http://www.country-magazine.com/road-trip/east/gristmill-road-trip/
We passed through New Hampshire this summer on our way to Maine and I wish we could have spent more time there. This state, not to far from NY, has a lot to offer for vacationers!! One of the first towns we passed through was Bethlehem, NH, known as "the star of the White Mountains". This town and it's neighbor, Littleton, are steeped in history and have a small New England town charm. Littleton's Main St. has a mountain back drop and businesses and quaint little shops along its path. The buildings on Main St. include a 160 year old inn, a 115 year old opera house, a classic diner from 1940, the world's longest candy counter and, of all things nostalgic of another time, a statue of Pollyanna! Littleton is also looking to revive more of downtown with a classic covered bridge built over the Ammonoosuc River and a river walk through the historic town. Huffington Post included Littleton in a list of America's Best Main Streets (2014). Bethlehem keeps the charm oozing with antiques, a restored 100 year old theater, 2 golf courses and historic inns dating from 1850. If a winter vacation is what you are thinking, Bethlehem and the area have 2 Christmas tree farms, an ice skating rink, sleigh rides, snowmobiling, snowshoeing and 2 ski resorts.
The drive to our destination continued and with a jaw-dropping beauty along the way. The Mount Washington Omni Hotel stands out against the landscape and speaks of a time when this area was a vacation hot spot for folks with money to spend. The Mount Washington Hotel opened its doors in 1902 and was the most luxurious hotel of its time. The hotel saw up to 50 trains a day dropping off wealthy visitors from New York City, Philadelphia and Boston. Today there is still a feeling of opulence, even beyond just the appearance. The grounds include golfing, skiing, a canopy tour, a spa, swimming, hiking, tennis, horse stables, shopping, kids programming and so much more without even leaving the property. We slept cheaper but it would have been great to have toured the hotel and grounds and enjoyed afternoon tea or snacks and cocktails in their speakeasy, The Cave. The boys did enjoy the Bretton Woods Canopy Tour and, even though they didn't have much to say, the reviews for the zip lines, rappels, views and guides are outstanding .
Driving on we finally landed at our base for the next 2 nights, the Hampton Inn in North Conway. The hotel has free breakfast, and had an indoor waterpark to keep us chickies happy while the boys zipped. This town might have been new to us, but it was packed with people that knew of its many charms. The town of North Conway was a perfect little town for me to get my "shop on" with great end of season sales to top of the fun. However, mother nature is what really sells this place and if we are ever back in this neck of the woods the top attraction to see will be Mt. Washington. We decided not to find a way to the summit and I regret that because this peak fascinates me and drew me to this town to begin with. This mountain is the highest in the northeast US and is known for it's extreme weather with factors such as, an average of 110 days of hurricane force winds, and the record for the highest measured wind speed at 231 mph. In January of 2004, another extreme record was met when temperatures dropped to 43° F and winds whipped at 87 mph, with a resulting wind chill of -102° F at the summit weather observation center. There are many ways to arrive at the top, including cars, foot and train. The Mt. Washington Cog Railway has been running it's route to the top since 1869 and, in hindsight, seems like the thing to do, along with a picture at the summit marker and a postcard home stamped at the summit.
The other place I would like to "get my postcard stamped" is on the Kancamagus Highway, a 34 mile stretch between Conway and Lincoln, NH. This scenic highway is made for a "Sunday Drive" with overlooks, hiking trails and river waters beckoning you to explore. I would pack a picnic and take time to enjoy the sites and venture off the path you are driving. When you have reached the end head north toward Franconia Notch State Park and make about 2 hour pit stop at the Flume Gorge. Walk the 2 mile trail and discover waterfalls, caves and a covered bridge on this beautiful hike. Grab bite at May Kelly's if it's near your resting place. The next day can be another day in nature at Diana's Baths, tubing on the Saco River, or exploring the caves at the Lost River Gorge. All of these natural choices would make for amazing days with the fam but if this is still not enough the area holds even more fun. The Red Jacket Resort has an indoor water park, Kahuna Laguna, to keep everyone smiling for hours and for the smaller people there is Story Land, an awesome theme park that has been entertaining young families since 1954. There is an outlet shopping center, the Conway Scenic Railroad (that would be best in Fall), gift shops and a children's museum.
If you are searching for your next vacation spot, the White Mountains of New Hampshire might be the perfect spot for an "over"look! Contact us to help you plan a pleasant trip through nature in this 4 season playground.