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When the thermometer drops, New England becomes a region of festivity for everyone, and weekend getaways offer a wealth of activities for every age to enjoy. Whether it’s culture, the arts, history, culinary offerings or outdoor adventures, there’s so much taking place that the tough part will be deciding what to do first. Below, three destinations to discover.

BURLINGTON, VERMONT—

Burlington is bursting with things to do, so the perfect place to begin is at the CHURCH STREET MARKETPLACE, also known affectionately as “downtown.” This pedestrian walkway is renowned for its collection of more than 75 bakeries, cafés, local shops, several James Beard-nominated restaurants and a Ben and Jerry’s storefront that’s footsteps from the original stand (a plaque at St. Paul and College streets marks the location). For education enthusiasts, a visit to the ECHO LEAHY CENTER, which focuses on scientific discovery, nature and Lake Champlain, offers enlightenment, as does the ETHAN ALLEN HOMESTEAD for history buffs who want to experience a bit of 18th-century life. Food devotees and environmentally conscious consumers will make their friends green with envy at SHELBURNE FARMS, a National Historic Landmark and nonprofit center for sustainability that features dining, walking trails, an inn and a farm store. Meanwhile, skiers will relish all of the ski resorts nearby. Other outdoor endeavors include snowshoeing, ice skating, snowmobiling and ice climbing. www.helloburlingtonvt.com

YORK, MAINE—

York, Maine—which is actually known as “The Yorks”—consists of four unique communities: Cape Neddick, York Beach, York Harbor and York Village. Culture and history fans can see one of the United States’ most scenic and historic lighthouses, NUBBLE LIGHT (officially called Cape Neddick Light Station), which has been in existence since 1879. Simultaneously, family enjoyment can be found at YORK’S WILD KINGDOM, New England’s only amusement park and zoo—which features an interactive Butterfly Kingdom, bumper cars, mini-golf, plenty of animals and rides for the kids. In York Beach, you’ll find numerous funky places to eat, play and shop, including THE GOLDENROD, a café and candy store that has been in business since 1896. Food lovers will also make a beeline for the flagship store of STONEWALL KITCHEN, where specialty food, culinary items, a café, cooking classes and a showroom are all accessible onsite. For those who crave the outdoors, the MT. AGAMENTICUS REGION offers 40-plus miles of trails and a 10,000-acre nature preserve. www.visitmaine.com

LITCHFIELD, CONNECTICUT—

Rich in Revolutionary history, Litchfield, Connecticut, is a quaint New England town with attractions for all ages. History aficionados are drawn to the LITCHFIELD HISTORY MUSEUM, which details the town’s evolution. Those who love spirits and libations will want to raise a glass at the LITCHFIELD DISTILLERY, while wine seekers can search for the best bottles at the HAIGHT-BROWN VINEYARD. Admirers of the outdoors can find their place at the WHITE MEMORIAL CONSERVATION CENTER. It’s situated at the center of the 4,000-acre White Memorial Foundation property, which includes nature trails, hands-on exhibits, a natural history museum and an outdoor bird sanctuary. Those partial to horses can take the reins with a session at LEE’S RIDING STABLES at Windfield Morgan Farm Inc. During the holidays, visitors may also cut their own Christmas trees at the MEADOWVIEW TREE FARM LLC, where they can indulge in free hot cider and donuts for their efforts afterward in the heated barn. www.ctvisit.com

WINTERTIME WEARABLES

Chilly temps make for haute fashions, and the forecast for winter trends doesn’t disappoint. Now that pandemic loungewear is finally being put to bed, fashionistas are gravitating toward garments more elevated in style. Case in point: Skirt suits and statement overcoats made with tweed and fine wools hit the runways for designers like PETER DO, while hourglass-shaped corsets and dresses came out strong for DIOR and JIL SANDER. Woolen stockings are making a comeback, appearing on the models for CHANEL, and speaking of what’s good for the gams, thigh boots are chic again, making a showing with Balenciaga and Givenchy. We’d be remiss to forget faux fur coats to keep us comfy, or sweaters with elongated necks and hoods as seen in Paris from DOLCE & GABBANA and VIKTOR & ROLF. Additionally, the demand for micro handbags is diminishing while the maxi clutch is making its mark as a sleek accessory complementing the clothes of BOTTEGA VENETA and GAUCHERE. Find these glamorous goods at HARPER & TUCKER in Newport, Rhode Island, or ALAN BILZERIAN in Boston, Massachusetts.

