If you haven’t heard this past week, the northeast saw a fluctuation of almost 60 degrees in temperature, from the brutal, single digits on Monday to balmy, spring-like climates by Thursday, and back down to the wintery 20s by Friday. Luckily, we are used to the frigid temperatures—we were both born and raised in New England.
But weather like this always seems to surprise us. Needless to say, who could blame us when our seasonal hibernation behaviors flare up again? Binge watching television shows on Netflix and Hulu help these winter days pass faster while baking comforting desserts and cooking hearty meals warm our bones and hearts. Oh and we can’t forget about the sweaters, fuzzy socks, and thick blankets adorning our bodies at all times.
All of this bundling up comes with cold weather seasonal activities we just can’t help but look forward to. There are cold weather experiences and excitement to be had in the New England area, if you are willing to brave the wintertime conditions, trust us!
Check out our list of Cold Weather Experiences in New England below:
- Local Distilleries and Breweries: There’s no better time to feel the burn than in the thick of winter. In recent years, New England has boomed with unique craft breweries and one-of-a-kind distilleries. If malted brews are your specialty, head to Aeronaut in Somerville, MA, Trillium in Boston, MA, Shipyard in Portland, ME, or Magic Hat in Burlington, VT. These establishments have ever-rotating offerings and games to occupy your time for hours on end. If you’re looking to hit up more established breweries, head to Harpoon or Sam Adams, both in the Boston area, for a pint of your favorite IPA or lager. If these don’t hit the spot, an Anheuser Busch brewery is just a short hour drive from the city in Merrimack, New Hampshire. From Bud Light to Stella, their Biergarten has them all (and a heavenly fire place to huddle around). One of the newer experiences in New England involves the consumption of spirits. Establishments like Bully Boy Distillers in Boston, MA have added tasting rooms to their factories as a way of showcasing the taste of their liquor. Trust us when we say there is no better way to warm up than from the inside out.
- Art Museums: From the Museum of Fine Arts and Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum to the Harvard Arts Museums, the Boston area is full of pieces from local and nationally acclaimed artists. Head to any of these establishments to stroll through exhibits that will take your breath away, observe works of art that inflict feelings across the spectrum, or reflect on what ‘art’ means to you. Specifically, we are looking forward to the first exhibit of Frida Kahlo and Arte Popular at the MFA later in February. Just because you’re may not be in Boston doesn’t mean that there aren’t other museums worth venturing out to see. For car enthusiasts, head to the Newport Car Museum in Portsmouth, RI or, for a smaller, but rarer collection, head to The Seal Cove Auto Museum in Seal Cove, ME. If cars aren’t your thing, lighthouses like Portland Head Light in Cape Ann, ME and the Nubble Lighthouse in York, ME are great ways to experience the New England architecture in the colder months.
- Science Museums: There are countless scientific museums in New England that are sure to be your favorites. For instance, it may be too cold for us to take a swim, but the marine life at the Boston and Mystic aquariums or ECHO, Leahy Center in Burlington, VT keeps swimming year round. Spend the day gazing a colorful fishes from warmer climates or the feeding the penguins. If marine life isn’t your thing, head to a science museum like the Boston Museum of Science to really electrify your day. This place is a go-to on a cold or rainy day due to its interactive exhibits, which are great for people who want to touch everything they see. If you head out that way, be sure to visit the Butterfly Garden open year round. What better way to get you ready for spring than being surrounded by these magical, colorful insects?
- See a Movie in a Historical Theater: Modern-day movie theaters these days have some of the newest technology around—IMAX and Dolby theaters have amazing sound quality, crystal clear images, and even recliners to make guests feel at home for two hours. While these are amazing to experience some of the biggest summer blockbusters, there is something about viewing a film in the older theaters around town that feels so much cozier. In the Boston area, we have frequented the Somerville and Cambridge to Brookline and Arlington establishments who include showings ranging from the newest releases (think: Bohemian Rhapsody) to critically acclaimed films (think: Vice). It’s a great date night idea or even a great way to spend time with friends, so do some research to find one near you.
- Dine Out for Dine Out Boston: Dubbed as “Restaurant Week” by those that live in the city, this two week event happens right as the winter season ends. Whether you live in the city, or have a chance to spend a weekend in Boston, these weeks are a great way to experience the amazing food this city has to offer at less expensive prices. This year the weeks are March 3-8 & 10-15, 2019.
- Outdoor Winter Activities: When temperatures do rise to or even above freezing, head outside for some winter activities. Since we don’t ski, we don’t have advice for which mountains are our favorites, but we can give advice on places to visit that have other amazing activities like snowshoeing, hiking, and sleigh rides. If you’re in the greater Boston area, be sure to check out Middlesex Fells Reservation and Minute Man National Historic Park for some amazing hiking. If you are outside the city, we also love Stowe, VT, Jackson, NH, and Bar Harbor, ME. Either way, the snow will eventually melt, so try to get out at least once to experience its beauty!
Write to Getaway 