The Boston Red Sox are in spring training and I’ve just spent the weekend in Virginia where two of the days were a balmy 68 degrees… so does this mean its time to leave our cabins in New England for some outdoor activity?

Well maybe. New Englanders know that at this time of year we can get a nice warming trend or be snowed-in by a major northeaster storm.

For those willing to be adventurous and keep a precautionary eye on the weather forecast, I can make the following recommendations for destinations this time of year:

Maple Sugaring in Vermont:

If the temperature at night and during the days is just right the maple sap should be running by now. The season is short – mostly six weeks – but the midnight oil will be burning at the Maple Farmers “factory”, and you can visit a Maple Sugarhouse and watch the syrup being “made.”

Not sure where to go? Just look for the tell-tale sign of smoke and sweet scent in the air as a strong indicator you’re close to one. You can find more information at my special maple sugaring page by clicking here.

A Stroll on a Beach in Massachusetts:

The Cape and its gorgeous beaches can be crowded in summer but this time of year you’ll share some of the best ones with just a few hardy others. In early March you’ll find many of the white sandy beaches still partly frozen and the walking is easy, and the bitter cold of January and February have given way to milder temperatures. One of my personal favorites to walk this time of year because you can go for miles and miles is Nauset Beach at Orleans.

Nauset Beach is part of the National Seashore, and to get there just follow the signs from Orleans town center. Click here to discover more about Nauset and the Cape Cod National Seashore.

Walking on Water in New Hampshire:

January and February on Lake Winnipesaukee are historically the winter months with the most ice depth, as it can be bitterly cold with the wind on the lake. Early March offers best of both worlds with a frozen lake but an increase in the mercury level, and at the weekends you’ll see hundreds of people out enjoying winter lake activities. With the right boots you can experience walking on Lake Winnipesaukee yourself, and then settling in for a hot cup of chocolate at one of the lakeshore cafes.

While I’m not an experienced ice fisherman – I have done it with the aid of an experienced guide - I enjoy watching the experts set their traps and settle back to a relaxed afternoon. You’ll find ice fishing a popular sport on the Lake this time of year.

Check the forecast for this weekend and if fair weather treat yourself to a New England outdoor trip to one of these activities.

For more ideas and suggestions on attractions and things to do in New England this weekend check out my New England destination guide by clicking here.

Come back here for more events in New England next week.

Cliff Calderwood
Executive Director
New England Vacation Online Guide