Recently on a trip back to Boston, I had a passing thought of; why not visit New Hampshire since it’s so close to Massachusetts? So off I went in my rental car to experience the White Mountain region. As a teenager, I would go skiing in Mt. Washington. It was good to take a look again and dive back into my childhood memories.
It was a beautiful drive heading up 93 North. Mountain ranges aren’t anything like the West coast, but scenic just the same. There wasn’t much snow until I made it through Franconia Notch into Bretton Woods, New Hampshire. I decided to stay at the Mt. Washington Omni Hotel, a historic (and haunted!) luxury hotel and resort. I froze the minute I stepped out of the rental and I couldn’t catch my breath. It was 34 degrees, which felt like 17 degrees. Brrrrrrrr.
I quickly went into the resort, checked in and then checked out the enormous hotel. It was built in 1902 and there were rumors that Carolyn Stickney, the original owner, still ghostly passed through the halls every once in a while. Her room was 314. Guess which room I was in? 313!!!! Eeeks. Fortunately, I’m not superstitious (ummmm…) and I had no spooky encounters.
As I walked around the property, I couldn’t help but think what an exquisite place this would be for a wedding. They had your typical big ballroom, hundreds of rooms, a beautiful outdoor space for photos, fantastic amenities such as a world-renowned spa and golf course. It’s truly a destination-wedding place. There are several restaurants on the property, but I don’t think you go to New Hampshire for their culinary delights. You visit for their adventure hikes!
A wonderful hike that one should not miss is the Arethusa Falls and Bemis Trail located in the Crawford Notch State Park. It’s a 2 mile hike, which takes over 2 hours given its rocky and uphill terrain. When I hiked it, it took even longer because it was incredibly icy and I didn’t get the memo about wearing the chained snow shoes, so I slipped quite a bit! But the hike was so well worth the slip on my behind. Ha! The falls were explosive with bountiful water spilling over the edge. It was gorgeous and breathtaking.
After the hike, I headed into a small town called, North Conway. This was my old stomping ground way back when. The aprés ski place was still standing, Horsefeathers! What wonderful memories sprang to mind. However, the restaurant that was recommended to me was a sushi place. Sushi, you say? In New Hampshire? Well, I was in the mood for some spicy tuna so I ventured in. Now, remember I’m from the Bay Area where all different types of delectable cuisine are available (especially sushi) and needless to say, I was disappointed in the sushi that was served at Delaney’s Hole In The Wall. I should have known when I asked where the fish came from and they said, NEW YORK! Ha! It’s always an experience when trying out new places. Now I can check that one off the list!
My muscles were sore from the arduous hike, so I reserved an Alpine Glow treatment back at the resort. As I mentioned in a previous blog, a Vichy shower treatment is by far my favorite spa treatment and I have to say, this was the best Vichy shower treatment in all the spas I’ve visited. The spa was sensational at 25,000 square feet with a co-ed jacuzzi outside with Mt. Washington as the backdrop. Stunning. Soothing. Spaaaaa.
I would highly recommend this hotel for families with young kids, as there are many activities both inside and outside the resort. It’s a great place for a family reunion, too! If you just want to go with your gal pal’s for a spa getaway, try it! It’s only a 2.5 hour distance from Boston and it’s worth the drive especially if you visit during the peak fall foliage times. Kancamagus Highway is one of the best places to leaf peep.
Need some leaf peeping travel assistance in the New Hampshire area? Just Ask me, your adventure stylist to handle planning the entire trip!
