Best New England Vacations: Things to Do in Boston, Maine Vacations, Things to Do in New Hampshire, Things to Do in Rhode Island and More

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Table Of Contents:

Things to do in Boston Maine Vacations Things to do in New Hampshire Things to do in Rhode Island …and More!

Things to Do in Boston

Some of Our Favorite Classic Boston Attractions…Plus a Few New Favorites

FENWAY PARK The oldest active Major League field, Fenway recently turned 100 and has earned the right to be quirky. The 37-foot wall in left field (“the Green Monster”) is an artifact of the design constraints of the 1912 lot–likewise, the short right-field foul line that ends at Pesky’s Pole. A park tour is offered daily in season. Lansdowne St. 888-733-7696 (tickets), 617-226-6666 (tours); boston.redsox.mlb.com JOHN F. KENNEDY MUSEUM 2015 saw the arrival of 500 hours of restored historical footage to the museum, and the adjacent Edward M. Kennedy Institute. There’s also a new exhibit devoted to Jacqueline Kennedy’s years in the White House, highlighted by her own narration and never-before-seen artifacts. Columbia Point. 617-514-1600; jfklibrary.org THE BRATTLE THEATRE In a changing Harvard Square, the age-old Brattle endures, showing a blend of obscure, indie, and foreign films. Quirky authors and filmmakers such as David Lynch often appear for readings and screenings. You can almost smell the pipe smoke of bygone intellectuals. 40 Brattle St., Cambridge. 617-876-6837; brattlefilm.org THE MUSEUM OF SCIENCE A rite of passage for generations of children, the museum recently introduced an immersive 4-D movie hall that simulates sensory effects like rain, snow, and earthquakes. There are films for adventurers, like Planet Earth: Shallow Seas, plus kid-friendly flicks. 1 Science Park. 617-723-2500; mos.org NEW ENGLAND AQUARIUM After a recent reconstruction of the aquarium’s centerpiece four-story Giant Ocean Tank, the scene is better lit and more dramatic than ever. Another 50 to 70 species (almost 200 all together) swim the swirling waters, and the live coral has been reconfigured for better views of the deep-water habitats. 1 Central Wharf. 617-973-5200; neaq.org THE OLD NORTH CHURCH Founded in 1722, the Old North Church, officially known as Christ Church in the City of Boston, is Boston’s oldest surviving church building and one of its most popular historic sites. Browse the main part of the church for free, or sign up for a behind-the-scenes tour that offers a look at the bell-ringing room and underground crypt. 193 Salem Street. 617-523-6676; oldnorth.com TEA PARTY SHIPS & MUSEUM The image of rabble-rousing patriots dressing up in Indian garb and tossing British tea into the harbor to protest the king’s tax policies continues to resonate nearly 240 years later. A lightning bolt in 2001 and a fire in 2007 destroyed the old ship and museum devoted to this singular event in U.S. history, but a new museum and three replica ships put the Tea Party literally on the map again. Congress Street Bridge. 617-737-3317; bostonteapartyship.com SOWA OPEN MARKET It’s one-stop shopping: Artisans making everything from jewelry to leather accessories to glassware pitch their tents in the parking lot between Harrison Avenue and Albany Street. Even the Fashion Truck shows up, with walk-in couture. Some half-dozen food trucks also serve the market, and a separate farmers’ market sells seasonal produce. Antiques and collectibles also available. 460 Harrison Ave. 800-403-8305; sowaopenmarket.com ROSE F. KENNEDY GREENWAY There are many things to love about this 15-acre public park: rotating public-art installations, an old-fashioned carousel, seasonal outdoor markets, and plenty of food trucks, to name a few. In 2011, the Boston Public Market arrived to anchor this lush landmark, offering fresh produce from local farmers, grab-and-go meals, and cooking demonstrations by noted chefs. rosekennedygreenway.org Explore Beacon Hill

