15 Travel Ideas in New England in January

Any winter travel list worth it's salt will showcase Stowe high up in the rankings for a January getaway. The town is known as the Ski Capital of the East, and there’s plenty of challenging runs. The village offers plenty of shopping along with ice skating and fine dining. The Stowe Winter Carnival takes place every January. The nine-room Stone Hill Inn is close to the resort and offers tasteful appointments, see-through fireplaces and two-person Jacuzzi tubs in each room.

Get away to picturesque Bethel, Maine, during the first month of the year and hit the slopes at Sunday River in the heart of the White Mountains. The Bethel Inn Resort is only six miles from Sunday River, and sits on 200 acres of elegant countryside. Guests can relax in the heated pool, fitness center or sauna, and the on-site restaurant offers an unparalleled menu of New England’s finest cuisine.

Bretton Woods is New Hampshire’s largest ski area with plenty of scenic trails and groomed runs in varying difficulty. Ride the gondola to the top of the mountain for a full day of skiing, ride the zip line, or explore the village and town. Afterward, retire to your room at the luxurious Omni Mount Washington Resort, the area’s premier full-service hotel.

Ludlow, Vermont, is home to unforgettable skiing in January at Okemo Mountain Resort, one of the East Coast’s best family-friendly ski resorts. The Jackson Gore Inn sits at the base of the mountain and is the best hotel at the resort. Known for impeccable guest rooms and undying attention to detail, the hotel comes ready for family fun with indoor and outdoor heated pools, a fitness center and the popular Okemo Adventure Zone.

Explore the Connecticut shoreline and its beautiful marinas at the award-winning Inn at Harbor Hill Marina in Niantic. The boutique B&B has 16 nautically themed guestrooms on the waterfront in the heart of the Mystic Country region. Guests will enjoy the hearty full breakfast and mile-long boardwalk just outside the hotel. The nearby village of Niantic offers plenty of adventure and shopping, and the communities of New London and Mystic are less than 15 minutes away.

Killington is another great ski option. From classic trail skiing to parks and pipes, there’s something for everyone at this Vermont resort. The Killington Grand Hotel is right on the mountain and is the top lodging choice in the area. From impeccable on-site dining to distinguished guest rooms, the hotel has everything you need for a picture-perfect January ski vacation.

Downtown Boston plays host in January to the family-friendly New England International Auto Show at the Boston Convention and Expo Center, a showcase of the newest imported and domestic vehicles. Browse cars, trucks, vans, hybrids, SUVs, and crossovers from all the major manufacturers, and meet with dozens of factory and dealer reps who are happy to pop the hood and talk about what’s inside.  The Revolution Hotel is in the popular South End area of the city, adjacent to the Back Bay. The area offers a plethora of contemporary dining and shopping and plenty of nightlife. Make reservations at one of the hotel’s innovative lofts and you’ll feel like you’re living in your own brownstone in Beantown.

Make plans to stay at the Bedford Village Inn & Grand at the Bedford Village in January. The 10-acre estate is close to bustling downtown Bedford but has a complete country feel. Once a 19th Century working farm, the property has been fully restored as a nationally acclaimed luxury inn. The boutique hotel has 64 tastefully appointed rooms and offers exquisite fine dining at its award-winning on-site restaurant. Kids will love the year-round heated salt-water pool and parents will appreciate the quaint country charm.

Head to peace and quiet of serene Washington, Connecticut, in January and book a stay at the charming Grace Mayflower Inn & Spa. The boutique hotel is only a two-hour drive from New York City, and has a soothing full-service luxury spa as well as a savory on-site restaurant with locally sourced ingredients. Hit the slopes at nearby Woodbury Ski Area only 10 minutes from the hotel. Southington and Mohawk Mountain are both less than an hour away.

Plan a stay at Smugglers’ Notch Resort and get your tuns in at the family-friendly ski area. The resort offers an on-demand shuttle to the ski area, or you can just walk. It’s that close. Enjoy convenient family-style condominiums in the heart of it all. Guest rooms are perfect for families, singles, groups or romantic couples.

Plan a trip to the Berry Manor Inn in January for the annual Pies on Parade tour. Rockland is known as “Pie Town USA,” and the Berry Manor Inn is known for its signature pies. A perfect destination for those who want to stay far away from the ski slopes. The award-winning bed and breakfast has 12 guest rooms and offers a healthy locally-sourced made-from-scratch breakfast that is unmatched. Just make sure you save room for pie.

The Mystic Aquarium offers unique up-close animal encounters with African penguins and California sea lions during the month of January. Participants will work with trainers and get hands-on experience working with the penguins and sea lions. The Whaler’s Inn in downtown Mystic is a perfect base to explore the area’s rich marine history, local galleries, boutique shops and award-winning restaurants. The hotel has a wide selection of lodging to fit groups of varying size across five buildings.

Ski at Mount Snow or Sugarloaf and stay at a rural country farm all in the same trip? Shearer Hill Farm Bed and Breakfast is known for its signature baked apples and ice cream for breakfast. Is there a better way to fuel up for a day on the slopes? We think not. Take to the mountains or just relax on the farm. The rural country estate has beautifully inspired guest rooms with a true down-home feel.

Guests can hit the slopes at Camden Snow Bowl, a quaint ski resort that offers one-of-a-kind ocean views. Snow ski in January while taking in ocean views? Yep, it’s a thing. The Grand Harbor Inn in downtown Camden is open in January and offers scenic harbor views and easy access to everything in town. The hotel offers guest rooms and suites with waterfront and water view options available.

Enjoy classic New England skiing during January at Sugarbush Resort. Stay at the Clay Brook Hotel and Residences at the base of the ski area. The resort has a heated pool and hot tubs, a game room, and a gym. It’s perfect for a family ski resort getaway to Vermont.