The Top 5 Reasons to Visit the White Mountains, New Hampshire Now
BY 5 REASONS TO VISIT® EDITORIAL STAFF
January 2021 • 2 min read
From perusing the boutique-lined Main Street in the historic ski village of North Conway or sipping après ski cocktails overlooking the Presidential Range in Pinkham Notch—Mount Washington Valley has something for everyone, with each community offering unique ways to enjoy the White Mountains.
Mount Washington Valley, New Hampshire
1. THE SHOPPING
Tucked away down a quaint side street from quirky boutique-lined Main Street in the historic ski village of North Conway, Poppy & Vale is filled with unique and inspiring botanical goods.
Poppy & Vale is filled with everything from distinctive home goods, bath & body (think barrel aged spiked cider-scented candles), clothing for men and women—as well as noteworthy accessories for both babies and your furry friends. We’re smitten for their BPA-free, insulated dog bowl water bottle.
2. THE SKIING
While the White Mountains are known for its many ski resorts with varying terrain, Wildcat Mountain delivers spectacular views of Mount Washington, Tuckerman Ravine and surrounding Presidential Range while providing some of New England's most talked about terrain. There's nothing quite like tackling Wildcat from the summit to base and feeling accomplished.
Wildcat Mountain in Jackson, New Hampshire
With 48 trails and a summit elevation of 4,062 feet, Wildcat Mountain is perfect for both experts and beginners. Here you’ll find legendary steeps, glades, and hidden stashes. A little-known fact is that Wildcat boasts the longest green beginner trail in New Hampshire, Polecat! This trail winds its way back to the base area while providing amazing views along the way.
3. THE COCKTAILS & CUISINE
Tucked away in The Glen House known for its historic past, The Notch Grille is a Pinkham Notch favorite for North Country comfort foods and hand-crafted libations that are both seasonally influenced and well balanced. For your artisanal, après ski cocktail fix, we recommend trying the Presidential Range Martini—concocted with The Glen House’s very own private label vodka made at local Tamworth Distilling.
The Glen House Hotel
Offering breathtaking, irreplaceable views of Mount Washington, The Notch Grille highlights contemporary American dishes and feel good bites—favorite ala carte dishes to indulge on include shallot-white wine poached jumbo Shrimp Cocktail, maple-jalapeno glazed Bacon Wrapped Scallops, Mediterranean Platter, Pretzels with auto road kölsch cheese sauce, as well as Beef Short Rib with whipped Maine potatoes.
For those craving something sweet, enjoy a house-made brownie topped with French vanilla ice cream or cheesecake for dessert.
4. THE ADVENTURE
Weaving through Pinkham Notch at the base of the Presidential Range is Great Glen Trails. During the winter discover cross country skiing, tubing, fatbiking and snowshoeing, as well as biking, guided kayaking trips and pet-friendly trail hiking during the warmer months—all easily accessible from your hotel room at The Glen House.
Great Glen Trails in Gorham, New Hampshire
As New Hampshire's premier cross country skiing resort, Great Glen Trails offers nearly 30 miles of groomed and un-groomed trails beginners, intermediate and advanced skiers. For those wishing to sit back and enjoy the ride, consider a snow coach (driven by 4 tracks rather than wheels) tour which transports you into a sub-arctic world approximately 4,200 feet up Mount Washington for a truly unforgettable adventure.
5. THE ARCHITECTURE
Built in the 1818, the Eastman-Lord House was the home of William K. Eastman, a prominent local businessman, politician and civic leader. Eastman was a major economic force in Conway, operating a tannery, general store and mill. With a symmetrical five-bay front facade, it is sheltered by a Victorian hip-roof porch three bays wide, with turned posts and decorative jigsawn brackets.
The Eastman-Lord House in Conway, New Hampshire
Near the center of Conway Village, the Eastman-Lord House is now a museum and has been home to the Conway Historical Society since 1962. It was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 2001. The rooms are filled with historic artifacts, displays, tools and treasures dating back to the early 1800s.
WHERE TO STAY IN THE WHITE MOUNTAINS, NEW HAMPSHIRE