On any given day, Beacon Hill’s brick sidewalks are dotted with camera-toting tourists. It is one of the oldest and most historic neighborhoods in the city, home to the gold-domed State Capital, and it’s a must see on any travel itinerary. For some Bostonians, the Hill is almost too perfect, a life-size model of a historic city, guarded by a zealously preservation-minded civic association. Between the gas lamps, the cobblestone streets, and the slate-roofed Federal style townhouses, the neighborhood does appear to have been built by a team of set designers. In these streets, the world’s perception of Boston as a patrician, bookish, history-minded place is distilled into something like proof. But there’s no denying its beauty and romance. I’ve lived in Boston for just about 15 years and a walk through these streets always makes me fall in love with my home all over again. If you’re driving in from out of town, drive down Charles Street to see if you can park at a metered space (I usually have good luck). Alternately, you can park at the underground Boston Common Garage. If you’re traveling by T, get off at the Charles/MGH stop. There’s lots to see on Charles Street, the main commercial drag, but I like to start on the side streets. It’s a compact- enough area that you can’t get lost or wander too far, and you’ll come across all kinds of unexpected treasures. For example: The homeowners of Beacon Hill don’t have large yards to maintain, so they focus all their effort on window boxes, urns, and small pocket gardens. A whole cottage industry of floral designers is kept afloat by this one zip code. This makes for abundant eye candy on every side street. Even the doorways are beautiful. As you stroll, notice the purple glass in some of the windows. In the early 1800s, glass windowpanes containing excess manganese were installed all over the neighborhood. Over time, the element began to turn purple as it reacted with sunlight. The faulty panes are now something of a status symbol. Some of the grandest homes can be found on Mount Vernon Street, while Louisburg Square, a private square bordered by early 19th Century Georgian houses, is currently home to John Kerry and Teresa Heinz. It was also the former address of William Dean Howells and the Alcott family (including daughter Louisa May). Back on Charles Street, you’ll find a charming collection of shops, cafes, and restaurants. For a glass of wine and delicious tapas, I love to stop at Bin 26 Enoteca. For lunch, Beacon Hill Bistro at the far end of Charles near the Public Garden, has the look and feel of a Parisian eatery. For shopping, you can peruse toys and clothes at The Red Wagon, buy the perfect hostess gift and cute jewelry at Flat of the Hill. Other favorites include Wish for women’s clothing, Devonia for browsing antique china, and Savenor’s for delicious meat, produce, and gourmet foods. There’s so much more to see here—the Nichols House Museum, the State House, the African Meeting House— but these are just a few of the places that make my heart sing. Explore Swan Boats

In Boston’s big-building, busy-city culture, it sometimes seems hard to find anything with longevity or sentimental value. Generations of the Paget family have been proving that wrong, though, for 138 years. That’s how long they’ve watched over one of Boston’s most charming traditions– the swan boats. These beautiful birds have nested themselves right in the heart of the public garden (and the hearts of New Englanders.) Robert Paget took inspiration from just about everything around him when formulating the idea for the boats back in the 1870s. It was a popular pastime for 19th century Bostonians to float around the man-made pond in the public garden on paddleboats. Paget loved this idea, and since he had just been granted a boating license, he decided to build a boat that could carry passengers around the lagoon. It was the heyday of the bicycle, thus Paget was inspired to power his boats with foot-pedals. He then built ornamental swans to cover the pedals. Why swans? Paget was a big fan of the German opera Lohengrin, in which the hero rides a swan-drawn boat across a river to save the princess. The first swan boat, with its heavy copper swan and two wooden benches for passengers took to the water in 1877, fulfilling the dream of Mr. Paget. Unfortunately, he did not get to see his dream blossom more than a year. He met his untimely death in 1878 at the age of 42. His wife took over the budding business, and it has never left the family since. Nowadays, the boats take passengers on more than just a 15 minute ride around the lagoon. They transport them through time and across generations. The Boston Swan Boats are one of few experiences that have changed so little over time, residents can almost totally replicate the beloved rides they took in their own childhoods. Sharing those memories with the young ones makes for an even more special voyage. A quick ride on a swan boat is 15 minutes in a different time – a time that’s quiet, calm and peaceful, even while the rest of the city is not.

Maine Vacations

The 5 Best Photo Ops in Acadia National Park

Maine’s Acadia National Park is a favorite of photographers for its combination of accessible mountain views and quintessential coastal scenery. For Jerry Monkman, author of The Photographer’s Guide to Acadia National Park (Countryman Press, 2010), the park has been a go-to location for photography and family vacations for more than 20 years. Here’s his list of the 5 best photo ops in Acadia National Park. Maps and info about the park are available at nps.gov/acad/index.htm or by calling 207-288-3338.

