Photo: WinterFest, credit Henry Marte

Discover the hidden gem of Lowell, nestled in the magnificent Merrimack Valley! Immerse yourself in this vibrant city with a rich historical tapestry, diverse cultural offerings, and breathtaking natural beauty. Explore the thriving arts scene, indulge in delectable local cuisine, and delve into captivating museums. Don't miss the chance to wander along the picturesque Merrimack River and become enchanted by the stunning landscapes. Whether you're drawn to the bustling city center or the warm community spirit, Lowell and the greater Merrimack Valley promise an unforgettable experience filled with charm and enriching activities for all.

The City of Lowell is excited to announce the return of WinterFest on Friday, February 16, and Saturday, February 17 to Downtown Lowell. This beloved annual event will feature an array of exciting activities and attractions for all ages, including live music, performances, art and, of course, the soup competition!

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Wintertime heats up with local happenings, first at the Winter Festival, followed by Valentine’s Dinner at Polar Park and Italian Opera at Mechanics Hall. New England Botanic Garden at Tower Hill gets colorful with Patterns in Bloom and Orchids After Dark, while the Harlem Globetrotters and Monster Jam bring action to the DCU Center. For more, catch The Green Sisters at The Center at Eagle Hill or “My Fair Lady” on The Hanover Theatre stage.

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Greenfield's 102nd Annual Winter Carnival - Season Switch-Up unfolds from February 2-4, continuing a cherished tradition since 1922! The city transforms into a winter wonderland for a weekend packed with festivities. From ice sculpture contests and fireworks, to a parade of lights, glow party, sled races and more, there's something for everyone. Experience the charm of donuts with Olaf, a mad science show, jigsaw puzzle contest, cribbage tournament, K9 keg pull, chili cook off, vintage snowmobiles, sledding, ice skating, and beyond! Explore the complete schedule here.

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Photo: Annielly Camargo, courtesy of the Downtown Boston BID

WINTERACTIVE is a free, walkable art experience featuring 16 artworks and interactive play elements, presented by the Downtown Boston Business Improvement District. Inspired by the vibrant winter festivals and art exhibitions of our neighbors in the province of Québec in Canada, we invite you to embrace the joy of winter as you stroll the streets of Downtown Boston! WINTERACTIVE features eight artists and design teams from Canada, England and the U.S., many of whom are being presented in America for the first time.

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Rest and recharge with a warm and cozy winter escape to the Cape! Sit fireside at a romantic inn or quaint B&B. Indulge yourself at a full-service resort. Take a brisk beach walk on a sun-filled day, or savor a spa experience. Explore hiking and biking trails, visit a brewery, and dine fireside. Find treasures in dozens of shops and art galleries. Fun winter events include the always decadent Osterville Chocolate Fest on February 10, the family-friendly Yarmouth Winter Carnival February 17-19 and the festive Cape Cod St. Patrick's Parade on March 9. Book your stay today and warm up this winter on Cape Cod!

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February Vacation is coming and Western Mass has the activities you’re looking for to get away from the school grind and enjoy a week with the family! Visit the Springfield Museums, Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame, Historic Deerfield and Yankee Candle Village for their vacation week activities. There’s so much to do, you’ll need a few days, so make it a family getaway and check into one of our family-friendly and affordable hotels. 

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Photo: Lynne Graves Photography

Warm up to winter in Hampshire County! Start things off with the family-friendly Fire & Ice Festival in Amherst, featuring fire pits, ice sculptures, and more! Cross the Connecticut River to Easthampton for Winterfest, featuring horse-drawn sleigh rides, old-fashioned ice harvesting, and food trucks. Need to warm up? Head inside to experience the a cappella showcase Silver Chord Bowl at Smith College or the Young@Heart Chorus at Bombyx, or get lost in the timeless illustrations of Seymour Chwast at The Eric Carle Museum of Picture Book Art.

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It’s a Winter Wonderland out there...and February is a great time to hit the slopes or the trails! Wachusett Mountain Ski Area is a magnet for skiers and snowboarders, and the state reservation offers miles of cross-country and hiking trails. The region is also home to numerous state parks that are open to XC skiing, snowshoeing and hiking, from Pearl Hill in West Townsend to Dunn Pond in Gardner and Lake Dennison in Winchendon. Don’t forget to enjoy some hot cocoa or cider at the end of the day!  

