Shop Northern New Hampshire for Gifts for Everyone on Your List

Frosty air and snowy mountain peaks are all part of the magic of Christmas in northern New Hampshire, where local businesses are ready to welcome you for an amazing holiday shopping experience. Shop here for friendly storekeepers, outstanding merchandise and exceptional customer service. Parking is free in most towns, or easily accessible public parking is available. And, remember, in New Hampshire you shop tax free!

Following is a small selection of the fine shops and businesses located throughout the region. During your travels you’ll no doubt discover more!

Fine Craft & Art

Littleton’s colorful and eclectic League of NH Craftsmen Gallery showcases some of New Hampshire’s finest craftsmen working in jewelry, clay, glass, fibers, wood, metal, photography, baskets, printmaking and mixed media. Or give a gift certificate to the gallery’s Studio School where the recipient can choose from a hands-on workshop in pottery, jewelry making, basketry, painting, and more.

An original piece of art is a wonderful expression of love. The William Rugh Gallery in Lancaster represents abstract modern realism artist Ed Widmayer and award-winning photographer Fletcher Manley. The gallery also features a selection of handcrafted furniture, granite benches and unique fine crafts.

Visit the Local Works Marketplace in Bethlehem for wonderful handcrafted products such as jewelry, pottery, soaps, lotions, candles, textiles, baskets, photography, fine art, home décor, and gourmet foods — the work of over 120 local artists.

Jewelry, Home Décor & Gift Items

Greetings Jewelers in Berlin features the latest trends in jewelry and gifts, including rings, necklaces, watches and home décor. Or have the on-site jeweler create a custom piece for you. The shop also carries a complete line of Hallmark cards and Hallmark holiday collectible ornaments. 

Fiddleheads, on Colebrook’s Main Street, features American- and Canadian-made and Fair Trade products, along with a nice assortment of fine art and crafts and gift items.

Bookstores

The bookstore at the White Mountain Café & Bookstore  in Gorham specializes in titles of local interest, maps and hiking guides. You’ll also discover best sellers, a very nice selection of children’s books and toys, greeting cards and an assortment of gift items. And, you can sip a cup of Fair Trade coffee from the Café while you browse!

Many families make it a tradition to gift books at the holidays. You’ll find just what you need at Littleton’s Little Village Toy & Book Shop,  which is stocked with a wide selection of kids’ books and inspiring and educational toys, complemented by a good variety of adult fiction, non-fiction and local reads.

The Great Outdoors

Drummond’s Mountain Shop, located just west of the Bretton Woods Ski Area on Route 302, carries everything you can think of to make your outdoor experience more enjoyable — from ski equipment and hiking gear, to clothing, footwear, and accessories. The full-service ski shop sells and services all major brands of Alpine and Nordic skis, as well as Redfeather and Tubbs snowshoes. 

Nordic ski equipment and accessories are the specialty at Great Glen Outfitters in Gorham, where you’ll find the most up-to-date winter clothing and equipment for every terrain. Once the Christmas gifts are opened, come back and ski the trails at Great Glen Trails Outdoor Center.

Bretton Woods features the ultimate in outdoor experiences: Alpine and Nordic skiing on beautifully groomed trails; exhilarating canopy tours; romantic sleigh rides; skating across glistening ice; slick snow tubing; exciting snowmobiling; and expertly guided backcountry adventures. Gift a loved one with a season’s pass or treat them to a day or weekend of outdoor adventure!

Can you say mush! Bundle up the family and head to Muddy Paw Sled Dog Kennel in Jefferson, where you’ll receive a resounding bark of welcome and the awesome experience of a sled dog ride through field and forest. A great family gift idea.

Visit The Rocks Estate in Bethlehem to choose and cut your own tree and pick out a decorated wreath for the front door. Consider sending a fragrant tree or wreath to a friend or family member who lives far away and misses the smells of home.

Specialty Foods

There’s nothing like the taste of sweet maple syrup on your pancakes or waffles on Christmas morning! Fuller’s Sugarhouse, an award-winning, family-owned business in Lancaster, produces over 8,000 gallons of pure maple syrup each year. The store stocks syrup in a variety of sizes, along with maple candy — a great stocking stuffer — and a hand-picked selection of gift items. Have Fuller’s fill a Gift Basket for you and ship it to the lucky recipient!

