Plus the necessary cocoa to warm you up after!!
Ever heard the saying, “If you don't like New England weather, wait five minutes”? We're
bracing for whatever Mother Nature brings, with sledding and snow tubing adventures—natural or artificial! And as a bonus treat, we've lined up spots for hot cocoa delights that aren't as weather-dependent.
So, let's get grooving — snow-filled fun and cozy havens await you!
Hot Spots for Chilly Fun Close to Home
If you’re looking for a quick, local outing with the littles, Medford and its surrounds offer fun spots for sledding and snow adventures that will tucker them out.
The area around Goddard Chapel isn't just for quiet reflection—it's a playground for sled enthusiasts in winter! The gentle incline of the hill offers both thrilling rides and stunning views of the surrounding neighborhoods, making it a favorite spot for students seeking a snowy adventure or families looking for some winter fun.
Once you’ve had your fill of the hills, it’ll be time to fill your belly with some tasty treats from Danish Pastry House. Enjoy authentic treats that feel like a trip to Denmark itself, paired with a hot chocolate, or, for the caffeine-dependent, one of their seasonal lattes like the timeless Gingerbread, which is like eating a cookie and enjoying coffee all in one!
Located via Fellsway East, behind Fellsmere Pond, Seven Bumps Hill has been a wintertime gathering spot for generations and is rumored to be the birthplace of mountainboarding. Even if there’s no snow, Fellsmere Pond is a perfect spot for a nature walk, with spectacular views from the higher spots within the park.
Whether you’ve been sledding or strolling, you’ll want to stop over to Bikeeny Cafe, a few blocks over on Summer Street, where you’ll find the most delectable pastry, the Bikeeny (hence the cafe’s name!), and egg sandwiches with — wait for it! — a soft-boiled egg instead of the standard fried one. It's the perfect way to warm up after a morning outing.
Photos, clockwise from top left: Sledding, a hot beverage from Malden's Bikeeny, a (very) cold beer from the Barrington Brewery & Restaurant, and the cozy interior of the Danish Pastry House, on Boston Ave in Medford's Hillside.
Westward-Bound Winter Wonderlands
Although northbound often leads the way for snowy escapades, there are also destinations to the west. For those seeking a day trip brimming with adventure, here are some 4Squares recommendations featuring heartier dining options and potent libations.
Nashoba Valley Tubing Park + The Outlook Restaurant, Littleton, MA
Nashoba Valley Tubing Park is a winter wonderland with endless hills and manufactured snow, perfect for thrilling tubing adventures. Nestled in scenic Nashoba Valley, it offers an exhilarating experience for all ages. The park's meticulously crafted slopes ensure an exciting ride every time, making it a go-to spot for winter fun.
Top off the day with snacks and goodies at The Outlook Restaurant, where there’s something for everyone’s appetite, from burgers and chicken fingers to nachos, shepherd’s pie, and creamy mac & cheese (plus adult libations for the over-21 crowd).
Ski Butternut + Barrington Brewery & Restaurant, Great Barrington, MA
Known as the ultimate family snow destination, Ski Butternut is your go-to spot for skiing and snow tubing. Offering ski lessons, rentals, and even snowboard rentals, they cater to all levels of winter enthusiasts, ensuring a memorable snow-filled experience for everyone, ensuring that no matter what Mother Nature brings, you’ll have the perfect snowy day.
While Ski Butternut also has on-site dining, if you’re looking to branch out and enjoy some craft beers apres-ski or snow tubing, Barrington Brewery & Restaurant is the place to see and be seen. Their artisanal brewery, housed in historic barns and utilizing a 7-barrel system, offers a spectrum of flavors, including a light and refreshing Berkshire Blond, a rich and creamy Black Bear Stout, and for those who are pining for warmer days, a delightful Raspberry Ale.
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