7 best New England sleigh rides

The holidays are all about dashing around—to buy presents, get the tree up and get last-minute office work done—but don’t forget about making time this winter to go dashing through the snow in a horse drawn carriage. If you’re seeking the quintessential experience, head to the Northeast and check out these seven best New England sleigh rides.

Also: Great gift ideas for every kind of traveler.

Farm by the River: Conway, NH
Rewind in time to this 18th centuryfarm and family estate which dates back to the 1770s and is located in the White Mountains of New Hampshire. Go dashing through the snow on a sleigh ride for two or for the whole family on the family’s scenic 70 acre lot and later retreat to the inn where some rooms have fireplaces and jacuzzi tubs. Wake up the next morning to a complimentary full breakfast.

Rockin’ Horse Stables: Kennebunkport, ME
The Pine Tree State lives up to its reputation as a wooded wonderland as is thus it’s the perfect place for a carriage ride after a gentle New England snowfall. Kennebunkport is everybit the charming coastal hamlet you might imagine it to be and at Rockin’ Horse Stables a team of draft horses lead couples and families up to eight through the forest followed by hot chocolate and conversation around an open fire afterward.

Kimball Farm: Haverhill, MA
Are your vocal cords warmed up? You’ll want them to be at this nearly 200-year-old family farm an hour north of Boston where summertime hay rides and winter sleigh rides are led by team of horses who lead guests around Kimball Farm’s fields and include panoramic views of Groveland, West Newbury, Merrimac and Haverhill. Lap robes and hot cider and hot chocolate are included.

Wild Iris Horse Farm: Bar Harbor, ME
That clip-clop sound you heard around town during your last visit to the stunning island hamlet of Bar Harbor may have been led by the team of mighty steed at Wild Horse Farm. These sturdy equine are known for carting the occasional bridge and groom around town as part of the couple’s wedding day, but are also available during the snowy months where groups and couples can snuggle under wool blankets and listen to the sounds of sleigh bells as they’re courted through the snow.

Wood Acres Farm: Terryville, CT
You may not be headed to grandmother’s house, but you will certainly go over the hills and through the woods as part of this 45-minute horse-drawn Victorian sleigh ride through the 25 acres of farm land that comprise the appropriately named Wood Acres Farm in the heart of Connecticut. Refreshments are served afterward inside the farm’s country home.

New England Dog Sledding: Mason Township, ME
Who says a sleigh has to be pulled by horses? Straddling the border of New Hampshire and Maine in the heart of the White Mountains is this canine-oriented tour operator and its team of New England Husky Sled Dogs who pull visitors through trails located along 7,000 acres of conservation lands in the Umbagog National Wildlife Refuge. Both one hour and longer two to three hour tours are available.

Gentle Giants Rides: Stowe, VT
You might know the name Stowe as Vermont’s best place to strap on your skis and play the role of snow bunny for a weekend, but if you can squeeze in time between shooshing down the black diamond slope and warming up in the hot tub at the local lodge, consider a team of Percheron and Belgian draft horses at Gentle Giants to guide you and your loved one(s) around in a Santa-style sleigh that light up for early evening rides through an area of wooded trails.

Tagged: Christmas Travel Ideas