OCEAN DRIVE Every trip I’ve ever made to Acadia has included a photo stop along the two-mile section of Park Loop Road known as Ocean Drive. Stretching from the beauty of Sand Beach to the dramatic cliffs at Otter Point, Ocean Drive sports pink and tan granite ledges perched above the crashing surf of the Gulf of Maine. A pair of secluded cobblestone coves provide some compositional variety. Best of all, this entire stretch of coastline faces the rising sun, making it a great place to start your day with a camera. CADILLAC MOUNTAIN Watching sunrise from the 1,528-foot-high summit of Cadillac Mountain (the high point in Acadia) is a popular rite of passage for park visitors for good reason. The view from the summit is one of the best in all of New England: 360 degrees, taking in Frenchman Bay, the Porcupine Islands, and the surrounding peaks of Mount Desert Island. Best to arrive at least 30 minutes early to secure a photo spot, as you’ll most likely be sharing the sunrise with a couple of hundred other folks who have made the drive up the auto road to the summit. JORDAN POND The clearing at the south end of this two-mile-long pond affords perhaps the most iconic view in all of Acadia: Adirondack chairs set above the water, which in clear weather reflects “The Bubbles,” a pair of perfectly matched bald peaks at the northern edge of the pond. My favorite spots are among the boulders at the southern end of the pond. ISLE AU HAUT When I want to experience a quieter Acadia, I take the six-mile ferry ride from Stonington to Isle au Haut. The Rocky Coastline Acadia National Park southern half of “High Island” is part of the national park and features alternating coves and headlands accessible only by kayak or on foot (via the Goat, Cliff, and Western Head trails.) Few places on the Maine coast feel or look as wild and untrammeled. It’s possible to visit Isle au Haut as a daytrip, but I get the most out of a visit there by camping in a lean-to at the park’s Duck Harbor campground. GREAT HEAD Great Head is a rocky cliff rising 145 feet above the cold waters of Frenchman Bay. Among the ruins of an early- 20th-century teahouse (Great Head was once owned by J. P. Morgan and his heirs) I shoot summer wildflowers clinging to the rocks, as well as the dramatic cliff views to the east and south. Accessible via the Great Head Trail, which wends its way up the rocks for about a mile from Sand Beach, the cliffs are a popular hiking and rock-climbing destination. My preference is to hike in before dawn and photograph sunrise or the early-morning light on the cliffs.

10 Prettiest Coastal Towns In Maine

The Maine coast may have more beautiful towns than any other coast in America. We name the 10 prettiest coastal towns in Maine, from Down East to Mid Coast. CASTINE Leave Route 1’s hurly-burly behind to discover this historic little town at the mouth of the Penobscot River estuary. No wonder Castine has been drawing artists for 150 years—there’s even a 3-day plein air art festival in July. Kennebunkport, Maine

KENNEBUNKPORT The Kennebunk River adds even more waterline charm to the small shops, elegant ship captains’ homes, and fishing ports of this vibrant Southern Maine town of 3,474. BAR HARBOR Perched on Mount Desert Island at the gateway to Acadia National Park, this historic resort town still resonates with the Victorian splendor of bygone days, not to mention the backdrop of Cadillac Mountain. BOOTHBAY HARBOR Surrounded by islands and lighthouses, Boothbay Harbor is a Mid Coast magnet for fishing, sailing and cruising. So much so, the town seems half-boats, half-buildings. DAMARISCOTTA An all-American small town with shipbuilding roots, Damariscotta sits colorfully on the tidal Damariscotta River and hums with shops, restaurants, a community theatre and the state’s first Reny’s Department Store. STONINGTON One of Maine’s proudest and highest-producing lobstering harbors with more than 300 boats, this Down East town perched on spectacular, granite Deer Isle, shares its beauty with tourists but retains a solid, hometown feel. CAMDEN The self-dubbed “Jewel of the Coast” is a well-deserved moniker, and this Mid-Coast harbor town of 4,823 on Penobscot Bay is tucked where mountains reach down to the sea. BLUE HILL A warm and cozy Down East community that retains the splendid historical architecture of its 18th-century shipbuilding roots, Blue Hill’s harbor is a watery gateway to Acadia National Park. ROCKPORT The harbor of this tiny town is considered the most picturesque one in Maine… and that is high praise indeed. Further, it’s bounded by a lovely verdant park, complete with a resident seal (in marble). CUTLER Pure, Down East, and unspoiled. No gift shops, no tourist traps. Here, there’s a daily view of lobster boats in the small harbor, with Canada’s Grand Manan Island in the distance. A nearby colony of puffins and a working lighthouse (where you can spend the night) make this tiny, far-flung town a true beauty.

Where to Spot Moose in Maine

Moose in Maine – do you know where to find them? Here’s a list courtesy of the Moosehead Lake Region Chamber of Commerce in Greenville. Learn more by calling 888-876-2778, 207-695-2702; or visiting www.mooseheadlake.org. Take a scenic drive to Kokadjo, a small community north of Greenville. Stay on Lily Bay Road for approximately 20 miles and keep your eyes open for moose along the way. If you’ve gotten to Kokadjo and still haven’t had your fill of moose sightings, head to Lazy Tom Bog, just past Kokadjo. This bog is very popular with local moose. Make a day of your moose watching by driving to Rockwood, a town north of Greenville on Route 15, where you can head over to Mt. Kineo by boat shuttle for some hiking or exploring. Turn left on Depot Street from Greenville Junction to Shirley Mills. Go right in Shirley, through town onto the dirt road toward The Forks. This road may not be passable during winter and spring. Take Route 15 South and look for moose between the upper and lower Shirley turn-offs in the bog area.

