Winter Activities
If you prefer skiing Nordic style, then head for the endless miles of manicured cross-country ski trails, or for something a little bit different many of the trails serve snowshoeing as well. Both are available from the Adventure Centre at Loon Mountain, which also has an indoor climbing wall and a Zipline which operates at weekends, whisking you on a thrilling ride over the Pemigewasset River.Tubing is great fun for all the family, and ice-skating can be found at Loon Mountain as well as at the superb Ice Arena in Waterville Valley, offering both indoor and outdoor skating.
For a more traditional way of taking in the local scenery, horse-drawn sleigh rides are ever popular, but if you fancy a more modern approach to touring, there are as many miles of snowmobile trails in New Hampshire as roads, and guided snowmobile rides are a great way to try this exhilarating pastime.
Eating Out
Weekday evenings are low-key, with plenty of opportunity to relax over a hearty dinner and a bottle of wine whilst looking back over the day’s exertions. Or maybe share a couple of locally brewed beers, right from the micro-brewery of the Woodstock Inn, which also hosts live music on Friday or Saturday nights, as do many of the pubs and bars of the region.
A great choice of quality dining options can be found in most of the hotels and inns, as well as in a wide selection of fabulous local restaurants. The variety of cuisine ranges from casual dining in a laid-back atmosphere through classic Italian dishes to award-winning local New England cuisine in relaxed or intimate settings. Look out for family value with one child eating free with every paying adult.
And whatever your taste, whether it’s fabulously fresh Atlantic seafood or succulent steaks and ribs, don’t leave without sampling a bowl of traditional Clam Chowder and some tender New England Prime Rib.
Tax-Free Outlet Shopping
An added bonus of being in New Hampshire is that it is a tax-free state, so that no sales tax is applied to retail goods. Add to this the fact that New Hampshire is home to some extensive outlet shopping malls offering tax-free factory prices on some famous brands, than making time to hunt down some bargains is a must.
Look out for unbelievable prices on Levi’s, Adidas, Reebok and Gap, just to name a few.
Settler’s Green outlet mall is right on the doorstep of one of the area’s leading hotels, the North Conway Grand, whilst the Tanger Outlets are just off the I93 highway, the main route between the White Mountains and Boston.
Useful links for tax-free shopping
http://www.settlersgreen.com/
http://www.tangeroutlet.com/tilton
http://www.premiumoutlets.com/outlets/outlet.asp?id=101
Boston
And talking of Boston, since you’re in the area, why not take the opportunity to spend a couple of days at the start or end of your ski trip in one of America’s most historic cities? Boston is where it all started, with a minor revolt against British tea imports sparking off the war that led to the birth of America as an independent nation.
The state capital of Massachusetts, bordering New Hampshire to the south, Boston is a wonderful blend of old and new, from the 17th Century houses around the North Church and the cobbled streets of Back Bay to the impressive modern Prudential Centre. A great walking city – follow the Freedom Trail – another easy way to take in the sights is on a 2-hour trolley tour around this wonderfully compact city.