Anyone with a sweet tooth (and don’t we all have one!) will love a gift from Chutters, the home of the Guinness Book of World Record’s Longest Candy Counter, where you can select from over 500 sweet treats. The store also stocks fudge and chocolates, along with gift items ranging from Christmas stockings to collectibles to specialty food products

Specialty food producer White Mountain Canning  is a Littleton-based family business producing a variety of high-quality products, everything from a mouth-watering chili mix to jams, jellies, mustards, dips, pickles, salsas and much more. All the items make great stocking stuffers!

Antiques & Collectibles

Once upon a time the 7,500 square foot Potato Barn Antiques in Groveton was a potato storage barn. Today, visitors can choose from an extensive collection of glassware, beautiful vintage clothing and accessories, a wide assortment of tools, quilts and textiles, books, furniture, prints and pictures, vintage lighting and much more. Holiday collectibles are always popular.

Theatre Tickets Make Great Stocking Stuffers

Season’s tickets to one of the North Country’s cultural icons are always a welcome find under the Christmas tree.

The Weathervane Theatre in Whitefield produces seven main-stage productions over eight weeks in an alternating repertory style. The big red barn theatre has been bringing the best of Broadway and beyond to North Country summer audiences since 1966.

St. Kieran Community Center for the Arts, located in a former church in Berlin, is a unique setting for an outstanding roster that includes Celtic fiddlers, retro bands, comedians, jazz bands, and Franco-American performers.

The Medallion Opera House in the historic Gorham Town Hall maintains a lively, year-round performance schedule with acts appealing to a wide range of tastes.

Colebrook’s Tillotson Center presents a full playbill of activities, year-round, with concerts and other performances staged in its 171-seat theater.

The Live! At The Colonial summer series brings world-class artists to the concert stage at The Colonial Theatre in Bethlehem, one of the oldest continuously operating movie theatres in the United States.

The Great North Woods Center for the Arts in Columbia features indoor and outdoor performance spaces for concerts, plays, art shows, arts and crafts activities and a variety of community gatherings, as well as overnight accommodations for visiting artists and performers.

Recharge at Our Restaurants

We don’t want you to shop until you drop, so do yourself a favor and take some time to fuel up with a hearty breakfast, enjoy a leisurely lunch, take a tea break, or plan an intimate dining experience to cap off your day. Gift certificates for family and friends who enjoy dining out are also a great holiday gifting option.

Gorham

The White Mt. Café & Bookstore features Fair Trade coffee and fine teas, along with breakfast sandwiches, bagels, panini sandwiches, quiches and soups. All of the baked goods are homemade.

Enjoy fine dining at Libby’s Bistro  with its fresh and innovative menu using locally grown ingredients. More casual fare is available in the SAALT pub.

Bretton Woods

Rustic American fare and family-style service are a winning combination in the dining room at the Appalachian Mountain Club’s Highland Center  at Crawford Notch. Breakfast, lunch and dinner are available for lodge guests, through hikers, outdoor recreationalists and members of the public. The beautiful mountain views are free!

At the Omni Mount Washington Resort, guests have several dining options, from meals served in the elegant main dining room with sweeping views of Mt. Washington and the Presidential Range, to more casual fare in Stickney’s pub or the Cave, a Prohibition-era speakeasy. Or opt for a refreshing afternoon beverage in the Rosebrook Lounge or Princess Room.

Colebrook

Find made-from-scratch, freshly baked muffins and cinnamon rolls at Mostly Muffins.

After a day of shopping, unwind in the Colebrook Country Club cocktail lounge for drinks, bar snacks and a game of billiards or darts.

Pittsburg

The Rainbow Grille & Tavern on the shores of beautiful Back Lake offers gourmet fare in its dining room, and more casual choices in the Tavern. Yankee Magazine’s Travel Issue awarded it an “Editor’s Choice.”

Perfectly prepared steaks rub shoulders with dozens of other items on the menu at Murphy’s Steakhouse. Casual, comfortable atmosphere.

Lancaster

Warm up with a cup of coffee or tea and a delicious pastry, like a chocolate-filled brioche or sticky bun at Polish Princess Bakery . And don’t leave without a loaf of freshly baked bread. Lunch specials include quiche, spinach and feta turnovers, gourmet pizza, ham and cheese brioche and soups.

Jefferson

You’ll have a hard time choosing from the delicious variety of freshly prepared items on the extensive breakfast menu at the Waterwheel Breakfast & Gift House, where breakfast is served all day and the giant pancakes are a particular favorite. The restaurant also serves lunch.

