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Where to après ski this winter season
Plus: Martha's Vineyard ferry reservations, alligator exhibit, and Winter Lantern Festival.
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There’s something really special about a ski trip. It’s about hitting the slopes, yes. But it’s also about laughing and relaxing in a fun atmosphere after a hard-won day on the mountain. When I asked Boston.com readers for the best après ski spots in New England, they had plenty to say.
And if your mind is more on summer, this week’s newsletter has you covered with details on Steamship Authority reservations to Martha’s Vineyard — which opened on Tuesday.
The best après ski spots in New England
During a ski trip with friends in New Hampshire a few years ago, we enjoyed a full day on the slopes before retiring to the lodge for live music, food, drinks, and a limbo contest with prizes. We had a blast. Local skiers and riders shared their own ski stories and top places to go in New England for après ski. For live music, local brews, and nachos that are “chef’s kiss,” head to Sunday River’s Foggy Goggle, wrote a reader named Daniel. Looks like I need to plan another trip.
Have you been to New England’s top museums?
New England is full of fascinating museums and one of my favorites just landed on Conde Nast Traveler’s list of 51 best museums in the United States. The Breakers, a historic house museum in Newport, was named the top museum in Rhode Island. I was there most recently in December and I never get tired of wandering the Gilded Age mansion’s majestic halls. Nor do I tire of the nearby Cliff Walk, Newport’s iconic coastal trail.
Visit the only alligator exhibit in New Hampshire
For an unusual activity during your next trip to the Granite State visit New Hampshire’s only alligator exhibit, which just opened at Living Shores Aquarium in Glen. The aquarium’s three scaly stars are alligators Callie, Osceola, and Allie, and you’ll also see sharks, tropical fish, turtles, and more in the 32,000-square-foot space. The aquarium is near Story Land if you want to pack even more fun into your day (note: the aquarium is open year round, Story Land opens on May 24).
Travel Tips
- Are you dreaming of a summer trip to Martha’s Vineyard? The Steamship Authority opened vehicle reservations for travel between May 13 and Oct. 21.
- If you’re looking for a meal with a healthy side of ambiance for Valentine’s Day, OpenTable recently announced the 100 most romantic restaurants in America and seven of them are in New England.
- For those planning a proposal, check out where Boston.com readers have gotten engaged, including the gorgeous Portland Head Light in Cape Elizabeth, Maine, named one of the best places to propose worldwide by Conde Nast Traveler.
Deals and Steals
- The Winter Lantern Festival at Lyman Orchards in Middlefield, Conn. wraps up Feb. 9 and visitors can get 15% off tickets by using the coupon code NewEngland. The festival features a luminescent night walk with handmade Chinese lanterns, live entertainment, food, drink, and more.
- During Great Wolf Lodge‘s “2/5/25” flash sale, happening on Wednesday only, guests pay $25 per person when booking for a group of four for travel between Feb. 5 and June 19. The sale excludes the new Mashantucket location and those interested should use the code 2525.
- Save money on a Maine getaway this winter or spring by snagging a third night free at the Grand Harbor Inn, a 4-diamond waterfront property in Camden, Maine. The deal is valid for guests who stay for two consecutive midweek nights by April 30.
I’ll leave you with this photo of Downtown Boston’s latest winteractive, “Mr. Pink,” taken by Kristina.
Where have you traveled lately? Please share your photos by sending them to [email protected] and they may be featured in an upcoming Scenic Six newsletter.
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