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In February, Martha’s Vineyard is a peaceful respite from schedules. Untrodden roads, snowy trails and beach strolls beckon; silent forest walks calm the soul. Post-stroll lunches or fireside dinners soothe, stay a few nights at charming hotels, inns and B&Bs, watch moonrise at the beach. Shops, galleries, markets and gathering events (like Big Night Out on February 3, 6-9PM), karaoke and trivia nights, live music venues are fun! Full Moon Owl Prowl at Felix Neck (February 23) is unforgettable. It’s all near and here!

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Shake off your winter blues and head to North Adams for the annual WinterFest celebration, taking place the weekend of February 17 from 10am to 4pm. Activities include ice carving along Main Street, sledding and playtime fun in the snow at Colegrove Park, the WinterFest Crafts and Farmers Market, horse-drawn wagon rides and, of course, the heated annual Chowder Cook-off competition! Follow North Adams Tourism on Facebook for updated full schedule for WinterFest and events times, and locations.

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Fill your February vacation road trip with thrilling events in MetroWest Boston! On February 3, Altitude Trampoline hosts a Swifties Fan One Night Only event, featuring jumping to an Eras Playlist and crafty bracelet-making. Boston Bluegrass Union’s JamVal Non-Festival returns to the Sheraton Framingham February 16-18. Celebrate National Engineers Week at the Discovery Museum February 18-25. Savor Fruity Pebble French Toast or Cookies N Cream waffles from Lookout Farm's brunch menu. Join Earth & Aerial Yoga for Teen and Tween Aerial Adventures February 19.

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February’s Nantucket is a stunning winter-wonderland — wide-open vistas, spectacular beaches, diverse conservation lands comprising half the island — do not miss Nantucket Conservation Foundation's endless miles of trails. Add 800+ pre-Civil War homes and edifices, the Harbor and waterfront, collectively creating America’s best-preserved historic seaport. With all this, visit when your visit counts most! Stay at distinctive hotels, inns and B&Bs; dine at outstanding restaurants, see Dreamland’s Beauty & the Beast, visit the Whaling Museum (open Feb 14-29), enjoy libations at Cisco Brewers (W-Th-Fri-Sat-Sun) and shop at distinctive shops and boutiques.

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Photo: Crane Outdoors

You’re invited to Salem’s So Sweet Chocolate and Ice Sculpture Festival February 9–11. A decadent tradition of delectable chocolate, sparkling ice sculptures, and Valentine’s Day shopping! Indulge in a vibrant celebration of art and community on February 10 from 11am to 5pm at Rocky Neck Winter Fest, where you can immerse yourself in creative activities for the heart, spirit, and soul! Join Crane Outdoors for a snowy owl prowl as you hike the dunes in search of these magnificent birds. Offering a standard Snowy Owl Prowl and a Family Own Prowl on the weekends and daily through February school vacation week.

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There’s no better time than February for a cozy winter getaway to the Plymouth area! From a romantic, luxurious romance package at Mirbeau Inn & Spa to a cozy, coastal weekend escape to the Inn at Scituate Harbor, Plymouth County has you covered. Give the kids something fun and educational to do over school vacation with Winter Break Adventures at Pilgrim Hall Museum and Plimoth Patuxet Museums. Visit SeePlymouth.com or download the #SeePlymouth app for a full calendar!

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Spring is almost here, and we’ve got your next ADVENTURE.  Ocean views, with the freshest seafood. There’s something for every budget. Southeastern Massachusetts has a lot to offer, from historic locations with spring around the corner it’s time to plan your next getaway to the beach, blue skies and new friends. Less than an hour from Boston and minutes away from Providence. Your escape is waiting in Southeastern Massachusetts.

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Photo:  Richard Williams, Alfred E. Neuman and Norman Rockwell, 2002

Norman Rockwell Museum is the home for illustration art in the Berkshires. Two special exhibitions are now on view: the first major American retrospective of artist, designer, and children’s book creator Leo Lionni and works of “mystery and wonder” from the museum's growing illustration collection. Opening in June is a landmark exhibition on the art and humor of MAD Magazine, with 150 original artworks and a wealth of material that tell MAD’s incredible story! Be sure to add the Norman Rockwell Museum to your next Berkshire itinerary!

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