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Head to the White Mountains when they're green! Beautiful drives, great discount shopping (no sales tax), dramatic hiking, comfortable temperatures, and some of our all-time favorite inns make New Hampshire's North Conway area ideal for summer escapes.
Getting there:
The Mt. Washington Valley of the White Mountains is an easy 2½ hours' drive north of Boston via Route 16, and 1¼ hours' drive west of Portland, Maine on Route 302. In the town of North Conway, Route 16 often has bumper-to-bumper traffic-caused by people turning in and out of the outlet malls-so be sure to ask your innkeeper about alternate roads.
Activities:
Summer in the Whites is a perfect time for hiking, biking, fishing, canoeing, and golf. Allow ample time to explore the beautiful Kancamagas Scenic Highway (Route 112) from Conway through the White Mountain National Forest, and hike some of its lovely trails past rocky gorges and tumbling waterfalls to scenic mountain overlooks. Drive north from North Conway to Pinkham Notch, at the base of Mt. Washington, headquarters of the Appalachian Mountain Club and the starting point for many great hiking trails. Equally appealing are canoeing and kayaking trips on the Saco River, and challenging mountain golf courses like Mt. Washington Course. If it's a clear day, you'll want to ascend Mt. Washington, highest peak in the Northeast. If you want to test the mettle of your new SUV, drive the Mt. Washington Auto Road yourself, otherwise, give your car a break and take the van or ride the Mount Washington Cog Railway. Train lovers will also want to board the Conway Scenic Railroad; sit in an open observation car for the best views, and let the steam locomotive pull you high into Crawford Notch.
Rainy day? Over 80 tax-free stores are found in seven different outlet centers, including L.L. Bean. Also on Route 16 is the League of New Hampshire Craftsmen displaying the work of the state's best crafts people. Plan your battle strategy carefully--making a left turn onto Route 16 is a challenge. More info: Mt. Washington Valley Visitors Bureau
Inns:
Framed by award-winning gardens, The Cabernet Inn has eleven newly redecorated guest rooms with queen-size beds, private baths, and air-conditioning; some have double Jacuzzi tubs, and gas fireplaces. Owners Debbie and Rich Howard are great at making their guests feel special. Surrounded by equally lovely gardens is the Buttonwood Inn, tucked away on a quiet country road on Mt. Surprise. More North Conway inns…
The Notchland Inn is also framed by flower gardens, and has an unparalleled mountain setting in Crawford Notch, yet is just an easy 12-mile drive from North Conway attractions. After a first-rate dinner served in the inn's lovely dining room, you can retire to one of the inn's twelve guest rooms, each with a wood-burning fireplace; two luxury suites have king-size beds and Jacuzzi tubs.
Another blissful base of operations is Jackson, just eight miles from North Conway. Turn off busy Route 16, pass through an old-fashioned red covered bridge, and arrive in a picture-perfect New England hamlet, complete with a white-steepled church. Make the Carter Notch Inn your home-away-from-home; this cozy 1910 farmhouse offers nine comfortably furnished guest rooms, tasty breakfasts, and affordable rates. More Jackson inns…
Two fine country inns with excellent restaurants include the Inn at Thorn Hill, and the Snow Village Inn. Three enjoyable area B&Bs are: Acres of Austria; Admiral Peary House; and Maple Grove House.
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