Many people have outdated notions about winter vacations. Of course, travelling to sunny locales like Florida or the Caribbean are great if you want to work on your tan, but with the crowds and skin cancer risk, why not consider another option: New England.
At the heart of the northeast lies Boston, MA, a city built around its ports and famous universities. A city often swallowed by the Apple to its south. However, Boston has a lot to offer tourists in terms of history, culture and winter fun. The “down” season is clearly one of the best times to visit here too. Even though you cannot go for a harbor cruise, you can see most everything else Bean Town has to offer and do it without the crowds.
Museums Galore!
Many people do not realize that Boston is home to over 40 museums that celebrate an awesome range of cultural attractions. This includes the famous JFK Presidential Library as well as a plethora of historical museums and sites dedicated to the Revolutionary War and Colonial era.
Boston is also home to several great “niche” museums such as the Children’s Museum, the Fuller Craft Museum, the USS Constitution Museum, and the Salem Witch Museum. Both Harvard and MIT sponsor museums on their campuses and there’s even a museum dedicated to Whaling in Nantucket.
One of the best aspects of travelling to Boston in the winter is that museums are always open regardless of weather and many even offer discounted entry for the “off season.” You may also consider purchasing a tourist card such as the Go Boston card which offers entry to over two dozen museums in and around the Boston area.
Winter Weather Fun
In addition to great indoor activities, Boston’s location at the heart of New England allows easy travel to most of the best ski and snow resorts in America. There are several great cross country ski areas within a short drive including trails in Weston, Carlisle, and Northfield. New Hampshire is also close by offering excellent cross country trails in its Waterville Valley.
For the less agile, snow tubing is also a great way to spend the day. Nashoba Valley’s Snow Tubing Park in Westford offers four snow tube lifts and 17 lanes as well as an observation deck. Off of 495 in Amesbury, the Amesbury Sports Park offers three lifts and nine tracks as well as the Corner Kicks Pub for some good eats after hitting the lanes.
Finally, Frog Pond in the heart of The Commons offers ice skating from 10 am until well into the night all winter long. Admission is free for those under 13 and only $4 for everyone else. Skating in the Commons offers an unprecedented opportunity to see Boston from a new angle and have fun at the same time.
Don’t Forget to Eat
Finally, winter weather is no match for the world-class fare served at any of the hundreds of Boston’s fine restaurants and eateries. Located on the water, seafood here is superb and, like many big cities, Boston’s Little Italy on the north end and downtown Chinatown pockets offer cultural dishes to please any palate.
Whether you are going for the culture or going for some fun, winter time in Boston will not disappoint. It is clearly worth it to take time this winter to see the sights, get a little wet and cold, and then warm up with amazing foods in New England’s largest city.