Photo credit: L.A. Brown

If February seems dull, you need some Martha’s Vineyard magic! First, the magical terrain alone, especially the conservation trails, inspire, soothe, motivate and fill one with joy. But do these sound like fun: Sheep Shearing Shindig, daily Alpaca-Walk-&-Talks, Featherstone Arts classes, Taco Tuesdays (Little House Café), Prime-Rib Wednesdays (La Soffita), What’s-for-Dinner, Sausage-Making or Pizza Making (FARM Institute), MV-Film-Center movies, a romantic Valentine’s Day with dinner and stay at cozy inn? For more excitement the Screech & Hoot Full Moon Owl Prowls, Polly Hill Arboretum’s Winter Tree ID Workshop or Winter Forest Bathing, and Cape Poge’s Presidents Day Family Explore the Shore. Photographers, bird watchers, foragers, bargain hunters, thrift shop denizens, cyclers and walkers will all find grist for soul-soothing retreats, inspiration for creating, peace-bringing serenity!

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The Susan B. Anthony Birthplace Museum will celebrate Susan's 202nd Birthday VIRTUALLY on February 13 from 3 to 4 pm. The celebration will include guest speaker Erika Bachiochi, who will discuss her newest book The Rights of Women: Reclaiming a Lost Vision, a study of 1790 British philosopher & earliest feminist & suffrage proponent focusing on Wollstonecraft through winning the vote in 1920. Also, Faith Motta will portray a fictitious mill girl living in the Anthony Homestead & working in Daniel Anthony’s mill in 1824.

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It’s Valentine’s Day, who doesn’t need a little Chocolate Therapy? Be sure to check out this Framingham treasure for handcrafted truffles that soothe the soul. Then, don’t miss the International Guitar Night (IGN) at The Center for the Arts Natick on February 11. Each year, International Guitar Night’s founder Brian Gore invites a new cast of guitar luminaries from around the world for special concert tours of North America highlighting the diversity of the acoustic guitar.

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Photo credit: Maria Mitchell Association

In February, spring teases — Nantucket is more temperate where spring-like days precede spring equinox. Invigorating trail and beach walks are preludes to buds and birdsong. Family school vacations or special Valentine’s Day getaways (think romantic dinners) are no less dreamy. One can cycle, stargaze at Maria Mitchell, go birding, stalk snowy owls, Saturday beach biology field trips. Shop deals at in-town shops, lunch long, pick a book, a nook and read. Nantucket is kinder in February!

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When winter returns to the lower Merrimack Valley, so do Bald Eagles and Snowy Owls and other exciting winter wildlife. This year join the Merrimack River Eagle Festival February 8–12, online and in-person for events in Newburyport and Amesbury celebrating these special winter residents. You’re invited to Salem’s So Sweet Chocolate and Ice Sculpture Festival February 11–13. A decadent tradition of delectable chocolate, sparkling ice sculptures, and Valentine’s Day shopping. Castle Hill by Firelight offers an outside event just for grownups February 11,12, 18 & 19. Enjoy cocktails, snacks, and live music by the warmth of the Fire pit.

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There’s no better time than February for a cozy winter getaway to the Plymouth area! From a romantic, luxurious romance package at Mirbeau Inn & Spa to a cozy, coastal weekend escape to the Inn at Scituate Harbor, Plymouth County has you covered. Give the kids something fun and educational to do over school vacation with Winter Break Adventures at Plimoth Patuxet Museums. Visit SeePlymouth.com or download the #SeePlymouth app for full calendar!

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When the desire to ESCAPE hits, we have just the place for you. Scenic views and space to breathe are here for you. You can have dinner by the ocean, with the freshest seafood and veggies possible. Memories for a family getaway, or a romantic outing. It’s all right here waiting for you. Take a lot of photos to remember your Great Escape. “All Here, and All Near” means more than ever. Escape is here waiting for you in Southeastern Massachusetts.

