Travels With The Crew

December 12, 2023 Family Travel Destinations•New England Travel•United States Travel

The Coziest New England Winter Getaways

It may be winter in New England, but that doesn’t mean that you need to postpone traveling. New England is beautiful with a bit of snow on her, and New Englanders know how to keep going even on the coldest days.

Whether you are taking a road trip around New England or you decided to get a great flight deal during the winter, you are in for some fun.

Check out the cozy hotel selections as well; you can have the best winter trip ever.

Boston

Photo Credit: Depositphotots

By Brittany from Travel by Brit

There aren’t many destinations more magical than snowy Boston, MA, during winter!

Winter may be the least popular season to visit Boston, but that makes it one of the best times to visit. You will enjoy lower prices on flights, hotels, and activities, creating a winter getaway to Boston, one of the most affordable ways to see the city.

Of course, no trip to Boston in any season would be complete without walking the Freedom Trail. You can see the Massachusetts State House, Old South Meeting House, Paul Revere’s House, and other important historical sites during the American Revolution on the Freedom Trail—don’t forget to bundle up!

If you’re lucky enough to visit Boston when it’s snowing, you can ice skate on the Boston Common Frog Pond or go sledding down Flagstaff Hill. However, if you catch some terrible weather, you can spend time inside at one of Boston’s excellent museums, like the Boston Tea Party Ships & Museum.

For a cozy evening, make dinner reservations at one of the top-notch restaurants in the North End. If you’re willing to brave the cold for a few hours, consider booking a food tour to try some pizza, pasta, cannoli, and other Italian specialties.

Regardless of how you spend your winter getaway in Boston, MA, you will have a memorable time!

Stay at the cutest hotel in Boston and stay the whole weekend!

Newport, Rhode Island

Photo Credit: Katiecaftravel.com

Submitted by Katie from KatieCafTravel.com

Newport, Rhode Island is a town synonymous with luxury, class, and expense that most people consider a costly travel destination. Luckily for your wallet, you can visit during Newport’s off-season from November – March and get some discounts while exploring the historical town.
While you can’t go to the beach during the winter months in Newport, you can still visit the town’s gorgeous museums and restaurants and explore the famous Newport Mansions.
The most iconic museum in Newport, Rhode Island, is “The Breakers.” Originally a summer mansion for the Vanderbilt family, today, the Breakers is the best example of the Gilded Age turn-of-the-century architecture in America.
Tours of The Breakers run every day throughout the winter from 10 AM – 5 PM.
During the winter, you can also experience world-class dining in Newport at restaurants such as the Clarke Cooke House or the Black Pearl.
You can also do one of Newport’s most famous activities during the winter months – go on a tour of the Newport Mansions! The mansions are even more beautiful in the winter when decorated with snow.
Looking for a place to stay for your Newport trip?

Manchester, New Hampshire

By Seth the Wanderlust Dragon at www.thewanderlustdragon.com

Photo Credit:Depositphotos

Manchester, New Hampshire, is a beautiful winter getaway. As the largest city in New Hampshire, it has plenty to offer in the winter. While the White Mountains aren’t far from the city, you don’t have to travel that far to reach a great place to ski and snowboard because Manchester is home to McIntyre Ski Area. This great skiing spot has an area for beginners, nine trails, two ski lifts, and a snow tubing area.
Another excellent option in Manchester is the Mall of New Hampshire if you hope to stay warm in the winter. Home to over 100 different shops, this mall is also tax-free, so it’s a terrific chance to stock up on items that you love but might cost more elsewhere, including holiday presents.
Manchester is one of those hidden gems of New England. That’s part of what makes it so unique. Others might not even know it’s there, and there will be less competition for events, hotels, and more. While it is a city, it’s still filled with that typical charm and magic New England is known for.
Stay in nearby Candia at a cozy inn to round out the weekend.

