ashandsarah

Hello everyone!

We are a couple in our forties from the UK planning a two week trip to New England at the end of December. We actually love cold weather and hope to see some snow! We plan to spend the first night or two in Boston and then are open to suggestions from there. We love cosy inns and B&Bs with open fires and historic surroundings. In terms of budget we prefer mid to high-end accomodation and would love to see beautiful scenery as we drive from place to place, possibly spending one to three days in each area. Any suggestions would be most appreciated. Thanks!

yellowbyrd

Have you considered Cape Cod? The outer cape, from Eastham to Provincetown, where the National Seashore has protected the eastern ocean shore from development, is about 2 hours from Boston. There is no shortage of history and scenery on Cape Cod and many B+ are in historic homes. Our favorite is the Fort Hill Bed and Breakfast which is listed on the National Historic Register and has a prominent location inside the park on Fort Hill. The suites in the house are lovely, with an open wood-burning fireplace in the living room, but our favorite accommodation is the spacious Nantucket Cottage, with ocean views and a gas fireplace. Great breakfast, wonderful innkeepers and breathtaking views just out side the door. Fort Hill B+B is a Fodor's Editor's Choice:

http://www.fodors.com/world/north-am...ew-200775.html

LittleWing

In Boston might I suggest considering the Boston Pops Holiday Celebration. Tickets and schedule are usually announced the beginning of Sept.

http://www.bso.org/bso/index.jsp?id=bcat5220105

I would also consider Woodstock or Stowe Vermont

http://www.twinfarms.com/

http://www.woodstockinn.com/

http://www.trappfamily.com/

LittleWing

Newport RI can be interesting. Some of the mansions are open and set up in holiday decor, which is ironic, since they were used for summer holidays. Still, lots of history. This inn is beautiful.

http://www.castlehillinn.com/Castle-...astle-hill.htm

or this old new hampshire dame might entice you

http://www.brettonwoods.com/general/about_us/timeline

irishswampyankee

While Cape Cod is lovely, IMO it really isn't what comes to mind when one thinks of New England winter. The farther north you go, the better chance for snow. You could be buried in it all over New England or have almost none. One never knows but the mountains are your best bet. Some suggestions would be the Woodstock Inn, Woodstock, VT and then driving up Rt. 100 to Stowe, VT. Look on tripadvisor for recommendations in Stowe. In far northern NH, The Balsams in Colebrook is a large, old resort where the first vote in the US Presidential Election always takes place. In mid -state NH, the Mount Washington hotel has a gorgeous setting. Jackson, NH could be another place that might work for you. The Berkshires area of western MA is another possibilty, around the Stockbridge area. Be aware of the possibility that heavy snowstorms could greatly affect your travel plans - flying and driving - that time of year. Also, from just before Christmas to at least right after New Year's Day, all schools and colleges are on vacation so it is the busiest time of the whole year for ski country and accommodations could be limited. If possible, you may want to think about coming a week or two later. Except for weekends and especially MLK weekend, the mountains shouldn't be as busy.

LittleWing

The Berkshires are also nice in Western MA. I would consider staying in Lenox and visiting the Norman Rockwell Museum for some 'americana'

Sturbridge Village on the way might be of interest - a recreasion of colonial days.

I haven't been in a few years, but Deerfield is another popular destination

http://deerfieldinn.com/

I realize that I have offered mostly grande dame places more then intimate b&b's. Was thinking more on the historical note.

Keep asking questions. People on these forums have lots of great ideas and really want to help.

yk

I would suggest you spend New Year's Eve IN Boston. First Night is a big deal here with TONS of events/activites. There will be more info & listing on its website later in the year: http://www.firstnight.org/

Just beware that many businesses in northern New England SHUT DOWN for the winter season, esp in smaller towns. So, each area you visit may have limited # of B&Bs, restaurants, shops that are open. Also, many attractions in VT/NH/ME are seasonal as well. Of course, the towns surrounding ski areas will be open for business.

Finally, are you comfortable with driving in snow + ice?

LittleWing

yk - very good question about asking about driving in snow and ice!

ashandsarah

Hi all, thanks SO much for your helpful replies...keep them coming! Yes we've had some experience in driving in snow/ice, from previous Canadian experiences, but completely realise that it can be a treacherous endeavour. Here's another question - we note that some of you have said that places "shut down" around this time...all in all do you think we're visiting at the wrong time of year?

LittleWing

Absolutely not! There are many wonderful winter destinations in New England. And I am sure if you come up with a place that locals think will be shut down for the season other than an inn they will speak up. Ski country will certainly be up and well and have plenty to offer. A lot of coastal areas will shut down in the winter months. But there are a few coastal towns that have a lot to offer if you would like to add that on you research. Let us know what you are thinking.

dfrostnh

As far as driving conditions, just stay off the roads during a snowstorm if you can. NH does a great job of cleaning roads so after the storm, highways are great but be aware that in small towns, like ours, the plows don't even go out unless there is several inches of accumulation. The town managers and road agent make a decision. It saves money. If it's icy, they'll sand but if it's a light snow and driving conditions aren't bad, the plows don't go out. This is not state highways or interstates but back country roads.

