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Community Corner

Winter Adventure Day Trips in Massachusetts and Rhode Island

Travel to these day trip destinations on one tank of gas—or less.

Written by Denise Dubé

Bundle up and hit the road. These local winter wonderlands near Massachusetts and Rhode Island are full of adventure—and are less than a tank of gas away.

Nashoba Valley Ski Area

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79 Powers Rd.
Westford, MA
(978) 692-3033

Why Go?
Patch Editor Patrick Ball said these snow-laden slopes satisfy every age, whether you’re a 3-year old learning to ski or 60-year old picking up a snowboard. Enjoy skiing, snowboarding, sledding, tubing or just running around those frosty hills. 

Insider Tip: Unlimited season passes save serious cash for those who hit the slopes every week.

Must Do: Take a modern-day sleigh ride on a tractor-pulled wagon that weaves through the woods. 

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The Fine Print: Don’t worry about packing snacks—the Outlook Restaurant is open seven days a week.  

Foxboro Sports Center Public Ice Rink

10 East Belcher Rd.

Foxboro, MA 

(508)-698-0505

Why Go? Skate on the same ice used by the South Shore Kings and the Neponset Valley River Rats. The center offers two National Hockey League-sized rinks. It is open to the public and available for parties and special events.  

Insider Tip: The Kings and the River Rat use the rinks regularly, so call (508) 698-0505 to see what’s publicly available.

Must Do: The center offers skating and hockey lessons, summer clinics, and is a great spot for parties and business conferences. 

The Fine Print: Skate rental $5; click here for a printable schedule.

The Polar Express

Woonsocket Railroad Depot

1 Depot Sq. 

Woonsocket, RI

(401) 724-2200

Why Go? Step into the pages of the holiday classic book, written by Chris Van Allsburg. You’ll head toward the North Pole and Santa’s elves in search of a special bell. “The magic for children and parents begins as soon as the family drives up to our Polar Express Station built in the 1880's,” Blackstone Valley Tourism Director Bob Billington said. 

Insider Tip: Children are encouraged to wear their pajamas on the train.

Must Do: Enjoy the hot chocolate and cookies served on the train and snap photos of your kids with the conductor, Santa and Mrs. Claus, Rudolf and Frosty before and after the trip.  

The Fine Print: This train's on a schedule! If you miss it, there are no refunds. Tickets start at $36.

 

Christmas in Newport

Newport, RI

(401) 849-6454

Why Go? This month-long community celebration lights the restored colonials of the Point, Historic Hills and Bellevue Avenue. 

Insider Tip: With more than 1,500 volunteers, the event raises thousands for local charities. Any event listed in the annual program is free or benefits a charity. 

Must Do: On Dec. 31, take a 70-minute narrated train ride through Newport Naval Station and along scenic Narragansett Bay. Travel in heated vintage rail cars like those that brought Gilded Age visitors to Newport. Choose from either an 11:45 a.m. or a 2 p.m. departure. Get tickets here

The Fine Print: Call the hotline at (401) 849-6454, or email info@christmasinnewport.org for more information.

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