8 New England Cures for Spring Fever

Though it may not always feel like it, spring is here. It’s the best time to score great deals in high-end lodging in New England. During the “mud season,’’ as April and early May are sometimes affectionately nicknamed by New Englanders, the crowds are at bay and off-season visitors can enjoy season-specific events and activities without the long lines. Here is a list of this year’s off-season travel ideas, including some of the best off-season scores for lodging and packages.

Check out the following events, courtesy of the New England Inns and Resorts Association.

A final taste of winter

Mount Washington’s Tuckerman’s Ravine is legendary for the longest lasting snowpack in the East. New England skiers and snowboarders willing to hike to Tuck’s steep-walled bowls. On April 12, check out the Tuckerman Inferno, a mountain-based competition perfect for extreme outdoor enthusiasts. Open to teams of five and solo competitors, the event features an 8.3-mile run, a 6-mile kayak race down the Saco River, an 18-mile bike race, a 3-mile hike up the Tuckerman Trail, and a 1-mile slalom race down the ravine at the end.

Where to stay: Stay the night before at nearby Bernerhof Inn with rates from $129/night. Compare that to $199/night during peak season.

Thaw out your palate

The end of winter is good news for foodies, with the return of fresh ingredients and bright flavors. In Rhode Island, Newport’s Restaurant Week is a chance for diners to treat their taste buds like the “kings’’ of the city’s famous mansions, without the high prices. Newport’s chefs craft elegant three-course, prix-fixe menus for lunch ($16) and dinner ($35). Try the Castle Hill Inn’s locally sourced and seasonally inspired menu from executive chef Karsten Hart, featuring dishes such as roasted Atlantic salmon for lunch and spring pea agnolotti for dinner.

Where to stay: The Restaurant Week Package at the Newport Harbor Hotel includes a discounted rate for midweek stays and dinner for two at Pier 49 Seafood & Spirits starting at $179/night (midweek). The Castle Hill Inn offers seaside rooms, cottages and suites on an iconic estate, starting at $299/night in April, compared to $799/night during peak season.

Spoil your sweet tooth

Discover New England’s maple sugaring tradition during a two-hour Maple Experience, offered through April 6 at The Rocks Estate in Bethlehem, New Hampshire. Explore the grounds on a horse-drawn wagon ride, learn to drill and tap maple trees, and sample some fresh maple treats.

Where to stay: In Bethlehem, the Wayside Inn Maple Sugaring Weekend runs April 4-6 and includes tour tickets, plus a three-course dinner; from $290 for two nights ,tax and gratuity included. The Mountain View Grand Resort & Spa in Whitefield, NH offers a Maple Experience Package (from $149/night) including tour tickets and breakfast; available select Saturdays through April 5.

Tour and taste

Enjoy this springtime event fit for the foodie in Portland, Maine. This food-loving city will host walking and trolley foodie tours throughout April, giving partiicpants a taste of local cuisine from restaurants and micro-breweries. See the sites in the Old Port and sample seasonal cuisine from local chefs, highlighting Maine favorites from seafood and lobster to artisinal cheeses to hand-crafted brews.

Where to stay : Visit the Inn by the Sea for their Taste of Maine package (starting at $652), available on weekends only through June 1. Package includes choice of walking or trolley tour, luxury accommodations for two, complimentary whoopie pies from Cape Whoopies, and a three-course seasonal tasting menu with a bottle of local wine.

Back to the garden

Once the snow disappears, New England gardeners get back to earth, literally. Join in the “dirty work’’ and test your green thumb during the Work, Stay and Play Weekend from May 9-10 at the Snowvillage Inn in Eaton, NH. Spend four hours working alongside professional gardeners in their award-winning gardens to split and pot perennials. Guests learn new gardening techniques and can take home three perennial starters for their own gardens.

Package includes lodging, Friday night snacks in Max’s Restaurant, and a full country breakfast each morning; starting at $199/night.

Harborside Romance

Enjoy the first catch of the season with a lobster lover’s getaway. This seafood-lovers stay on the waterfront at the Inn at Harbor Hill Marina includes two lobster dinners, a visit to the Mystic Seaport or Aquarium, candlelit breakfasts, a coupon book for Tanger and Clinton Premium Outlets, and complimentary snacks and beverages.

The package is available until May 15. Rates from $390, depending on days and room selection, for a 20 percent savings compared to peak season.

Celebrate seaside

For a unique Maine experience, head to Boothbay Harbor. This year, the small ocean town is celebrating its 40th annual Fishermen’s Festival on April 25-27, honoring the local fishermen and community. Highlights include a fish fry and lobster bake, Codfish Relay Races, Trap Hauling Competition, the Shrimp Princess Pageant, and Lobster Crate Running activity. Local art from the Boothbay peninsula is also available for sale.

Where to Stay: Try the nearby Harbour Towne Inn on the Waterfront from $149/night, compared to $225/night during peak season.

Spring in to the season

Celebrate the warm spring weather at Brewsters in Bloom, a three-day festival with art, live music, family games and activities, the Cape Cod 5 Bloom Run, and the annual town parade.

Where to stay: Book a stay at Orleans Waterfront Inn in nearby Orleans. Mention the festival and receive a complimentary room upgrade and choice of a $25 dining credit to their waterfront restaurant or a bottle of wine.