Guide to New Hampshire’s Mount Washington Valley | Eat, Stay, Shop & Play

When the snow flies in the Mount Washington Valley, there are countless ways to get out and have fun — from skiing and snowshoeing to heading up its namesake mountain by foot or by snow coach. In the January/February 2021 feature by Ian Aldrich (“Winter’s Playground”), we explore this unique area and its endless options for making the most of snow season. Planning a visit to enjoy this magical New Hampshire outdoors mecca? Here’s a guide to where to eat, what to do, and where to stay when you visit New Hampshire’s Mount Washington Valley.

Guide to New Hampshire’s Mount Washington Valley

Mount Washington Valley Restaurants & Where to Eat

Cheese Louise| Conway and North Conway

Youth-run food trucks that take grilled cheese to new levels with healthy and unexpected ingredients, many locally sourced. Don’t miss the signature New England–style lemonade. Conway and North Conway

J-Town Deli & Country Store| Jackson

A skier’s refueling stop for wraps, sandwiches, and baked goods covering breakfast, lunch, and dinner. You can also stock up on local crafts and craft beers alike.

Moat Mountain Smokehouse| North Conway

Rib-sticking portions of pulled pork and other smokehouse favorites, washed down with cold beer brewed right next door.

Red Parka Steakhouse & Pub| Glen

Après-ski favorite where the must-try dishes include chicken and waffles and the dining room is full of ski memorabilia, so the mountains are never far from mind.

The Sunrise Shack| Glen

A hip eatery housed in a 1950s-era drive-in restaurant specializing in hearty omelets, breakfast bowls, and burgers.

Table + Tonic| North Conway

Local fare and house-made tonics play starring roles at this cozy bistro.

Thompson House Eatery| Jackson

A restaurant and a farm. You can’t go wrong with the roast chicken and artisanal cheese board, nor the array of house-made breads, sauces, pickles, and pastas.

The Wentworth| Jackson

Elegant dining in a country inn located in the heart of the village.

Mount Washington Valley Hotels & Inns

The Glen House | Gorham

Expect modern amenities with an outdoor vibe at this eco-friendly hotel in the heart of the White Mountain National Forest.

Highland Center Lodge | Bretton Woods

Beloved AMC property located smack-dab in Crawford Notch. Take advantage of the gear room, filled with everything needed for all-season outdoor recreation.

Inn at Ellis River | Jackson

Family-oriented 22-room B&B within easy walking distance of the Jackson Touring Foundation; close proximity to all the other major downhill resorts.

Omni Mount Washington Resort | Bretton Woods

With a major ski mountain across the road and miles of cross-country trails on-site, you can park your car here and forget it.

White Mountain Hotel | North Conway

Set at the base of Cathedral Ledge, with beautiful views from the dining room. The heated pool is ideal for relaxing after a day in the mountains.

Mount Washington Valley Shopping

The Cassidy Gallery | Conway

Showcasing more than 50 New England artists, with most living and working in the Mount Washington Valley.

Jewelry by Tim & Friends | North Conway

Sophisticated handcrafted baubles, plus jewelry restoration and clock repair.

The Penguin Gallery | North Conway

Funky and fun gifts, decor, jewelry, cards, kitchenware, and, well anything else you may want to bring home for a gift. Check out the “made in New Hampshire” room.

Settlers Green | North Conway

The best collection of name-brand stores in the North Country, including the nearly 25,000-square-foot REI Co-op.

Spruce Hurricane | North Conway

Women’s “mountain chic” specialist offering clothes, shoes, and accessories.

White Birch Books | North Conway

A small but worthy independent bookstore that’s been a valley fixture since 1992.

Zeb’s General Store | North Conway

New England–made specialty foods, handmade items, books, toys, and the sweet nostalgia of a soda fountain.

Mount Washington Valley Things to Do

Mount Washington Valley Skiing

With seven downhill areas and six cross-country centers within 30 to 40 minutes of North Conway, you can choose a different experience every day.

New England Ski Museum | North Conway

Shining a light on the region’s key role in the development of the U.S. Alpine and cross-country scenes.

SnowCoach Tours | Gorham

Travel four-plus miles up the Mount Washington Auto Road, and see a winter world not soon forgotten.

Weather Discovery Center | North Conway

The Mount Washington Observatory hosts this, the only museum in the country dedicated to weather. (Check out the wind room and see what it feels like when 231 mph winds are howling outside.) The gift shop is a must-stop for hard-to-find items for weather buffs.