New England Events: February 2013
It’s the middle of winter, so time for some romance, chocolate and wine! Check specific websites to confirm dates and times, associated fees, and parking information. Some events require advance ticket purchases.
For more New England events in February 2013, check the individual state web sites at the bottom of the page.
Save the Bay Seal Tours
Select dates from November - April
Newport, Rhode Island
From November through April, Save The Bay offers one-hour seasonal seal watching tours aboard the M/V Alletta Morris from Long Wharf Dock in Newport, Rhode Island. Bundle up and don’t forget the camera!
Killington Winter Pride Festival
February 1-3, 2013
Killington Resort - Killington, Connecticut
Killington welcomes LGBT travelers for its first Winter Pride Festival. Expected to draw visitors from across the US, the event will feature a line-up of on-snow activities, live entertainment and nightly parties. Set on 3,000 acres in the heart of the Green Mountains, Killington — also known as ‘The Beast of the East’ — is the region’s largest ski and snowboard area with seven mountains, including Pico Mountain.
February Is For Lovers & CHOCOLATE EXTRAVAGANZA
February 1 – 28, 2013
Kennebunk/Kennebunkport, Maine
A month-long celebration of romance and indulgence in two enchanting seaside villages. Enjoy a Victorian Valentine lecture, wine and chocolate tastings, gallery stroll, and special accommodation/dining packages for couples. See website nearer the date for details.
WENTworth by the sea winter Wine Festival
February 1, 2013 – March 17, 2013
Wentworth by the Sea Hotel & Spa – New Castle, New Hampshire
This seven-week event caters to connoisseurs and novices alike. The Winter Wine Festival includes grand vintners’ dinners, flight nights, rare vintage tastings, celebrity chefs and winemakers, classes, Bubbles and Jazz Sunday brunches, and educational seminars. Now in its 6th year, the festival has grown by leaps and bounds, offering wine enthusiasts and gourmands the ultimate experience in entertainment and education along with the beauty of a luxurious historic grand hotel. Wentworth by the Sea is one of New Hampshire’s four historic grand hotels and is located on the picturesque Great Island of New Castle, just one hour north of Boston, Massachusetts, and one hour south of Portland, Maine.
A Taste of Vermont
February 2, 2013
Stratton, Vermont
Come enjoy fine cuisine prepared by more than 45 of Southern Vermont’s best professional chefs and amateur cooks. It’s a fun event for all with activities for the kids.
Green Mountain Club Annual Snowshoe FestivaL & WINTER PARTY
February 2, 2013
Green Mountain Club Headquarters – Waterbury Center, Vermont
Come to the Green Mountain Club’s Snowshoe Festival and enjoy your favorite trails in winter! Bring friends and family for an invigorating day of free snowshoe demos, guided snowshoe tours to local peaks and trails, indoor and outdoor kids’ activities, educational workshops, nature walks, a raffle, hot chocolate and more.
Eagle Watches on the Connecticut River
February 2nd, 9th, 16th, and 23rd, 2013
The Audubon Shop - Madison, Connecticut
See America’s national symbol in the wild. Each winter Bald Eagles make their way down the Connecticut River from Canada in search of ice-free fishing. On this tour you will observe these majestic birds from a variety of locations along the river. Tours are usually sold out, so get your tickets early. There is an additional cruise on March 2, 2013.
Antique Sleigh Rally at Old Sturbridge Village
February 2, 2013
Old Sturbridge Village – Sturbridge, Massachusetts
Old Sturbridge Village, the largest outdoor history museum in the Northeast, is a journey through time to a rural New England town of the 1830s. Visitors are invited into more than 40 original buildings, each carefully researched, restored, and brought to the museum site from towns throughout New England. These include homes, meetinghouses, a district school, country store, bank, law office, printing office, carding mill, sawmill, gristmill, and pottery shop — plus blacksmith, shoe and cooper shops. Come on this special day to experience a genuine New England Sleigh Rally in the fields of the Freeman Farm. See horse-drawn sleighs in action, including cutters and bobsleighs, as they compete for awards.
Burlington Winter Festival
February 2, 2013
Burlington, Vermont
Come to Burlington, on the shores of Lake Champlain to celebrate winter. The Burlington Winter Festival includes the Vermont Snow Sculpting Competition, the Church Street Ice Walk, kids activities, live performances, art exhibits and special merchant promotions. Go for a dog sled ride at the waterfront or head over to the Family Activity Expo at the ECHO Lake Aquarium and Science Center. Other exciting activities include the Special Olympics Vermont Penguin Plunge at the waterfront, Kids VT Camp and the Hotel Vermont Ice Bar.