Best of Mount Desert Island

Heading to Maine’s Mount Desert Island? As the home of Acadia National Park and the tourist town of Bar Harbor, Mount Desert Island is one of Maine’s most popular summer destinations. We’ve got the perfect roundup of what to see, do, and eat while you’re there, plus where to stay when it’s time for bed. LULU LOBSTER BOAT RIDE, BAR HARBOR Why are shedders a little sweeter? What’s the biggest lobster ever caught in Maine’s cold waters? Captain John Nicolai answers these questions plus a whole lot more. Climb aboard the Lulu, a traditional Down East– style lobster boat, for a humor-filled two hour cruise covering everything you wanted to know about Maine’s tasty crustacean. The seal sightings and breathtaking coastal beauty aren’t bad, either. 55 West St. 207-963-2341; lululobsterboat.com SHIP HARBOR NATURE TRAIL, ACADIA NATIONAL PARK, SOUTHWEST HARBOR Pick up a trail guide at the park visitors’ center and pack a picnic. This gentle 1.2-mile figure-eight hike passes through varied ecosystems, from moss-laden woods to pink granite ledges. Route 102A. 207-288-3338; nps.gov/acad CARRIAGE ROADS, ACADIA NATIONAL PARK Pedal into the heart of Acadia National Park on 45 mapped and signposted miles of car-free, crushed-stone carriage roads, punctuated by 17 handsome granite-faced bridges and two gatehouses. 207-288-3338; nps.gov/acad THE BIRCHES, SOUTHWEST HARBOR Built as a summer cottage in 1916, the stately Birches combines gentle summer ease with a location that puts the Flying Mountain, Acadia, and St. Sauveur trailheads and Valley Cove fire road within easy walking distance. 46 Fernald Point Road. 207-244-5182; thebirchesbnb.com SEAWALL MOTEL, SOUTHWEST HARBOR It’s possible to see shore-, freshwater, marsh, and woodland birds, and maybe even an eagle, from guestrooms in this family-owned, budget-friendly motel overlooking the rare freshwater pond/saltwater shore combo. 566 Seawall Road (Route 102A). 207-244-3020; seawallmotel.com WONDER VIEW INN, BAR HARBOR Furry guests are welcomed to these motel-style accommodations on estate-like grounds with a bowl, a treat, and recommendations for places to go, things to do, and dog-friendly al fresco restaurants. 50 Eden St. 888-439-8439, 207-288-3358; wonderviewinn.com XANTHUS, CLAREMONT HOTEL, SOUTHWEST HARBOR Linen-draped tables, candles, and fresh flowers set the tone in the dining room, where big windows frame views over the manicured lawn, croquet courts, and Somes Sound. In the background: Acadia’s peaks and Frenchman Bay’s outer islands. 22 Claremont Road. 207-244-5036; theclaremonthotel.com MACHE BISTRO, BAR HARBOR Come hungry. Hanger steak to duck confit, Atlantic scallops to lamb shanks, might be on Chef Kyle Yarborough’s daily-changing menu, featuring traditional French cuisine with Mediterranean accents. 321 Main St. 207-288-0447; machebistro.com SWEET PEA FARM, BAR HARBOR Twofer! Enjoy breakfast, lunch, or dinner from the wood-fired oven at Sweet Pea Café and purchase Maine-made wine, beer, and chocolates at Bar Harbor Cellars Winery, both located on Sweet Pea Farm. 854 Route 3. 207-801-9078 (café), 207-288-3907 (winery); barharborcellars.com

Explore York Beach, Maine

Tucked between Kittery and Ogunquit on the southern Maine coast, York Beach is a popular summer seaside destination thanks to its family-friendly vibe, beautiful beaches, fun downtown, and memorable attractions. We kicked off our visit by heading straight to the feather in York’s cap, the Cape Neddick Light Station, better known as the Nubble Light for the “nub” of island it’s located on. Look familiar? Dating back to 1879, the Nubble is arguably the most photographed lighthouse in Maine, if not New England. In fact, the image of Nubble Light is so iconic that when NASA sent Voyager II into space in 1977 armed with artifacts that might teach extraterrestrials about planet Earth, one of those was a picture of the Nubble. The romantic allure of Nubble Light is two-fold. Not only is the structure and setting almost painfully idyllic (the rocky coast, sturdy light, and button-cute adjoining keeper’s house — which, for the record, is unoccupied and has been since 1987), but the island setting just a hundred yards across the water from Sohier Park on the main-land means the Nubble is always tantalizingly just out of reach. No matter the season or the weather, as long as the Nubble stands, so will the tourists — to photograph it.