Woodstock, Vermont

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by Tara at Backroad Ramblers

There’s nothing quite as magical as a winter weekend in Vermont, and the historic town of Woodstock in the winter is like walking right into a snow globe!
Woodstock, Vermont, is located just east of the Green Mountains in the center of the state, and while it’s beautiful in all four seasons, winter is the most enchanting. The historic homes that line the village streets are decorated for the holidays, unique shops and restaurants beckon around every corner, and winter trails provide breathtaking scenery.
Woodstock has been named one of the most beautiful towns in America by Conde Nast Traveler and one of the five best places to see historic homes by Yankee Magazine.
Start your winter vacation in Woodstock with a tour of Billings Farm & Museum, where you can mingle with a herd of friendly Jersey cows, take a horse-drawn sleigh ride through snow-covered fields, and explore farm life exhibits that tell the story of rural life on a hill farm in the early 20th century.
Next, trade your snow boots for cross-country skis at Woodstock Nordic Center and discover 45 km of groomed trails at Marsh-Billings-Rockefeller National Park. Trails are suitable for all levels and abilities, and if you’re new to the sport, you can sign up for a private lesson.
To explore more of the back roads around Woodstock, take a covered bridge tour. There are several in and around Woodstock, and you can tour them in the afternoon. Middle Covered Bridge is located in the Village of Woodstock, and our favorite, Taftsville Covered Bridge, is located right outside town.
Where to stay in Woodstock
Stay at the Woodstock Inn and warm yourself up by their enormous fireplace. Or play scrabble in the game room. It doesn’t get much cozier.

Lincoln, New Hampshire 

Photo Credit: Parenthood and Passports

By Melissa from Parenthood and Passports

Nestled in the White Mountains of New Hampshire, Lincoln is one of the best winter getaways in New England. Located about 2 hours north of Boston, skiers often flock to Lincoln to ski at Loon Mountain, a small, family-friendly resort that boasts 61 named runs and 370 acres of skiable terrain.

But even non-skiers will love a winter getaway to the White Mountains.

The area is also home to the Ice Castles winter attraction. This immersive winter wonderland is made entirely from ice and includes caves, tunnels, fountains, slides, and elaborate sculptures, all carved from ice. At night, the ice glows and changes colors creating a dreamy atmosphere for visitors. Aside from exploring the frozen fortress, Ice Castles in New Hampshire also has a tubing hill, a wintry light walk through a forest, and horse-drawn sleigh rides. It’s the perfect winter destination for families looking for something fun and unique.

Where to stay in Lincoln

For a cozy, upscale vacation, book your stay at Riverwalk Resort, which has an ice skating rink free for all guests. The resort also hosts several shows on the ice each winter that both kids and adults will enjoy.

 Western Massachusetts

Photo Credit: Depositphotots

by Amber at Amber Everywhere

Western Massachusetts is the perfect New England getaway, with its mix of renowned universities, small family farms, and quaint-yet-stately towns. Though it’s perhaps most famous for its fall foliage, winter is a beautiful time to visit western Massachusetts.

Wintertime means that classes are in full swing, so you’ll be able to see students strolling through the streets, book bags in tow. For the full effect, plan a stop in the college towns of Amherst or Northampton.

The abundance of students also means plenty of cafes with outlets, great coffee, and the understanding that you may want to stay a while. If you’d like to extend your stay, consider planning a workcation and take your Zoom calls from a quiet corner in a grungy-yet-hip cafe.

For a unique experience, stop by a farm that produces maple syrup. You’ll find them scattered throughout the area, and there’s nothing like sitting in the slightly smoky, very steamy room where maple sap is boiled over a wood fire. Many farms where they make maple syrup also have “Sugar Houses” or nearby restaurants where you can order a large stack of pancakes and drench them in fresh maple syrup.

If you want to get outside, go for a wintery walk in the woods near Mount Toby or take a stroll up to the Poet’s Seat. Don’t skip the Montague Bookmill for a unique bookstore experience; stay for a tasty lunch in their cafe.

Get more ideas for things to do in Western Massachusetts here!

