21 Ways to keep cozy and entertained
when the weather is frightful
Written by Moira McCarthy
There’s something about winter that is just so … cozy. Thankfully, the South Shore has no shortage of inviting indoor destinations. Whether you feel like sipping a warm drink by a fire, playing a round of golf (for real!), or watching the flakes fall from a picturesque window seat, we’ve got you covered.
You don’t have to be an overnight guest at Mirbeau Inn & Spa to appreciate a day of pampering and relaxation at Spa Mirbeau. There’s a large stone fireplace and heated foot pool in the resting area and private treatment rooms are outfitted with their own crackling fireplaces and sound systems. 35 Landmark Dr, Plymouth, plymouth.mirbeau.com
Built in 1852 and operating as a movie house since 1936, this quaint Hingham theater is a perfect spot for a movie on a cold winter night (or afternoon). Grab some popcorn, head up to the balcony and watch first-run films the old-time way.
65 Main St., Hingham, patriotcinemas.com
Tucked inside the Plimoth Plantation visitor center, this cozy art house cinema is a great place to catch first run, foreign and independent films. Now running films nightly at both 4:30 and 7 p.m., or come for “date night” on Friday or Saturday nights and you can enjoy beer and wine with your popcorn. 137 Warren Avenue, Plymouth, plimoth.org/features/cinema
Who says you have to wait until spring to play a great round of golf? High-tech golf simulators allow patrons to pick a famed course to play and practice their swing, no matter the weather.
54 Clubhouse Drive, Plymouth, ottindoorgolf.com
Vibrant art shows are on display at this bustling art center all winter long. Better yet, take a class in painting, drawing, printmaking or ceramics and create your own treasure as winter rages on outside.
119 Ripley Rd., Cohasset, ssac.org
Sit at the bar at this venerable Hingham establishment and you’ll feel like one of the locals. Dark wood decor creates a cozy atmosphere. Sample from the amazing beer list and experience their famous Irish comfort food. 114 North St. Hingham, snugpub.com
This coffee shop is extra cozy on a snowy day. The building feels like a local fishing shack. Order a French Press for two and settle into their comfortable seats with a front row view of the pier and Hingham Harbor. 2 Otis St., Hingham, redeyeroasters.com
Talk about library 2.0: Scituate Library patrons can read their favorite magazine or newspaper sitting in an armchair by a fireplace. Not enough? The library occasionally hosts emotional support dogs to snuggle up by your feet. 85 Branch St, Scituate, scituatetownlibrary.org
So summerlike you can feel the humidity in the air. This indoor pool at the John Carver Inn & Spa features lap lanes and a life-size replica of the Mayflower. Swim for an afternoon or stay overnight at one of the inn’s cozy, fireplaced suites. 25 Summer St., Plymouth, johncarverinn.com
No parent likes a pent-up kid. Each winter, Hingham Recreation transforms a gym in the basement of the town hall into an indoor playground. There’s a bounce house, jumbo blocks, and lots more. Open Friday and Saturday afternoons, December 21 through March 14.
210 Central St., Hingham, hingham-ma.gov/277/Recreation
Visitors to this historic establishment can enjoy dinner by a crackling fire, and if they’re feeling weary they can book an overnight stay in one of four cozy guest rooms. The restaurant also hosts special events with live music acts that get people dancing. 390 Washington St., Duxbury, winsorhouseinn.com
Soup is good for the soul, and here’s a secret: some of the best homemade soups around come out of a restaurant at a health club. Stop in to dine at Mussels Grille or take some home. Watch their calendar for all-you-can eat soup nights. Open to the public. 186 Summer St., Kingston, kingsburyclub.com/restaurant
Work up a sweat and experience an outdoor adventure-like experience by mastering rock climbing in the dead of winter. There are climbing and parkour classes for all ages so even a first-timer can feel like a superstar.
3 Park Pond Road., Hingham, challengerocks.com
Cold, snowy days make us yearn to see nature again. Bring the kids to South Shore Natural Science Center to learn about plants and animals. Kids can watch turtles in the tanks in the EcoZone and learn about other local species and habitats. 48 Jacobs Lane, Norwell, southshorenaturalsciencecenter.org
The pour-your-own concept at this local wine bar makes it simple and fun to sample reds and whites to your heart’s delight. The self-serve dispensers offer 1.5-ounce, 3-ounce, and 6-ounce pours of over 48 different wine varieties. For the ultimate girls night out, book tickets for a DIY craft night and order a flatbread to share.
56 Main St., Plymouth, uvawineplymouth.com
Stretch those creative muscles with a DIY home decor class. You’ll learn all about distressing wood, sanding with the grain and staining, as you and your friends create beautiful works of art. BYOB means you can savor your favorite sips (if you wish) while you work.
293 Washington Street, Norwell, boardandbrush.com/norwell
This spot has been home to a tavern since 1792, when cold travelers would sit by the fireplace and sip a warm toddy. These days, The Rye continues to comfort its guests by serving up unbelievable gourmet meals (brunch is to-die-for) and seasonal cocktails in a cozy, historic building. 517 Old Sandwich Road, Plymouth, ryetavern.com
What could be better than an expertly crafted coffee drink in your hands as you gaze out over the cold winter sea? Lucky Finn Café’s original location overlooks Scituate Harbor and serves up great coffee and tasty foods. (A second location is opening soon at Merchant’s Row in Hanover!) 206 Front St., Scituate, luckyfinncafe.com
Harken back to the days of your youth when you’d head out to roller skate with the gang, (“Ladies choice, everyone!) with a winter visit to Carousel Skate in Whitman. Skating not your thing? Learn ballroom dancing and wow your friends come wedding reception.
carouselskate.com/dancing
The Indoor season for Plymouth Farmers Market has begun, with nearly 30 local farmers, bakers and artisans set up inside the Visitor’s Center at Plimoth Plantation. The winter market takes place on the second and fourth Thursday of the month, from November through May. 137 Warren Avenue, Plymouth, plymouthfarmersmarket.org
Tucked into the north corner of Scituate Harbor, this cozy New England Inn is an ideal spot for a winter staycation. Steps away from unique shops and amazing dining establishments, guests can come for Holidays in the Harbor (the Inn hosts a tree-lighting on December 6) or plan a romantic Valentine’s getaway. 7 Beaver Dam Road, Scituate Harbor, innatscituate.com
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