Wrap Up the Year in Style

During December plan a visit to Northern New Hampshire, where our shops are brimming with gifts for everyone on your list, outdoor recreational opportunities abound — we have our fingers crossed for lots of snow! — and the pace of life is a bit more relaxed during this hectic season.

Bring the kids for a visit with Santa and Mrs. Claus at Santa’s Village, curl up by the fire with a cup of cocoa or opt for some snowmobiling at Tall Timber Lodge, and browse the beautiful handcrafts at the League of New Hampshire Craftsmen Littleton Fine Craft Gallery. We’ve also put together a selection of Holiday Shopping ideas to help you find the perfect gift for all your family and friends.

NH_Grand_Tall_Timber_Lodge_SnowmobilingWinter Is Better at Pittsburg’s Tall Timber Lodge

Generations of guests have made themselves right at home at Tall Timber Lodge, a “Northwoods Tradition” since 1946. Be part of that tradition this winter. Come for the snowmobiling and some backcountry skiing and snowshoeing, or just to kick back and relax. Settle in with comfortable lodging, along with exceptional dining in the award-winning Rainbow Grille & Tavern while you explore the region’s many activities.

Eight cozy lodge rooms await guests, or choose from one of the handsomely furnished one- to four-bedroom cottages overlooking Back Lake, some with gas fireplaces and two-person Jacuzzis. Porches and decks afford incomparable views.

With its extensive trail system Pittsburg rightly claims its place as New England’s Snowmobile Capital. Guests are encouraged to bring their sleds or rent one at Tall Timber. Those looking for a quieter pace can choose to explore the beautiful backcountry region on cross-country skis or snowshoes. Snowshoes are available for Tall Timber guests at no charge and OHRV registrations are available onsite for snowmobiles.

leagueofNHCrafts_edited-1Shop the League of NH Craftsmen Gallery in Littleton for Unique Gift Items

Begin or continue a cherished tradition and gift yourself or someone special with the League of New Hampshire Craftsmen’s annual Christmas ornament.  The expansive gallery highlights the state’s finest craftsmen working in jewelry, clay, glass, fibers, wood, metal, photography, baskets, printmaking and mixed media. Browse the gallery’s well-curated selection of items to find the perfect gift for everyone on your list in every price range. Or give a gift certificate to the Littleton Studio School, which offers a variety of art and craft classes in clay, jewelry, metals, mixed media, painting, basketry and more, including classes for kids.

Santa feeds Prancer!
Santa feeds Prancer!

A Magical Time of Year to Visit Santa’s Village

You don’t have to travel to the North Pole to visit Santa and his elves this Christmas season, because the jolly old elf always takes time out of his busy schedule on December weekends to travel to Santa’s Village in Jefferson to meet all the boys and girls and listen to their heart’s desires.

The elves have been busy, and the park glimmers and glows with over 500,000 colorful lights and glittering holiday decorations.

Snuggle in for a ride on the Skyway Sleigh Monorail or the Merry Christmas Ferris Wheel, take a spin on the SS Peppermint Twist or the Christmas Carousel, or experience the thrill of the Chimney Drop. Up to 18 rides will be operating (weather permitting).

Need a break from a whirlwind of rides? Settle down for a jolly good time at “A Tinkerdoodle Christmas,” a 3-D show that will leave the whole family laughing at the antics of L. Fastidious Tinkerdoodle as he prepares Santa for his yearly journey on Christmas Eve.

Warm up with some wassail, grab some grub at the heated seating areas, do some holiday shopping, be amazed by the choreographed lighting shows, visit Santa’s reindeer, and stroll around the winter wonderland that is Santa’s Village. You’ll take home memories that you and your children will never forget.

Santa’s Village also celebrates New Year’s Eve in style with a huge Partybration bash from 4 to 9 p.m. on December 31, when the clocks are turned ahead so youngsters can celebrate ringing out the old year and ringing in the new. Admission includes food, soft drinks and all of the wonderful rides and displays throughout the park, capped off with a blazing fireworks display. Reservations must be made online.

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.

Holiday Events

Magical Christmas Memories Begin at Santa’s Village

Santa’s Village pulls out all the stops during the holiday season when thousands and thousands of glittery lights add to the magic of a visit with Santa and Mrs. Claus, and create memories to last a lifetime. The family park features 18 Christmas-themed rides, visits with Santa’s reindeer and elves, a 3-D “A Tinderdoodle Christmas” show, and shops brimming with gift ideas. Be sure to dress warmly. Check the website for Christmastime hours.