We next made the mile-long trip to the hub of York Beach along Route 1A. A large lot with metered parking is just steps from the action, which includes a beach, arcade, restaurants, shops, and even a zoo animal or two (or more). If you can’t wait to swim or soak up some rays, the small but sufficient quarter-mile of Short Sands Beach (one of York’s two main beaches) is your first stop. A literal stone’s throw from Short Sands are two of York’s most enduring tourist spots — a compact candlepin bowling alley (there’s miniature golf in there, too) and the Fun-O-Rama arcade. The Fun-O-Rama building was allegedly once a 1940s bathhouse before converting to an arcade and sometimes roller rink a few decades later. Today it packs more than 250 rides and arcade games (including my favorite, Skee-Ball) into its 10,000 square-feet, and there’s something endearingly boardwalk-retro about it that makes you want to stroll through even if video games and old-fashioned photo booths aren’t your thing. A few steps away, the Goldenrod in downtown York Beach has been luring in hungry folks for more than a century, and the old school neon-style signage out front speaks right to the heart of memory-seeking visitors. Inside, a three-part operation offers up something for everyone, from the bustling candy counter to the soda fountain and adjacent traditional dining room. Saltwater taffy is the signature sweet at the Goldenrod (they call them “kisses”), and visitors are treated to a sneak peek at the taffy-making process from the outside sidewalk, where children and iPhone-toting adults peer through the glass windows to watch the candy being made in separate stages — from boiling to pulling to cutting and wrapping. Inside, the candy counter is expertly staffed to serve up all the fudge, bark, brittle, and caramel corn you could ever ask for, but if you want ice cream, a root beer float, stack of pancakes, or even a club sandwich or burger, they’ve got that, too. Continuing down Railroad Avenue, you’ll pass the usual clutch of gift and souvenir shops, food joints, and even a spot to have your palm read before ending up at York’s Wild Kingdom, which is billed as New England’s only zoo and amusement park. It might look small from the entrance, but, as the saying goes, looks can be deceiving. Inside you’ll find traditional amusement park rides, classic fair food (like fried dough), a number of landscaped animal exhibits (lions, monkeys, llamas, and more!), a “butterfly kingdom,” and other offerings like batting cages and mini golf. We opted to save our visit for another day, but I suspect a stop at York’s Wild Kingdom packs in enough fun and adventure to fill a whole day. Full of sugar and feeling tired from the late-summer sun, we got back in the car and headed down Route 1A toward Long Sands Beach, which, as you might guess, is larger and longer than Short Sands, for a final look at the ocean. Stretching 1.5-miles, Long Sands has a more traditional “day-at-the-beach” feel with plenty of room for the whole family to spread out for a day of fun, from strolling the shoreline to boogie boarding to wave jumping. You can even see the Nubble Light in the distance from the sand, and there are restaurants across the road should you need sustenance. So what did we miss on our visit to York Beach? Had we ventured further north up Route 1 we could have stopped at the famous Flo’s Hot Dogs, but the beauty in forgetting a thing or two on vacation is that you’ve got the perfect reason to plan a trip back.

Things to do in New Hampshire

Best Classic Attractions in NH

CANOBIE LAKE PARK, SALEM From its early days as a “pleasure resort” in 1902, with canoeing and a botanical garden, Canobie Lake has evolved into a classic amusement park with 85 rides, games and attractions, and actual fear-factor ratings. 85 North Policy St. 603-893-3506; canobie.com THE FLUME, LINCOLN The setting is certainly dramatic: 90-foot cliffs, cascading falls, and the cool dampness of a primordial forest. But there’s also something appealingly Swiss Family Robinson– like about the network of cliff-hugging boardwalks clinging to the walls of this deep granite beauty at the base of Mount Liberty. 852 Daniel Webster Highway. 603-823-8800; cannonmt.com/flumegorge.html MOUNT WASHINGTON AUTO ROAD, GORHAM New England’s highest peak—6,288 feet — Mount Washington claims some of the world’s worst weather and the second-highest wind speed ever recorded. The eight-mile drive to the top is a hair-raiser; drop-away vistas on fair-weather days are stupendous, with visibility up to 130 miles and views of New York and the Atlantic. Road open May to October, depending on weather. 603-466-3988; mountwashingtonautoroad.com; mountwashington.org/education/extreme POLLY’S PANCAKE PARLOUR, SUGAR HILL Pancakes, views, and most especially views of pancakes: You’ll be in blueberry buckwheat heaven at this family- owned institution, which has been flipping delectable discs for 75 years. 672 Sugar Hill Road (Route 117). 603-823-8849; pollyspancakeparlor.com CASTLE IN THE CLOUDS, MOULTONBOROUGH This former country estate has views of Lake Winnipesaukee and the Ossipee Mountains, not to mention 28 miles of hiking trails and its own art gallery. 455 Old Mountain Road. 603-476-5900; castleintheclouds.org

