If you're traveling to Boston, consider ice skating, a pastime celebrated by locals as well as visitors. It's a year-round activity here, but when the temperatures drop, a host of outdoor ice rinks spring to life. For glorious outdoor skating in the brisk open air, The Frog Pond at Boston Common (Beacon and Tremont Streets) is a natural choice. Like most of the city's outdoor rinks, it's open from November to mid-March, but has the bonus of being located in the middle of all of the city's downtown action. It's not always cold enough outside to freeze the ice and be operational, but the lagoon at The Public Garden (9 Arlington St.) is another outdoor skating alternative close to major attractions and activities.

If you want to explore areas outside the city's center, Kelly Skating Rink (1 Marbury Terrace) in the Jamaica Plain neighborhood is another good spot to skate outdoors in the winter. As an added incentive, Kelly Skating Rink offers free admission -- just pay for skate rental and you're set. Just east of downtown, in nearby Cambridge, you'll find Kendall Square Community Ice Skating (300 Athenaeum St). These ice skating adventures are all an easy glide from your room at the new W Boston. Jump to the comments section and let us know your recommendations for great places to skate.