As we all know, winter is the worst season. It's cold, everyone is so busy with the holidays, you're trying to hide from your extended family. Ok, maybe I just hate winter. But I get through it with these 10 coolest things to do in New England during the winter.
1. FROST Ice Loft at Fanueil Hall
This is a bar in Boston that is made completely of ice and kept at a brisk 21 degrees. Everything is ice. The chairs, the cups, the walls, everything. So bundle up and head here for a night with your friends. All of the drinks are premixed because otherwise the juice would freeze. Some of their most famous drinks are the Avalanche and Yeti's Blood.
2. Ice skating
You can do this almost anywhere. NYC, Boston Commons, even probably in a small town in your area. This is what winter is all about.
3. Snow tubing at Nashoba Valley Ski Area
I have never had so much fun tubing before. It is so much fun at night and you really don't have to do anything. You sit in your tube, they hook you to a cable and pull you up the mountain where you sled down and do it all over again. It's better than the old high school hill and worrying about hitting a tree like we did when we were kids.
4. Fire up the Christmas tree
So many cities in New England have annual Christmas tree bonfires that benefit charity or the local fire department. It is most likely the most fun you will have this holiday season.
5. Tour the Connecticut Wine Trail
Calling all wine lovers! There are about 50 wineries in CT and most of them are open all year long with special winter wines. There's a very convenient when planning your trip. This is definitely a day trip if you want to hit as many wine places as possible.
6. Ice Castles
This is kind of a haul depending where you are but they are absolutely breathtaking, make sure to bundle up though since, it is well, made of entirely ice. It's located in Lincoln, NH and make sure to check the website for when they actually open because it varies depending on the weather that year.
7. Yankee Candle
One of the perks of living in Western MA is the largest Yankee Candle is right near us, located in Deerfield. It's Christmas all year long and snows every 15 minutes. You can make wax hands and make your own candles and, of course, get candle scents that you can't get just anywhere.
8. Sugar Shack
Sugar shacks are probably my favorite things in the entire world, but I love food, especially breakfast food. Here's a list of some that you can stop in this winter:
-Williams Farm Sugarhouse, Deerfield MA
-North Hadley Sugar Shack
-Pomeroy's Sugar House, Westfield MA
-Gould's Maple Sugar House, Shelburne MA
-The Red Bucket Sugar Shack, Worthington MA
9. Take A Sleigh Ride
Yes, they're real. You can actually take a sleigh ride through the snow in a bunch of locations around New England. Head to VT for the best though, Billings Farm and Museum in Woodstock VT and Kedron Valley Stables, South Woodstock VT are amazing and it's definitely an experience you won't forget.
10. Get some Hot Chocolate
Not just any hot chocolate. Stop by Hot Chocolate Sparrow in Orleans MA. They have candy and a BUNCH of seasonal things like food, hot chocolate, candy and ice cream. Another spot is The Vanilla Bean Cafe in Pomfret, CT. They have so much to choose from and their food is one of the best. They have award winning chili which is perfect for the cold weather. Since you're already headed to wine the trail above, stop in and grab some lunch at this cozy cafe.