CURRIER MUSEUM OF ART, MANCHESTER Here you’ll find works by Picasso, Monet, O’Keeffe, Wyeth, and more, plus decorative arts and fine examples of New Hampshire’s historic craft tradition, as well as tours of nearby Zimmerman House (reservations required), designed by Frank Lloyd Wright. 150 Ash St. 603-669-6144; currier.org HAMPTON BEACH, HAMPTON Take a beautiful stretch of sandy coastline and add a splash of kitsch and you have yourself a memorable New Hampshire beach. Document your visit by stepping into a photo booth at Playland Arcade, and then try your hand at some classic boardwalk games while you’re there, such as Skee-Ball and pinball. Skee-Ball and pinball. 115 Ocean Blvd. 603-926-8717; hamptonbeach.org SAINT-GAUDENS NATIONAL HISTORIC SITE, CORNISH Visitors may stroll through the home, studios, and gardens of Augustus Saint-Gaudens–one of the most notable American sculptors, responsible for iconic statues and monuments such as the Shaw Memorial and the Standing Lincoln. Extend your stay and bring a picnic to enjoy on the park’s grounds. 603-675-2175 x100; nps.gov/saga/index.htm MOUNT MONADNOCK, JAFFREY It’s a National Natural Landmark and one of the most-climbed mountains in the world for a reason. Take your pick from any one of its beautiful trails, and from the summit look out nearly 100 miles toward Boston. Monadnock State Park, 116 Poole Road. 603-532-8862; nhstateparks.org STRAWBERRY BANKE MUSEUM, PORTSMOUTH This cluster of 42 historic homes and buildings in hip, bustling Portsmouth gives visitors a glimpse of New Hampshire’s coastal life stretching back more than three centuries. 14 Hancock St. 603-433-1100; strawberybanke.org

Best of the White Mountains

FRANCONIA NOTCH STATE PARK, FRANCONIA/LINCOLN This park is home to state treasures such as the Flume Gorge, the Cannon Mountain Aerial Tramway, and the Old Man of the Mountain Profile Plaza and Historic Site. Route 93. 603-745-8391; nhstateparks.org/explore/state-parks/franconia-notch-state-park.aspx LEAGUE OF NH CRAFTSMEN LITTLETON RETAIL GALLERY, LITTLETON Everything here (jewelry, baskets, pottery, fiber arts, glass, and more) is made by hand by New Hampshire artists. Inspired? Sign up for a class taught by league members at the nearby Littleton Studio School. 81 Main St. (at The Village Book Store). 603-444-1099; nhcrafts.org/localsites/littleton MOUNT WASHINGTON COG RAILWAY, BRETTON WOODS When it comes to memorable, you can’t beat traveling by steam engine up the steepest railroad track in North America to the 6,288-foot summit of Mount Washington. 3168 Base Station Road. 603-278-5404; thecog.com CHRISTMAS FARM INN & SPA, JACKSON Near Storyland and Santa’s Village, this inn offers a playground, swimming pool, and nightly movies for the kids, plus Jacuzzis, fireplaces, and a spa for you. 3 Blitzen Way. 603-383-4313; christmasfarminn.com 1785 INN, NORTH CONWAY With a footprint spanning six prime mountain acres, it’s no wonder this inn has some of the best views of the Presidential Range. Soak in the vista from poolside, surrounded by a garden of tall, spikey pink-and-white cleomes, or from the dining room’s bay window while sampling cuisine that has garnered a host of culinary awards. 3582 White Mountain Highway. 603-356-9025; the1785inn.com CAFE LAFAYETTE DINNER TRAIN, NORTH WOODSTOCK It takes only 20 miles to travel back to a more gracious era aboard the three vintage Pullman cars of the Café Lafayette Dinner Train. Diners enjoy a five-course meal with a side of stunning river, mountain, and forest views. Blazing fall foliage is a seasonal bonus. Route 112. 603-745-3500; nhdinnertrain.com MOAT MOUNTAIN SMOKE HOUSE & BREWING CO., NORTH CONWAY This venue’s two essential products—beer and barbecue—are made on the premises, and both are among the best of their kind. Beers lean toward light and crisp (wheat, pale ale, pilsner, even blueberry ale) while the barbecue is big on smoke and sugar (the salmon is almost candied!). 3378 White Mountain Highway (Route 16). 603-356-6381; moatmountain.com MOUNTAIN VIEW GRAND RESORT & SPA, WHITEFIELD The candlelit tables surrounded by bins holding 6,500 bottles are undeniably romantic. Food such as lobster– scallop stew and roasted locally farmed venison fit the elegant setting. Gentlemen will want a jacket and ladies will like a wrap, as the wine cellar stays cool all year round. 101 Mountain View Road. 855-837-2100; mountainviewgrand.com SNOWVILLAGE INN, EATON CENTER The inn’s new chef, Brian Anderson, pulls from local farms for his flavorful cuisine. Fan favorites include lobster corn chowder with pea shoots and cedar-plank salmon with blueberry port glacé. 136 Stewart Road. 603-447-2818; snowvillageinn-whitemountains.com