Cut Your Own Christmas Tree at The Rocks Estate

Choose the perfect Christmas tree at The Rocks Estate this season. Add a festively decorated wreath for the front door. Relax during a horse-drawn carriage ride through frosted fields overlooking the magnificent Presidential mountain range. Roast some marshmallows at the fire pit. Generally open from early November through Christmas Eve. Select a tree from the farm’s retail lot or wander the fields to Cut-Your-Own Christmas tree.

Kick Off the Season at Littleton’s Holiday Parade

Everyone loves a parade and Littleton’s Annual Holiday Parade down Main Street is one of the best, featuring floats, bands, kids, animals — and, of course, jolly Old St. Nick himself. Kick off the holiday season in style during this event, beginning at noon on the Friday after Thanksgiving, and then explore the town’s excellent shopping and restaurants for a fun-filled day.

Olde Tyme Christmas is a Lancaster Tradition

Lancaster’s downtown sparkles and shines with festive decorations during Olde Tyme Christmas, a night to stroll the streets and get into the spirit of the season. For a jolly good evening, begin your holiday shopping by browsing the crafters and vendors at the Town Hall and Colonel Town Rec Center, try your hand at cookie decorating, take a horse-drawn carriage ride, enjoy plenty of food and, of course, plan a visit with Santa at the Town Hall.

Shop Local on Small Business Saturday

Small Business Saturday, each year in late November, is a nationally designated day that encourages consumers to support small, local businesses. Shopping locally at small businesses throughout the northern New Hampshire region on Small Business Saturday and throughout the year helps to keep the dollars you spend right here in the North Country community. Check with your favorite shops and restaurants — many merchants offer special deals and promotions on Small Business Saturday.

Kick Back in November!

November is an excellent month to treat yourself to a romantic getaway or a family excursion before the holiday craziness has you in its grip. This month, choose and cut your own Christmas tree at The Rocks Estate, tune up your ski and snowboard gear at Drummond’s Mountain Shop, and relax and unwind at the comfortable Town & Country Inn and Resort.

The Town & Country Inn and Resort:

A Favorite Destination For Over 60 Years

The beautiful Androscoggin Valley in northern New Hampshire beckons visitors throughout the year, and many make The Town & Country Inn and Resort in Shelburne their home base while they explore the region’s many attractions.

Owned by the Labnon family since 1956, the 160-room inn is famous for its unique brand of hospitality known as TLC, “Tender Labnon Care.” From first time visitors to repeat guests, TLC is lavished on everyone who stays at the Town & Country, whether they come for the night, for the weekend or a longer vacation.

Along with the comfortable accommodations, the Resort boasts a dining room that seats 180 guests, four banquet rooms, a lounge with live entertainment on weekends, an indoor heated pool, sauna, steam room, Jacuzzi and a full health club facility. All rooms have free high-speed Internet, connecting rooms are available, and the Resort is pet friendly.

The Town & Country serves breakfast and dinner daily and lunch on Sundays, and is famous for serving “the best prime rib ever.” Check out the Resort’s website for a peek at the Thanksgiving menu. Enjoy a fabulous meal without all the hassle!

And, depending on the time of year, the Town & Country offers multiple packages to make your visit more enjoyable.

Learn more … www.townandcountryinn.com

Holiday Magic is in the Air at The Rocks Estate!

Delight in choosing the perfect Christmas tree at The Rocks Estate this season. Add a festively decorated wreath for the front door. Relax during a horse-drawn carriage ride through frosted fields overlooking the magnificent Presidential mountain range. Roast some marshmallows at the fire pit. Browse for gift items in The Marketplace.

Holiday memories for you and your family are just waiting to be made at The Rocks. Dress warmly for a leisurely walk through rolling fields of Christmas trees to choose and cut one for your home, or select a freshly cut tree from the retail lot at the farm, where willing helpers will wrap and load your tree onto your vehicle for you (tree selection is available November 18 through Christmas Eve). Then browse the array of classic and whimsically decorated handmade wreaths, garland, ornaments, and Christmas tree accessories that will complement your tree.

Learn more … www.therocks.org

Drummond’s Mountain Shop Can Outfit You for Ski & Snowboard Season

With ski and snowboard season fast approaching, Drummond’s Mountain Shop in Bretton Woods is the one-stop place to shop for ski equipment, hiking gear, clothing, footwear, and every accessory you can think of to make your outdoor experience more enjoyable.

