Many New Englanders are a special breed. They actually enjoy doing bizarre things in weather most people would work to avoid. (I’m allowed to say this: I was born and raised in Connecticut.) Blame our Puritan roots for making it difficult for us to sit around enjoying the cozy warmth of a lit hearth. Instead, we get bundled up to brave the elements for fun, which can include such bizarre activities as carving ice sculptures with chainsaws, or jumping, almost naked, into frigid bodies of water. (Okay, the Puritans probably didn’t come up with the Polar Plunge, but the point is, we have a hard time doing nothing.)
This has led to a slew of unusual events that celebrate wintertime in all its glory. Here are just a few of them, in case you, too, want to brave the elements for some fun and a quick, unique New England winter getaway.
Saranac Lake Winter Carnival:
Held this year from Friday, January 31-Sunday, February 9, the Saranac Lake Winter Carnival is the oldest event of its kind. The Carnival began in the late 1800s when, according to Visit Adirondacks, tuberculosis patients flocked to the area to breathe the fresh, cool mountain air. “Unable to sit comfortably on ‘cure porches’ or take walks along the lake shores, the winter months dragged on for the patients, many of whom were without friends or family in the area. To break up the monotony and give patients a reason to socialize and get outdoors, the people of Saranac Lake hosted the inaugural Winter Carnival.”
What started as a small, two-day affair over the last 120 years has blossomed into a two-week, all-out annual extravaganza, complete with an Ice Palace, parades with elaborate floats, and folksy competitions like the Ladies Frypan Toss. This year’s theme is “Music Legends,” so be prepared with a costume of your own (preferably, one that is warm) if you plan to try out this unique winter getaway.
Where to Stay: Saranac Waterfront Lodge, Hotel Saranac
Dartmouth Winter Carnival:
The Dartmouth Winter Carnival, once dubbed “The Mardi Gras of the North” by National Geographic, is an annual celebration that features competitions of extraordinary physical prowess and extreme inanity. (This is hardly surprising, coming from the college in Hanover, NH that inspired the events featured in the movie Animal House.) Although the carnival was once famous for ski jumps and beauty pageants, it is now better known for polar bear plunges, human dog sled mushes, downhill canoeing, and costumed ski racing (among other bizarre-yet-hilarious events).
Where to Stay: Hanover Inn, Six South St. Hotel, Norwich Inn
Ice Castles:
North Woodstock, New Hampshire, is one of only four cities across America to host Ice Castles, an incredible feat of wintery engineering. This family-friendly event opens in January (weather permitting), with an ice sculpture garden, frozen slides, caverns, archways, and walk-through tunnels of LED-lit ice. You can sidle up to their “Polar Pub” for a winter-themed alcoholic beverage and then stroll through the castle, or enjoy some snow tubing on a groomed sled path. (For a romantic winter getaway, you can reserve a private “Arctic Alcove” within the castle for a date night, which sounds incredible.)
Where to Stay: Woodstock Inn Brewery, Launchpoint Lodge, Franconia Inn
Muddy Paw Sled Dogs:
A visit to the Muddy Paw Sled Dog Kennel in Jefferson, New Hampshire, is less of an event and more of a bucket-list experience. If you’ve ever dreamed of seeing the legendary Iditarod, or just enjoy watching dogs doing what they do best, you no longer have to go all the way to Alaska. Founded in 2007, Muddy Paw Kennel is home to over 80 sledding dogs who will eagerly (and we mean eagerly) show you what they can do. You can take a wild ride through the local scenery, or sign up for mushing lessons so you can steer the furry beasts yourself. Reservations are required, but no experience is necessary, and all ages are welcome to come love the dogs (some of whom are rescues) and/or experience the ride of your life.
Where to Stay: Mountain View Grand Resort, Omni Mount Washington, The Glen House
