Not feeling the see-saw style temperatures between frigid and warm here in the tristate area? We get it, and we’re right there with you. That’s why we’re planning an escape from New York to go even further North for a winter wonderland getaway in New England. Most of these ski resorts and winter sports playgrounds are packed full of all-inclusive activities, but they’re also nestled in lovely towns with more to explore. You’ll find our picks for local and regional eateries, lots of fun activity suggestions and excursions, and alternative lodging options. As always, we of course would love to hear from you; feel free to reach out and include your recommendations for local stop-offs and they may just get featured in an upcoming blog!
Sunday River Resort in Newry, Maine
If adventure is what you seek, you’ll find that and then some at the Sunday River Resort! Whether you choose to hit the slopes on your skis or your snowboard, or prefer to put up your feet and enjoy a day at the spa and shop the skiwear store, there’s no shortage of fun to be had. Beginners can opt for top notch snow sport lessons as a group or private, and experienced outdoorsy folk can opt in for a weekend workshop or special event. There are 135 Trails and Glades to explore on over 800 acres of snowy terrain! No matter what you’re looking for in a winter getaway, you’ll find your happy place here.
Where to Stay: Jordan Hotel, Grand Summit Hotel, Holidae House Bed and Breakfast, Sudbury Inn, The Inn at the Rostay, The Perennial Inn, The Boardwalk Inn, Philbrook Farm Inn LLC
Where to Eat: CAMP at Grand Summit Hotel, Frank’s Bar and Grille, Matterhorn Ski Bar, Shipyard Crows Nest, Barking Dawg Market, Barker Lodge and Pub, The Bethel Sugar Shack, Butcher Burger Bethel, Smokin’ Good BBQ Bethel
What Else is Nearby: Maine Mineral and Gem Museum, Museums of the Bethel Historical Society, Bethel Pathway, Davis Park, Elements Art Gallery, Bethel Community Forest, The Gem Theater, Step Falls Preserve, Frenchman’s Hjole, Mahoosuc Guide Service, Grafton Notch State Park, Eddy T. Yeti House Museum
Crotched Mountain in Bennington, New Hampshire
It doesn’t matter if you’re into the competitive racing side of winter sports, or you enjoy the flexibility and fun from freestyle options. You’ll find all sorts of options for outdoor activities here at Crotched Mountain in the Monadnock Mountains of New Hampshire. The mountain resort offers everything from special outdoor events and workshops to mountain sports and racing to musical shows and the arts! It’s a great place for solo travel or couples, but it’s especially wonderful for families
Where to Stay: Crotched Mountain Resort, Monadnock Inn, The Greenfield Inn, Blue Bear Inn, Jack Daniels Motor Inn, Little River Bed & Breakfast, SereniTea Bed & Breakfast, Hummingbird Hill, Maplehurst Inn, Henniker House, Colby Hill Inn
Where to Eat: Common Place Eatery, Alberto’s Italian Restaurant, The Foundry Gastropub, 110 Grill, The Birch on Elm, Cotton Restaurant, Hanover Street Chophouse, Ignite Bar & Grille, The Farm Bar and Grille, Margaritas Mexican Restaurant, Hooked Seafood Restaurant
What Else is Nearby: Currier Museum of Art, SEE Science Center, McIntyre Ski Area, Manchester Historic Association’s Millyard Museum, Frank Lloyd Wright’s Zimmerman House Tours, Charmingfare Farm, Spooky World Presents Nightmare New England, Aviation Museum of New Hampshire
Smugglers Notch in Vermont
Smugglers’ Notch is home to three exquisite mountains with lots of terrain to cover! From snowshoeing and hiking to snowboarding and skiing, it is the perfect winter break getaway. There are plenty of options for everyone in your crew from beginners to intermediate to the expert professionals. It’s got plenty of activities for those who prefer to keep both feet solidly planted (unless they rest them at one of the beautiful area spas and rejuvenation centers.) The aspiring photographers amongst you will also want to haul their gear along, because the vista points and picturesque landscapes will thrill just about anyone. Come on out and make some memories!
Where to Stay: Trapp Family Lodge, Nye’s Green Valley Farm, Muddy Moose, Topnotch Resort, Innsbruck Inn at Stowe, Stone Hill Inn, Timberholm Inn, Sinclair Inn Bed & Breakfast
Where to Eat: The Skinny Pancake Burlington Waterfront, Chicken Charlie’s Rotisserie Grill & BBQ, Village Tavern, My Favourite Things on Main, Burger Barn, Family Table, 158 Main, Robbie’s Wildlife Refuge Bar, PapaGyro’s, Smugglers’ Notch Distillery, The Farm Store, Martell’s At the Red Fox
What Else is Nearby: Vermont Maple Outlet, Bryan Memorial Gallery, Brewster River Gorge, Bingham Falls, Visions of Vermont Fine Art Galleries, FunZone 2.0, Rock Art Brewery, , ArborTrek Canopy Adventures, South Walden Schoolhouse Gallery, Portrait Gallery