# North Conway

North Conway is a city in the White Mountains region of New Hampshire.

## Understand

North Conway is in the heart of the White Mountains region of New Hampshire. It is a popular vacation destination year-round. The village of North Conway is located about two hours north of Boston, Massachusetts.
North Conway is home to more than 250 alpine ski trails and hundreds of acres of White Mountain National Forest land surrounding Mt. Washington, the biggest mountain in the northeast. There is plenty to do out of doors during any season. Hiking, fishing, swimming, biking, skiing, sledding, canoeing are common activities. North Conway is home to a large strip of shopping areas including factory outlet stores, antique shops, and country stores.

## Get in
### By car

* From Boston - Interstate 95 North. In New Hampshire, take Exit 4 to the Spaulding Turnpike, Route 16 North, continue on Route 16 North to North Conway.
* From Concord - North on Interstate 93, take Exit 23. Follow Rt. 104 East to Meredith to Rt. 25 East. Follow Rt. 25 East to Ossipee and Rt. 16 North.
* From Montreal - South on Interstate 91 to Exit 19 to Interstate 93 South. Take Exit 40, onto Rt. 302 East in Bethlehem. Follow Rt. 302 East to Bartlett. Continue on Rt. 302 towards Glen/North Conway.
* From New York City - North on Interstate 91 to Exit 17, Wells River, Vermont. Cross over to Woodsville, NH and follow Rt. 302 to Bartlett. Continue on Rt. 302 towards Glen/North Conway.

## Get around

If you fly into Laconia Airport (LCI), 50 minutes south of North Conway, rental cars are available at the airport and in nearby Gilford.
* Avis, Laconia Municipal Airport, ☏ +1 603 524-0044. Su-Sa 8AM-6PM.
* Enterprise, 51 Bisson Ave., Laconia, ☏ +1 603 528-5070. M-F 8AM-6PM, Sa 9AM-noon.
Passengers flying into Manchester-Boston Regional Airport (MHT) or Portland International Jetport (PWM) will also find rental cars available at those airports.
Many of North Conway's shops and less interactive attractions are on the town's main road, Route 16. Even with their close proximity, a car is more convenient for travel in the wintertime, and for travel to some of the attractions and activities outside of walking distance. In North Conway, taxi companies service all local areas.
Most of the taxi services include large capacity vans, car seats for children, and airport shuttle services.
* Fast Taxi, ☏ +1 603-356-0000, fax: +1 603-356-6729, fastservice@ncia.net.

## See

* Conway Scenic Railroad, Rt. 16 and 302, ☏ +1 603 356-5251, toll-free: +1-800-232-5251, info@conwayscenic.com. Enjoy the natural scenery of NH while enjoying a meal. Absorb the local history and check out North Conway station, in operation for more than 130 years. Adult $14.50, Children under 3 free, Child (4-12) $10.
* Mt. Washington Children's Museum, 2936 White Mountain Highway, ☏ +1 603 356-2992, smorin@mwvchildrensmuseum.org. Offering activities for children and the whole family. Playgroups and birthday parties are among the museum's scheduled activities. $5, children under 1: Free.
* Mt. Washington Observatory, P. O. Box 2310, ☏ +1 603 356-2137, fax: +1 603-356-0307. The Observatory offers overnight educational trips, a pleasant view of the surrounding mountains, and guided snow tractor day trips in the Valley and up to the summit of Mt. Washington. Daytrips: $159, Educational Trips: $459.
* Foliage and Covered Bridges, Rt. 112. Old style wooden bridges and New Hampshire's scenic Kancamagus Highway of the White Mountains.
* Cathedral Ledge, 60 Echo Lake Road (Located off of West Side Road). Panoramic views of the Mount Washington Valley are accessed by car atop the 1000-foot tall (300 m) rock ledge. A very steep, easily driven road (Cathedral Ledge Road) leads tourists up the mountain in a matter of minutes where they are able to park and hike a 100 foot trail to the fenced viewing area. Easy access and limited area make this location slightly crowded at times. This area also attracts many experienced and novice climbers who ascend the rock face throughout the summer and winter months.

