Halloween has become a big business. Pre-pandemic, Halloween generated approximately nine billion dollars a year. Last year, many events were canceled, and people felt safer staying home. This year Haloween is expected to come back with a vengeance and is predicted to be one the best Halloweens to date. Want to get in on the season and celebrate? Here are 10 of the Best Halloween Happenings in Massachusetts.
Haunted Happenings -Salem, MA
The most famous of all Halloween celebrations not only in Massachusetts, but the whole country takes place in Salem, MA. Salem is home to the Salem Witch trials and has so much history. Haunted Happenings are multiple events that take place during October in the city of Salem. Such events include a Grand Parade, the Haunted Biz Baz Street Fair, Family Film Nights, costume balls, ghost tours, haunted houses, live music, and chilling theatrical presentations.
Please note, there are COVID-restrictions in place in the city of Salem, so please make sure to check their website for the most up-to-date information.
Visit a Haunted Lighthouse or Two
Massachusetts is home to several haunted lights houses. From the shores of Cape Cod to Plymouth, Scituate, Boston, up to Salem, MA. You can read all about them here and plan your visit.
Ghosts and Gravestones Tour
Boston is home to some of the oldest burial grounds in the country. Also, did you know Boston has a fair amount of paranormal happenings? Board the trolly of terror, visit 2 of Boston’s oldest burial grounds, and see some of Boston’s most haunted places. For ticket prices and more, please see the website.
Haunted Boston Ghost Tours
The Haunted Boston Ghost Tour is a 90-minute walking tour through Boston’s most historic areas and haunted streets. Spend an evening searching for the ghosts rumored to haunt the city of Boston. I found this tour to be a reasonable price at $18.00 for adults, $15.00 for seniors, and $13.00 per child. Be sure to check the website for the most up-to-date information.
Boo at the Zoo
Have you ever been trick or treating among the animals? On October 23rd and 24th, join our furry friends at the Stone Zoo for Boo at the Zoo. Spend the day experiencing the chills and thrills of Halloween at the zoo. There will be costume contests, ghoulish games, trick or treating, and yummy seasonal treats like apple cider and cider donuts. I hear even the animals receive a pumpkin treat or two.
Please note, tickets are for a time entry, so you will need to purchase them ahead of time. Adults tickets are $20.95, children 2-12 are $13.95, and kids under 2 are free.
Zoo Howl
Zoo New England is putting on a second event at the Franklin Park Zoo in Boston this Halloween season. Zoo Howl takes place on October 30th and 31st. Join our furry friends from 10:00 am-3:00 pm on either day with mystery animal encounters, trick or treating, and a costume contest. Get the chance to meet with zoo educators to learn all about creepy crawly critters, as well as how you can help animal habitats by purchasing sustainable sweets this Halloween.
Be sure to stop by and speak to a representative from Speak for the Trees Boston. Learn how this organization has planted over 1,000 trees in the city of Boston and what you can do to help. Activities for the little ones will be available to show how we can all get involved in helping save our planet no matter the age.
Be sure to check out the Zoo New England site for tickets and the most up-to-date information.
Witch’s Woods Haunted Hayride and Halloween SCREAMPARK
Witch’s Woods is located in the Nashoba Valley Ski areas in Westford, MA. Open every Friday through Sunday during October; this experience is geared toward adults and older children. If you dare, start the evening off with a haunted hayride through the woods of Nashoba Valley. Be on the lookout for witches, zombies, werewolves, and more. Be sure to keep your hands in the wagon; you never know who may try and pull you out!
If you survive the hayride, next check out the Vampire Passage or dare to enter the dark gates of Castle Morbid. Still brave enough for more, try the 3D Keeper’s Crypt or the Horrowood Chamber of Thrills. Has enough of the scares, then relax a bit by checking out the Jack O’Lantern Jamboree. The festival consists of hundreds of professionally carved pumpkins that are brought to life.
The price of tickets ranges from $35-$42 each and can be purchased here.