Best of the NH Seacoast

PRESCOTT PARK, PORTSMOUTH Music meets water at Portsmouth’s waterfront on the Piscataqua River, and outdoor concerts fill the night air with the sweet sounds of Taj Mahal, Mary Chapin Carpenter, and an impressive roster of summer headliners. 105 Marcy St. 603-436-2848; prescottpark.org ODIORNE POINT STATE PARK & SEACOAST SCIENCE CENTER, RYE Rocky coasts, remnants of old World War II bunkers, and a kid-centric science center with a dangling humpback whale skeleton populate this gem of a park, with 330 trail-crossed acres on the ocean. Picnics are practically mandatory, and tidepool explorations a must. 570 Ocean Blvd. 603-227-8722; nhstateparks.org PORTSMOUTH HARBOR CRUISES, PORTSMOUTH Small, intimate cruises aboard M/V Heritage condense 400 years of harbor history into an hour and a quarter. Leaving from the downtown, cruising past lighthouses, historic forts, and mansions, to the edge of the Atlantic and back, here’s history the way we all want to learn it, flavored with humor and scenery. Sunset cruises and monthly wine tastings, plus longer cruises to the Isles of Shoals, nine lore-ridden islands six miles off the coast, are also on tap. 64 Ceres St. 603-436-8084; portsmouthharbor.com FULLER GARDENS, NORTH HAMPTON If variety is the spice of life, it also makes for an eye-catching botanical garden at this turn-of-the-last-century summer estate in a neighborhood of mansions just off scenic Route 1A, which hugs the Atlantic. Former Massachusetts governor Alvan T. Fuller liked his formal English perennials and masses of roses, but he was fond of Japanese gardens, too. There’s also plenty of inspiration for sculpted hedges, and a gift shop that sells takeaway summer memories. May to October. 10 Willow Ave. 603-964-5414; fullergardens.org THE HOTEL PORTSMOUTH, PORTSMOUTH Formerly the Sise Inn, this 32-room 1881 mansion was rehabbed by the former owners of Portsmouth’s Ale House Inn and newly reopened in April 2014. Dulcet tones of taupe and gray, the clean lines of modern furniture, and a luxuriously stress-free B&B vibe, all just a few blocks from Market Square and the breezy waterfront, would surely have caught the eye of its original owner, ship merchant John Sise. 40 Court St. 603-433-1200; thehotelportsmouth.com THREE CHIMNEYS INN, DURHAM A profusion of armoires, oriental rugs, carved fireplaces, and ornate canopy beds … This 1649 homestead is the oldest in Durham, and just a five-minute walk to the University of New Hampshire campus. With 23 ornately pretty rooms divvied up between the main inn and the 1795 carriage house, expect massive beams, wide-board pine floors, and an onsite tavern that occupies two floors, with a massive chimney running through. On a cold night, ask for the intimate nook downstairs in front of the ancient fireplace. 17 Newmarket Road. 603-868-7800; threechimneysinn.com MARTIN HILL INN, PORTSMOUTH A 19th-century antiques-draped B&B with hidden gardens tucked in the back, this warm retreat will test your knowledge of perennials and provide inspiration for your own backyard. The mixed neighborhood of historic residences and convenience stores is a short walk from town—and the inn’s creative breakfast, from banana-nut waffles to gluten-free options (request in advance), will stoke you up for the easy stroll. 404 Islington St. 603-436-2287; martinhillinn.com BLACK TRUMPET BISTRO, PORTSMOUTH Brick-warm ambience, artful cuisine, and a Wine Spectator Award of Excellence make this cozy Mediterranean bistro/wine bar on pretty Ceres Street an inviting nook where you can nibble on foraged mushrooms, local seafood, and assorted paellas that flirt with Moroccan, Turkish, and Spanish influences. 29 Ceres St. 603-431-0887; blacktrumpetbistro.com SALT KITCHEN & BAR, NEW CASTLE Glittering like an ocean liner, the legendary Wentworth by the Sea resort has dominated this bluff overlooking the water since 1874. Far more modern is its take on cuisine at SALT, an elegant study in deep-sea and powdery blues that’s surprisingly affordable. Dine under the rotunda or out on the deck, or cluster at the sleek bar, but do indulge in “hand-spun” pasta, or a rustica pizza that oozes mozzarella, pesto, and grilled chicken. 588 Wentworth Road. 603-422-7322; wentworth.com MARKEY’S LOBSTER POOL, SEABROOK Owner Tom Markey presides over the deep-fryers and steamers, cooking up fresh lobsters, clams, scallops, shrimp, and haddock since 1971. Bring your fiercest appetite and dine on a deck over the tidal Blackwater River, where you’ll spot locals digging for clams. You don’t have to abstain in winter: open Friday to Sunday in the off-season. 420 Route 286. 603-474-2851; markeyslobsterpool.com

Best Scenic Hikes in the White Mountains

MOUNT EISENHOWER There’s nothing easy about a New Hampshire 4,000-footer, but the taxing trek up 4,760-foot Eisenhower in Chandlers Purchase generally offers fine footing before the steep push to its flat, bald crown; the awe-inspiring view takes in fellow outlying Presidential Range jewels. J. Rayner Edmands’ careful trail design has withstood countless steps since 1909, helping hikers to reach the sweeping panorama. Edmands Path & Mount Eisenhower Loop, 6.6 miles round trip. Trailhead on Mount Clinton Road, Crawfords Purchase, NH. WELCH & DICKEY MOUNTAINS A splendid loop connects these two low-lying mountains near Waterville Valley, featuring Mad River Valley vistas, mostly forgiving hiking, and incredible ledges. There’s some rock scrambling, but the eye candy is worth it. Welch-Dickey Loop Trail, 4.4 miles. Trailhead 6 miles east on Route 49 from I-93 Exit 28; turn left on Upper Mad River Road and right on Orris Road, Waterville Valley, NH. MOUNT WILLARD The hike to the ledges of this small Willey Range peak in Crawford Notch serves up an eagle’s-eye view of a U-shaped valley. The trek leaves a lofty neighborhood—including the source of the Saco River, a train depot, and the Appalachian Mountain Club’s Highland Center—and ends at an open perch showcasing the towering Webster Cliffs, historic Willey Slide, and more. Mount Willard Trail, 3.2 miles round trip. Trailhead on Route 302, about 8 miles south of junction Routes 302/3, Crawford Notch State Park, Harts Location, NH. FRANCONIA RIDGE Arduous and wonderful, the traverse over Little Haystack, Mount Lincoln, and Mount Lafayette is a classic highwire circuit, with a healthy share of the trip above treeline. Simply, it showcases the glory of the White Mountains. Be cognizant of exposure to weather. Old Bridle Path, Falling Waters, Franconia Ridge, and Greenleaf Trails, 9 miles. Trailhead at Lafayette Place Campground exit off Franconia Notch Parkway (I-93), Franconia/ Lincoln, NH. MOUNT CHOCORUA With a multitude of exacting trail choices, paths lead to the bare 3,500-foot summit in Albany and its superb stage showcasing the vastness of the Whites and beyond. A wonderful vantage point to see Mount Washington and the unspoiled Sandwich Range Wilderness. Champney Falls Trail, 7.6 miles round trip. Trailhead about 10 miles west on Kancamagus Highway from junction Routes 112/16, Albany, NH.

Explore the Mount Washington Cog Railroad

Before my destination is even in sight, I can smell it. The sulfuric smell like the world’s biggest cap gun has gone off, followed by the telltale curls of smoke and steam. I’ve just arrived at the base of the Mount Washington Cog Railway — one of New England’s most historic and scenic mountain experiences. As the world’s first mountain-climbing cog railway, “the Cog” has been carrying passengers to the 6,288-foot summit of Mount Washington (the Northeast’s highest peak) since 1869, and shows no signs of slowing down.