HARPER & TUCKER 146 Bellevue Avenue, Newport, RI 02840, 401.236.2623

ALAN BILZERIAN 34 Newbury Street, Boston, MA 02116, 617.536.1001

FOODS FOR FEASTING— AND WHERE TO FIND THEM

New England is known for its outdoor beauty, history, arts, culture and food. In fact, the region has several staples native to the area but admired all over the country. While Maine lobster may be one of the first items to come to mind, it’s certainly not the last. Check out a handful of our favorites that make ideal holiday presents for the foodies in your life.

MAPLE SUGAR FROM VERMONT

Maple sugar is definitely the sweetest treat on our list, and everyone knows the tastiest hails from the Green Mountain State. Family-owned and operated RUNAMOK in northern Vermont, in business since 2016, produces barrel-aged, infused and smoked organic maple syrups. The award-winning brand is nationally recognized and also offers maple-based cocktail mixers, bitters and a recently launched line of raw, infused and hot honeys. Our pick for a gift guide? The Sparkle Syrup, a pure maple syrup infused with pearlescent mica fitting for any age to bring a touch of glittery magic to your table. 802.849.7943; www.runamokmaple.com

Amazing oysters, everyday waterside dining with beautiful views, farm tours, fresh seafood pickup and shipping across the U.S.? It’s like there’s nothing Rhode Island-based MATUNUCK OYSTER BAR hasn’t thought of. From pond to plate and farm to table, this farm turned restaurant turned enticing culinary experience is something every New Englander needs to know about. Not only is the company dedicated to fresh, locally grown fare with its farm-raised seafood and vegetables sourced from its own organic vegetable farm, but the 60-minute tours of the facility enable guests to learn all about aquaculture and fisheries on a local and global scale, and they can be enjoyed either on land or from the water. MATUNUCK OYSTER BAR 629 Succotash Road, South Kingstown, RI 02879, 401.783.4202; www. rhodyoysters.com

Yale University isn’t the only prestigious institution located in New Haven, Connecticut. Hailed for its prowess in pizza, the city has several well-known pizzerias that have earned respect for their mastery of the pie. Many argue that among the finest is SALLY’S APIZZA, which has been serving up savory slices since 1938. This legendary restaurant is found in the heart of New Haven’s Little Italy area and was originally opened by Sal Consiglio and his mother, Filomena. While a visit to its Wooster Street location is definitely desirable, it’s now also possible to satisfy your cravings through nationwide shipping with Goldbelly—and that’s something gourmands can certainly get behind. SALLY’S APIZZA 237 Wooster Street, New Haven, CT 06511, 203.624.5271; www.goldbelly.com

APPLE CIDER

What would fall and winter be without the sweet taste of cider? As a popular beverage option when the weather cools down, it’s important to find the optimal source to slake your thirst for this tasty drink—and the Granite State delivers. One of the most enticing brands to try is FARNUM HILL CIDERS by Poverty Lane Orchards in Lebanon, New Hampshire. Available at shops throughout Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire and Vermont, Farnum Hill offers products to quench the palate in bottles, cans and small combo packs. For those wanting to send a package to friends outside of states where Farnum Hill is available, the company also offers direct shipping. FARNUM HILL CIDERS 603.448.1511; www.farnumhillciders.com

Family-owned-and-operated THISTLE HILL FARM in North Pomfret, Vermont, is a certified organic dairy farm that’s been making delectable cheese for more than three decades. Its Tarentaise—an aged farmstead cheese that’s unique to the region—is created from the certified organic raw milk of its grass-fed Jersey cows. It is a true reflection of what makes New England, and the Green Mountain State in particular, so special. The smooth texture and subtle, nutty flavor of this naturally rinded cheese is ideal for meals and melting. Customers can buy products directly from the company’s website, from select online retailers or from a range of stores throughout Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire and Vermont. THISTLE HILL FARM 107 Clifford Road, North Pomfret, VT 05053, 802.457.9349; www.thistlehillfarm.com

’Tis the moment for holiday cheer, and there are plenty of festive activities families can enjoy to get in the spirit and experience the magic that only this time of year delivers. Whether indoors or out, spectacular sights await for those ready to celebrate amid the wonderland of winter. Here’s a trio of our top suggestions to choose from.