Drummond’s is a full-service, year round ski shop selling and servicing all major brands of Alpine and Nordic skis, including Atomic, Fischer, K2, Nordica, Rossignol, Salomon, Tecnica and Volkl. Snowboard lines include Burton, K2, and Rossignol, and snowshoe brands are Redfeather and Tubbs.

Located just west of the entrance to the Bretton Woods Ski Area, Drummond’s prides itself on exceptional service, a full line of high performance demos and recreational equipment rentals, and ski tuning and sales year round.

The handsome lodge-like store is brimming with everything you’ll need to hit the slopes, hike a trail, snowshoe woods and fields, or enjoy another outdoor activity. Whether you need gloves for skiing or socks to keep your feet warm and dry — or are shopping for new skis as a Christmas present for someone special — Drummond’s is sure to stock it.

Learn More … www.drummondsmountainshop.com

 

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.

The Cog in Winter

Throughout the winter as conditions permit, the Mount Washington Cog Railway makes its way to Waumbek Station. Waumbek is located in an alpine meadow just below 4000’ and provides stunning views to the north and west. Passengers leave the train for about 25 minutes to enjoy complimentary hot refreshments, warming huts and a fire pit. Weekend and holiday week round trips to Waumbek are roughly 1 hour, at reduced fares.

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.

8th Annual Zombie Poker Run

Join in on all the zombie fun…dress up like a Zombie and decorate your ATV! Prizes will be awarded for the BEST hand and the WORST hand. Be the BEST Zombie and decorated ATV and win that contest too! The poker run fun starts early enough in the day that you still make it to the RiverFire Event in time to join in all the festivities. What a way to start your day! So much fun collecting all your cards…invite all your friends for a scenic and adventurous ride to RiverFire.

SCHEDULE

9AM – 11AM: Registration at SERVICE CREDIT UNION HERITAGE PARK, 942 MAIN STREET, BERLIN, NH

11AM: LAST ZOMBIE OUT

2PM: LAST ZOMBIE IN

End at the RiverFire Festival: Service Credit Union Heritage Park, 942 Main Street with parking for ATVs in the R & D Buildings’ parking lots.

Light Up the Night at RiverFire!

Just as the nights are getting colder in New England, the City of Berlin will be warming things up with one of the best fall festivals around—RiverFire! Come to “the city that trees built” to catch a full day of fun, ending with some dramatic fires on the river.

RiverFire burns bigger and brighter every year, and this year there are some fun new activities for everyone. The gates of the Service Credit Union Heritage Park (942 Main Street, Berlin, NH) will open to activities and vendors for visitors of ALL ages. Admission to the park is FREE.

RiverFire features fun, family-oriented activities such as:

  • Pumpkins on the bridge
  • Hay rides
  • Helicopter rides
  • The “Not So Scary” Halloween Party
  • A costume parade
  • Live Music
  • Mouth watering food
  • Spectacular fires on the water 

    At dusk, the Androscoggin River will be lit up with fires that appear to be floating on the water! The blazes will actually burn on the historic boom piers that dot the river. These piers were used during the height of the logging era, when they separated and guided the many trees that were sent down the river to the mills of Berlin. For RiverFire, these old piers will be stacked with skids, which when set aflame create a dynamic contrast of light over the dark waters. Take a walk along the bridge and admire the wonderful glowing carved pumpkins on the bridge.

    RiverFire is the hottest event of the season.  It is a spectacle you won’t want to miss!

  • For more information, call 603-752-6060 or find RiverFire Berlin, NH on Facebook.

The Colonial Theatre Presents: Rickie Lee Jones

Named as one of the 30 greatest women in rock, Rickie Lee Jones has been hard to classify ever since she came on the scene with the instant classic “Chuck E.’s in Love” in 1979. Jones began her career in the pop realm, but in her 15 albums, she has experimented fearlessly with her sound and persona. She’s performed straight jazz, blues, synth pop, new wave rock, pop covers, trip-hop, gospel, ambitious singer-songwriter music, and more, putting her unique spin on each style. Each new round of music-making activity by Rickie Lee Jones is different. Her live concerts have almost without exception been unforgettable experiences over her more than 30 years of performing. Her artistry is brilliantly underlined with her latest album KICKS which spans two decades (50s–70s) of pop, rock and jazz, presenting her unique and sophisticated interpretations of songs that were pivotal to her musical journey.