Fall Weekend Getaway to NH's White Mountains
North Conway Makes a Perfect Base for a Family Weekend
Sep 24, 2009
Late September – those idyllic few weeks between Labor Day and foliage season – is the perfect time to visit New Hampshire’s White Mountains. The weather is at its best and even the normally busy North Conway is enjoying the brief quiet between summer vacations and the annual mid-October pectacle of red, orange and yellow maple trees.
Uncrowded Dining and Lodging
Enough nearby residents and others relish this season to maintain a lively buzz and to keep the local attractions open, but the No Vacancy signs that greet leaf peepers have not yet sprouted in front of resorts and B&Bs. Travelers can walk unannounced into the region’s top dining rooms on a Saturday evening and still get a table.
Most Attractions Remain Open
All but one of the White Mountain Attractions are still open, and a weekend in North Conway can easily include a share of these, plus other experiences. Begin at the Weather Discovery Center, part of the educational outreach efforts of the Mount Washington Observatory. Here adults and children get a free hands-on view of the summit of Mount Washington and how the observatory there forecasts wind and weather.
A Railroad Adventure, Hike to a Waterfall and Indoor Water Park
Board the Conway Scenic Rail Road for an hour-long ride through the Mount Washington Valley to Conway or a 90-minute trip north to Bartlett and back. Stop to look at the history exhibits and model railroad at the historic Victorian Railroad station before tucking into lunch in downtown North Conway. Just outside of town, take a hike to Diana’s Bath off the West Side Road. After all this, those staying at the Red Jacket can return in time to enjoy the indoor Water Park, the exclusive domain of guests at this family-friendly resort. The Water Park is open until 10PM on weekends, so they can eat and return to let the kids work off some energy after dinner has settled.
Family Outing to Storyland
Sunday is a good day to start out early for Storyland. This child-pleasing attraction has an additional perk that few realize. Those arriving within two hours closing time can get a pass to return for the entire of the next day. It’s a magical place for kids, filled with age-appropriate rides and activities, all included in the admission.
Or Climb Mount Washington by Car or Train
Not traveling with kids? There is still lots to do. “Climb” Mount Washington by car on the Mount Washington Auto Road (and get one of the bumper stickers, “This car climbed Mt Washington”. Another way to get to the top is on the Mount Washington Cog Railroad, which has been climbing to the summit since the 1860s. Or, get a spectacular view of New Hampshire’s king of mountains by riding the gondola to the top of Wildcat Mountain, in winter a highly rated alpine ski venue.
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