HOLIDAY LIGHTS SPECTACULAR

For those who love holidays lights, nothing beats Roger Williams Park Zoo come fall. It starts the season with the Jack-O-Lantern Spectacular, which begins in late September and runs until November. The event showcases thousands of illuminated, carved pumpkins beautifully aglow. Last year’s theme was music through the ages, and the sights and sounds were unforgettable. Once that celebration concludes, the zoo switches over to the Holiday Lights Spectacular, which features more than three million lights and larger-than-life displays that run until early January. Both events are walk-through experiences that take place all across the zoo’s 40-acre grounds. ROGER WILLIAMS PARK ZOO 1000 Elmwood Avenue, Providence, RI 02907, 401.785.3510

ICE CASTLES

Located in five U.S. cities, including the New England outpost in New Hampshire, Ice Castles is an award-winning frozen attraction that’s constructed with thousands of icicles placed by hand by professional ice artists. These structures incorporate ice-carved fountains, slides, tunnels and archways, plus LED-lit sculptures and frozen ice thrones. The castles traditionally open in January and run through early March, depending on the weather. Fun fact: This experience began when founder Brent Christensen created his first icy structure in the front yard of his home to alleviate his children’s cabin fever. It became such a popular attraction in his neighborhood, it expanded into his Colorado town, and now kids (and adults) get to see similar creations throughout the nation. ICE CASTLES 24 Clark Farm Road, North Woodstock, NH 03262; www.icecastles.com

ESSEX STEAM TRAIN NORTH POLE EXPRESS

Trains have always been synonymous with the holidays—and the movie The Polar Express has only heightened our collective affection for this singular mode of transport. That’s why the thought of experiencing a real-life ride with all its bells and whistles is such a joyful prospect, and the ESSEX STEAM TRAIN NORTH POLE EXPRESS delivers it in spades. Through November and December, guests can get on board for a 90-minute nighttime journey that features visits with Santa, Mrs. Claus and their elves, as well as festive sing-a-longs and sugar cookies. Plus, every child departs the train with a gift in hand. Talk about the spirit of the season! ESSEX STEAM TRAIN NORTH POLE EXPRESS 1 Railroad Avenue, Essex, CT 06426, 860.767.0103; www.essexsteamtrain.com Seeing as fall and winter months are the most festive time of year, it seems only fitting to prepare for plenty of toasts and cheer. Of course, that requires a range of options to choose from since everyone’s palette is unique. It’s important to provide options for all of your guests when hosting dinners, small gatherings or larger soirees, so we’ve rounded up a few suggestions along with where to find everything on your list.

FOR THE OENOPHILES

Wine lovers love to raise a glass when celebrating—no matter if it’s red, white or sparkling. Colder months were made for full-body reds and whites like Napa Cabernets and Chardonnays. For desserts, sweet whites such as Sauternes and rich red Ports pair perfectly with cheesecakes, tarts and seasonal pies like pecan and pumpkin. Meanwhile, bubbles never cease to get a party started with options ranging from Italian Prosecco and Spanish Cava to luxurious French Crémant and the higher-end Champagne houses.

FOR THE COCKTAIL CONNOISSEURS

Chilled temps call for warmer cocktails, and there are so many delectable ones to choose from; but let’s focus on one of the most popular spirits of the season: whiskey. There’s a hot toddy, which features just four simple ingredients: hot water, whiskey, honey and lemon. Next is an Irish coffee, which offers a caffeine kick with just three enticing ingredients: Irish whiskey, hot coffee and sugar. Mixed together and topped with cream, it makes for a tantalizing treat. Last but not least, for those who love sweets, consider spiked hot chocolate, which is simply cocoa, milk, the spirit of your choice and, of course, mini marshmallows.