Things to Do: Winter Edition!

The temperature is going down and the idea of leaving your warm apartment or condominium is more daunting than ever.  For those of you bold enough to travel outside the confines of your luxury residence, we've compiled a list of winter activities worth leaving the house for:

Traditional Outdoor Fun

- Skiing.  Whether you are a pro-skier that doesn't have the time to travel to a more northerly destination, or if you have never even seen a pair of skis, Ward Hill, Nashoba Valley and Wachusett Mountain offer great, local options for skiers of all experience levels.  Ward Hill located just across town on Main Street, has lift ticket prices starting at $28, and Nashoba, close by in Westford has tickets beginning at $43 - these are great for those new to the sport offering ski school as well as beginner level slopes. 

Wachusett Mountain is a quick drive and a great mountain for the experts down to the beginners.  Be sure to check out their events including the Polar Express Celebration on December 22nd or their New Year’s Eve celebration.

-Ice Skating. If you, or your kids, would prefer to skate, The Worcester Common Oval is now open for the season!  This unique outdoor rink is located behind City Hall on the Common in Worcester.  It is open to the public Saturdays and Sundays from 1 p.m.-6 p.m. and on Thursdays from 12 noon - 2 p.m. and has extended hours during school vacation weeks.

 If you prefer the warmth of skating indoors, visit the Buffone Skating Arena in Worcester.  The Arena is open for public skating on Sundays, from 2-4 p.m.; Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays 10 a.m.-12 p.m., Tuesdays and Thursdays 12 p.m.- 2 p.m. and Saturdays 2 p.m.-4 p.m.  Skate rentals are available.

-Sledding. If you're feeling even more adventurous, go sledding or better yet, go tubing at Ward Hill or Nashoba Valley Ski Area.  Both have great Tubing Parks.  TubaSlide at Ski Ward has up to 8 lanes and 2 lifts.  Participants must be at least 6 years old and 42" tall.  Tickets start at $22 for a day of fun. 

Indoor fun

-Get fit with hot yoga or rock climbing.  Yes, you can do these two activities anytime but the cold weather makes working out and staying healthy that much harder.  Why not try something new, fun and warm instead of running outdoors every day?  Try the Central Rock Gym in Worcester or try hot yoga at Bikram Yoga Studio in Westboro.

-Museums.  A trip to the museum may be the easiest and most intellectual way to enjoy a chilly day.  We know the museums tend to be a little on the expensive side, so join the Shrewsbury Public Library to have access to discounted passes to a variety of museums in our area including the Ecotarium in Worcester, Tower Hill Botanic Garden, Isabella Steward Gardner Museum and the MFA in Boston. 

-Get in the Holiday Spirit.  There are tons of local spots to wrap up your holiday shopping.  One of our favorite spots for unique finds both old and new is Crompton Collective and Birch Alley both located in Kelly Square in Worcester.  Great places to shop for unique gifts and hostess treats. 

If you are feeling holly and jolly, head over to the town Common on December 23rd at 7 p.m. for an evening of Caroling with Shrewsbury residents and neighboring towns. 

Just because its cold doesn't mean you have to bored and miserable!  There are plenty of things to do in the Shrewsbury area to keep you entertained no matter what your preferences are.