Pearls n boots

Hello, dear reader.

I have attempted to write the perfect review of my New Hampshire trip. I have been many times and always enjoyed the trip. This year on the last day of vacation my mom, who went on the trip with me was severely injured requiring rescue from the top of the mountain. Mount Washington to be precise. Followed, by emergency surgery.

It has been several months and she is still recovering, with months more to go. I cannot speak highly enough of the through hikers that stopped to help and the emergency rescue team that was stationed at the summit. We got to learn that an ambulance cannot make it up the mountain due to the incline and altitude. The quick thinking and acting parks workers removed the seats from one of their specialized mountain vans to get her down the mountain to meet the city ambulance.  

The seasonality of New England, will affect what is available to do throughout the year swimming in summer becomes ice fishing in winter. My summer itinerary may need changing if you are planning a get away in the next couple months. If you are planning your summer 2026 trip, I highly recommend you consider the locations I have included below. I was originally going to do a place-by-place review, but the accident and time have prevented that.

Things that I endorse:  All an easy drive from North Conway, NH.

• Explore Downtown- We stay in North Conway, downtown is full of small shops. As are the down town areas of many of the small towns in the area. A few stores in downtown North Conway include:
  • League of NH Craftsman. North Conway Fine Craft Gallery | League of NH Craftsmen Hand crafted one of a kind finds.
  • Zeb’s General Store Zebs General Store – Best of New England a little bit of everything.
  • The Christmas Loft: A Boutique Christmas Specialty Shop Part store, part attraction.
• Settler’s Green- Settlers Green –  Tax-free Outlet Shopping | North Conway, NH Shopping for everyone in the family. A great place to complete your holiday shopping.
• White Mountain National Forrest-Home | White Mountain National Forest | Forest Service Mother nature at her best.
• Clarks Trading Post/Clarks Bears- Clark’s Bears, Lincoln, NH: Home of Clark’s Trained Bears and the White Mountain Central RR Trained bears, a circus, and family entertainment. Check the schedule ahead of time to make sure you can see the shows. This is one of the seasonal items. The bears need to hibernate.
• Mount Washington- Auto Road Mt. Washington Auto Road | Adventures in Gorham, NH or Cog Train. The Mount Washington Cog Railway– I have only been up in the height of summer. At the base a t-shirt is plenty at the top winds blowing and I need a winter fleece. Wind chill may be below freezing in July. Some of the highest winds on Earth have been recorded here.
• Castle in the Clouds- Castle In the Clouds: Historic Estate, Restaurant, Weddings historic property with fabulous views of Lake Winnipesaukee. Hike to the waterfall, tour the castle and dine in the Carriage House, or Café in the Clouds.
• Tour Lake Winnipesaukee- My family used cruisenh.com/pages/narrated-scenic-tours. They offer several other cruises as well. Check out their site and see what fits your families needs.  

There are a number of small local restaurants in North Conway. A few I enjoy and endorse:

• Merlino’s Family Steakhouse – Since 1967  If you are a fan of steak, you will love Merlino’s. I can only review the prime rib. (Because it is what my family has gotten for 3 generations when we go.) It is the best I have had, and the standard that everyone else fails to meet.
• Delaney’s Hole in the Wall- Welcome is anything but. I highly recommend their Lobster Roll and New England Clam Chowder.
• Banners- HOME A great place to grab a hearty breakfast. We all enjoyed every meal we had and we stopped there several times.

This post DOES NOT contain affiliate links, I was not compensated in any way and the opinions are strictly my own. Links are provided as a courtesy and to make your planning easier so you can enjoy the splendor of the mountains.  

A few pictures I took on my trip.