Winter in New England has been quite mild. We had a couple small snow storms that have covered the ground with soft, white, fluffy stuff, but other than that we’ve been wearing coats one day and t-shirts the next. The temperature has been jumping around on us - its in the 50’s and then it's back under freezing. Personally, I don’t like the temperature jumping around – stay at one temp, do the thing and then move on. Makes it difficult to get sorted, because it appears to be one way and then you're sorely mistaken. And the quote I hear most often is, “there is no such thing as bad weather, only inappropriate clothing”.
Even though the weather has been a bit finicky, there are a bunch of different family activities that can still be great fun! Some are inside and others are outside, but make sure everyone dresses warm, because you can always take off layers.
Here are six different New England Events that are the best for spending quality time with the family:
1.Save the Bay Seal Watch and Nature Cruise: October 28th 2016 – April 30th 2017
Newport & Westerly, RI
From October through April, Save The Bay offers seasonal seal watching tours aboard the M/V Alletta Morris and M/V Elizabeth Morris. There are exceptional guides providing participants an educational, up-close binocular view of the marine visitors from Bowen's Ferry Landing in Newport, Rhode Island and Viking Marina in Westerly. Definitely bundle up for the activity, but it will surely be an event the kids will treasure.
2.Harvard Square Chocolate Festival: January 27th – 29th 2017
Cambridge, MA
Harvard Square’s Chocolate Festival is a highly anticipated time of the year. And we can see why local establishments are dishing out all sorts of decadent chocolate treats – we know for sure, we’ll be getting our antioxidants packed in that day. Some of the vendors that contribute to the event are Ben &Jerry’s, Cabot Candy, Crema Café, Follow the Honey, J.P. Licks, Shake Shack, Wagamama, Starbucks, Tatte Bakery, Flour Bakery and many more!
3.The Great Maine Outdoor Weekend: February 3rd - 6th 2017
Statewide
The Great Main Outdoor Weekend is a series of outdoor events across the state of Maine organized by some influential outdoor companies, such as Appalachian Mountain Club, Winter Kids, L.L. Bean, Etc. The point is to connect, family, friends and communities with Maine’s natural word and promote physical activity and good health. Over the 3 days there are over 100 events taking place! Make sure you mark your calendars!
4.Annual U.S. National Toboggan Championships: February 10th - 12th 2017
Camden, ME
Come to the Camden Snow Bowl for a winter weekend getaway to watch the Annual U.S. National Toboggan Championships. Since 1991, 425 teams of racers gather to ride in traditional wood toboggans down the world’s only 440ft long wooden toboggan chute, originally built in 1936, and ends across Hosmer Pond. Some teams aim for the fastest time in their category, but others get dressed up in creative costumes, making the event very comical and entertaining.
5.Great Meredith Rotary Fishing Derby: February 11th – 12th 2017
Meredith, NH
The Meredith Rotary Club hosts of one of the biggest winter events in the Lakes Region: the Great Rotary Fishing Derby. Every year ice fishermen from across the USA gather in Meredith for a weekend intense fishing. There are cash prizes for individuals who enter their fish to be judged. Sponsors, such as, Cabela’s, of the event donate items for the Kid’s Ice Fishing Clinic during the dates of the derby. A fun time with the family, but make sure you bring hot coco!
6.Dine Out Boston: March 5th – 17th 2017
Boston, MA
A great time to spend time away in Boston! There are hundreds of restaurants that participate in Dine Out Boston, or formally known as Restaurant Week, to provide locals and visitors to Boston samplings of area restaurants at a special price. The restaurants usually have a set lunch and/or dinner menu to choose from during this week. It’s a great opportunity to eat out with family or friends and find some gourmet gems!
*photo courtesy of ugallery.com/watercolor-painting-new-england-no225
