The Certified Best of New Hampshire Grand businesses are destination retail shops, dining establishments or activities that are worth driving for. New Hampshire's Grand North currently has 22 of these types of businesses with room for future expansion. Like the Grand Adventures, these businesses have gone through a strict vetting process to ensure that they are the best that Northern New Hampshire has to offer.
To become a "Best Of" business, a business must meet the following criteria:
Northland Restaurant Dairy Bar
Saladino's Italian Market
Libby's Bistro
Moonbeam Café
Mount Washington Grand Resort
Mountain View Grand Resort
The Balsams Grand Resort
Le Rendezvous
The Rainbow Grille
Murphy's Restaurant
The Waterwheel Restaurant
White Mountain Cafe
William Rugh Art Gallery
Appalachian Mountain Club Highland Center
Weathervane Theatre
St. Kieran's Center for the Arts
Local Works Marketplace and the Gallery at WREN
Fuller's Sugar House
Fiddleheads, a Great North Woods Shoppe
Scoggins General Store
Greetings Jewelers
Simon the Tanner
League of New Hampshire Craftsmen
Chutters General Store
SaVoir Flare
Potato Barn Antiques
Creative Natives
The secret is out about the raspberry pie! Known for being a "local hangout" situated just north of Berlin, the Northland Restaurant and Dairy Bar has over 50 years of perfecting their homemade ice cream, entrees and desserts. This is a perfect place for a casual meal with the whole family in a great atmosphere, trumped only by the wonderful service and good food.
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Mangia! Feel welcomed as you step into a little piece of Italy situated in downtown Gorham. A trip to the counter yields a wide array of paninis, including the "Spicy Sophi" with salami, pepperoni, green olives and more grilled on homemade focaccia bread. Looking for a sub on this trip? Enjoy an Egg Plant Parmesan on tasty French bread. Another best-kept secret of the Grand North is the Saladino's dolce (dessert), like the Chocolate Truffle Bomb, Homemade Cannoli or six different kinds of Biscotti.
For a gourmet picnic during your visit to Grand North, browse the market for their large selection of pastas, sauces, and Mrs. Saladino's latest find of a succulent olive oil to enhance any recipe for bruschetta.
"Mismatched elegance" perfectly describes the atmosphere at Libby's Bistro with beautifully romantic lighting and intimate dining options. The Bistro consists of four restored dining rooms that previously housed a bank. Vaults, safes, thick brick walls are utilized and enhance the atmosphere while focusing on the building's history.
As for the food, word can't say enough. "Boneless Breast of Duck au Poivre" or "New Bedford Cod" with pine nuts, a rosemary and parmesan garlic demi, pancetta, baby spinach, and polenta are just a few of the delicant entrees offered at the Bisto. Liz Jackson, a student of the internationally known Julia Child, and her husband Steve own and operate this little piece of elegance on Main Street in Gorham.
In addition to the day to day offerings of the Bistro, cooking classes are available with Liz during select times of the year. Learn a new technique, try some excellent food and have some fun in the kitchen!
Breakfast can't go wrong with seven different ways to enjoy eggs benedict. Just a short stroll through picture perfect Exchange Street in Gorham will lead you to one of the cutest breakfast establishments in the Grand North. The cafe was voted "Best Baked Beans" in 2007 by the readers of NH Magazine, and continually receives local endorsement for their smashies (a tasty creation consisting of grilled mashed potato) which come as a side choice for each dish.
Immersed in local history, the Moonbeam Cafe now occupies the site of one of the first bath houses in the town. The bath house served clients who took advantage of the scenic train ride to the White Mountains of New Hampshire to enjoy a vacation or prove themselves as loggers in the forests. The cafe's china cabinet was once a barber's counter and the mirrors on the pillars were for gentlemen who wished to shave.
When it comes to accolades for this Certified Best of New Hampshire Grand, the list goes on and on. The Omni Mount Washington was noted the "Best Restaurant for Wine" in Wine Spectator (2007), the "Award of Excellence" by the Distinguished Restaurants of North America (2007-2009) and was noted again in Wine Spectator for "Award of Excellence" (2008-2009).