Phantoms and Fire at Old Sturbridge Village
Old Sturbridge Village is a living museum depicting life in New England in the 19th century. From October 13-31st from 5:00 pm to 8:30 pm, the museum transforms, and people of all ages will enjoy spooky delights, from bats and bonfires to cauldrons and candy, from ghosts and guitars to horror and creepy drama! Here short stories of Edgar Allan Poe come alive as you walk around to six different villages. Hear of tales of horror, revenge, obsession, and deception.
There is a scavenger hunt whereby you gather clues and present them on the way out for a prize.
Of course, what is Halloween without a treat or two? The tavern is transformed into Prosperos Tavern and carries all the seasonal treats. Costumes are welcome, and tickets may be bought online.
SK Pierce Mansion
This next event is not for the faint of heart. In Garnder, MA, Sylvester Pierce, who had achieved great fortune in the furniture business, built a 7000 square foot mansion. His first wife died within weeks of moving in due to a bacterial infection. He remarried and had more children. After Mr. Pierece and his second wife died, the children fought over the house. The youngest son eventually took over and went through some hard times. He turned the house into a boarding house with drinking, gambling, prostitution, and there were rumors of murder.
Over the years, the house has experienced paranormal activity, such as doors slamming, moving for furniture, the pressure on people’s backs, and one visitor was almost pushed out a window.
In 2015 the mansion was bought and restored. During Halloween, the basement is open to the public as a Halloween attraction as the only one in the country to combine the haunt industry and paranormal activity.
On an important note, due to the paranormal activity, participants must sign a waiver before entering the premises. If you dare, click here for tickets.
Naumkeag Pumpkin Show
Last but certainly not least an event for all ages. For those who may not like the spooky part of Halloween, Naumkeag Pumpkin Show is the perfect night out. Naumkeag is a former country estate in Stockbridge, MA. At Halloween, it transforms its gardens and grounds with 1500 Jack O Lanterns, 100 mums pumpkins, and gourds; It is a must-see event. If you happen to be in the Berkshires, be sure to check it out.
Please note, at the time this post was published, this event was sold out for 2021. However, be sure to bookmark the page and keep it in mind for 2022.
As you can see, there are plenty of Halloween Happenings all over the state. Please note, due to most of the events being canceled in 2020, these events are likely to sell out. Buy your tickets early and have a wonderful Halloween!
The end of summer and the beginning of fall is apple picking season in Massachusetts. Each weekend the orchards are filled with people picking sweet apples, savoring the taste of apple cider donuts, and filling their baskets with baked goods, fresh produce, and more. Apple picking has become quite the affair here and all around New England. Many orchards are offering entertainment, petting zoos, wineries, and more. Here are seven of Massachusett’s best places to go apple picking this fall.
Honey Pot Hill Orchards
Honey Pot Hill Orchards is a family favorite. We have been picking apples here since the boys were small. Honey Pot is open seven days a week from 9-6 and is located in Stowe, MA. This family-owned farm is 186 acres of apples, peaches, blueberries, and more.
In addition to picking apples, the orchard offers hayrides, farm animals, a pumpkin patch, and a maze. Speaking of the maze, the Green Monster (named after Fenway’s Green Monster) is the largest hedge maze in North America. Honey Pot is known for its warm cider donuts. We always make sure to purchase at least a 1/2 dozen donuts. While the boys are munching on the donuts, I hit up the farm store. The store has a wide variety of jams, jellies, butter, baked goods, cold apple cider, and produce. Are you looking for a bit of lunch? Head over to the farm grill and grab a hot dog, hamburger, or a nice bowl of chowder. Honey Pot has added a hard cider tent for those patrons 21 years and older in the last couple of years.
The farm is open seven days a week, 9:00 am-6:00 pm. The cost of admission is $22.00 for a peck of apples, and that admits three people into the orchard. It is $33.00 for 1/2 a bushel, which admits up to 5 people into the orchard.
For more information, head over to their website.