Sometimes before Jan 1, there's no snow at all except in the mountains but once in awhile we get early snow and it never melts. We could have a blizzard in November one year and no snow at all until Jan other years.

Rent a car with front wheel or 4 wheel drive.

The Vermont and NH places already posted are great recommendations. Woodstock VT is not my favorite but it is everyone else's and there might be special events going on at the Billings Farm Museum. At one time we were going to try to get over that way to watch horse and sleigh events. You also might want to attend a Christmas Eve candlelight service in a small New England town. There should also be special events at Strawbery Banke in Portsmouth NH.

irishswampyankee

Agree with LittleWing that you're not visiting at the wrong time. I love New England in the snow. Everything will be open except some places along the coast but a coastal trip is best left for warmer weather. As I said before, winter is a very busy season for the mountains, esp around the Holidays. Renting a 4 wheel drive is an excellent suggestion and worth the expense IMO. Hope you have a great time.

isy

yellowbyrd

While it might seem romantic to be traveling in the snowy north, while sitting in the warmth of the July sun, the reality is a bit different! If you have the flexibility to stay in one place sipping a hot toddy by the fire, until the roads are cleared and even perhaps the electrical power is restored, then traveling in the more scenic mountain areas of NH and VTin late December makes perfect sense. But if you hope to keep to a schedule that may force you to drive in a storm, you might reconsider.

With that said, you are less likely to see freezing rain and snow along the coast. Temperatures in coastal communities tend to be 10-20 degrees (F) warmer than those 100 miles inland at the same latitude. Perhaps you can stay along the coast and take day trips into the snowy mountains, weather permitting.

Bowsprit

Well, we ski and we would not hesitate to get into our SUV in search of some fine powder! Head to Vermont or New Hampshire for great winter atmosphere and fun. If you head to the ski country, you'll see towns at the peak of their tourist season. You'll pay for that privilege too!

Here are another few ideas for you to explore:

1.Mt.WashingtonHotel //www.omnihotels.com/FindAHotel/BrettonWoodsMountWashington.aspx
2.And of course, The Balsams http://thebalsams.com/

We haven't seen much snow on the Cape since my husband bought an expensive snow blower after one horrendous Cape winter a few years ago! The Cape is not what you're looking for at all, imo.

Dreamer2

Ah, I was going to recommend the Mt. Washington Hotel in Bretton Woods, but I see the previous poster beat me to it! THey have a lovely Christmas celebration there with beautiful decor plus skiing, sleigh rides, dog sled, etc. We have also spent Christmas at the Trapp Family Lodge in Stowe, Vermont. Also very lovely, with more of a concentration on music of the season and cross country skiing. The latter is cozy, while the former is grand! Both places feature wonderful dining rooms.

I also like the idea of Newport, RI. The mansions will be decorated beautifully, but you may not see snow further south and along the coast.

Wishing you a wonderful holiday!

Bowsprit

I always think that Newport is largely a summer community and not likely to have a strong winter wonderland atmosphere even if it happens to snow a little bit.

Shandy1977

Personally, I love the White Mountains of New Hampshire during the winter. Very nice ski mountains if you enjoy skiing, but many also offer ice skating or tubing or other winter fun options. There are nice little areas to shop and dine in many of the towns, too. It is a little out of the way but it has always been worth it for me and my family.

Our favorite location is Nordice Village in North Conway, NH. They rent out spacious condos that come complete with great mountain views, hot tubs, and fireplaces. It is a short drive to the main road through North Conway and the ski areas.

I also echo the warnings about driving. Once a storm passes, NH is GREAT at getting their roads clear and safer for driving. But, while the wind and snow are blowing, there is only so much they can do and it takes some skill. I know you said you are used to, but I still just wanted to echo those who brought it up as a caution.

Ackislander

If you wouldn't mind something more rustic, especially if you like winter sports, I would recommend New Year's Eve and New Year's Day in Boston and then a trip to Pinkham Notch in New Hampshire and a stay at the Appalachiam Mountain Club's Joe Dodge lodge. You stay in bunk rooms with the loos and showers down the hall, and you fill your day with sightseeing, winter climbing, winter hiking, skiing, sitting in front of the fireplace, or whatever moves you. Vast breakfasts and dinners are served family style, and you can bring your own beer and wine.

It is very near a commercial downhill ski area, and Tuckerman Ravine, above Pinkham Notch on Mt Washington is famous for its old fashioned hike in, ski out experience as well as extreme bowl skiing. Huntington Ravine has been used to train for Everest, but it is not a hard walk to the mouth of the ravine if you are fit and equipped for what may be deep snow.

Bowsprit

Ackislander, that sounds like so much fun! How many people in a bunk room? Can a group reserve a room?