Whitefield 

Enjoy farm-to-table fare in the Harvest Room at the historic Mountain View Grand Resort & Spa for a casual breakfast, lunch or dinner culinary experience. Book a seat in the 6,000-bottle 1865 Wine Cellar for a special treat.

Hearty portions and an extensive menu have patrons returning again and again to Grandma’s Kitchen. Serving breakfast, lunch and dinner, with daily specials in a diner atmosphere.

Littleton

Enjoy Classic American tavern fare at the Beal House, which features locally raised meats and greens on its carefully curated menu. Weekly specials include craft draft beer and burger nights, along with a Fish & Chips Sunday special, and Modelo Mondays.

Quaff a small batch brew and nosh on a Neapolitan-style, wood-fired pizza at Schilling Beer Company, an 18th century gristmill on the Ammonoosuc River.

Stop by the Littleton Food Co-op for great gift ideas, like cheeses and wines, or enjoy freshly prepared salads, sandwiches and soups in the new cafeteria.

Chang Thai’s amazing variety of familiar Thai dishes, prepared with fresh herbs and other ingredients, will delight any diner. Open for lunch and dinner.

Sip locally roasted Fair Trade coffees or your favorite organic loose-leaf tea at the Ink Well Coffee and Teahouse while you peruse a menu of baked goods and light fare with locally sourced ingredients. Gluten-free and vegan options available.

Bethlehem

Small batch beers are the specialty at Rek’-Lis Brewing Company. The owners have a great sense of humor, too, producing the “Up in Smoke Series,” beers named after hotels in town that have burned down; the “License Plate Series,” acronyms of funny real or fake New Hampshire plates; and a “Friends Series,” named, of course, for some special friends.

The classic Italian comfort food at Rosa Flamingos is creatively prepared and served nightly. Locals give high-fives to the restaurant’s pizza, wings and desserts.

The eclectic lunch and dinner menu, along with the full bar, make Cold Mountain Café a favorite North Country dining destination. Begin with the Dates Stuffed with Local Chevre, followed by the restaurant’s signature Black Bean Cake for a mouth-watering experience. Daily soup and sandwich specials, nightly specials and especially decadent desserts!

Situated on the banks of the beautiful Ammonoosuc River, the Wayside Inn restaurant is open for dinner Thursday through Monday, with a menu featuring favorites like homemade Mac ‘N Cheese, Chicken Parmesan and Fish ‘N Chips.

August is Eat Local Month in New Hampshire

Did you know that if every New Hampshire resident spent just $5 a week on local foods an additional $358 million would be injected into the State’s economy? The North Country is home to many farm and food producers and businesses serving up local foods. Whether you are looking for good eats for your family, or to serve up to your customers, there is likely something local just around the corner — like berries, vegetables, local meats, maple syrup, and even local wines and brews.

Don’t know how to get your hands on local foods?  Check out the New Hampshire Department of Agriculture’s website for links to local Community Supported Agriculture programs, farm stands, Pick-Your-Own’s, Farmers Markets, and wine, cheese, chocolate and ice cream trails.

Many of our New Hampshire Grand partners are growing, selling or serving local foods.

Want to know the best places to visit for local foods and great dining this month? Check out our highlights below.

Purveyors of Local Foods

Chances are if you’ve shopped at the Farmer’s Market in Littleton (Sundays, 10-1) or Lancaster (Saturdays, 9-noon) this summer, you’re familiar with the wonderful vegetables and meats grown at Meadowstone Farm. Meadowstone also operates a Farm Stand year-round at its farm in Bethlehem, where you’ll find eggs, chicken, pork, goat cheese and seasonal vegetables. Additionally, during the growing season you can find the farm’s veggies and meat for sale at the Littleton Co-op and The Healthy Rhino, on Littleton’s Main Street. Headed out for a restaurant meal? Look for Meadowstone’s produce and goat cheese used in items on the menus at Libby’s Bistro in Gorham; Cold Mountain Café, Maia Papaya, and Rosa Flamingos in Bethlehem; and Littleton’s The Beal House, and Shillings.

The historic Rocks Estate in Bethlehem is a fave destination year round. Stroll around the property and drink in the amazing views, visit the Christmas tree farm this fall where you can cut your own, and come for the NH Maple Experience on March weekends, with tours, tastings and more. And, you’ll never run out of that sweet pancake topper because you can order their delicious New Hampshire maple syrup and other maple products directly from the online store.