Jay Peak Mardi Gras
February 6-9, 2013
Jay Peak Resort - Jay Peak, Vermont
This annual event starts on February 6 with the Farm-to-school dinner and will transition over to the Foeger Ball Room in Hotel Jay for live music by the Dirty Dozen Brass Band which is a ticketed event (tickets sold online.) Thursday and Friday there will be live music in the Tower Bar in the Tram Haus Lodge and on Saturday the Grippo Funk Band will be in the Foeger Ball Room in Hotel Jay.
U.S. National Toboggan Championships
February 8-10, 2013
Camden, Maine
Come to the “Jewel of the Maine Coast” for this exciting event and winter weekend getaway. Most of the 400-plus sledders who take part in the U.S. National Toboggan Championships will aim for the fastest time in their category. But some teams, like the trio who dress as the three little pigs each year, will be more interested in having a good time with friends. Two, three and four-person teams dressed in business suits, cow suits, clown suits and other creative costumes make watching the competition on the iced, wooden Jack Williams Toboggan Chute at Camden Snow Bowl all the more fun. Nearby you’ll find The Center for Maine Contemporary Art. The Farnsworth Art Museum and Wyeth Center are due south in Rockland.
Ogunquit Annual Mardi Gras
February 8-10, 2013
Ogunquit, Maine
Visit one of New England’s most beautiful beach towns for Mardi Gras fun. There will be a hat and mini-float parade, along with the crowning of the Mardi Gras king and queen, musical entertainment, ice sculptures and more.
Salem’s So Sweet Chocolate & Ice Sculpture Festival
February 8-14, 2013
Salem, Massachusetts
Celebrate chocolate during the 11th annual Salem So Sweet festival. This event includes a Chocolate & Wine Tasting, Ice Sculpture installations, Chocolate samplings and chocolate-inspired menu items at restaurants throughout Salem. This festival is free and fun for the whole family. Many downtown businesses will offer in-store promotions during the event ranging from free chocolate to great discounts.
Eagle Cruises Along the Connecticut River
February 9 through March 17, 2013
CT River Expeditions/RiverQuest - Haddam, Connecticut
Enjoy winter and very early spring while experiencing the beauty and solitude of the lower Connecticut River. A seasoned, experienced naturalist will talk about eagle biology and ecology and about the other wintering birds and wildlife that will be seen on this two-hour cruise. Reservations are required (will occasionally accommodate walk-ons and last minute calls.)
Ice Fishing Derby: Meredith, New Hampshire
February 9-10, 2013
Meredith, New Hampshire
The town of Meredith hosts of one of the biggest winter events in the Lakes Region: the Great Rotary Fishing Derby. Every year ice fishermen from across the USA gather in Meredith for a weekend of fun and fishing. If there is a sense of fierce competition in the air, it must be near prize time!
Newport Ski Joring Competition
February 9-10, 2013
Newport, New Hampshire
Experience a taste of the Wild West in beautiful New Hampshire. Saddle up some horses, grab a rope, put on some skis and head out to the nearest ski joring competition. Whether you are a spectator or competitor, prepare for the most exciting winter equestrian sport in America today that brings horses, riders and skiers together.
Bethel WinterFest
February 9-24, 2013
Bethel, Maine
Come to Bethel, Maine which bills itself as “Maine’s most beautiful mountain village” to enjoy all that winter has to offer! See a snowcano” — snow volcano and snow mountain perfect for sledding. Come enjoy snowshoeing events, snow groomer rides and much more!
The Great Maine Outdoor Weekend
February 15-18, 2013
Statewide
The Great Maine Outdoor Weekend is a series of events lead by outdoor oriented organizations and companies to celebrate the how, where, and what of being active outside in Maine. The September 2012 weekend offered 82 planned events, thanks to 73 host organizations. See website for more details closer to the date.
Annual Newport Winter Festival
February 15-24, 2013
Newport, Rhode Island
With over one hundred and fifty individual events, this Festival has become “New England’s largest winter extravaganza.” Held in Newport, the sailing capital of the USA, home to historic oceanfront mansions and the famous Cliffwalk, the Winter Festival offers a unique winter experience combining food, music, and entertainment, with fun for all ages. Includes Sand sculptures, a Chili Cook-Off, city-wide Scavenger Hunt, an Ice Sculpting Competition and a Children’s Fair. The International Tennis Hall of Fame & Museum also features a variety of activities for the whole family during school vacation week, including scavenger hunts through the Museum, Wii Tennis and QuickStart tennis.
Annual Harris Hill Ski Jump Tournament
February 16-17, 2013
Harris Hill Ski Jump – Brattleboro, Vermont
Harris Hill Ski Jump is the only 90 meter ski jump in New England and one of only six in the USA of this size and caliber. The Harris Hill Ski Jumping Competition is a celebrated Brattleboro tradition that dates back to 1922. This event attracts world-class jumpers from the U.S. and Europe and thousands of spectators. Enjoy two heart-stopping fun-filled jumping days of music, tailgating, a climb to the takeoff for an up-close look at the jumpers as they fly by and snow hills for the children to play on.
Boston Wine Expo 2013
February 16-17, 2013
Seaport Word Trade Center and Seaport Hotel - Boston, Massachusetts
Boston is a foodie’s paradise—and the seventh largest wine market in the nation. To honor this historic region’s passion for food and drink, the Boston Wine Expo 2013 has been expanded into an entire week of festivities celebrating wine, food and culture from the greatest wine-growing regions of the world. Over 450 wineries from around the globe pour more than 1,800 wines for you to sample — plus enjoy a week-long series of events that include outstanding cuisine from more than 40 restaurants; an expanded education series; nightly vintner dinners at top restaurants and a Grand Cru Wine Lounge, barrel samplings and vertical tastings.
Eagle Flyer Vintage Train Ride
February 16-17, 2013
Essex Steam Train & Riverboat - Essex, Connecticut
Vintage Diesel Locomotive 0900 will pull the Eagle Flyer out of Essex Station for a 2½-hour eco-excursion. The train will make local station stops in Deep River, Chester, Eagle Landing State Park and Haddam. Local residents may board at their nearby train station (see online schedule). Naturalists will be on board to share information about our national symbol, the Bald Eagle, and its glorious migration south to the CT River Valley from December to March. Bring binoculars!
Sleigh Ride Week – Billings Farm & Museum
February 16-24, 2013
Billings Farm – Woodstock, Vermont
Head to the picturesque town of Woodstock, Vermont, with the historic Billings Farm & Museum nearby. Enjoy horse-drawn sleigh rides, sledding with jack jumpers; tour the dairy farm and farmhouse; farm programs and hands-on activities for all ages.
Olde Mistick Village Cabin Fever Festival & Chowder Cookoff
February 23, 2013
Olde Mistick Village – Mystic, Connecticut
Beat cabin fever! Come to the seaside town of Mystic, Connecticut, to sample chowders of all varieties made by chefs region wide while strolling the grounds of this New England style shopping village.
Lyman Orchard's Annual Winterfest!
February 23-24, 2013
Lyman Orchards – Middlefield, Connecticut
Plans are underway for this farm festival of winter fun! Watch dog sled mushing demonstrations by the Connecticut Valley Siberian Husky Club, and, in the Apple Barrel, enjoy all the free samples you can eat! Check website for an updated schedule of events.
Stowe Derby: The Oldest Downhill/Country Ski Race in America
February 24, 2013
Stowe, Vermont
The Stowe Derby is one of the oldest and most unique ski races in North America and draws crowds each year. It started in 1945 when the challenge was the same as it is today – a race from the top of Mt. Mansfield, Vermont’s highest peak, to the historic village of Stowe. Today, the race attracts over 800 competitors, ranging from NCAA Champions to recreational skiers looking for a thrill. Over the course, participants ski through 10 miles of challenging terrain before reaching the finish in the village. The course has a total vertical drop of almost 3,000 feet. There is also a short course designed for children ages 6 to 13 or those who prefer to avoid the rigors of the main event. The race is approximately 6km.
Sweetest Day on the Trails: Annual Chocolate Festival
February 24, 2013
Intervale, New Hampshire
People come from great distances to cross country ski, snowshoe or drive from inn-to-inn along the trails of this 65 KM network to enjoy the spectacular scenery, warm hospitality, and great chocolate treats at stops throughout the network, most located along the trails. This may be the only day of the year when chocolate indulgence is totally guilt-free! Chocoholics cross country ski or snowshoe the trails to enjoy chocolate prepared every way imaginable. Many return year after year to enjoy the Chocolate Festival, often returning with a larger group of friends each time.
