Autumn in New England: New Hampshire
Autumn in New England: New Hampshire
Part 3 of a series of 7
When the “Great Northern Woods of New Hampshire” explode into joyous, vibrant color, with orchards overflowing with ripe fruit ready for picking, you know its time to visit the “Granite State.” Predictions about the best times to view fall colors can be found on the web site of the “Old Farmers Almanac.”
Like it’s neighboring states, with it’s hiking trails, natural wildlife, historic monuments and, canoeing, New Hampshire offers the traveler / explorer a variety of areas to visit. You can choose from the beautiful Seashore Region, Dartmouth-Lake Sunapee, the Great North Woods, the Lakes Region, the Merrimack Valley, the Monadock Region, or the White Mountains. If you choose the White Mountains, you can visit the non-profit Mount Washington Observatory which has been keeping watch from one of the Earth’s most extreme places since 1932. The 6,288 foot summit of Mount Washington, the highest peak on the east coast, and has the title of “Home of the World’s Worst Weather.”
You can also take a paddle wheel dinner boat ride on the “The Winnipesaukee Belle”, a 70-foot replica turn-of-the-century paddleboat within the Lake Area, or take the Historical Mount Washington Cog Railway, built in 1869. The Cog Railway was an engineering marvel in it’s day. A ride up Mount Washington on the world’s first mountain-climbing cog railway remains, as it has for well over a century, an exciting and unforgettable experience.
The immense variety of accommodations enhances the charm of New England with only budget and taste guiding your selection. The state of New Hampshire welcomes you with open arms.
I’ve selected three excellent properties, that not only provide you with excellent service but should you decide to stay at any of these hotel’s you will also enjoy their comforts, amenities and their historical atmosphere.
The Manor on Golden Pond: located in Holderness, New Hampshire is approximately a 2-hour drive from Portsmouth, N.H or about a 1-hour drive from Concord, N.H.
The Manor on Golden Pond has the honor of being associated with the highly regarded international firm, Virtuoso.
The Manor began as a love story at the turn of the 20th century when a wealthy Englishman captured the heart of a beautiful debutante. On Shepherd’s Hill, amid the tall sentinel pines, they built a magnificent country estate with sweeping vistas overlooking Squam Lake, of Golden Pond fame. Now, at the turn of another century, the elegance and comfort of this English manor has been artfully restored offering the perfect idyll for those seeking a respite, a romantic getaway. Beautifully appointed accommodations offer all the amenities of a luxury hotel while retaining the charm and tranquility of a New England country inn. From the moment you reach the top of Shepherd’s Hill your experience will be memorable, the stuff of dreams. You can do so much here or you can simply unwind, surrounded by the splendid countryside, the brilliant seasons, and the warm ambiance of an elegant country inn. This is a small elegant retreat with 24 rooms that include 2 cottages, one cottage is along the lake, on 15 acres. The lake cottage is generally closed during the month of October until late Spring.
Dining: In the Elegant dining room you can enjoy your meal in the Van Horn Dining room. Note Dinner Jackets are not required for gentleman.
“Four Diamond” is an accolade given to few New Hampshire inns and one they are proud to have achieved, in addition to several other awards. This award recognizes the sophistication, level of service and attention to detail that you can expect to find at the Manor and the exceptional cuisine prepared on the premises. Their chef’s innovative presentations showcase New American menus prepared with the freshest seasonal offerings, enhanced by his wide-ranging culinary travels and training under renowned chefs.
You’ll dine in their beautiful Van Horn room, an intimate setting with elegant décor reminiscent of a fine English table with white linen napery, fresh flowers and candlelight. You’ll dine leisurely, lingering over the evening’s offering and accompanied by an outstanding bottle of wine from the extensive Wine Spectator list of vintages from vineyards worldwide.
Another Inn located in the Lake District of New Hampshire is: The Wolfeboro Inn, a Bed And Breakfast, in Wolfeboro, N.H.
This is an elegant 45 room hotel, dating back to 1812, with a wide array of rooms from the historic to the tastefully designed New England Classic, and spacious luxury suites. This hotel is honored with the distinction of being ‘The Oldest Summer Resort in America.’
The Wolfe’s Tavern at the Wolfeboro Inn, an authentic New England tavern and restaurant, is Wolfeboro’s most popular place to enjoy a spectacular meal while obtaining an unbeatable dining experience. Serving a variety of steaks, seafood, and the best prime rib in all of the Lakes Region, the extensive menu has something for every palate.
It is in this area that you can enjoy a dinner cruise on the, Winnipesaukee Belle paddle wheel boat.
Traveling northward towards the White Mountain region you will find: The White Mountain Hotel, in North Conway, NH, only 2 1/2 hours from Boston. This 200 room hotel has the distinction of being an Historical Landmark.
As grand as the history behind it, The Mount Washington Hotel, is gracious in ambiance and generous in amenities. A favorite retreat of presidents, poets and celebrities, the Hotel delights every sense with enchanting music, refined dining and luxurious décor.
A grand masterpiece of Spanish Renaissance architecture, The Mount Washington Hotel in New Hampshire’s White Mountains, was a two-year labor of love for 250 master craftsmen. Conceived by industrialist Joseph Stickney, this National Historic Landmark opened in 1902 and has been attracting generations of families ever since.
Throughout its history, the Hotel has been renowned for natural beauty and luxurious extras. Indoor pools, jacuzzis and fireplaces are just a few of the indoor amenities comforting year round guests. From the Tiffany stained glass to the crystal chandeliers you’ll find the interior is just as impressive as the exterior.
The Hotel’s elegant 3-Diamond Dining Room serves four-course dinners with orchestra accompaniment nightly. Every detail, from the serenading orchestra to the menu, that changes daily, reminds you that this is a place unlike any other.
After dinner, go for a moonlit stroll on the veranda, listen to jazz music or contemporary favorites in the speakeasy lounge, The Cave, or plan one more waltz as the orchestra plays on.
All Mount Washington Resort guests have access to the Rosebrook Recreation Center, which offers an indoor pool, Jacuzzi, steam room, racquetball courts, exercise and weight rooms.
To be found in this area is the lovely town of Jackson. Each year there is an annual pumpkin carving contest where many of the residents get involved, and works of art and creativity abounds. One of many joys is driving around during the evening, to see the glowing pumpkins. It is a wonderful magical event and fun for all.
As you may now be discovering each state has it own particular uniqueness and I do hope you get a chance to enjoy visiting them, at your leisure. Then you may also consider organizing a corporate meeting and /or family holiday get together at one of the hotels I have mentioned.
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Arthur D. Wright is a contributing travel writer to Out Impact and has over 25 years experience in the travel industry. Arthur is with Rich Worldwide Travel, and Rich Worldwide Travel is a member of IGLTA and Virtuoso Travel Association. For more information on Arthur, please visit his blog at http://adwrichtravel.wordpress.com/.
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