Stop by the country store at family-owned Fuller’s Sugarhouse in Lancaster for your choice of pure New Hampshire maple syrup in all its forms — the different grades of syrup are packaged in beautiful glass bottles or the more traditional jugs, and their maple candy, maple cream (butter), and maple sugar are all made-on-the-premises, and oh so sweet! If you can’t make it into the store, you’ll be happy to know that Fuller’s ships its products worldwide.

Delicious Dining Experiences

(These restaurants and cafes tap local food sources when possible. All are noted for preparing excellent food using the freshest ingredients.)

The Appalachian Mountain Club’s Highland Center is an outdoor education center and four-season lodge nestled into the dramatic landscape at the head of Crawford Notch, and makes a perfect home base for hiking the many nearby trails in the White Mountains. Accommodations range from private rooms with private baths to lodge bunk rooms with shared baths. The dining hall serves breakfast, lunch and dinner for lodge guests, through hikers, outdoor recreational enthusiasts and members of the public. The kitchen sources many of its menu ingredients locally and regionally and aims to continually expand its local offerings. As many fruits and vegetables as possible during the summer months are sourced from local farmers through Vermont’s Black River Produce. Some of the local/regional products in stock year-round include: Hatchland Farm Milk (NH), Cabot Cheese and butter (VT), Stonyfield Yogurt (NH), Blue Moon Sorbet (VT), Walpole Ice Cream (NH), Little Leaf Farm lettuce (MA), Backyard Farms tomatoes (ME), Aroostook County potatoes and flour (ME) and Grandy Oats Granola & Oatmeal (ME)

Libby’s Bistro & SAaLT Pub in Gorham is located in an old bank building, but there is nothing old-fashioned about the foods that Chef Liz Jackson, her husband Steve, and dedicated staff serve in the Bistro & Pub. Liz has been a pioneer in the Farm to Table movement and sources much of her ever evolving and eclectic menu from local farms and farmers, including Meadowstone Farm in Bethlehem (seasonal veggies, goat cheese and eggs); Prospect Farm in Lunenburg, VT (grass-fed heritage breed pigs and poultry); Moriah Valley Farm in Shelburne (sumptuous tomatoes); Wood Fire Farm & Gardens in Bethlehem (wild mushrooms, fiddleheads and ramps); Boothman Sugar Orchard and Scarinza’s Sugar House, both in Randolph (small batch maple syrup); Merrily’s Homemade Joys in Gorham (local eggs); Good Vibes Coffee in North Conway (custom-blended Italian style coffee); and Middle Intervale Farm in Bethel, ME (beef, pork, potatoes, corn and winter squash).

The elegant Mt. View Grand Resort & Spa in Whitefield is noted for its comfortable accommodations, spectacular views, and plentiful activities. What you might not know is that the Resort has a close relationship with many local farms, and almost all of its produce, cooking ingredients — like maple syrup — and products come from nearby farms. Resort dining includes 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 Club House where classic summer favorites hit the spot after a round of golf or other outdoor activity; and the Veranda, when your appetite calls for a refreshing drink or a cup of tea and a light snack.

Drop by the White Mountain Café & Bookstore in Gorham for a cup of Fair Trade coffee from Manchester-based Java Tree coffee roasters and a home-baked goodie, or choose from an array of sandwich specials and soups. The relaxed atmosphere features comfortable seating indoors and out, a collection of rotating artwork by local artists, and the adjacent bookstore with a nicely curated selection of books and a fun kids’ section. Check out the Good Karma board (it’s all about thankfulness and paying it forward).

The historic Omni Mount Washington Resort is a spectacular destination with 200 guest rooms and suites, a luxurious spa, 18-hole Donald Ross-designed golf course, zip line tours and numerous other resort activities like hiking, fishing, and horseback riding. The Resort’s dining experiences are crafted to appeal to a variety of tastes, and rely on fresh, locally and regionally sourced produce, meats and seafood — foods to delight every palate. Step into the graceful and stylish main dining room for breakfast and dinner; the Prohibition-era Cave for nightly entertainment and a full bar; Stickney’s Steak & Chop Pub for lunch or dinner; and the Rosebrook Bar where servers whip up a mean afternoon cocktail and light fare.

The Polish Princess Bakery & Café on Lancaster’s Main Street is a great place to stop for a morning cup of coffee accompanied by one of the bakery’s sweets, or a delightful destination for lunch — try the gourmet pizza or a slice of quiche. And it’s difficult to leave without taking home a loaf of freshly baked bread. Owner Magdalena Russell uses only the best ingredients — unbleached, un-bromated flours and freshly ground whole grain flours from local mills — in her baguettes, French breads, hearty ryes, sourdoughs, and a variety of other loaves and pastries.

