Why these New England sites should be on your 2025 bucket list

Scenic Six Why these New England sites should be on your 2025 bucket list Plus: JetBlue deals, New Year’s Eve plans, free ski lift tickets, and more. The Red Lion Inn in Stockbridge. The Red Lion Inn
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I recently had the cool experience of riding in an 1897 “birdcage” elevator at the historic Red Lion Inn in Stockbridge. I was in Stockbridge for the annual Norman Rockwell Christmas celebration. Do yourself a favor and check it out next year.
Also on tap this week, where to go in 2025 and why a Vermont resort was just named among the best in the world.
Stepping into a Norman Rockwell painting this holiday season in Stockbridge
Norman Rockwell, the iconic painter and illustrator, lived and worked in Stockbridge for the last 25 years of his life. He completed the 1967 “Stockbridge Main Street at Christmas (Home for Christmas)” painting for McCall’s magazine and for the past 35 years the town has recreated the painting every holiday season. I joined the festivities this year for the first time. It was a heartwarming afternoon full of old-fashioned fun.
A Vermont hotel was just named among the best on the planet
Woodstock Inn & Resort just landed on Conde Nast Traveler’s 2025 Gold List, which names the best hotels in the world. The hotel, which dates back to 1793, is full of “quintessential New England charm,” according to CNT.
Consider this Maine destination for your 2025 trips
Are you already planning your 2025 travel destinations? Travel publication Afar named Maine’s Bold Coast on its list of where to go in 2025. Travelers can enjoy farm-to-table restaurants, trails, and more. The best way to tackle it? Drive the Bold Coast National Scenic Byway, wrote Afar.
Travel Tips
JetBlue is launching daily, seasonal nonstop flights to Madrid, Spain and Edinburgh, Scotland in May. I’m liking this news, as I fell in love with Edinburgh last year while traveling there with my husband and Madrid is on my bucket list.
Need New Year’s Eve plans? Channel your inner Marty McFly and go “Back to the Future” at Night Shift Brewing in Everett, which is hosting a 1950s prom on Dec. 31 similar to the one where McFly’s parents fell in love in the movie.
Plan a musical weekend away in Scituate or Killington, Vermont this Jan. 24-26 and check out the “Wintersong” concert series. The three-day series is a celebration of eight female country songwriters and “a rare opportunity to catch world class original artists close to home,” said Scituate’s Kara Tondorf, a producing singer and songwriter.
Deals and Steals
Skiers and riders can get free lift tickets all season long at Storrs Hill Ski Area in Lebanon, N.H. Yes, you read that right. Happy skiing.
Need a quick getaway? Book a Winter Wonderland package at Verve Hotel Boston Natick. The package, available through Jan. 6, includes a $25 food credit and snacks and the hotel is near breweries, restaurants, the Center for Arts Natick, and the Natick Mall (perfect for holiday shopping). Rates start at $164 per night.
Shake off the cold at the New England Boat Show, taking place Jan. 8-12 at the Boston Convention and Exhibition Center, where you can dream of warmer days and enjoy specials on boats and accessories.
I’ll leave you with this photo I took in Stockbridge of the horse-drawn wagon rides on Main Street.
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Whether you’re traveling this week or planning your next escape, enjoy the journey.
— Kristi Palma
Kristi Palma Culture writer Kristi Palma is a culture writer for Boston.com, focusing on New England travel. She covers airlines, hotels, and things to do across Boston and New England. She is the author of Scenic Six, a weekly travel newsletter.