New Hampshire Best Bargains 2010

Worth the Admission
WHITE MOUNTAIN NATIONAL FOREST RECREATION PASS
It may be a hassle, but $3 per day, $5 per week, or $20 per year (rates as of summer 2010) still seems like a reasonable fee to access 12,000 miles of hiking trails. Stop by the WMNF service desk at the White Mountain Visitor Center or go online for numerous pass resources. 200 Kancamagus Highway, North Woodstock. 603-745-3816; www.fs.fed.us/r9/forests/white_mountain/passes

Grand Views
GALE RIVER MOTEL, Franconia
This tidy lodging with mountain views is handy to hiking in Franconia Notch, and owner Kevin Johnson will lend his guests backpacks, maps, and water bottles. The motel’s 10 rooms offer double beds and plenty of extras, from refrigerator, phone, and WiFi to lawn games, pool, hot tub, and Jacuzzi. Inquire about cottages. Rates: rooms from $90; cottages from $145, or $875 weekly; pets an additional $10. 1 Main St. 800-255-7989, 603-823-5655; galerivermotel.com

The Real Dollar Menu
GRANDMA’S KITCHEN RESTAURANT, Whitefield
Roomy and immaculate, this landmark eatery is good for homemade chowders, open-faced sandwiches, and breakfast all day. Dinner options include liver and onions for $8.95 and turkey dinner with all the fixings for $10.95. 186 Lancaster Road (Route 3). 603-837-2525

Gear Up
L. L. BEAN GEAR ROOM, AMC HIGHLAND CENTER, Crawford Notch
The Appalachian Mountain Club turns neophytes into hardcore hikers. Its newest, sleekest lodge offers 15 private rooms and 19 shared bunkrooms, and guests have free access to the all-weather clothing and gear necessary to enjoy a serious hike. Rates: private room from $89, including dinner and breakfast. Route 302. 603-466-2727; outdoors.org

Summer’s Soundtrack
MONADNOCK MUSIC
A prestigious summer series of more than two dozen concerts in churches, meetinghouses, and other venues in southwestern New Hampshire. The music varies from chamber and orchestral to folk, spiritual, choral, and even dance. Admission to more than half the concerts is free. 800-868-9613, 603-924-7610; monadnockmusic.org