Enjoy intimate fireside dining and graceful accommodations at the historic and romantic Adair Country Inn and Restaurant in Bethlehem, where rooms are named for the mountains in the nearby Presidential Range of the White Mountains and the expansive gardens, designed by the Olmstead Brothers, offer year-round interest. The Adair’s carefully designed menu incorporates foods from nearby and regional producers, including eggs from Bear Mountain Farm in Littleton, bacon and sausage from North Country Smokehouse in Claremont, seasonal vegetables from Mann’s Hill Farm in Littleton, mushrooms from Wood Fire Farm & Gardens in Bethlehem (wild mushrooms, fiddleheads and ramps), along with market fresh seafood, free range poultry and choice beef.

The Rainbow Grille & Tavern at Tall Timber Lodge in Pittsburg has earned accolades from Field & Stream as “a truly excellent restaurant,” The Boston Sunday Globe has called it “ The area’s standout dining,” and Yankee Magazine’s Travel Issue gave it an “Editor’s Choice” award. The exceptional Grille menu includes specialty game meats such as bison, elk and venison, fresh Maine seafood, organic poultry, and prime Texan Wagyu beef. Casual fare in the Tavern features appetizers, salads, sandwiches, ribs, meatloaf and hearth-baked pizzas, a great selection of micro-brewed draft beer, craft beer, wines, and specialty jumbo martinis.

For over 60 years, the Town & Country Inn & Resort in Shelburne, has been providing exceptional North Country hospitality to its guests. Amenities include 160 rooms, a dining room seating 180 guests, four banquet rooms, a lounge featuring live entertainment on weekends, an indoor heated pool, sauna, steam room, Jacuzzi and a full health club facility. The resort serves breakfast and dinner daily and lunch on Sundays, and the dining room is open to the public. The Town & Country is famous for serving “the best prime rib ever,” and its extensive menu features favorite foods, along with delicious specials.

A popular breakfast spot, The Waterwheel Breakfast and Gift House in Jefferson is noted for fluffy pancakes as big as your plate, smothered in pure maple syrup, crispy bacon, eggs cooked the way you like them, savory French toast, and Belgian waffles topped with fresh whipped cream. The lunch selection includes comfort foods like Philly steak and cheese subs, hamburgers, cheeseburgers, chicken fingers, hot dogs, and homemade chicken salad. Save room for the homemade fudge!

Find Your Home Base in New Hampshire’s Winter Wonderland

Yes, we know it’s cold outside and you just want to snuggle in for the duration. But really, there’s no good reason to stay home this winter when you could be out exploring a region of the state defined by its gorgeous scenery, outstanding outdoor attractions, and the amazing hospitality offered by its many lodging establishments. The crisp mountain air and breathtaking snow-covered peaks will clear your mind and invigorate your spirit. Plan a weekend away for skiing, snowmobiling, hiking, fat biking, tubing, ice fishing, dog sledding or just plain relaxing in Winter Wonderland’s playground. Learn more about the region’s many winter attractions at www.nhgrand.com.

After a day outdoors, you’ll want to return to your room or cabin for some down time, and the region boasts fine accommodations, from two Grand Hotels to a couple of family owned inns and everything in between, including pet friendly options. Here are a few to consider as you make your plans for your snow season getaway. Many offer special winter packages to enhance your enjoyment.

Pittsburg

Guests have flocked to Tall Timber Lodge on the north shore of Back Lake since 1946, attracted by the comfortable accommodations and exceptional amenities. Explore the region’s many trails on your snowmobile — bring your own or rent one at the Lodge — or get out on cross-country skis or snowshoes. After a day on the trails, pull up a seat at the Lodge’s award-winning Rainbow Grille & Tavern and enjoy a cocktail and delicious meal.

The Cabins at Lopstick  makes an excellent base from which to explore Pittsburg. With 57 fully-equipped cabins overlooking First Connecticut Lake, we think you’ll agree that the views of the lake and the surrounding mountains are awe-inspiring. Park your snowmobile right outside your door, or rent one, including winter gear, onsite. Want to try your hand at ice-fishing? Lopstick is perfectly situated to take advantage of this traditional winter activity; drop your line in Lake Francis or one of the three Connecticut Lakes and (hopefully) snag a big one!