Formal breakfast and dinner are served in an elegant setting with sweeping views of Mount Washington. The innovative menu changes nightly, but remains true to the traditional New England culinary approach.
Mountain View Grand fosters a true commitment to quality service for their guests and a sense of community for the area around them. This commitment results in the beautiful works of culinary masterpieces originating straight from the gardens of the locals.
The Mountain View Grand has five elegant dining options with exceptional service. The resort's Wine Cellar houses 9,000 bottles of domestic and international wine and a gourmet Chef to prepare an exceptional multi-course meal. Outside meals more your fancy? Relax with tea and decadent pastries on the Veranda as you enjoy the view of the picturesque hillsides of Whitefield. The main dining rooms offers four course gourmet meals featuring entrees like fresh pork tenderloin with caramelized pears and Cipolini onions complete with an outdoor view of the bubbling rock pond.
Every element of the Balsams Grand Resort embraces a picturesque elegance. From the shores of Lake Gloriette to the sparkle of the fine china, this resort promises a Grand experience.
The dining options at the Balsams are just a grand. Savor a glass of wine and Club House Caprice with fresh mozzarella, basil, tomato and grilled Tuscan bread atop the Donald Ross designed golf course at the Panorama Grille. Later in the evening, enjoy the elegant atmosphere of the main dining room with featured entrees like the Poached Atlantic Swordfish Filet with sun dried tomato couscous and passion fruit beurre blanc.
The atmosphere is colorful with inviting seating, making Le Rendezvous the perfect meeting spot. Pop in for lunch to have "un petite salad", which by all definition isn't all that small, or a hot cup of coffee with a friend.
The rustic character and elegance at the Rainbow Grille is unmistakably unique. Named Yankee Magazine's Editor's Choice in 2008 and listed as the "area's stand-out dining" by The Boston Globe, this stylish restaurant thrives on excellent food paired with the perfect glass of wine.
Relax as you enjoy your meal by the glowing fireplace and beautiful view of Pittsburg's Back Lake, where loons are typically seen floating by the lodge windows. Start with an appetizer of a hardwood smoked boneless trout, followed by a center cut "Rainbow Grille Filet." Be sure to save room for one of the several choices of dessert, baked on-site by the restaurant's skillful Chefs.
Classy, comfortable, and one of the best restaurants in New Hampshire's North Country. Named after the welcoming wooden carved icon of "Murphy the Bear" on Route 3, Murphy's Steakhouse brings flavor and color to the shores of First Connecticut Lake.
Take pleasure in a meal from the outdoor lake view patio, starting with fried golden calamari or a steaming crock of onion soup. As an entrée, taste the beauty of the Pasta Primavera or the Certified Angus Strip Steak Au Poivre. For the younger ones dining out, Murphy's makes it affordable with a perfect Grilled Cheese that comes with a beverage and ice cream. Murphy's Steakhouse on the Web! Phone: (603) 538-9995 Address: 3329 North Main Street, Pittsburg, NH 03592
The best place to go for an old fashioned hearty New England breakfast. The Waterwheel Restaurant is located on Route 2 in Jefferson at the base of the Presidential Mountain Range. A popular stop for hikers on their way to the mountains or families on their way to Santa's Village, the Waterwheel has something to appease any appetite. Locals say that the fluffy pancakes larger than the plate are good with real maple syrup and bacon, but we'll let you be the judge. For those on their way out of town, a "must stop" is the real functioning waterwheel in action outside the front door. Be sure to buy a souvenir from the gift shop for the loved ones at home. Phone: (603) 586-4313 Address: Route 2, Presidential Highway, Jefferson, NH 03583
A cup of great coffee and a bestseller - it's a novel idea and that's why book lovers and coffee aficionados head to the White Mountain Cafe and Bookstore. You won't find another independent bookstore in Coos County and when you can also choose from fresh-roasted organic coffees, breakfast, lunches and pastries, you have a great way to unwind by yourself or with your friends. While you nourish your body, nourish your soul, perusing the region's most thorough collection of local and regional authors in the North Country, along with White Mountain guides and maps. The kids will love the colorful children's section with educational toys, puzzles and books. And before you head back out to your adventures, do something nice for someone else and then record your good deed on the Karma Board, for what goes around, comes around, as you will again to the White Mountain Cafe and Bookstore. www.whitemountaincafe.com Phone: (603) 466-2511 Address: 212 Main St.,Gorham, NH 03581
Northern New Hampshire is home to several talented fine artists, photographers, and sculptors. The William Rugh Gallery, on Route 2 in Lancaster, works to enhance the reach of the artist in several exhibits showcasing organic blown glass pottery, original realism themes, mystical landscapes and intricate oil portraits. Visit the gallery to experience the work and learn about the lives of the local artisans. Exhibition pieces are available for sale.
