Vacation Itineraries
Enjoy 26 hour days while you're in the White
Mountains. How do you create it? If you're taking more than a
weekend for your getaway, and stay at different inns or bed and
breakfasts almost every night, you probably spend hours a day
packing, repacking and carrying your luggage Since Jackson is such a
great choice as a central destination with lots of things to
do close at hand, we'd like to help you with some ideas for getting
the most out of your time here. The White Mountains surround you,
and within 2 hours or less you can be at the seacoast in Maine,
the Connecticut River valley and Eastern Vermont, or even Canada.
Here are some suggestions for ways to enjoy your stay.
Since you'll arrive at the inn later in the day, take time to settle
in and enjoy the inn's amenities. Consider a walk around Jackson's
historic village loop (1 mile) to stretch your legs, and get
acquainted with all the village has to offer. Make a slight detour
to enjoy beautiful Jackson Falls, right in the village. As you walk
across the covered Honeymoon Bridge, stop for a good luck
kiss - a tradition that goes back to the 1800's, when a covered
bridge was one of the rare 'private' places in a small village. Then
relax at the inn as you look over menus for local restaurants and
consider all the possible options for dining in the area.
Your first day here is a great time to explore some of the Scenic
and Cultural By-way called New England's Most Scenic 100 miles.
Although you can easily tour the entire loop in a day, there are
plenty of things to see and do for much longer. You might want to
start with a drive on the Kancamangus Highway (The Kanc). On
the way, drive up to Cathedral Ledge for a beautiful overview of the
Conway area, and a short hike to Diana's Baths. You'll pass several
covered bridges on your route at Bartlett and Conway. At the western
end of The Kanc, you can stop at the Clark's Trading Post to
experience one of New Hampshire's oldest tourist spots, then enjoy
lunch and freshly brewed ale at the Woodstock Inn, Station and
Brewery. Meander back east along the morning's route to see a
different set of vistas, and stop at Sabbaday Falls, easily
accessible by a walking trail. Climb the pass over Bear Notch
(closed in winter) to return to the inn.
After a day on the road, today is a good day to explore the all the
activities the White Mountains offer. Play a round of golf, hike, go
mountain biking or horseback riding, canoeing or kayaking, skiing or
snowshoeing, depending on the season. End the afternoon with a
massage and a relaxing time by the pool or in front of the fire.
This evening might include a romantic candlelight dinner at one of
Jackson's great restaurants or Irish music at the pub across the
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Consider another road trip for today - arrange for
a picnic lunch from the inn and then head north from Jackson to the
Mount Washington auto road where you can take the van or the snow
coach up the highest mountain in the northeast. For a great view of
Mount Washington, take the gondola up Wildcat Mountain. Glen
Ellis Falls is a pretty and short hike in the same area, or try the
more challenging Glen Boulder. Continue north to Gorham and Route 2
west to the Jefferson Notch Road (closed in winter) to the base
station for the Cog Railway. If you didn't take the auto road, you
can ascend the other side of Mount Washington via the Cog. If you're
in a hiking mood, try Arethusa Falls, one of the highest in NH.
After your day, you'll be ready for some time in the hot tub before
dinner.
Today, you can focus on cultural and historic interests. Take Route
302 west up over Crawford Notch to Bethlehem, and then continue on
to Littleton, with its 19th century storefronts, antiquarian
bookstore, and the longest candy counter in the world. The Frost
Place, Franconia NH home of Robert Frost has both a museum
and short nature trail, is open in summer. Then take the road over
Sugar Hill for some fantastic views of both the Green and White
Mountains before you descend to the Connecticut River valley. Route
10 meanders south along the river to Haverhill and Orford, both with
lovely historic districts. If you wish, continue on Route 10 to
Hanover (home of Dartmouth) and St. Gaudens or cross the bridge to
the Vermont side and take I-91 north to the intersection with I-93
for some great views across the river to NH.
You can't leave the White Mountains without taking advantage of its
shopping. In addition to the shops in Jackson such as Ravenwood and
Flossie's General Store, North Conway's downtown has a variety of
unique shops, talented artisans, and many outlets near the
intersection of Routes 16 and 302. Don't miss the White Mountain
Artisans Gallery and the League of New Hampshire Craftsman
shop. While in North Conway, stop at the Mount Washington
Weather Discovery Center and perhaps have coffee at The Met. If
you're a railroad fan, the Conway Scenic Railway departs from North
Conway's historic station and the Hartmann Model Railroad can be
seen in Intervale. This evening, plan to look for moose (take a tour
or explore on your own) or in winter, plan a sleigh ride or ice
skating in a winter wonderland.
These are just a few of the possible things to do, and everyone at
the inn is happy to help you plan the things you would like to do
and help you make arrangements for them.
ADDITIONAL
DAY TRIP IDEAS |
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