Scenic Six
Plus: Free December activities, a luxury houseboat stay in Maine, and Somerville’s Annual Maker Market.
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Welcome back to Scenic Six!
This week’s theme is saving money, as we discuss Black Friday and Cyber Monday travel deals, a deep discount at a regional amusement park, and free things to do around Boston in December.
Treat yourself to a discounted getaway
What’s better than booking a getaway? Booking a getaway and saving money. Hotels and resorts across New England are offering Black Friday and Cyber Monday deals this week, making it a perfect time to book that overnight stay in Boston, on the Cape, in the New Hampshire mountains, and more.
Enjoy Boston activities without spending a dime
December is typically an expensive month, making opportunities to save money even sweeter. Check out this list of 10 free things to do across the city during the month of December, including free holiday concerts, tree lightings, museum outings, and more.
Here’s why North Conway should be on your radar this winter
If you haven’t explored North Conway, it’s well worth a trip this season. The New Hampshire destination was just named the best ski town in North America by USA Today readers. My trips there are always memorable, from skiing with the family to riding a holiday train to the “North Pole” with the kids to shopping and dining out with friends.
Travel tips
- If you are driving for Thanksgiving this week, you certainly aren’t alone. AAA predicts this will be the busiest travel year yet, with 71.7 million people taking to the roads. Check out the best and worst times to travel.
- For out-of-the-box travel in 2025, consider sleeping on a houseboat on the Kennebunk River in Maine. The Cora Houseboat is now available for booking. Take a look inside.
- The enormous, glowing Ice Castles will return to New Hampshire this winter and tickets go on sale Tuesday, Nov. 26. Visitors can stroll an illuminated Mystic Forest, hop on a horse-drawn sleigh ride, visit a Winter Fairy Village, enjoy beverages at a frosty ice bar, and more.
Deals and Steals
- Escape to Woodstock, Vermont and get a free night when you book four nights at Woodstock Inn & Resort using an American Express card. The offer is good through Dec. 31, 2025. Woodstock has been named among the prettiest American towns to visit during the winter.
- Save money while holiday shopping at Bow Market in Somerville this Saturday, Nov. 30 during a Small Business Saturday and Makers Market. The free event will include retail, food, and drink specials all day, as well as entertainment, prizes, and more.
- Want to take the kids to Story Land in Glen, N.H. in 2025? Save $45 on a one-day ticket and $50 off a season pass during the park’s current Black Friday sale. A one-day ticket, good on any day during the 2025 season, currently costs $29.99, down from $74.99.
I’ll leave you with this photo of Boston’s Beacon Hill neighborhood taken by Irene.
Where have you traveled lately? Please share your photos by sending them to [email protected] and they may be featured in an upcoming Scenic Six newsletter.
Whether you’re traveling this week or planning your next escape, enjoy the journey.
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