Ski, Shop and Surrender: Shopping off Exit 32

Sunday, January 1, 2012

Fadden’s General Store. Photo by Susan Laughlin.

FYI

Fadden's General Store
109 Main St.
North Woodstock
(603) 745-8371

Flapjack's
149 Main St.
Lincloln
(603) 745-8226

Lahout's
Summit Shop
165 Main St.
Lincoln

Lahout's
Life is Good
41 Main St.
Lincoln

Lahout's
Country Clothing
and Ski Shop
127 Main St.
Lincoln

Sunburst Trading & Import Co.
108 Main St.
Woodstock
(603) 745-8745

The Viaggio Spa
Mountain Club on Loon
Lincoln
(603) 745-2233

For those who seek outdoor adventure, shopping and a little personal indulgence, set the GPS for Exit 32 and discover why so many people like to call Lincoln and North Woodstock their winter destinations.

Fadden's General Store, 109 Main St., North Woodstock, is the place to pull up a chair, shoot the breeze, read a newspaper or just talk "syrup" with a member of the Fadden family. The store, established in 1896 (the Faddens are now in their eighth generation), is famous for its own maple syrup made in a sugar shack just behind the store. While picking up a few groceries (including beer and wine), be sure to enjoy the mini maple syrup museum and lots of memorabilia from yesteryear.

Flip over the flaps at Flapjack's, 149 Main St., Lincoln, where you'll find belly-busting pancakes with an unlimited supply of real maple syrup. Be adventurous and try the pumpkin or Reese's Peanut Butter Cup pancakes, you can't go wrong. There's a miniature overhead train that winds its way throughout the restaurant. Don't miss Sunday mornings, when the "Beatles" train set comes out and tunes from the "Fab Four" fill the room.

Lincoln's shopping trifecta can be summed up in one name: Lahout's. There are three Lahout's stores along Main Street and each is a little bit different. Lahout's Summit Shop, 165 Main St., overflows with North Face outerwear and accessories for winter climbs and hikes. Lahout's Life is Good, 41 Main St., features Life is Good tees and frills along with Columbia and Burton sportswear. The antique red gondola at 127 Main marks the entrance to Lahout's Country Clothing and Ski Shop, often called the oldest ski shop in America. This year's skiwear trend is bright colors and figure-flattering. Don't miss the upstairs where you'll find one of the best collections of Uggs north of Boston.

Frugal Yankees beware: Sunburst Trading & Import Co. 108 Main St., Woodstock, could be your greatest nightmare. With a wide variety of gifts including candles, clothes, incense, oils, books and jewelry there is simply no way to leave this eclectic two-story shop empty handed. The animal hats (wool-blended, fleece-lined and over-the-ear adorable) are more popular than ever as is this year's hottest new toy, Buckyballs, the amazing magnetic desk toy that's almost impossible to put down ($26.99).

Come in from the cold and plunge in to paradise at The Viaggio Spa at the Mountain Club on Loon in Lincoln. For as little as $20 you can sizzle in the steam room, sweat in the spa and luxuriate in the whirlpool and still have access to the fitness rooms and indoor heated pool. For extra, indulge in many of the spa services, including waxes, scrubs and a menu of healing therapies. Finish the day marinating under the moon with other guests in the outdoor co-ed whirlpool.