Seafarers' Island Holiday cruise

Now that December is upon us, it's not too soon to start thinking about plans for New Year's. Of course, one of the more notable Boston traditions on the first day of the year is the plunge of the L Street Brownies into the icy waters of Boston Harbor. If the sight of people taking a polar dip (and showing off some pasty skin) sends a chill up your spine, you might want to consider another annual tradition on Boston Harbor: the Seafarers' Island Holiday cruise sponsored by the Friends of the Boston Harbor Islands.  Boston.com included the cruise on its list of 25 things to do in Boston under $25. 

This year's cruise goes to Spectacle Island, the new jewel in the Boston Harbor Islands national park area. Two boats depart Rowes Wharf at 11 AM and noon and return at 3 PM and 4 PM. It's a rare opportunity to explore the island in winter and take in one of the best views of Boston from atop the island's 157-foot-high north drumlin. The visitor center will be open so you can warm up and get a hot beverage. (And as a little plug, I'll be signing copies of Discovering the Boston Harbor Islands.) Tickets are $25, $22 for FBHI members and seniors. Children of FBHI members pay $15. Click here for more information.