Places to sled, skate, and celebrate all season long
Seasons in New England are fleeting, which is part of what makes them so special. A Rhode Island winter can be many things: at its official start on December 21, the vibe is jovial with folks wishing for flurries, and by January, trees are bare and it’s cold. Mid-February is when actual snowfall and accumulations enter the chat, and March (through April) is a mixed bag of warm sunny days and blizzard warnings. If you are a chionophile (lover of cold weather and snow), the period of reveling in chilly air, gazing up at clear starry nights, and anticipation of snow is as precarious as waiting for the perfect beach day in July. Here is your field guide to a winter of fun in Rhode Island, so whatever the meteorologist says, you’re ready to go!
NATURE PROGRAMMING: LAND
Embark on a brisk evening group walk to search for owls in their natural habitats at wildlife refuges across the state, join a naturalist for a mid-afternoon walk of beachcombing and bird watching at Moonstone, or go snowshoeing by the light of the full moon – all this and more awaits outdoor explorers thanks to the Audubon Society of Rhode Island. ASRI.org
NATURE PROGRAMMING: WATER
Through April, Save The Bay offers one-hour seal tours or two-hour seal and lighthouse tours. Both depart from Perrotti Park in Newport for adventures seeking seals resting on rocks. The longer tour includes a visit to Rose Island Lighthouse where passengers will disembark to explore the island and experience the
history firsthand. SaveBay.org