The AMC Highland Center is so much more than a comfortable hiking accommodation. Rustic and modern combine to form a year-round destination for outdoor enthusiasts. Visitors can take advantage of the private lodge rooms with private bath or lodge bunkrooms with shared bath. Breakfast and dinner are included in the experience. Activities are posted in the main lobby and are geared towards all ages. Guests staying at the Highland Center can also prepare for a long hike with the use of L.L. Bean gear (reservation may be required).
For those new to hiking and looking for the most "bang for your buck," the Highland Center is located at the base of Mount Willard, known in the hiking community as the shortest hike with the best view. The Center is part of the High Hut System of the White Mountains Grand Adventure.
History transformed into beautiful art. St. Kieran's Center for the Arts, once a Catholic church, began its transformation in 2000. In preserving the original 19th century architecture and the 1898 powerful pipe organ, the dedicated group of community members had a firm beginning that has continued to thrive into a city icon.
St. Kieran's hosts a wide variety of over 24 performing acts per season with an emphasis on the multicultural. Performances like the "Nutcracker Ballet" are a traditional hit, while ventriloquist Donna Marie and the "Four Feet, Two Shoes" Celtic Duo present original and entertaining new acts.
The Center also has a variety of art exhibitions that showcase the area's rich cultural history and present day innovation. "Beyond Brown Paper," a photo collection of the paper mill legacy, and the intricate wooden carvings of "Robert Hughes: A Retrospective" were a few of the engaging collections featured in 2009. www.stkieranarts.org Phone (603) 752-1028 Address: 155 Emery Street, Berlin, NH 03570
In 1994, the Women's Rural Entrepreneurial Network formed to help low-income women realize their passions to own businesses. When the pilot program was successful, WREN formed a gallery and marketplace to give the hardworking men and women of the area a place to sell their goods and exhibit their work.
The Local Works Marketplace features the high-quality work of over 200 WREN members. Products range from jewelry, pottery, specialty foods, bath and body products, candles, textiles, baskets, photography, home d?cor and fine art. WREN holds several intriguing events throughout the year, including the Farmer's Market and Outdoor Marketplace that encourages visitors to "think local, buy local." www.wrencommunity.org Phone: (603) 869-3100 Address: 2011 Main Street, Bethlehem, NH 03574
A trip to the Grand North wouldn't be complete without a souvenir of local flavor. In this case, the flavor is maple. Fuller's Sugarhouse, a year-round destination for maple products has every variety of the sugary delicacy available, from the tried and true grades of maple syrup to the melt-in-your-mouth maple candy. Noted by North American Maple Producers as "Best in the World," this is a stop that simply can't be missed.
If planning a trip to the area over Labor Day, locals highly recommend a trip to the Fuller's sugarhouse on the Lancaster Fair Grounds for a bag of fluffy Maple cotton candy.
Fuller's offers several other locally made gift items in their shop. Pottery, handmade kitchen items, and blown glass ornaments decorate the walls of the sugarhouse. Here for a visit in the spring? Take a tour of the evaporator room to see how all that sap becomes golden brown syrup.
The honor of "Best Customer Service" bestowed on Fiddleheads by downtown holiday shoppers is out shined only by the quality of fine arts and gifts on display. The shop promotes the best of the United States, Canadian and Fair Trade Federation producers, ensuring that almost every item comes with a unique and fascinating story. Unique and "green" gifts are available as well, like the limited edition Pearl Pod earrings made from the copper roof of a Frank Lloyd Wright designed Unitarian Meeting House Church in Madison, Wisconsin.