 

North Conway, New Hampshire

Photo Credit: Depositphotots

By Kate from New Hampshire Way
If you’re looking for a small-town winter wonderland, you’ll fall in love with North Conway, New Hampshire! This little town in the heart of the White Mountains is a favorite of New Englanders, who return year after year.
North Conway makes a great winter getaway because it has so many winter activities for both adrenaline-chasing outdoorsy travelers and not-so-active travelers who want a chilled-out trip. It’s a crowd-pleasing option for all kinds of travelers!
If you like to ski, North Conway is home to Cranmore Mountain, and Attitash Mountain Resort is a short drive away. Cathedral Mountain Guides offers ice climbing courses and mountaineering trips, including summiting Mount Washington in winter! Snowmobiling is popular in New Hampshire, and you can find many trails in the North Conway area.
And if you’re looking to chill out, North Conway is home to some of the best outlet shopping in New Hampshire (and did we mention there’s no sales tax?). Visit the breweries, like Moat Mountain and Ledge Brewing, and drop by Cathedral Ledge Distillery, New Hampshire’s only organic distillery. And North Conway Village is beyond cozy in the snow.
For more winter fun, head to nearby Jackson for cross-country skiing, ice skating, and sleigh rides, or head to Mount Washington for the historic Mount Washington Cog Railway and the Omni Mount Washington Resort’s winter zipline.
Where to stay in North Conway
Stonehurst Manor is rated as the best place to stay in North Conway, and it’s easy to see why. It’s not just a Bed and Breakfast; it’s a Bed and Breakfast and Dinner! Plus, the rooms are layered with cozy blankets, a fireplace, and plenty of space.

Manchester, Vermont

Photo Credit: Familytripsandtravel.com

by Julie at Family Trips and Travel

If you’re looking for places to visit in New England during winter, check out Manchester, Vermont. There is no shortage of outdoor adventures and cultural attractions. This charming New England town is nestled in the Green Mountains and is home to art galleries, hiking trails, unique shopping, and world-class spas. Outdoor enthusiasts will love the nearby ski resorts and trails for snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, snowmobiling, and much more.

For ski lovers, Bromley Mountain and Stratton Mountain are nearby and some of the best skiing in New England. Go cross-country skiing or snowshoeing through the Equinox Preservation Trust. With over ten different trails to choose from, this will keep you busy and active.

If you need retail therapy, check out Stratton Village for shopping or The Manchester Village Designer Outlets. This unique shopping experience is not to be missed!

Visit The Southern Vermont Arts Center’s indoor and outdoor art exhibits. When you are done, head to the Equinox Hotel for a Spa appointment and some relaxation.

Whether you’re looking to hit the slopes or enjoy some time away in a classic New England winter wonderland, Manchester, Vermont, is the perfect place for a getaway.

Where to stay in Manchester

Please stay at the Reluctant Panther; it is as charming as its name. Couples will love this spot with a fireplace in each room and breakfast delivered in a wicker basket. If you love romantic inns, you will love this one.

Check prices here

Martha’s Vineyard

Photo Credit: Depositphotos

By Rachel from Wanderu.com

Martha’s Vineyard sits right on the southern tip of Cape Cod and is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the area. While you might be hesitant to visit New England in winter, the island is much warmer than the surrounding areas (although it still gets chilly!), and there are far fewer visitors than in the spring or fall. Plus, despite the season, you can still find plenty of local shops, restaurants, and boutiques open and ready for window shopping.

There are comprehensive ferry services from the mainland if you plan on bringing your car, but there are plenty of other ways to get to Martha’s Vineyard, depending on how you’d like to travel.

Stroll through the Polly Hill Arboretum or Long Point Beach to admire the island’s natural beauty covered in soft blankets of snow. Or meander through the town, filled with cottages and shops that look straight out of a storybook. There are still lots of things to do in Martha’s Vineyard with kids, if you want to bring the whole family!

If you find it a bit too cold, head to the Martha’s Vineyard Museum, with collections of art and history and temporary exhibits rotating through the year– plus gorgeous island views. You can also visit two lighthouses under the museum’s care, the East Chop, and Edgartown Lighthouses. When ready to relax, head back to Lambert’s Cove Inn and warm up by the fire with a nice mug of hot cocoa.

 

Are you ready for your New England Winter Getaway?

Photo Credit: Depositphotos

Winter is a great time to travel, and New England has tons of snowy fun. Bundle up with your favorite packable puffer coat and head out on a different kind of vacation. It will be a trip to remember!

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