## Do

North Conway is a popular area for rock climbing and hiking with Cathedral Ledge and Diana's Baths being the most popular.
* Attitash Ski Resort, Route 302, toll-free: +1 800-223-SNOW (7669) (7669). In the wintertime, Attitash offers 74 trails and Terrain Park for skiers and snowboarders. The Nor'easter Mountain Coaster brings you 1,420 ft (430 m) up the side of the mountain; at the top you descend 2,880 ft (880 m) downward at a speed up to 25 mi (40 km) per hour. A single ride on this coaster is $12 without a ski ticket, or $10 with a ski ticket. First time ride is free. Requirements to ride the coaster include: children over 3 years of age, and riders must be 9 years or older to ride alone. During the summer, Attitash offers its Alpine Slide, Water Park and Scenic View ride.
* Cranmore Mountain Resort, 1 Skimobile Rd, ☏ +1 603 356-5543. Cranmore Mountain is a great beginner mountain, for those with small children learning how to ski or snowboard. It is a very family oriented resort, with a warm, cozy lodge. This mountain is also equipped for night skiing, with well lit trails for skiing or snowboarding during the night. You can rent skiing/snowboarding equipment from the resort, and take group lessons or individual lessons for beginners. There is also a tubing park located on the resort open until 9PM every day except Sunday, where it is open until 4PM. For a 2-hour tubing ticket, it is $23 for every age.
* Saco Bound, Inc. & Rapid River Rafting, Route 302 Center, ☏ +1 603 447-3801, rivers@sacobound.com. Canoeing, kayaking or rafting.
* Bike Shop, Mountain Valley Mall Blvd, ☏ +1 603 356-6089. Bike rentals.
* Bob & Terry's Ski & Bike, 2420 White Mountain Hwy, ☏ +1 603 356-3133. Bike rentals.
* Pirate's Cove Adventure Golf, Route 16, ☏ +1 603 356-8807.
* Outdoor Escapes New Hampshire, LLC, ☏ +1 603 528-0136, naturenut@outdoorescapesnewhampshire.com. Provides guided photo tours, moose tours, hiking backpacking, canoeing, kayaking, mountain biking, snow shoeing and cross country skiing.
* New England Dog Sledding, Attitash Ski Area, Mailing Address: 591 Kings Highway Mason Twsp, ☏ +1 207 731-6888, toll-free: +1-800-951-6681, telemark@megalink.net. Dog sledding for families or couples that includes adventure and scenery (19min from North Conway).
* Bretton Woods at the Mount Washington Resort, 302 Bretton Woods, ☏ +1 603 278-3320, toll-free: +1-800-258-0330, fax: +1 603-278-3337, skibw@brettonwoods.com. Provides skiing, snowboarding, sleigh rides, dog sledding and snowshoeing.
* International Mountain Equipment and Climbing School, 2733 Main Street North Conway Village, ☏ +1 603 356-7013, fax: +1 603-356-6492, guides@ime-usa.com. Rock and Ice Climbing, year round.
* Ham Arena, West Main Street, Conway, ☏ +1 603 447-5886, fax: +1 603-447-5888, skatemail@hamarena.com. In addition to public ice skating, the Ham Arena offers ice hockey programs and figure skating practice ice for children and adults. The Ham Arena also features a pro shop stocked with hockey equipment, an on-site pizza and snack shop, and a video games area.
* Northern Extremes Snowmobiling, 1946 White Mtn. Highway, ☏ +1 603 356-4718, toll-free: +1-877-722-6748, fax: +1 603-356-7152, info@northernextremes.com. Provides snowmobiling with guided tours, canoeing and kayaking.
* AMC Highland Center, Route 302 Bretton Woods, ☏ +1 603 278-HIKE (4453), amclodging@outdoors.org. The Highland Center is a starting point for day hikes, paddling, snowshoe treks, skiing, and longer backcountry trips in the White Mountains.
* Alpine Slides, Attitash P.O. Box 308 Bartlett, ☏ +1 603 374-2368, toll-free: +1-877-677-7669. Mountain slides and water slides.
* UberBlast, 2129 White Mountain Highway, ☏ +1 603-356-5655. Family fun with miniature golf, food and an arcade. Banana Village encourages birthday parties and summer camp group outings to their location as well.
* Diana's Baths, West Side Road (0.5 miles north of the Cathedral Ledge access road). The series of waterfalls is very popular amongst tourists during the summer. Many come here to cool off in the frigid mountain water of Lucy Brook. A mild 0.6-mile hike from the parking area is required to access the falls. $3 honor system for parking.
* Echo Lake State Park, 68 Echo Lake Road Conway, ☏ +1 603 356-2672. M-F: 9AM-sunset Sa/Su: 8:30AM-sunset. Good location for family swimming and picnics. A trail around the lake provides close-up views of Cathedral Ledge and White Horse Ledge. Pets are not permitted. Adults (12-65) $4; Children (6-11) $2.

### Events
#### February

* Mt. Washington Valley Winter Carnival, toll-free: +1-800-367-3364. Various events held around Mt. Washington Valley. Week long event typically held mid-February through early March.
* Race to Beat Cancer, Mt. Cranmore Resort, ☏ +1 603 356-3719. Held annually in February to benefit the American Cancer Society
* Chocolate Festival Ski Tour, ☏ +1 603-356-9920.

#### March

* Mt. Washington Valley Winter Carnival, toll-free: +1-800-367-3364. Various events held around Mt. Washington Valley. Week long event typically held mid-February through early March.

