Scenic Six
Snowport opens soon. Plus: Book your trip to this charming Massachusetts town, or a trending city in Connecticut.
You’re reading Scenic Six, Boston.com’s guide to New England travel. Sign up to get hidden gems, travel tips, and must-visit spots in your inbox every week.
Welcome back to Scenic Six.
I just returned from a day trip to New York City with my mother-in-law and daughter. We saw “Hamilton” on Broadway (which was incredible) and the Amtrak ride there was scenic and relaxing. We are so fortunate that a stress-free escape to NYC for the day is only a train ride away.
Speaking of day trips, this week I’m writing about a great idea for one in the Merrimack Valley, holiday events worth marking your calendar for, a New England city that’s trending for 2026, and money-saving events in Boston throughout the month of November.
Boston’s Snowport is returning for the 2025 season
With Halloween almost behind us, it’s time to focus on the holidays and 2025 Boston Snowport, featuring dining, music, iceless curling, a 10-foot Mistletoe Arch, and plenty of shopping, opens Nov. 7. I went holiday shopping there last year with friends and it was a fun and festive day.
This Connecticut city is trending for 2026
Those eyeing New England adventures next year should add New Haven, Conn. to their list, according to Skyscanner. The city was recently named one of 10 trending destinations worldwide in 2026 by the UK-based travel agency, which lauded its architecture and cultural scene (including its pizza, of course).
Why a fall afternoon in Andover is an excellent idea
Charming downtown Andover makes a great fall day trip destination. Visitors can check out the cute shops (I recently found a beautiful sweater at Chic Consignment), grab lunch at one of several restaurants, and enjoy more than 90 scarecrows dotting Main Street during the town’s 13th Annual Scarecrow Festival (running through Nov. 1). Another food and drink option nearby is Oak & Iron Brewing Company, where you can relax in a Beer Garden along the Shawsheen River.
Travel tips
Yotel Boston’s Apres Deck 12 returns Nov. 14, featuring a heated outdoor ski chalet-inspired bar with ski lift seating, ski decor, blankets, heaters, and more.
For those seeking exceptional stays, these 25 hotels just earned Michelin keys and they span all six New England states.
Kick off the holiday season with A Traditional Christmas in Stowe, taking place Dec. 5-7 in Stowe, Vermont. The event will include wagon rides, skating, ornament decorating, a holiday bazaar, and, of course, a tree lighting.
Deals and steals
Wamesit Lanes in Tewksbury is celebrating its 10th anniversary with a celebration on Nov. 9 that includes free bowling all day.
In honor of Veterans Day, veterans and active military members can get 50% off general admission to View Boston between Nov. 8-11.
When travelers book at least two nights at the slopeside Purity Spring Resort in Madison, N.H., they can snag two free lift tickets per day to King Pine Ski area. King Pine opens, weather permitting, on Dec. 12.
Looking to experience Boston on the cheap? Check out 10 free things to do in Boston in November.
I’ll leave you with this photo of the side of the Kancamagus Highway by Britta M., where you can see frost on the early morning grass and the sun illuminating the fall colors in the background.
Where have you traveled lately? Please share your photos by sending them to [email protected] and they may be featured in an upcoming Scenic Six newsletter.
Whether you’re traveling this week or planning your next escape, enjoy the journey.
— Kristi
Sign up for Scenic Six
Navigate the endless possibilities of New England travel with Boston.com.
