photo from Weston Ski Track Website

Old Man Winter is finally here. With the temperatures dipping, I got excited for winter activities such as snowshoeing, skiing, skating etc. While the ground isn't covered quite yet to be able to cross country ski in the backyard, head out to Weston Ski Track, where you enjoy cross country skiing on manmade snow on a well groomed track.

Weston Ski Track is located at 200 Park Road, Weston, MA and open from 9-6pm on weekends and holidays and from 10am-9pm Monday-Thursday. The cost of a trail pass for adults is $13 and $7 for a child. Try night skiing for $11 for adults and $6 for kids. The track rents both snowshoes and cross country skis as well as offers lessons to those just getting into the sport.
Every Tuesday night the Cambridge Sports Union sponsors a 5k time trial for all who want to experience racing.
There is enough here to for the family to enjoy. Warm up after the afternoon's activities with a nice cup of hot chocolate in the cafe.

Our own Salem, MA comes alive in October to celebrate its history as home to the Salem Witch trials in the 1600's. Known as one of America's haunted cities, it seems like one of the best places to spend the days leading up to Halloween. Here are just a few of the places to visit in Salem!

photo courtesy of salem witch museum website

Salem Witch Museum
Salem's most popular museum tells the history of the Salem Witch trials. Beware, can be scary for young children (and adults!).

House of Seven Gables
The house from Nathaniel Hawthorne's famous novel!
Offering lantern tours on October 7 and 8!

Salem Wax Museum

The Witch House
The only remaining house with historical ties to the witch trials.

If you just can't get enough of the witches, come to Salem on October 27, 2006 for the annual witches' ball! Modern day witches from around the globe will gather in Salem to celebrate at the Hawthorne Hotel. The $150 ticket price includes hors d'oeuvres, tarot card readings, costume contest and more!

photo from the DeCordova Website

Who doesn't love a little art al-fresco? With the weather getting chillier, our days are numbered outside. Why not head out to the DeCordova Sculpture Park in Lincoln this weekend and check out the exhibits.

There are three ongoing exhibits right now, Going Ape, William Tucker's Horses and Nina Levy.

There is an "Eye Wonder" program at the museum just for families which centers around the "seeing" and "doing" at museums. There is a special Eye Wonder program free this weekend, on September 24. So drop in anytime between 1-3.

However, the park is amazing to visit on any day of the week. The grounds are gorgeous and feature ever-changing exhibits. Just a 20 minute ride from Boston out on Rt. 95 N. There is a $9 admission fee for adults and a $6 admission fee for kids. Bring the dog, the park is pet friendly!!!

Picture courtesy of google images

If you have never been mountain biking, this might be the spring to try. It is all the thrill of skiing, without the cold.

My two favorite places to mountain bike within 20 minutes of boston are:

Blue Hills Reservation
Milton, MA
Includes both single tracking and easier trails.
Begginers should try the loop around Hougton's Pond or starting at the Park and Ride across from Big Blue.

The "Fells"
Middlesex Fells Rerservation
Winchester
There is a nice 6.3 mile loop here. I prefer to start in the "dog park" or the "meadow" and head on into the woods.

A few MAJOR hints:

1)wear a helmet-your mom will be so relieved and you will be thankful if you fall, which you inevitably will.

2)expect to get "beaten-up", a few scrapes and bruises never hurt anyone, however don't try this before being in a wedding, you may not look your best after. Let me have learned that lesson for you.

3)Don't be afraid, dare to try, but also know your limits when it comes to something that might be dangerous. Ie: don't try single tracking down a big hill the first time you go out. Try a more varied terrain that includes uphills and small downhills. No less the thrill, I promise.

4)Try and go after it has rained. Playing in mud never gets old. Make sure to wear old shoes though.

5)Always go with a buddy. I don't care who you are, but being out in a wooded area alone is never smart.

Do you remember that song...

"He'd fly through the air with the greatest of ease,that daring young man on the flying trapeze.
His movements were graceful, all girls he could please!"

photo courtesy of aolcityguide and getty images

Ahh..if only it were that simple.

But it is for those of you looking to get in touch with your adventurous side or those wanting to reinact Carrie from Sex and the City, try Boston Trapeze School located at the Jordan's Furniture in Reading, MA.

For $10, you can try it at the open flying times, offered on Saturdays or Sundays.

As the weather gets warmer, why not hop in the car and take a ride up to Cape Ann and do some exploring! Here are my personal Cape Ann picks:

1) The Trask House (wink, wink and not just because it is my namesake!)is the Manchester Historical Society, located at Union Street, Manchester by the Sea. This historical site, features old photographs of Summer homes and information on Capt. Richard Trask, period furniture and art and 19th century fire trucks.

2) Antiquing in Essex. Essex is considered the Antique capital of the North Shore, and with a quick drive down rts. 133 and 22 in Essex you can see why.

photo courtesy of seecapeann.com

3) Good Harbor Beach, Gloucester. This popular beach in Summer is also a great "walking" beach anytime of year.

4) Bearskin Neck, Rockport. Take a walk down amongst all the artist shacks and interesting little shops til your heart's content. Down on the neck you are likely to stumble across the famous "Motif #1" the most photographed and painted scenes in America. You are sure to recognize it.

Coming Soon! Check back for upcoming blogs on stuff going on north of Boston, including Cape Ann.