As spring folds gently into summer, the urge to get out and explore the highways and byways of northern New Hampshire takes over. Many travelers heading north enjoy the ride along Route 3, which takes them right through Whitefield and Lancaster on up to the Canadian border. When hunger strikes you might consider stopping at one of these restaurants.
Whitefield
Long a favored stop for visitors heading points north is Grandma’s Kitchen, where the food is home-cooked and the portions plentiful. During the summer months, the eatery has both indoor and outdoor seating, and on a Friday night the parking lot is usually jammed, always a good sign. Choose your favorite from the regular menu or the specials board. We like Grandma’s for its hearty all-day breakfasts, excellent BLTs (a NY Times favorite several years ago), and the all-you-can-eat fish fry on Thursday evenings. You can’t go wrong at Grandma’s.
The proximity of the Inn at Whitefield to the Weathervane Theatre — it’s right across the driveway — makes the Inn a perfect spot for pre-theater dining or for dinner and drinks following a show. You don’t, however, have to wait for summer to enjoy a meal in the comfortable dining room, with a full menu including nightly specials, or order from the pub menu in the bar. During theater season, you might catch the inn’s owner, Joanne Jacaruso, belting out a tune in the bar or even on stage in one of the Weathervane productions!
The mountain views can’t be beat at the Mountain View Grand Resort and Spa, and dining at the gorgeous Grand Hotel is also a delight. Options include the casual Harvest Tavern where guests can enjoy breakfast, lunch and dinner; fine dining in the 1865 Wine Cellar, where the menu is paired with selections from the Resort’s extensive wine cellar; the seasonal Club House where classic summer favorites hit the spot after a round of golf or other outdoor activity; and summertime lounging on the Veranda, when your appetite calls for a refreshing drink or a cup of tea and a light snack. All dining options are open to the public.
Lancaster
Stop by The Polish Princess Bakery & Café for a morning cup of coffee accompanied by one of the bakery’s sweets, or a light lunch — try the gourmet pizza (exceptional) or a slice of quiche. Don’t leave without taking home a loaf of freshly baked bread, including baguettes, French breads, hearty ryes, sourdoughs, and a variety of other loaves and yummy pastries. Wednesdays-Sundays, 7 a.m.-2 p.m.
Open for breakfast and lunch, the Granite Grind coffee shop and café invites lingering over one of their specialty coffees and a pastry, or drop in for lunch and try the soup and a sandwich on homemade bread. Tuesday-Saturday, 7 a.m.-2 –p.m.
With plenty of big screens throughout, you won’t miss your favorite game while dining at Scorpios Pizza & Sports Pub. Sit at the bar or in the dining room, or opt for the deck in summer. The restaurant has great wraps, pizza, burgers, pasta, seafood and salads. Take-out service is available. NOTE: Cash only.
A new addition to Lancaster’s downtown is the Copper Pig Brewery located in the basement of the former Lancaster National Bank building, with wonderful views out onto Israel’s River. Enjoy traditional craft beers from IPAs to lagers, ales, and porters, along with a menu that complements the brews.