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Boston Area's Best Winter Road Trip Destinations

Boston winters may be harsh at times, but they also create a beautiful landscape. New England is known for its sparkling snow falls and wintery scenes, so get out and enjoy it. If you are not a fan of the cold, no worries, make your road trip destination an indoor facility where you can keep warm. Don't let the winter keep you from making the most of what New England has to offer. Bundle up, pack the car, grab the family and hit the road for some wintery fun at these amazing vacation spots.
Bretton Woods
(Photo Credit: Bretton Woods/Facebook)

Bretton Woods
Mount Washington Resort
Route 302
Bretton Woods, NH 03575
(603) 278-1000
www.brettonwoods.com

Click here for prices.

Whether or not skiing is your forte, Bretton Woods keeps every visitor happy. Just less than a three-hour drive from Boston, Bretton Woods lives up to its reputation. Enjoy skiing, skating, snowboarding, sleigh rides, snowshoeing, tubing and cross-country skiing. Bretton Woods caters to everyone from beginners to experts and offers a variety of activities just for kids, such as the Outdoor Firepit, Cookies and Critters, Princess Package in the Spa, Hobbits Ski and Snowboard School, Tubing, and Kids' Club. Enjoy the Canopy Tour, which is available year-round and features the wondrous nature of New Hampshire as seen from the height of the tree tops. Indulge in the spa after a hard day of outdoor activity, enjoying services such as skin care, nail care, hair care, massage, whirlpools and relaxation rooms. Dine at a number of restaurants offering a wide variety of food selections, including kid-friendly menus, and rest assured knowing any lodging option you choose here is kid friendly. With all that there is to do at Bretton Woods, you may never want to leave.

Cape Codder
(Photo Credit: Cape Codder)

Cape Codder Resort and Spa
1225 Iyannough Road
Hyannis, MA 02601
(855) 861-4370
www.capecodderresort.comClick here for prices.

Even during the bone-chilling cold, it is possible to forget that it's winter. Cape Codder Resort and Spa can easily help you forget the snow outside or the dropping temperatures. With an indoor wave pool - complete with water slides, waterfalls, whirlpool and sauna, you're transported back a few months to enjoy some summer fun. Relax at the Beach Plum Spa with services such as massages, body treatments, hair salon, skin clinic and kids corner. For the fans of winter, there are packages such as Enchanted Village, North Pole Express, New Year's Eve and "Not-So-Polar" Plunge, which features the heated, outdoor Rainbow Falls Pool. Grab a meal at Grand Cru Wine Bar and Grill or the Hearth 'n Kettle, and savor some Cape Cod-style foods. Settle in, kick back and snuggle in front of a fireplace in one of the cozy rooms at the resort.

Newport Winter Festival
(Photo Credit: )

Newport Winter Festival
28 Pelham St.
Newport, RI 02840
(401) 847-7666
www.newportevents.comClick here for prices.

From February 15th to 24th, 2013 celebrate the 25th anniversary of the Newport Winter Festival. About an hour-and-a-half from Boston, Newport, R.I., is host to myriad events for 10 straight days. Eat your heart out at the chili or chicken wing cook off, listen to music at the annual concert, have fun at the two-day children's fair, or take a cover band rocking Beatles' tunes. There is also an ice sculpting demonstration, kids dance party, beer dinner for the adults and an illuminated garden. Stay at the nearby Pearls Boutique Hotels to experience Newport's charm or Hotel Viking to bask in the elegance of Newport.

killington
(Photo Credit: Killington)

Killington
4763 Killington Road
Killington, VT 05751
(802) 422-3261
www.killington.comClick here for prices.

Less than three hours from Boston, Killington Ski Resort offers terrain for all skill levels. Whether you want to ski or snowboard, cross country ski or snowshoe, or indulge in a sleigh ride, Killington resort will not disappoint. Ski lessons are available if you are new to the mountain sport or just need a refresher. If skiing isn't your thing, there are plenty of activities to partake in off mountain, such as relaxing in the spa with a massage or facial, touring the mountain via a snowmobile, shopping in the Killington area or dining at area restaurants. There are dozens of places to stay at this family friendly ski resort, so pack your bags and hit the road.

Jiminy Peak
Jiminy Peak (credit: jiminypeak.com)

Jiminy Peak
37 Corey Road
Hancock, MA 01237
(413) 738-5500
www.jiminypeak.comClick herefor prices.

With varied terrain and trails at Jiminy Peak, the whole family can feel comfortable skiing or snowboarding. Try something different and partake in the Jiminy Mountain Coaster: a rollercoaster-type ride through the woods. It doesn't need to be a thrill ride because you control the speed. Do some shopping at the Country Store where you will find items like maple syrup, cookies, wine, coffee and sandwiches. Enjoy pub food at the tavern or cafe food at the lodge. Stay the night and relax after a day of exercise with a massage or lounge in the whirlpool.

Nicole Adams resides on the South Shore of Massachusetts. She is a freelance writer specializing in animal welfare. Her work can be found at Examiner.com.

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