Best Places of the White Mountains

Looking for an opportunity to get out and explore the Granite State, but don’t know where to start? Don’t worry, we’ve got you. Our curated “choose your own adventure” guide gives you the map to food, adventure, shopping, nightlife and culture spots in each region so that you can create your own getaway (our list is just the jumping off point!), discover hidden gems and well-known favorites, make new memories and fall in love with our beautiful state and the people within it all over again.

Best Places of the Seacoast
Best Places of the Monadnock Region
Best Places of the Merrimack Valley
Best Places of the Dartmouth/ Lake Sunapee Region
Best Places of the Lakes Region
Best Places of the Great North Woods

Here in the heart of New Hampshire, the White Mountains region is renowned for its fantastic views, endless outdoor opportunities, adventurous food and plenty of shopping. Check out what’s new and what’s classic here.

Shopping: 

The Penguin • North Conway
The Penguin is one of those gift stores that “has everything,” in a really fun atmosphere. From fidgets to Funko, Archie McPhee, local brands and eclectic planting pots, every nook and cranny is filled with gawk-worthy gifts and practical items. penguingallery.com

Harman’s Cheese & Country Store • Sugar Hill
A must-visit shop and mail-order business that’s been around since 1955, Harman’s is renowned for its vintage cheddar, which some customers have dubbed the “World’s Greatest.” harmanscheese.com 

The Red Barn • North Conway 
Sea Dog Brew Pub and the Red Barn Furniture Outlet, with its wide range of curated vintage items, can fill up a good part of your day here. While you’re here, visit the area’s other outlets, just steps away. redbarnshopping.com

Just L Modern Antiques • Littleton
Just L Modern Antiques offers mid-century furniture and other vintage items. Remake your home from its large inventory then brag about your finds. Facebook

Still North Books & Bar • Hanover 
Browse an extensive collection of curated books and audiobooks merchandise, then stop at its café for an egg Sammy, a healthy salad, or fancy cheese and crackers. stillnorthbooks.com

Food: 

White Mountain Cider Company • Glen
Besides the White Mountain Cider Company’s excellent restaurant is their gift shop, with its selection of freezer goods — good enough to take home and heat yourself. Their luncheonette here serves top-notch eats, too. The smashburger was an unforgettable flavor combination of mayo, thickly sliced pickles and bacon jam. If their cider doughnuts aren’t famous yet, they should be — super soft, their doughnuts deliver a punch of cider flavor and crunch.ciderconh.com

Black Mountain Burger Co.  • Lincoln
The team at Black Mountain Burger is serious about burgers — so serious that they offer adventurous seasonal “burgers of the month.” Depending on when you visit, taste the Elvis-inspired burger, or try your luck with a pizza burger. Their October burger remains a mystery. blackmtnburger.com

Saco River Brewing Taphaus • North Conway
New to the valley is the Saco River Brewing Taphaus. Opening in the former Olympia Sports location, the taphaus features white oak floors in a timber-frame environment. Families looking for a full meal, as well as those seeking just a pint, are welcome here. Visit the 1,000-square-foot roof deck on warmer days for a bird’s-eye view of downtown and other sites. sacorivertaphaus.com

Supersecret Ice Cream • Bethlehem
Supersecret Ice Cream is not so secret these days, but these inventive flavors are still worth a visit. Raspberry Yuzu and Honeycomb are just a couple delicious examples, but why not try them all? supersecreticecream.com

Adventure: 

Take a waterfall tour 
As long as the weather is not icy cold, waterfalls are abundant in the White Mountains. One classic New Hampshire outdoor trip is to pack a picnic, take a leisurely hike on a family-friendly trail, and enjoy lunch at one of the state’s many spectacular waterfalls. If the weather’s hot enough, dip your toes in the water to cool down. visitwhitemountains.com/blog/post/stunning-waterfall-walks

Madison Boulder Natural Area • Madison
This state park site in Madison contains the largest glacial erratic in North America, as well as Madison Boulder, a mammoth granite rock that weighs at least 5,000 tons. Bring a picnic, and then witness the magnitude of this majestic and historic site. nhstateparks.org/find-parks-trails/madison-boulder-natural-area

Mount Washington Auto Road  • Gorham
As long as we have New Hampshire, we have the Mount Washington Auto Road — a world-class adventure right in our backyard. If your car isn’t quite up to the task, then try the Cog Railway, a reliable and exciting way to reach the summit. mt-washington.com and thecog.com

Alpine Adventures • Lincoln
Alpine Adventures is a daylong destination where you can try a zip line (from beginner to expert), take an off-road tour, test your balancing skills on an obstacle course in the air, and much more. alpinezipline.com

Nightlife: 

MO’s Happy Place Arcade & Golf Simulator  •  North Conway
This new arcade on White Mountain Highway, in the old O Club Bar & Grillspot, is for everyone. MO’s has been reimagined and recreated into a mecca for games and interactive activities, including billiards, pinball and Skee-Ball; or try your luck with classic arcade games like Donkey Kong and Frogger. moshappyplace.com

Staycation: 

Christmas Farm Inn and Spa • Jackson
For a classic getaway and world-class comfort in the White Mountains, the Christmas Farm Inn & Spa is the perfect choice. This historic hotel on a farm offers carriage house suites, family barn studios and cottages. Special packages are geared toward couples and groups, and their restaurant and pub is top-notch. christmasfarminn.com

The Inn at Thorn Hill and Spa • Jackson
The Inn at Thorn Hill and Spa features cottages, suites and rooms in a relaxing and indulgent setting. Their spa options include aromatherapy, deep-tissue massage and even an anti-anxiety treatment. Enjoy a peaceful dinner at Forty at Thorn Hill to cap off a perfect day. innatthornhill.com

Inn at Crystal Lake Bed and Breakfast  • Eaton
Just south of North Conway and the outlets is the Inn at Crystal Lake Bed and Breakfast. It’s a quaint full-service inn that also serves a dinner and pub menu. Wake up refreshed and ready to shop. innatcrystallake.com

Adventure Suites  • North Conway
Even though you’re just a short drive from the outlets, this unique, adventure themed hotel in North Conway can feel like a destination getaway. Choose from “rustic cabin” to “NY penthouse,” to “victorian spa,” or “haunted castle.” Other themes to explore include “Wolf Den,” “Deserted Island,” “Cupid’s Corner” and much more. There’s also a restaurant on-site and a spa — what else do you need? adventuresuites.com/about-us/our-backyard.php