Connor’s Farm
A few years ago, we headed to Connors Farm in Danvers, MA. Connors Farm is much more than an apple orchard. Open seven days a week; admission includes entrance to the orchard, a corn maze, farm animals, and a play area.
In addition to the above activities, Connor’s Farm hosts a few different themed nights. Hysteria Night is one of the top scream parks in America. It is a 30-minute walking trail through a haunted forest along the banks of a swamp to a real 17th-century burial ground.
For the little ones, the farm hosts a nonscary event called Flashlight Night. Kids and their families walk through the farm, using their flashlights to lead the way.
The farm boasts ten restaurants and food stands, including a BBQ pit, country kitchen, smokehouse, Farmdog grill, and more.
Connor’s Farm is open seven days a week from 8:00 am-5:30 pm. Admission to the 7-acre farm and play areas is $13.00 a person during the week and $18.99 a person on the weekends. The cost of the apples is separate.
For the latest conditions at the farm, hop on over to their website.
Belkin Family Lookout Farm
This family-owned farm is located in Natick, MA. It was one of the first in our local area to offer hard cider and beer. They pride themselves on their outdoor farm dining experience sited on 180 scenic acres. Guests can enjoy Lookout Farm beers, hard ciders, and New England cuisine while taking in the surrounding farm views.
The farm has a play area, farm animals, a farmer’s market and farm stand, fresh apple cider donuts, and of course, an apple orchard! Reservations are strongly encouraged as it is quite the happening place to be around here.
Picking is currently only on the weekends, but make sure to check their site for up-to-date information. The picking hours are 10:00 am-4:30 pm. A half peck bag is $20.00.
To make reservations, see a menu or the latest picking conditions, click here.
Tougas Family Farm
Tougas Family Farm is another favorite of our family. A bit smaller than the others, but certainly not lacking in things to do. The farm is located in Northboro, MA, and has a lovely orchard for picking apples. The admission price includes the apples and barnyard animals, a playground, picnic area, wagon rides, and a pumpkin patch. The farm store smells amazing with apples, fresh pies, cider donuts, and Tougas Farm’s famous kettle corn. If looking for something with a bit more sustenance, Tougas has a farm grill serving lunch.
The farm is open for picking from 9:00 am-4:00 pm. A 10lb bag is $33.00 and admits three people into the orchard. The 20lb bag is $46.00 and permits five people. Be sure to check here for hours for the farm stand and other activities.
Red Apple Farm
I discovered Red Apple Farm while researching this article. This is a family-owned farm located in North Central Massachusetts. It has sprawling views of Wachusett Mountain and the surrounding forests. The farmhouse was built in the 1700s and their fruit is grown using Integrated Pest Management and is a University of Massachusetts Cooperative Extension Mentor Farm.
In addition to picking apples, the farm has a country store with seasonal fruit, baked goods, apple dumplings, donuts, ice cream, gifts, and more. It is known for its homemade fudge and local products. Every weekend summer through fall, the Country Barn is transformed into an outdoor brewery tap “room,” serving up local brews, freshly roasted nuts, barbecue, and popped-on-the-spot popcorn along with other yummy treats.
For the kids, there are wagon rides and farm animals. The farm boasts beautiful walking trails and various festivals and farm outings. I believe this is where we will head this fall to pick apples.
Hours vary, so please check the website for more information.
Bartlett Apple Orchard & Farm Market
The next apple orchard takes us out to the Berkshires in western Massachusets. Bartlett Apple Orchard. In addition to picking apples, the farm has a market with fresh apple cider, donuts, baked goods, and more.
What makes this orchard special is its views. As I mentioned, it is in the heart of the Berkshires, home to many of Massachusett’s beautiful state parks, hiking trails, and more. More information on Barlett Apple Orchard can be found here and make sure to check out my post on the Berkshires. Why not make a weekend of it?
Bolton Spring Farm
Looking for a smaller, quaint place to pick your apples? Look no further than Bolton Spring Farm. Located in Bolton, MA a friend of mine told me about this farm. It is one of the oldest and scenic apple orchards in New England.
The farm is 150 acres of land that transports its guests back to simpler times in New England. There is a farm stand with fresh fruit and veggies, a bakery with delicious baked goods, a kitchen with local honey, jams, jellies, meats, sauces, and more, and a country store with gifts.
The pick your own hours are 9:00 am-4:40 pm daily, Click here to see the latest picking conditions.
As you can see, Massachusetts has some great apple orchards for adults and kids alike. There are many more I could have highlighted, but this gives you a lot of options for now.
Are you looking for other fall activities? Check out my article on five things to do this fall and Ten Fall Activities to do in New England. Make sure to check websites to see current dates and times.
Happy Fall!
Before I go, a shout out to my friend Nicole Jones for sharing her photos from Bolton Spring Farm with me today. She and her family enjoyed a day picking apples and enjoying the beautiful fall weather. I would love it if you would head over to her Facebook page and give her a follow. She is such an inspiration and helps thousands of people on their fitness journeys.
Winter in New England can seem never-ending. March can be a long month, leaving most New Englanders itching for spring. As the buds on the trees come to life and the flowers start to bloom, many people are coming out of hibernation and looking for things to do. I have pulled together a list of 20 things to do this spring in New England.
This post may contain affiliate links, and I may earn compensation when you click on the links at no additional cost to you.
Boston’s Public Garden and the Swan Boats.
The Boston Public Garden was the first botanical garden in America. It contains 80 species of plants and is home to beautiful swan boats. Since the 1800s, the swan boats have sailed around the park’s lagoon and become a symbol of the city of Boston. Robert Paget invented this style of boat, and four generations later, the Paget family still owns and operates the Swan boats.
The boats open for the season on May 8th and will remain open through Labor Day. The cost is $4.50, an adult, $3.00 for children 2-15, and under two are free. It is one of my favorite things to do in the city.
Attend a Baseball Game or Tour Fenway Park
If you are a baseball fan, one can not come to Boston without visiting the oldest and most beloved ballpark in America. Pick up tickets to a game and experience firsthand why Red Sox Nation loves this ballpark and their Sox. Sox not in town while you are here? No fear, take an hour-long tour of the park. Feel the presence of Ted Williams, Yaz, Carlton Fisk, Jim Rice, Pedro Martinez, Jason Varitek, and Big Papi. Sit on top of the famous Green Monster. Tours are available year-round and depart every hour.
Boston Duck Tours
One of the best sighting seeing tours in Boston is the Duck Tours. It is a fully narrated historic tour of Boston that is seen by both land and sea! Well, the Charles River, but you get the point. These boats are a W.W.II style amphibious landing vehicle that travels on land and water. A conDUCKtor will be narrating your tour as you drive through the streets of the city, hitting many of its famous marks. Kids even get to drive the boat!
Attend one of New England’s Many Flower Festivals
Many festivals have been canceled, postponed, or are being held virtually for 2021. Please check with the event organizers before planning your trip.
A couple of years ago, we spent Mother’s Day at the Wicked Tulips Farm in Rhode Island. We explored the beautiful gardens and picked our own tulips. In doing my research, I have discovered New England has several flower festivals through the spring. According to Trip Savvy, these are the best Springtime Flower festivals in New England.
Daffodil Days at Blithewold
Blithewold Mansion is located in Bristol, Rhode Island, and its Gateway Event to Spring takes place every April. Fifty thousand daffodils are growing on 33 acres of gardens and woodland paths. In addition to the daffodils, in early May, flowering cherry trees, primroses, and star magnolias show their stuff, and by late May, the grounds come alive with columbine, forget-me-nots, and lupine.
Nantucket Daffodil Festival
Hop on board a ferry and head over to Nantucket, Massachusetts, for the annual Daffodil Festival.
Due to the pandemic, this year’s festival will be held virtually. It is quite the show with more than three million daffodils, complete with a seaside view and an iconic lighthouse.
Meriden Daffodil Festival
The Meriden Daffodil Festival is held in Meriden, Connecticut, each year at the end of April. It is called Connecticut’s most colorful April event. Usually, there are carnival rides, a food tent, games, and more.
However, due to the pandemic, this year’s festival is canceled. However,
Hubbard Park is still open to the public to drive through and enjoy the beautiful flowers.
Lilac Sunday
At Arnold Arboretum in Boston, Massachusetts, the grounds are home to 408 lilac plants representing 179 different varieties. For this reason, Lilac Sunday is one of North America’s most significant lilac-focused events. Embark on a self-guided tour after printing a tour brochure, and bring a picnic lunch to enjoy. The lilacs are in bloom for approximately four weeks, starting in late April to mid-May.
Maple Sugar Festival
On the last week of March, head on up to Maine and visit one of the 100 sugar shack participants in this annual event. See how maple syrup is made, sample some tasty treats, and bring home some of the country’s best maple syrup. You can find more information here.
Covered Bridge Tour
Jump in the car and head on up to either New Hampshire or Vermont and hunt for covered bridges. You can easily find a map online that lists all of the cover bridges. Why not make a weekend of it and spend the time exploring some of the most beautiful covered bridges on this side of the Mississippi.
Acadia National Park
Acadia National Park is one of the top 10 national parks in the United States to visit. There are twenty-seven miles of historic motor roads, 158 miles of hiking trails, and 45 miles of carriage roads to drive and hike throughout the park. It has earned its title Crown Jewel of the North Atlantic Coast. The park houses the highest mountains along the Atlantic seacoast.
Coastal Highway U.S. 1 in Maine
Take a drive up the Maine coastline and experience some breathtaking views. Along the way, stop for a lobster roll and steamers. Make sure to visit some of Maine’s iconic lighthouses. The route will take you from the New Hampshire and Maine border all along the coast of Maine, the St. Croix River, and then along the border of the U.S. and Canada. I suggest you take a few days to enjoy this adventure.
Race Point Beach, Provincetown, MA
At the tip of the National Seashore is Race Point Beach. This gorgeous beach is a great beach to watch wildlife (seals, dolphins, whales, and perhaps a great white) and see one of the most amazing sunsets.
If you are so inclined, you can walk the three-mile trail to see the Race Point lighthouse or bike the eight-mile Cape Cod Province Lands Bike Trail, which winds through towering dunes.
Baby Animal Day at Billings Farm
Head to Woodstock, Vermont, and attend Baby Animal Day at Billings Farm, an annual tradition to meet the baby animals. Surrounded by the Green Mountains, Woodstock is a great place to visit, from sampling Vermont’s famous cheeses to hiking to strolling the historic downtown.
Boston Food Tour
Boston has some fantastic food tours. One year my best friend and I, along with our husbands, took a Historic Pizza and Taverns Tour. It started in the North End, went to Charlestown, and back to the Faneuil Hall area. It was a lot of fun and yummy. There are so many to choose from. You can find a list of Boston’s best food tours here.
Whale Watching off the Maine coast.
Mid-April is when the humpbacks make their way to Kennebunkport’s waters and other coastal areas of Maine.
Dinosaur State Park, Rocky Hill, Connecticut
Dinosaur State Palk has one of the largest dinosaur track sites in North America. On display in the museum are early Jurassic fossil tracks that were made 200 million years ago. In addition to the exhibit center are two miles of nature trails and the Dinosaur Arboretum. The arboretum contains over 250 species and other living representatives of plant families around during the dinosaur’s age.
Mark Twain House
Designated National Historic Landmark, the Mark Twain House is located in Hartford, Connecticut, and showcases Mark Twain’s life and career. The museum chronicles his life and works, including The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn, The Adventures of Tom Sawyer, and A Connecticut Yankee in King Arthur’s Court, which he wrote while living there.
Mystic Seaport, Connecticut
Mystic Seaport: The Museum of America and the Sea is the most significant maritime museum in the United States. The museum is known for its collection of sailing ships and boats and the re-creation of the crafts and fabric of an entire 19th-century seafaring village. The maritime town consists of more than 60 historic buildings. There is also a fantastic aquarium, and make sure to grab some pizza from Mystic Pizza.
Strawbery Banke Museum, Portsmouth, NH
The Strawbery Banke Museum is an outdoor history museum that brings more than 300 years of American history to life. The museum spans 10 acres in downtown Portsmouth’s waterfront neighborhood and features 32 historic buildings and eight heritage gardens.
The Sandwich Boardwalk, Sandwich, MA
Named one of the top 10 boardwalks by National Geographic, the Sandwich boardwalk spans 1,350 ft over a marsh before it connects to Boardwalk beach. It an excellent place for birdwatching and watching ships enter the Cape Cod Canal.
Cape Cod Canal
The Cape Cod Canal is a man-made canal connecting Cape Cod Bay in the north to Buzzards Bay in the south and is part of the Atlantic Intracoastal Waterway. The canal is used extensively by recreational and commercial vessels. You will access fishing and trails for in-line skaters, bicyclists, and walkers on both sides of the canal. Several parking areas are maintained at access points. The Corps of Engineers lease bourne Scenic Park to the Town of Bourne Recreation Authority for use as a tent and R.V. campground adjacent to the canal.
Castle Island, South Boston, MA
Castle Island is a peninsula on the shores of the Boston Harbor. It a recreation site and home to Fort Independence. Attractions include a playground, beach and swimming access, and Sullivan’s restaurant. You can also take a tour of Fort Independence.
Explore a Massachusetts State Park
With 151 state parks to choose from, you could spend the entire season exploring the state parks. Some of our favorites include Halibut Point, Natural Bridge, and Bash Bish Falls.
So there you have it, 20 things to do this spring in New England. Which one would you do first?
Welcome to the White Mountains of New Hampshire!
This post may contain affiliate links, and I may earn compensation when you click on the links at no additional cost to you.
Though my whole family grew up in New England, we never learned how to ski. When the boys were little, they took a few lessons but never really got into it. Robbie’s hockey scheduled did not allow for much time to spend on the slopes, and Nicholas outright disliked it. So when I suggested we head to the White Mountains of New Hampshire for a few days, the first thing my son asked what we will do? Well, Nicholas, what won’t we do is the better question!
Where to stay in the White Mountains?
The White Mountains have plenty of motels, hotels, bed and breakfasts, ski lodges, and house rentals. We wanted a more homey feel, so I decided we would rent from Airbnb for the first time. I was always hesitant to use them, as I had heard horror stories from my friends. However, I had also seen and heard of some fantastic properties. We took a chance and rented a three-bedroom condo in the small town of Thorton, NH. It did not disappoint!
Welcome basket in the mud room. 
Living Room 
Table with a wealth of information 
Living Room 
Kitchen 
Bedroom 1 
Bedroom 1 
Bedroom 2 
Leads to Master 
Loved the coffee station 
Master Bedroom 
Master Bedroom
The condo had everything we could think of and more. Plus, it was minutes to skiing, hiking, restaurants, & NH’s renowned White Mountain National Forest.
There was an open concept living room with a huge cathedral ceiling setup with comfy seating for 10, 4K TV with surround sound, plus a treasure chest of dozens of inspiring books and card/board games.
As for the kitchen, it came equipped for cooking and dining: high top seating for six at the expandable table, dishwasher, oven, microwave, Foreman Grill, Ninja blender, & one-button coffee maker that grinds & brews. The owner even provided the beans!
Oh, and can we talk about the master bedroom? It was a quick two steps up off the living room. Featuring a gorgeous queen-sized canopy bed, top-10 rated premium memory foam mattress, dual nightstands with wireless charging for our phones. There was a private balcony off the master to enjoy a nice cup of coffee or a glass of wine at night.
Located downstairs were two more bedrooms. Two double beds with the same premium memory foam mattresses in one room, two bunk beds sleeping four children/light adults total. Both rooms were steps from the full downstairs bathroom and in-unit washer/dryer. The house was fully stocked with towels, sheets, washcloths, and blankets.
What to do in the White Mountains?
We arrived on a Thursday evening and spent it relaxing in the condo. The next morning we got up and, after a leisurely morning, headed toward N. Woodstock, NH, to explore the White Mountains for a bit before heading to the Ice Castles. I was on a quest to find a covered bridge and frozen waterfall. As I told my husband, I was not going home until I saw both!
According to the map, once in N. Woodstock, we would head west on Rt 112. This took us right into the White Mountain National Forest.
The views were beautiful, but the photos didn’t really capture it that well due to the overcast.
The following excerpt was taken directly from the National Forest website.
The White Mountain National Forest was established in 1914, with 7,000 acres bought for 13 dollars an acre. Today the area has expanded to over 800,000 acres in New Hampshire and western Maine, and the lands that were once razed and blackened are now vibrant and healthy.
One of only two National Forests in New England, the White Mountain is truly a unique natural wonder. As you wander through the lower-elevation mixed hardwood forests, it’s easy to stumble upon a piece of history, be it an old foundation, logging camp, or railroad bed. The area was first colonized in the 1600s, and before that, it was home to numerous Native American tribes.
Moving higher in elevation, the forest notably shifts, with conifers like hemlock, pines, and spruce dominating the landscape. The White Mountains are home to the most rugged and challenging terrain in the region. Boasting some of the highest peaks in New England, the tops of these mountains are home to unique health communities and stunted krummholz forests of firs and spruces.
The White Mountain National Forest is a vacation hotspot for a reason – it holds some of the best recreation opportunities in the North East. Hikers and Backpackers test their endurance on trips that bring them from granite peak to peak, with challenging elevation drops and gains in between.
After conquering a day’s worth of summits, hikers can rest their weary feet and tired heads in a series of mountain huts that provide everything from dinner and breakfast to pillows and wool blankets (but bring your own sheets or sleeping bag). All this adds up to a winning combination of rugged days and comfortable nights that has given the system a reputation for the best hut-to-hut hiking outside of Europe.
About 30 minutes into the ride, we came upon the Swiftwater Covered Bridge.
Located in Bath, NH, this bridge is the fourth to cross the Wild Ammonoosuc River. Originally built in 1810, but was carried away in 1818 by a flood and replaced in the same year. In 1828, the bridge was destroyed by another flood. The third bridge was erected in 1829 and remained at the site until 1849. At that time, it was dismantled and replaced by the current bridge. The state rebuilt this bridge in 1977. The Swiftwater Bridge is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Ice Castles in the White Mountains
The whole purpose of our trip was to see the White Mountain’s version of Ice Castles. I have wanted to attend this event for the last 4-5 years and was FINALLY successful in snagging some tickets.
Ice Castles was beautiful! It looks like something straight from the movie Frozen. Located in 4 states, Colorado, New Hampshire, Utah, and Wisconsin, it all started with a dad building an ice cave in his front yard for his 6 kids. Not only did his kids love it, but the whole town did.
Fun facts
🧊 Founded in 2011
🧊 In 4 locations.
🧊 Each castle is over 29 million pounds.
🧊12,000 icicles are grown each day.
Like most things with this virus, it was a timed ticket. However, once we were there, we could stay as long as we wanted. I wanted to see the castle in both the day and night. We arrived at 5:00 pm just as the sun was starting to set. Within 45 minutes of being there, nighttime arrived, and we experienced the castle all lit up. Fortunately, the weather was not too bad. We made sure to have warm clothing, plus snow pants. We were all comfortable.
So what is there to see? Well, there is the ice castle itself. There are frozen thrones, ice-carved tunnels, slides, fountains, and much more. Our son had fun flying down the ice slides. There is an area for tubing. We were going to try that, but the line was a bit long and, honestly, not the best thing for my back. I purchased tickets for the sleigh ride. It was a relaxing ride through the woods located toward the back of the castle and tubing area. There was also a quarter of a mile walking path; all lit up with colored lights. It was beautiful. Of course, like most places, there were booths to purchase hot drinks and snacks and a gift shop.
