excitement I felt every morning in Rome. When we arrived at The Artisan, a Tribute Portfolio Hotel, at Tuscan Village, we were greeted with twinkling lights, crisp air, and an early check-in (a gift I will always appreciate).
As a Marriott Bonvoy hotel, The Artisan made our stay even smoother—we were able to check in early and enjoy all the perks that come with being part of the Bonvoy program.
Our Deluxe King Guestroom felt like a warm hug—quietly luxurious with:
- A Nespresso machine with pods
- A mini fridge
- Elegant decor
- Local handmade soap
- A cozy corner to unwind
How to Plan a Romantic Weekend at Tuscan Village Salem NH
If you want the short version of our trip so you can copy it, here’s how I’d plan a romantic winter weekend at Tuscan Village:
- Saturday Morning – Arrive & Settle In
Check into The Artisan Hotel at Tuscan Village and drop your bags in your room. Grab brunch at Tavern on the Square (they have gluten-free options) and take a slow walk through the village to get your bearings. - Saturday Afternoon – Shop & Savor
Wander the Holiday Shoppes for locally made gifts, then pop into Tuscan Market for Italian pantry goods, panettone, and gluten-free desserts. This is the best time to browse, people-watch, and soak in the Christmas ambiance. - Saturday Evening – Lights & Dinner
Drive 20 minutes to LaBelle Lights for a romantic walk through the Christmas displays. Afterward, head back to Tuscan Village for dinner at Tuscan Kitchen—order the burrata to start and the Super Tuscan wine to share. - Sunday Morning – Coffee & One Last Stroll
Take the short walk up to Pressed Café for breakfast and coffee, then enjoy one more lap through Tuscan Village or stop at Rockingham Mall for any last-minute shopping before heading home.
Holiday Shoppes, Gluten-Free Treats & Italian Holiday Vibes
For the 2025 holiday season, the Holiday Shoppes at Tuscan Village are open from early November 7 through Christmas Eve. Over 50 vendors line the walkways selling handmade gifts, warm beverages, seasonal treats, and artisan crafts. Fires crackle, music plays, and everything glows—it feels like stepping into a European winter market.
We grabbed gluten-free brunch at Tavern on the Square, then continued exploring.
Tuscan Village is surprisingly GF-friendly:
- Chipotle
- Playa Bowls
- Pressed Cafe
- Tuscan Kitchen
- Tavern on the Square
Afterward, inside Warby Parker, Nick ordered new glasses and the technician tightened my Italian frames.
Outside, Santa sat proudly in a vintage Fiat painted in the colors of the Italian flag, pulled by reindeer—whimsical, charming, and so perfectly Tuscan Village.
At the center of the roundabout, a 55-foot Christmas tree stood ready to be lit on November 22nd. If you love holiday magic—mark your calendar.
Tuscan Market: Italian Holiday Gifts
Before heading back to the hotel to freshen up, we wandered into Tuscan Market—a must-visit for anyone who loves Italian flavors, gluten-free treats, or beautifully curated holiday gifts.
Inside, the shelves were filled with items I know my Italy-loving readers will appreciate:
- Imported Italian panettone
- Beautifully packaged chocolates
- Gluten-free desserts (a dark chocolate torte and chocolate mousse)
- Gelato
- Specialty olive oils
- Italian wines
- Artisan pastas
- Italian Christmas cakes
- Italian pantry goods perfect for gifting
I didn’t personally sample anything this time, but I looked closely at what was available for gluten-free travelers. The market felt like a tiny slice of Italy tucked inside New Hampshire—warm, festive, and full of inspiration.
MY FAVORITE ITALIAN TRAVEL GIFTS
Looking for Italy-inspired gifts? Explore my curated list of beautiful, travel-tested favorites for every Italy lover.
A Cozy Afternoon Before the Lights
We returned to our room for a quiet break before heading to LaBelle Lights—a 20-minute drive and one of the most romantic winter walking experiences in the region.
Dinner at Tuscan Kitchen: A Slow, Romantic Evening
After warming up by the Artisan’s lobby fireplace, we walked to Tuscan Kitchen for our 7 PM dinner. (Travel Tip: Book at least a week in advance—times disappear fast.)
What We Ordered
Burrata
Arugula, orange, pistachio, citrus vinaigrette, balsamic
A bright, creamy, luxurious start.
My Entrée: GF Swordfish
Lemon broccolini, lemon basil butter
I substituted the roasted tomato risotto for whipped mascarpone mashed potatoes—velvety, rich, and absolutely perfect.
Nick’s Entrée: Brandt 8oz Filet
Whipped mascarpone mash, caulilini, crispy parsnip, riduzione
He loved every bite.
Wine:
Order the Super Tuscan.
Get the bottle.
It extends your evening in the most romantic way.
After dinner, we took a peaceful walk through the glowing Village—oversized nutcrackers, twinkling lights, and the Christmas tree shimmering above us. A true winter moment.
A Slow Morning to End the Trip
The next morning, we took a crisp, 0.2-mile walk uphill to Pressed Café—perfect for gluten-free breakfast bowls, burritos, and coffee if you prefer to skip the Nespresso in your room.
Walk the Holiday Shoppes one last time or stop at Rockingham Mall before heading home.
Why This Tiny Escape Matters
Because time is slipping by faster than any of us want to admit.
Life moves quickly, and the holidays have a way of reminding us to pause and savor what really matters. Real romance isn’t found in packed schedules—it’s found in meaningful moments shared together.
Some of the most memorable getaways are the unplanned ones, the places that surprise you and bring back feelings you didn’t know you were missing.
If Tuscan Village Salem NH stirred a bit of that Italy magic for you, here’s how to continue the journey:
