Coastal destinations to visit in the offseason: Rhode Island, Maine and Massachusetts
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A pair hold hands while skating at the Ice rink at Newport Harbor Island Resort, located in Newport, RI. Credit: Corey Favino
Some spots usually recognized as summer destinations around the Northeast are also great to try in the offseason, because there’s still plenty to do and the crowds are smaller. Here are three spots to consider for fall/winter New England trips:
NEWPORT, RHODE ISLAND
Rail Explorers
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A pair pedals a Rail Explorers railbike while traveling the historic railroad between Portsmouth and the Sakonnet River in Rhode Island. Credit: Rail Explorers
The Rail Explorers pedal railbike group offers a pair of 6-mile tours in Rhode Island, including the “Northern Ramble” run of the historic railroad between Portsmouth and the Sakonnet River, or a 3-mile one way, 3-mile back “Southern Circuit” trip that stops by a waterfront picnic area. Rates start at $93 for a tandem bike, and $163 for a quad bike.
INFO 1 Alexander Rd., Portsmouth; 1-877-833-8588, railexplorers.net
Newport Vineyards and Taproot Brewing Co.
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A pair of guests sit in the tasting room of Newport Vineyards and Taproot Brewing Co., located in Middletown, RI. Credit: Annabelle Henderson
As the name implies, both wine and craft beer are available at this spot on 100 acres of preserved farmland. Open daily during the offseason, its event calendar includes wine and cheese classes, yoga sessions and its monthly “Beer Hall” parties. Look forward to its “Wine-terfest” festival coming Feb. 19-20.
INFO 900 E. Main Rd., Middletown; 401-848-5161, newportvineyards.com
Ice rink at Newport Harbor Island Resort
Set to open on Nov. 24, visitors can use the resort's skating arena slated to stay open until Feb. 26. Non-guests get two-hour skate times (hotel guests get unlimited skate time). Admission is $15, $12 kids ages 12 and younger (skates are $12 to rent, skate aid rentals are $15). Head down Wednesdays all day and weekdays between 4-6 p.m. for $2 off admission.
INFO 1 Goat Island; 401-849-2600, newportharborisland.com
“Christmas in Newport”
Now in its 52nd year, this annual celebration returns Dec. 1-29, and takes place across the city, with a variety of events including live music, dance performances, craft-making, a Christmas tree lighting (in Kings Park: 125 Wellington Ave.) on Dec. 1.
OVERNIGHT STAY
Hammetts Hotel
![The exterior of Hammetts Hotel, located in Newport, RI.](/_next/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fcdn.newsday.com%2Fimage-service%2Fversion%2Fc%3AZTg1Nzg5YTItNDk4MS00%3AYTItNDk4MS00NWJlNzY4%2Ftrcov221106_photos.jpg%3Ff%3DLandscape%2B16%253A9%26w%3D768%26q%3D1&w=1920&q=80)
The exterior of Hammetts Hotel, located in Newport, RI. Credit: Hammetts Hotel
A boutique spot on the Newport wharf near the city’s Thames Street shopping and dining row, it’s also equipped with its own restaurant and art gallery. Off-season rates start at $200.
INFO 4 Commercial Wharf; 401-324-7500, hammettshotel.com
NANTUCKET, MASSACHUSETTS
Maria Mitchell Association
A nonprofit organization featuring historical and science-related programming, its Loines Observatory features a presentation (on select dates between Nov. 3 and Dec. 15) guided by an astronomer who will offer a look at planets and constellations before viewing celestial objects via both a historic 8-inch telescope and a modern 24-inch research telescope. The association’s Hinchman Museum of Natural Science will be open starting Nov. 1, Fridays through Sundays fro 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., and will feature activities and nature tours.
INFO 33 Washington St., 508-228-9198, mariamitchell.org
Nantucket Historical Association Whaling Museum
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This skeleton of a sperm whale hangs in the Nantucket Historical Association Whaling Museum, located in Nantucket, MA. Credit: Bill Hoenk Photography
Featuring hundreds of artifacts, artworks and other items on display, this museum focuses on the island’s history. Look for a 46-foot-long sperm whale skeleton, a restored 19th-century candle factory and collection of scrimshaw among its collection. Visitors can look forward to tours, exclusive films, a holographic exhibit and other daily programming. Head up to the rooftop deck for a view of the harbor and Nantucket’s historic downtown.