Eight comfortable cabins with names like Loon, Moose, Otters Cove and Last Frontier await guests at Partridge Cabins on First Connecticut Lake. Fully stocked kitchens, satellite TV, glassed-in porches, decks and other amenities give the Partridge Cabins a home-away-from-home feel. And the cabins are centrally located to the vast Pittsburg snowmobile trail system.

Colebrook

Snowmobilers have direct access to Corridor 18 and over 4,000 miles of groomed trails from the Colebrook Country Club & Hotel. Unload your sled in the enormous parking lot and drive it right up to your room. After a day riding the trails, head to the onsite lounge for a pre-dinner cocktail, a game of billiards or darts, or catch the latest game on the big screen TV.

Shelburne

Guests can snowmobile right from the parking lot at the Town & Country Inn and Resort. If your pleasure is skiing, snowboarding or tubing, major ski areas like Wildcat, Bretton Woods and Sunday River are a short drive away. Cross-country skiing, snowshoeing and a kids’ tubing hill are nearby at Great Glen Trails. The family-owned T&C boasts innumerable amenities, including the dining room, which serves breakfast and dinner daily, lounge, indoor heated pool, sauna, health club, Jacuzzi and more.

Berlin

Enjoy a unique kind of stay at the Berlin Trails Farm & Inn. Accommodations are in a five-room cabin-style suite that sleeps up to 8 people and has a kitchen stocked with local breakfast foods like farm fresh eggs and yogurt made from the farm’s goats.

Gorham

A hearty breakfast and dinner are included in most packages when you stay at the Joe Dodge Lodge at the Appalachian Mountain Club’s Pinkham Notch Visitor Center. Accommodations include private rooms and bunk-rooms with a hall bath. Best of all, innumerable hiking trails are available right from the door, and snowshoeing, cross-country skiing and mountain biking trails are nearby. Guests will want to take advantage of the AMC’s free walk-on programs, like guided day hikes and evening talks on a variety of subjects. The property even has an Electric Vehicle (EV) Charging Station. During the winter months, AMC presents its International Dinner and Adventure Series, including international cuisine and a program on that’s week’s featured country.

A great home base while you explore the region’s attractions, the Mt. Madison Inn & Suites has a variety of accommodations, including rooms with double, queen and king beds and family suites. A few rooms are pet-friendly. Relax in your room after your day’s adventures or enjoy the heated outdoor pool, eight-person sauna, fire pit and pool-side gas grills.

Clean, modern rooms with all the amenities distinguish the Top Notch Inn. Book a comfortable room in the inn itself, with its lovely mountain views, pool, hot tub and a courtyard filled with colorful flowers. For those who need more space, opt for the 100-year-old Pinkham House that sleeps up to 10 guests and has a full-sized kitchen, living room and dining room, or the Mt. Moriah Cottage, a luxury vacation home with five guest bedrooms and a fully stocked kitchen.

Hub North bills itself as “Offbeat Accommodations for Individuals, Groups and Events,” and includes lodge rooms (year-round), yurts and tents (summer), and a private house (opening this winter), along with hiking, mountain biking and cross-country skiing right from the property and connecting with the extensive trail system in Moose Brook State Park, and offering beautiful views of the nearby mountain range.

Whitefield

A New Hampshire Grand Hotel, the Mountain View Grand Resort & Spa has been delighting guests for more than 150 years with top-notch accommodations, impeccable hospitality and outstanding amenities like the Tower Spa, indoor pool, Health & Wellness Center, and several dining options. And a couple of minutes gazing at the amazing panoramic views of the mountain peaks from which the hotel takes its name will put you in a relaxed frame of mind in no time! Cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, ice skating, tubing and sledding, and dog sled tours are available onsite, and both Bretton Woods and Cannon Mountain ski areas are close by. Littleton and Bethlehem offer eclectic shopping experiences.

Bretton Woods

One of New Hampshire’s Grand Hotels and a National Historic Landmark, The Omni Mount Washington Hotel & Resort is known for its outstanding hospitality, exceptional accommodations, elegant public spaces, signature spa, and selection of dining experiences, with the stunning snow-capped Mount Washington and several other high peaks as its backdrop. During February and March, bundle up and step into a winter wonderland of outdoor activities, like romantic sleigh rides, ice skating and snow tubing. Cross country skiers will love the 100 km’s of groomed trails at the Bretton Woods Nordic Center that include classic and skate skiing options, along with snowshoeing. Alpine skiing and snowboarding are available at the Bretton Woods Adventure Center, just across the road. For a real adrenaline rush, give the winter Canopy Tour a try!