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The 10x10 Upstreet Winter Arts Festival returns to Pittsfield #intheberkshires! This is 10 days full of February fun from 2/17-2/27! There is no need to stay home this winter when so much enjoyment can be had during this festival that will include art, theater, outdoor adventure and more. Be sure to get your tickets now for Barrington Stage Company's 10x10 New Play Festival, which will be part of this Winter Arts Festival and be sure to delight.

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Lowell's annual Winterfest weekend will be held in downtown Lowell February 18-19! This fun event features everything from a carousel and ice-skating to an all-you-can-eat chocolate festival. Festivities at the Lowell Memorial Auditorium also include an art market, food vendors, live music and a soup competition. Fun for the whole family!

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Photo: Visit the Love Stories from the National Portrait Gallery, London exhibition at Worcester Art Museum

Embrace love through art at WAM with Love Stories from the National Portrait Gallery, London and the new Us Them We exhibit. Visit DCU Center to honor breast cancer battlers at Pink in the Rink with Worcester Railers. Chill out at Brimfield Winery’s Winterfest, then ignite your senses at Tower Hill’s Orchid Exhibition. Join Juniper Rag at JMAC to launch their magazine, and book tickets for Syncopated Ladies at Hanover Theatre.

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The 100th Greenfield Winter Carnival Celebration will be held February 4-6, with events all over Greenfield. Be a part of a tradition that began 100 years ago! The Winter Carnival celebrates winter with ice sculpture contests, fireworks, parade of lights, glow party, Family Fun Fest, Donuts with Olaf, jigsaw puzzle contest, cribbage tournament, cardboard sled race, K9 keg pull, chili cook-off, vintage snowmobiles, sledding, ice skating, and so much more!

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Photo credit: Kyle Klein

Black History Month in Boston is an opportunity to celebrate the rich and integral role that African Americans have played in the ongoing story of America. Within this tale, Boston has produced many unique chapters and characters, from Lewis Hayden to Lewis Latimer, Phillis Wheatley to David Walker, Prince Hall to Martin Luther King, Jr. Come learn more about these figures and the indelible mark they left on Boston. 

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Rest and recharge with a warm and cozy winter escape to the Cape! Sit fireside at a romantic inn or quaint B&B. Indulge yourself at a full-service resort. Take a brisk beach walk on a sun-filled day, or savor a spa experience. Explore hiking and biking trails, visit a brewery, and enjoy delicious locally sourced seafood. Some of the Cape's creative restaurant owners have even masterfully prepared al fresco seating options to keep you warm and fed all winter long! Find treasures in dozens of shops and art galleries. Book your stay and warm up this winter on Cape Cod!

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MGM Springfield is the perfect February getaway! Located in Western Mass, MGM Springfield has all you need for a fun girls weekend or a romantic Valentine’s Day getaway. Try your luck on the casino floor but also save time for a great meal at The Chandler Steakhouse or something more low-key at Tap Sports Bar (where you can also bowl a few games). Top off your night dancing the night away at Commonwealth Bar & Lounge, where there’s live entertainment all weekend.

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Photo credit: Northampton Ice Art Festival, by Lynne Graves

This February, explore the winter wilderness in Hampshire County. Take a guided hike at Arcadia Wildlife Sanctuary, where you can learn to spot animal tracks and explore the science of ice. Or join Adventure East and trek through the rock formations of the Chesterfield Gorge. Bring the family to Cherry Hill Golf Course for sledding and cross-country skiing. Warm up over dinner in Northampton, then stroll downtown to watch artists create at the 11th Annual Ice Art Festival. Enjoy our winter wonderland!

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Forget Puxatawny Phil. Meet North Central Massachusetts’ own prognosticator: Featherstone the Flamingo. He won’t appear on national TV, but the flamboyant waterfowl created here in 1957 is recognized around the world. On February 2, this icon of American kitsch and star of the lawn ornament world will venture out of his winter hideaway to predict the arrival of spring. Will he see his shadow — or not? To find out, visit downtown Leominster on “Flamingo Day” in Johnny Appleseed Country!

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