These four spots serve hot chocolate that will warm you up after a day in the snow .

Coffee Connection Warm up your hands and your soul with Coffee Connection ’ s creamy hot chocolate . For that extra kick in your drink , add an espresso shot , a flavor shot or nondairy milk including soy , coconut or almond milk . Grab a hearty breakfast sandwich or a nutritious acai bowl while you ’ re there to jumpstart your day . North Providence , Providence , Cumberland and Woonsocket , coffeeconnectionri . com

Notes Coffee Co . Spice up your morning and go for Notes Coffee Co .’ s Mexican Hot Chocolate made with cocoa , a blend of house-made spices and your choice of steamed whole , skim , oat or almond milk . Or , order their regular hot chocolate and add flavors such as French vanilla , caramel , hazelnut or lavender . Pawtucket , notes-coffee-co . square . site

The Nook Coffee House Smooth and creamy hot chocolate flavors like vanilla and honey from the Nook Coffee House will leave you wanting more , so check out the bakery treats as well , including scones , muffins and bagels . East Greenwich , nookcoffeehouse . com

Ellie ’ s Ellie ’ s rich and tasty hot chocolate is made with decadent Valrhona Caraibe 66 percent chocolate and houseinfused vanilla . Pair it with a chocolate croissant or a box of macarons . Enjoy your cup during breakfast or lunch in their cozy digs , or order it to-go online . Providence , elliesprov . com

Snowshoeing and Cross-Country Skiing

Local powder junkies can wander in a winter wonderland at Chafee Preserve in Wickford , Colt State Park in Bristol or Sachuest Point National Wildlife Refuge in Middletown ( spot the snowy owl for extra credit ). The dedicated paths and stunning views give you the space to explore for hours outdoors with friends , or you can find your own intimate spot among the arbors .

Sledding You might have your favorite neighborhood peak , but Fort Adams State Park in Newport is a prime spot for sledding the Ocean State ’ s few hills . Head out once the snowfall breaks for powder runs , or the next day for speedy chutes on a packed layer of ice . BYO everything , including sleds , tubes and warm clothing . ( If you don ’ t have the goods , try Ocean State Job Lot , with locations all over Rhode Island !)

Also check out : India Point Park in Providence , Chase Farm

Providence Rink in Providence .

in Lincoln and the Village Green in South Kingstown .

Ice Skating ( and Bumper Cars )

Skating at the Providence Rink in the heart of the capital city is great for beginners and provides rentals too . Practice your Salchow jump and spins , then savor some hot cocoa to warm up . Or , make a reservation for the ice bumper cars for some good ole family-friendly competition . theprovidencerink . com

Also check out : Gurney ’ s Newport Skating Rink in Newport ( skating only ), gurneysresorts . com .

Hiking If you lack winter equipment , take a hike along the snowy trails at Burlingame State Park in Charlestown and Middletown ’ s Sakonnet Greenway Trail . Both offer shelter from the cold and peace among the protected forest . ailt . org / trails-maps

Biking If you don ’ t want to go as extreme with the pedaling , regular biking around the

Ocean State is an equally fun activity . Take a ride along the East Bay Bike Path , which stretches from Providence to Bristol and offers fantastic views of Narragansett Bay , along the South County Bike Path , which follows the old Narragansett Pier Railroad through a large portion of South County , or along the Blackstone Valley Bikeway , which crosses the Blackstone River with views of waterfalls , marshes and wildlife . dot . ri . gov / travel / bikeri / eastbay . php ; southcountybikepath . org ; dot . ri . gov / travel / bikeri / blackstone . php

Downhill Skiing and Tubing

No matter the season , Yawgoo Valley in Exeter is an iconic destination for family fun . In the winter , however , locals are more than happy to break out the snowsuits and head for either the valley ’ s snow tubing park or its ski area . The latter contains thirty-six acres of easy , intermediate and advanced trails , complete with double chair lifts and rope tows . The grounds also feature a pro shop for seasoned skiers and snowboarders and a rental shop for dabblers , plus a snow sports school for newbies . Visitors are welcome to get a season pass or a day pass . yawgoo . com

Birding More than 400 species of birds , call Rhode Island home — especially its coastlines . Grab your binoculars , download the National Audubon Society ’ s handy Bird Guide App and head to places like Trustom Pond National Wildlife for up close looks at waterbirds and migrant songbirds or to Block Island , a birder ’ s paradise , for glimpses of more rare birds like the Fork-tailed Flycatcher . audubon . org