The Highland Center is the Appalachian Mountain Club’s outdoor education center and handsome four-season lodge at the head of Crawford Notch. Many visitor options are available, from private rooms with private baths to lodge bunkrooms with shared baths. The Highland Center serves breakfast, lunch and dinner for lodge guests, through hikers, outdoor recreationalists and members of the public. A wide variety of outdoor activities and programs for adults and children are scheduled each week, including Daily Outdoor Exploration programs, Guided Adventures, and evening programs. Cross-country ski from the lodge to the Bretton Woods Nordic Trails or drive five minutes to the Bretton Woods Ski Area for downhill skiing. Kids will enjoy climbing on the Highland Center Playscape, an outdoor mountain playground. Kick back in front of the huge fireplace in the great room to warm up after a day outdoors.

Twin Mountain

Three generations of the Carlson family have welcomed visitors to Carlson’s Lodge since it first opened more than 40 years ago, and many visitors are also third generation families who return time and time again to enjoy the lodge’s friendly hospitality and cozy atmosphere that includes comfortably furnished rooms, along with a couple of suites and rooms with efficiency kitchenettes. Breakfast is included. Snuggle up in front of the fireplace in the spacious living room, or gather friends for ping pong or pool in the game room at the end of the day. Carlson’s has direct access from its driveway to the town’s snowmobile trails, and is located in close proximity to Bretton Woods, Cannon Mountain, and Franconia Notch for plenty of winter activities.

The Four Seasons Motor Inn offers comfortable non-smoking rooms, with cable television, free Wi-Fi and complimentary morning coffee. Kids will like the indoor game room with board and video games. The Four Seasons is conveniently located to take advantage of the area’s many attractions like winter hiking and downhill and cross-county skiing. Snowmobiling guests have direct access to trails.

Johnson’s Motel and Cottages is pet friendly, so if you can’t bear to leave little Trixie home, bring her along. Several lodging options are available, from one- and two-bedroom cottages, to motel rooms, and a large five-bedroom house. Johnson’s welcomes skiers and snowmobilers and has direct trail access. Snowmobile rentals are available nearby.

Stay at the Twin Mountain Cottages in one of the clean and comfortable kitchenette cottages or bunk in the hostel that can sleep 12. All have beautiful views of the mountains of the Presidential Range, and snowmobiling, snowshoeing and skiing are right on the doorstep. Amenities include an indoor game room with pool table, ping pong table, air hockey, foosball, board games and more, along with a small gym area and a two-person sauna. Snowshoes, skis, snowboards and boots are available to rent. The property is pet friendly.

You could rent one of the seven rooms/suites at the Allegory Inn, or the entire building, making it the perfect weekend ski house for you and a group of friends. The inn, which sleeps 14 and has several comfortable family rooms and a kitchenette, is located just minutes from the Bretton Woods Ski Area and a short drive to Cannon Mountain, and also has direct access to Twin Mountain’s snowmobile trails.

Littleton

The historic Beal House Inn & Restaurant has six charmingly furnished guest rooms and its location right on West Main Street makes it an easy stroll to downtown attractions, or a short drive to nearby ski areas, and hiking and fat biking trails. The inn’s tavern is open to the public and serves classic American fare and a number of nightly specials.

Thayers Inn has been welcoming guests since 1850. Accommodations include rooms for two people, family suites for up to four people and four-person kitchenettes. The cupola atop the hotel commands great views of downtown and the surrounding mountains.

Bethlehem

You’ll be enveloped in romantic and luxurious accommodations at the Adair Country Inn and Restaurant, where the spacious rooms feature feather beds, beautifully appointed furnishings and exceptional views of the handsome grounds and surrounding mountains. New England-style cuisine is served in the intimate dining room or enjoy cocktails and appetizers in the library bar.

During its history, the Mulburn Inn has hosted notables like Thomas Edison, honeymooners Cary Grant and Barbara Hutton, Joe DiMaggio, Marilyn Monroe and members of the Rockefeller family. The inn’s seven bedrooms have private baths, some with original fixtures dating to the early 20th century. Spacious lounges on the first floor will have you longing to curl up with a good book and a pot of tea, or gather round for games and fireside chats.

