Winter in the City
No doubt, it’s been a very cold and snowy season in Boston. The extreme cold air and subsequent snowfall that blanketed New England and many other areas of the United States early this year not only broke weather records but led to mass disruptions on many fronts. But despite all the frustrations and inconveniences that winter brings, there are plenty of ways to find fun and stay warm while waiting patiently for spring’s arrival.
Here are five of our favorite spots in Boston and communities within Massachusetts that offer fun ways to warm up from the cold:
1. Magic Wings Butterfly Conservatory & Gardens
This South Deerfield gem includes an 8,000-square-foot glass conservatory filled with butterflies & moths fluttering freely in a tropical environment that is open to the public for enjoyment all year-round. If the winter doldrums are getting you down, perk yourself up by being surrounded by peace and tranquility in this beautiful sanctuary. Visit www.magicwings.com for more information.
2. L.A. Burdick Chocolate & Hot Chocolate Sparrow
After a long day out sledding or shoveling, you’d want to warm up to everyone’s favorite beverage this time of year: hot chocolate. The boxed variety from the supermarket just doesn’t cut it here. Some of our favorite spots for rich, gourmet hot chocolate include L.A. Burdick, a café and chocolate shop in Boston and Cambridge (www.burdickchocolate.com), and Hot Chocolate Sparrow, a coffee and chocolate bar in the Cape Cod area (www.hotchocolatesparrow.com).
3. The Spa at Mandarin Oriental Hotel, Boston
Nestled in the stylish Back Bay neighborhood of Boston, this hotel is an oasis in itself, a place to decompress and de-stress, after a day of shopping and endless activity in a world-class city. Aching muscles from a winter of nonstop shoveling? The luxury spa in this 5-diamond hotel offers a variety of treatments for the winter weary, including body wrap and aromatherapy treatments, facials, and specialized treatments for expectant moms. Visit www.mandarinoriental.com/boston/luxury-spa for more information.
4. CoCo Key Water Park
This is a perennial favorite for families and anyone looking to ride out the winter blues. This Danvers fun stop is considered the largest indoor water park in New England and boasts year-round water fun in a tropical-like environment. So, if you’re someone who only breaks out the swimsuit in summer, then you’ll be glad to know it is always warm indoors at the park no matter how cold it is outdoors. For ticketing and general information, visit their website at www.cocokeyboston.com.
5. Monster Mini Golf
Come out of the cold and into this cool, monster-themed indoor 18-hole miniature golf course that is sure to challenge the golfer in all of us, regardless of age or experience. And you won’t have to worry about frost on the turf either. The glow-in-the-dark décor is colorful and eye-catching. Various locations in Boston include Norwood, Danvers, and Seekonk. Visit www.monsterminigolf.com for more information on pricing and hours of operation.
If you’ve had it with the icy temperatures and ready to bid adieu to Old Man Winter, we know how you feel. We feel it too! But until then, we’d love to hear your favorite places in Boston to come out of the cold. Adding the fun factor is a real plus too.
Image credit: Ilma Massink
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