Snowshoeing in the White Mountains
Though we do not ski, I thought we would try our hand at snowshoeing. I booked through Alpine Adventures in Lincoln, New Hampshire. We met at their base camp in Lincoln and from there drove about 6 miles to Barron Mountain. The tour is approximately 90 minutes long. We had a tour guide take us up and back down the mountain. Once at the top, we took in the beautiful views of Franconia Notch State Park. It is hard working going up a mountain, but even harder coming back down. It took a lot of concentration to prevent myself from tumbling down! However, it was a lot of fun, and I think Santa will be bringing everyone snowshoes next Christmas!
Up we go 
Taking in the beauty. 
So pretty 
No one around but us. 
What a view!
Kancamagus Scenic Byway in the White Mountains
The Kancamagus Highway is a 34.5-mile scenic drive along NH’s Rt. 112 in Northern New Hampshire. The Kancamagus Highway is now designated an American Scenic Byway for its rich history, aesthetic beauty, and culture.
The Kancamagus Scenic Byway takes you through a path cut through the White Mountain National Forest. You will see breathtaking views of the White Mountains, the Swift River, Sabbaday Falls, Lower Falls, and Rocky Gorge. The Kanc (its famous nick-name) takes you to an elevation of just under 3,000 feet at its highest point.
People flock here in the fall to see the breathtaking foliage. However, we found it to be a beautiful place to see in the winter as well. Here is where I knew I would find a frozen waterfall!
As we drove along the Kanc, we stopped at a few places to take some photos. The higher up in elevation we went, the cloudier it became and not ideal for photos. We also found quite a few of the trails were closed due to ice. There was a particular waterfall I had wanted to see, but it closed. However, I was determined and found the Rocky Gorge was a short walk from the road.
Rocky Gorge is a powerful narrow gorge carved by glaciers, where water is almost always rushing through, even during droughts. Rocky Gorge offers a 10′ drop and rapids through the gorge.
This is definitely a place we want to come back to in the fall. There is a trail that leads to a pond that we want to hike. From what I heard, the views are amazing.
Where to eat in the White Mountains?
One of the reasons I wanted to rent a house or a condo was to have access to a kitchen. It was perfect for having coffee and breakfast in the morning. However, that is the extent of my use of the kitchen. I don’t particularly appreciate cooking at home and certainly do not want to be doing it while I am away. With plenty of places to eat in the White Mountains, it was not hard to find a place to please all our palettes. Everywhere we ate was good, but two places really hit it out of the park.
Woodstock Inn and Brewery in N. Woodstock, NH, had a great atmosphere, food, and terrific service. Their portions were generous. I had the mac and cheese. It was baked to perfection. The winterscotch martini was divine. It was made with Vanilla Bean Vodka, Baileys, and a splash of butterscotch schnapps. The boys really enjoyed dessert, peanut butter pie, and a brownie sundae!
Winterscotch Martini 
Mac & Cheese 
Flatbread Pizza 
Peanutbutter Pie 
Brownie Sundae 
Woodstock Inn & Brewery
The second place we enjoyed was right outside of Loon Mountain Ski Resort. It was called the OneLove Brewery. Bill and I both had the chicken and waffles. Nicholas had the fish and chips. We enjoyed a giant pretzel as an appetizer. Again, the portions were huge, the service was terrific, and the atmosphere was warm and cozy. It was perfect after a long day of being outside in the White Mountains.
Cool sign 
Drinks 
Giant pretzel 
Fish and Chips 
Chicken and Waffles
As you can see, even if you are not a skier, there is still plenty to do in the White Mountains in the winter. All it takes is some warm clothes and a positive attitude.
What adventures have you enjoyed this winter?
Interested in more of what New Hampshire has to offer? Check out my article on the Lakes Region of New Hampshire.