Situated on the banks of Ammonoosuc River, the 180-year-old Wayside Inn exudes all the charm you’d expect to find at a comfortable country B&B. The 14 rooms in the main house are traditionally furnished with country pieces and handsome quilts. The 12 annex rooms have small balconies and are pet friendly. Casual comfort food tops the menu in the river-view restaurant.

Sunday on the Steinway with William Ögmundson

William Ögmundson is an award-winning and EMMY-nominated composer and lyricist, and a classically-trained solo pianist with nine albums to his credit and over 40,000 monthly listeners on Spotify.

Admission $10/$5 students.

The Tillotson Center Presents: Guitarist Sofia Talvik in Concert

Unmistakably Nordic in flavor, Sofia Talvik somehow still conforms to American interpretations of her own original music, blending sparkle and melancholy, creating a special niche of folk music that has been described as neo-folk.

Admission $10/Students $5.

North Country Moose Festival

Celebrate all things Moose at the annual North Country Moose Festival! Held annually the weekend before Labor Day, festivities include a moose calling contest, moose chili, live music, artisan & craft vendors, as well as family favorites like horse & wagon rides, a dog show, and maple syrup tasting contest – not to mention the classic car show! 

This event is the North Country Chamber of Commerce’s premier fundraising event, drawing thousands each year. It provides a venue for residents, second homeowners and tourists alike to enjoy old-time family fun as well as showcase the many diverse talents and services that are located   in the North Country. 

Check back for the Schedule of Events!

The Moose Festival was voted the #1 Festival in NH in 2015!

The Tillotson Center Presents: UNH’s The Little Red Wagon: The Wildlife in My Life

The Little Red Wagon from University of New Hampshire is returning to the Tillotson Center with “The Wildlife in My Life.”  Mom, dad and Jamie are moving to the country! What kind of animals will they encounter on the way? And how will mom and dad cope when they find out their new home is already home for a bunch of other furry and feathery friends? If Jamie has anything to do with it, everyone will learn how to love and live with all the critters that make living in the country interesting and fun! Join Jamie in working out how to teach mom and dad about coexisting with native wildlife!

Admission $3 per person.

Folk Duo-Hungrytown in Concert at Tillotson Center

After more than 15 years of world-wide touring and three album releases, Rebecca Hall and Ken Anderson — otherwise known as the folk duo Hungrytown — have earned a reputation for the quality and authenticity of their songwriting. “It’s great to hear an act eschew sentimentality in favor of honesty and to prove that you don’t have to go raiding the memory of others to find the stuff that really good songs are made of,” writes Jedd Beaudoin of Popmatters.

Admission $10/Students $5.

Tillotson Center Presents: Filmed Live – Riverdance 25th Anniversary Show

Filmed live at the 3Arena Dublin, the exact spot where it all began, the 25th Anniversary Gala Performance will bring Riverdance to the big screen for the very first time! The new 25th Anniversary show catapults Riverdance into the 21st century and will completely immerse you in the extraordinary and elemental power of its music and dance.  

Admission $10 adults, $5 students.

Irish Music at the Colebrook Country Club

Get ready to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day at the Colebrook Country Club beginning at 7 p.m. on Saturday, March 14, as the region’s Celtic ensemble gathers in town to celebrate the music of the Emerald Isle.

Islay Mist Ceilidh come to Colebrook bringing in a host of Irish tunes — and then some — with a successive blast of jigs, reels, airs and some familiar tunes to sing along with. The will be hosting this lively St. Patrick’s Day gathering.

Islay Mist Ceilidh includes fiddlers, guitarists, bodhrans, flutes and penny whistle. It brings together musicians from all over northern New Hampshire who at first started out playing Celtic music together for fun. That fun has grown to include numerous gigs at various venues and events; the band plays several times a year at the Appalachian Mountain Club’s Highland Center Inn in Crawford Notch, at the Lancaster Fair, and for the past three years has been among the headliners at the annual First Night North New Year’s Eve celebration in St. Johnsbury, Vt. The group  recently played at the First Day celebration on New Year’s Day in Colebrook helping launch the town’s 250th anniversary celebration.

Come along and join the fun and don’t forget to wear your green  — and join in the singing to some old Irish favorites, including “Danny Boy,” “When Irish Eyes Are Smiling” and more. Whether you’re of Irish heritage or just Irish for the day, you will have a great time — and that’s no blarney.

Admission is $15 at the door for adults and $5 for children 12 or younger. You can secure advance tickets online at www.gnwca.org.