Before you head home from your New Hampshire Grand vacation, be sure to stop by Scoggins General Store to bring back with you some pleasant reminders of your visit. This Main Street shop is full of the flavors of the region and unique gifts you won't find anywhere else, from the outdoor-inspired decorative accent pieces and whimsical woodland creatures by Big Sky Carvers, to personalized mementos for the house sitter or dog walker from History and Heraldry. Scoggins has a terrific selection of specialty food products, too. The apple cinnamon barbecue sauce or the hot pepper jelly is the perfect touch for having friends over when you get home, and of course, there's plenty of maple syrup to keep your pancakes happy for months to come. Whether you are looking for a just-right souvenir or North Woods accent for your home, be sure to include Scoggins General Store in your vacation plans. By the way, the folks there won't let you leave until they give you a sweet bite of homemade fudge made right on the premises. www.scogginsstore.com Phone: (603) 466-5204 Address: 133 Main Street, Gorham, NH 03581
Simon the Tanner is one of the finest retail establishments in the Grand North. A trip to the Main Street of Lancaster would not be complete without a walk through the store, though we guarantee you'll do more than look. The décor of the building adds to the shopping experience with high ceilings, warm lighting, and wonderful service. Simon the Tanner carries all the clothing needed to prepare for a trip to the North Country, from warm socks inside boots to jackets, sweaters, and hats. Carhartt, Dansko, and Kleen Kanteen are just a few of the reputable products sold here. www.simonthetanner.com Phone: (603) 788-4379 Address: 55 Main Street, Lancaster, NH 03584
On the border of the Grand North rests the quiet town of Littleton, New Hampshire. Littleton shares quite a bit with the Grand North, including the history of the mills, rural character, and support of the local artisans.
The League of NH Craftsmen is a fine art gallery located on Main Street in the Village Bookstore. The League is a collaboration of artists throughout New Hampshire and the various retail galleries located throughout the State showcase the wonderful work of the people that live here.
This Certified Best of NH Grand may make even Willy Wonka jealous. Centered on Main Street in downtown Littleton is Chutters, home to the World's Largest Candy Counter. Measuring 111 feet 11 ¾ inches, this three-tiered display has over 800 jars of candy. The nomination was awarded in 2000 by the Guiness Book of World Records after a store employee requested an addition to the famous record book.
Jars gleam down the entire length of the store and are full of almost every candy imaginable. Children take special care in picking out their new favorites while adults nostalgically choose their old desired candy choice. Assortments of fudge and truffles call to their desirers from neatly organized glass cases. For the young, old and everyone in-between, Chutters is a "must-stop" for anyone with a sweet tooth. www.chutters.com Phone: 444-0762 Address: 43 Main Street, Littleton, NH 03561
What do you get when mix a healthy dose of pop culture, a good mix of local history books, eye popping artwork and an intriguing collection of upcycled handbags and accessories? You get SaVoir Flare. This Main Street shop in Berlin is where you want to go to get the kind of gifts your friends will love, and then say, "Where in the world did you find this?"
It's the kind of shop that will keep you coming back just to see what's new on the shelves, which you can explore while sipping a cup of coffee. Check out new music for your collection and make it a point to walk through the door on Saturdays - that's chair massage day! Oh, and when your friends ask where you got that trendy handbag you just gave them, you tell them, "I got it in Berlin!"
Voted Best Rural Antiques Shop 2009 by New Hampshire ToDo Magazine, the Potato Barn has 7,500 square feet of everything, from vintage clothing and jewelry to lighting and old lamp repair, glass china, antique furniture and local history books.
The latest and greatest trends in jewelry and gifts are the specialty of Greetings Jewelers, family owned and operated in the heart of downtown Berlin.
With our own goldsmith on the premises, we work with our customers to repair broken jewelry or resize rings. We can even resign heirloom jewelry with touches to make it your own. Our very own handcrafted design, Inspire, celebrates love and life and the possibilities that come about when they are joined.
Creative Natives is Main Street's unique gallery of handmade gifts, antiques and collectibles. If you are inspired by American design traditions, charmed by treasures with a past, or drawn to creative works that are timeless and authentic, then you will come to creative Natives, again and again.
