Winter is certainly here in full force this week at Distinctive Inns of New England. After weeks of above normal temps, the Polar Vortex has descended. Old Man Winter is finally here and the best way to embrace it is to pack warm clothes and plan for some outdoor escapes. After all, there is no such thing as too cold, just the wrong clothing.
We plan to feature ideas for the perfect winter romantic getaway at the nine Distinctive Inns of New England (DINE). Last week we focused on outdoor fun in Kennebunkport, Maine with a stay at the Inn at English Meadows. Today, we’ll move our focus to New Hampshire and the Chesterfield Inn.
Top five ideas for outdoor fun and indoor romance at the Chesterfield Inn
Snowshoeing or XC skiing in Pisgah State Park
Not far from the Chesterfield Inn, Pisgah State Park includes over 13,300 acres of rough forested terrain, encompassing a complete watershed north of the Ashuelot River. Within the Cheshire County towns of Winchester, Chesterfield and Hinsdale, the park offers a diversity of beautifully wooded trails for snowshoeing and XC skiing. This is a place where the quiet of the winter woods offers the ideal spot for romantic winter hikes and even possibly a proposal in Pisgah! The Park allows leashed pets on the trails, so book one of the pet-friendly rooms at the Chesterfield Inn and bring your pooch to the park too!
Skating & Artful Ice Shanties at the Retreat Farm
Located on traditional Abenaki homelands in Brattleboro, Vermont, a short drive from the Chesterfield Inn, Retreat Farm encompasses 500 acres of conserved forests, farmlands, trails, and waterways. A favorite winter activity here is ice skating on Retreat Meadows. You’ll want to bring your own skates though, there are no rentals here. Time it right, and you may be able to catch the Artful Ice Shanties Display. Presented by the Brattleboro Museum & Art Center and Retreat Farm, the Artful Ice Shanties outdoor exhibit is a place-based celebration of artistic talent, creative ingenuity, and the rich history of ice fishing at the Retreat Meadows. Each decorated with unique artwork and designs, the Artful Ice Shanties will be displayed on the Retreat Meadows from Saturday, Feb. 18, through Sunday, Feb. 26 in conjunction with the Brattleboro Winter Carnival. Come meander through the village of huts as you sip hot cocoa, provided by the museum.
Brattleboro Winter Carnival & ski jumping competition at Harris Hill Ski Jump
The Chesterfield Inn is just five miles from Brattleboro and the 67th Annual Brattleboro Winter Carnival, taking place February 18-26, 2023. Any event with a 67-year legacy must be worth a trip. The Carnival takes in a week-long myriad of events including everything from Sugar-on-Snow, the Variety Show, the Chili Cook-Off, Pancake Breakfast, and much more. This year, events will continue with some new winter fun started in 2022 by teaming up with the Whetstone for Charity BINGO, a Glow Light Skate at the Nelson Withington Skating Facility, Family BINGO, and activities sponsored by Brooks Memorial Library. The Ice Shanties at Retreat Farm are part of the festivities too. Don’t miss the exhilaration of events surrounding the competition at Harris Hill Ski Jump during the carnival too. A field of around 40 of the world’s top up and coming ski jumpers from the US and Europe are scheduled to compete this year at the Harris Hill Ski Jumping Competition. Jumpers launch from the take off and soar more than 300 feet at speeds of nearly 60 mph. The event has a festive atmosphere with food, music, souvenirs and a beer tent. Talk about tradition! 2023 marks the event’s 101st year.
Dinner at the Chesterfield Inn
After a day of skating, spectating or snowshoeing, nothing is better than a return to the Chesterfield Inn for a cup of tea or a glass of wine by the fire. Whether it’s in the lobby, the living room or your own guest room, a cozy fireside warm up will be just the way to end the day, topped off with a chef-prepared dinner at the Chesterfield Inn’s beautifully appointed dining room. Would you rather opt for something more private? Dinner or breakfast may be served in the privacy of your room here at the Chesterfield Inn too.
Winter Packages at the Chesterfield Inn
A variety of Chesterfield Inn packages are available to enhance the romance and culinary experience. Perhaps the Date Your Mate Package will be the ideal way to celebrate Valentine’s Day anytime in February. Remember what it was like back when you were dating? Reserve time away with your sweetheart for a date at our romantic New Hampshire Inn and Restaurant. This package includes a bottle of Prosecco in your room upon arrival, dinner for two (includes 3 courses and gratuity) tax not included and breakfast in bed in the morning. Simply add $165 for the package to the cost of your room. Other packages offer Death by Chocolate and a wide sampling of Maple products during March Maple Madness Month in New Hampshire.
We’ll continue to explore winter fun and fabulous packages in DINE country in future posts on the blog. Don’t wait to book your winter romantic getaway soon. February is for lovers, and now is the time to start planning.
In Massachusetts: Harbor Light Inn in Marblehead, Deerfield Inn in Historic Deerfield and Captain’s House Inn in Chatham on Cape Cod
In Maine: Inn at English Meadows in Kennebunkport.
In Vermont: Rabbit Hill Inn in Lower Waterford & Grafton Inn in Grafton
In New Hampshire: Manor on Golden Pond in Holderness & Chesterfield Inn in West Chesterfield
In Connecticut: Inn at Harbor Hill Marina in Niantic
In Massachusetts: Harbor Light Inn in Marblehead, Deerfield Inn in Historic Deerfield and Captain’s House Inn in Chatham on Cape Cod