INFO 13 Broad St.; 508-228-1894, nha.org
Miacomet Golf Course
Offering golf year-round weather dependent (closing early on Thanksgiving Day, closed Christmas Eve and Day), this facility also features a restaurant and simulator space. With three sets of tees, the course is wide open and not considered to be especially difficult. Dress code is golf casua, but denim is not preferred and metal spikes are not permitted. Some rental clubs are available during the winter, and there’s a golf shop for any other necessities. Winter Rates go into effect starting Nov. 1 (through April 30) and are $50 per person, with carts $20 per person.
INFO 12 W. Miacomet Rd.; 508-325-0333, miacometgolf.com
Go scalloping
The island’s scalloping season runs until the end of March and is open to locals and visitors. Nonresidents must purchase a permit for either $50 for a week or $125 for a year, which can be done online (nantucket-ma.gov). Nantucket Bay scallops are considered a delicacy, but there are rules regarding size and growth rings when collecting the bivalves, so be sure to check the current rules. You’ll also need to bring gear, such as gloves, waders, a rake and a basket.
OVERNIGHT STAY
The Nantucket Hotel and Resort
![The entrance of The Nantucket, located in Nantucket, MA.](/_next/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fcdn.newsday.com%2Fimage-service%2Fversion%2Fc%3AOGU3ZWY4ZWMtYmJjZC00%3AZWMtYmJjZC00ZWM2NTc3%2Ftrcov221106_photos.jpg%3Ff%3DLandscape%2B16%253A9%26w%3D768%26q%3D1&w=1920&q=80)
The entrance of The Nantucket, located in Nantucket, MA. Credit: The Nantucket Hotel
Guests at the resort receive complimentary shuttle service from and to the ferry docks plus other area locations. There's also a health club that features fitness classes, a hot tub, sauna and yoga sessions. It also features an event calendar and is dog-friendly. Nightly rates start at $225.
INFO 77 Easton St.; 508-228-4747, thenantuckethotel.com
BAR HARBOR, MAINE
Acadia National Park
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Visitors taking pictures of a lake while visiting the Eagle Lake area of Acadia National Park in Maine. Credit: NPS - Victoria Stauffenberg
Extending over 50,000 acres and featuring more than 150 miles of hiking trails and 60 miles of coastline, the park is mostly sprawled across Mount Desert Island (the largest island off Maine’s coast) but reaches across other islands as well. Things to try when visiting this natural wonder include stargazing, cycling, nature watching, as well as hiking and boating where permitted.
INFO25 Visitor Center Rd.; 207-288-3338, nps.gov
The Natural History Center
Featuring tours that cover a wide variety of nature experiences and things to try, guests can find something to experience during every season. Fall jaunts include looking for animals like bald eagles, beavers and deer, as well as exploring the shorelines. Winter highlights include watching for seals, snowy owls and sea ducks, driving to a lighthouse or going cross-country skiing across groomed trails. Tour rates vary per date and destination; weekly birding tours are $45.
INFO 207-266-9461, thenaturalhistorycenter.com
Fogtown Bar Harbor
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A group is photographed hanging out at Fogtown Bar Harbor, located in Bar Harbor, ME. Credit: Ashley L. Conti/Fogtown Brewing
This brewing company will be matching its selections to the offseason with darker brews like “Night Nurse Double Shift” American stout (brewed with local coffee beans) and its new Acadian Strong Ale, as well as a new cider from its Feral Tree series, made with local apples. The brewery’s “Winnowing” blueberry maple wine is back for the season. Guests can enjoy live music Friday nights through December in the taproom.
INFO 33 Cottage St.; 207-801-9165, fogtownbrewing.com
Wendell Gilley Museum
A group examines an exhibit while visiting the Wendell Gilley Museum, located in Southwest Harbor, ME. Credit: Wendell Gilley Museum
Located on Mount Desert Island, the museum connects people to nature through art, with an added focus on preserving the works of famed bird-watcher and carver Wendell Gilley. Aside from displays of Gilley’s creations, classes in printmaking, painting and carving are offered, as are bird walks and nature journaling — and for the first time since the museum was launched 41 years ago, it will be open during the winter months on Fridays and Saturdays.
INFO 4 Herrick Rd., Southwest Harbor; 207-244-7555, wendellgilleymuseum.org
OVERNIGHT STAY
The Acadia Hotel—Downtown
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The exterior of the Acadia Hotel--Downtown, located in Bar Harbor, ME. Credit: Acadia Hotel
A boutique hotel that stays open year-round, its location puts it within walking distance of area restaurants and stores. Guests receive a light continental breakfast, and there are hot tubs and a bar on site. Nightly rates from November through March start at $120.
INFO 20 MT Desert St.; 207-288-5721, acadiahotel.com