#### May

* Annual Taste of New Hampshire, Mt. Washington Hotel, toll-free: +1-877-873-0626. Chefs of the American Culinary Federation provide culinary and beverage demonstrations throughout the weekend.
* Annual Memorial Day Sidewalk Sales, Settler's Green Outlet Village Route 16.
* Memorial Day Weekend Craft Fair, North Conway Community Center, ☏ +1 603 356-2096.

#### June

* Mt. Washington Road Race, ☏ +1 603 466-3988. Held in mid-June, annual hillclimb up the Mt. Washington Auto Road.
* $^{[deadlink]}$ Annual Arts Jubilee, ☏ +1 603-356-5701 ext 350. Indoor and outdoor concert series held June–August.

#### July

* Independence Day Celebration, Schouler Park, ☏ +1 603 447-5680. July 4th. Includes fireworks around 9PM.

#### August

* $^{[deadlink]}$ Annual Bach Festival, ☏ +1 603 356-5701 ext 350. August 23–26, 2007. Four-day event celebrating the music of Johann Sebastian Bach. $30-60 for all four shows.
* Labor Day Weekend Lobster Bake and BBQ, White Mountain Hotel West Side Rd, ☏ +1 603 356-7100.

#### September

* Labor Day Sidewalk Sales, Settler's Green Outlets, Route 16. Back to school specials at more than 60 stores.
* Fall Festival and Scarecrow Contest, Settler's Green Outlet Village, Route 16, ☏ +1 603 356-7031. Held in late September through early October, free events for the whole family.

#### October

* Fryeburg Fair, Nearby Fryeburg, Maine, ☏ +1 207 935-3268, info@fryeburgfair.org. A week long historical event only 20 minutes from North Conway held in the first week of October. $42 for an 8 day pass, $24-$30 per night for camper parking.
* Fall Festival and Scarecrow Contest, Settler's Green Outlet Village Route 16, ☏ +1 603 356-7031. Held in late September through early October, free events for the whole family.

#### December

* Polar Express Event, Conway Scenic Railroad 38 Norcross Circle. This special event takes adult and children passengers on the Polar Express to the "North Pole" departing from the center of North Conway.
* New Years Festival and Party, Schouler Park, ☏ +1 603 356-5701 ext 350, info@mwvevents.com.

### Golf

* Hale's Location Golf & Country Club, West Side Rd, ☏ +1 603 356-2140. 18 holes. Par 36.
* North Conway Country Club (North Conway Village at Norcross Circle), ☏ +1 603 356-9391. 18-hole par 71 course rated as one of the top ten golf courses in New Hampshire.
* White Mountain Resort (Off West Side Road), ☏ +1 603 356-7100, info@whitemountainhotel.com.

## Buy

The numerous stores and shopping centers are located on "the strip," a stretch of road on Route 16 in North Conway. Chains including Wal-Mart and Staples. Stores tend to close early in this area of New Hampshire, so if you're shopping after dinner, shops like Zeb's General Store or the North Conway Five and Dime may be closed.
* Christmas Loft, Route 16, ☏ +1 603 356-5253.
* Eastern Mountain Sports, 1640 White Mountain Hwy, ☏ +1 603-733-4378.
* Naked Bohemian, 2718 White Mountain Hwy, ☏ +1 603 356-5775. Unique handmade furniture.
* North Conway Five and Dime, Route 16, ☏ +1 603-356-3953. The Five and Dime appears very low key, but is a very interesting store to visit. This general store differs from Zeb's in nearly every way, having old fashioned toys, utensils, and novelties that have lasted through the ages.
* Richard M. Plusch Fine Antiques, Routes 16 and 302, ☏ +1 603 356-3333, rmpant@earthlink.net.
* Shaw's Grocery Store, 1150 Eastman Rd, ☏ +1 603 356-5471.
* Sawyer River Knife & Trading Company, 16 Norcross Pl (north of the Park in the Village), ☏ +1 603 356-4155. 11AM-5PM. Largest selection of quality cutlery and sporting knives. Gourmet kitchen store with the best names in small kitchen appliances, cookware and kitchen gadgets.
* Zeb's General Store, Route 16, ☏ +1 603-356-9294, toll-free: +1-800-676-9294. Zeb's General Store is like the candy store everyone imagines when they were a kid. It has many different types of candy, honey sticks, and homemade fudge. Not only does Zeb's sell candy, but there are a variety of gift baskets, New England specialty foods, crackers, maple syrup, desserts, dips, and many, many more, all priced reasonably. It is a great place to go to make the children happy, and perhaps pick up a self-made gift basket for someone or try a different type of recipe. Zeb's is one of those stores that has a little bit of everything!
* League of NH Craftsmen North Conway Fine Craft Gallery, 2526 White Mountain Highway, ☏ +1 603-356-2441. Browse the arts and crafts of New Hampshire designers or take a pottery class.

### Outlets

* Settler's Green Outlet Village Plus, Route 16, ☏ +1 603 356-7031, toll-free: +1-888-667-9636. Stores include: Banana Republic, Eddie Bauer, J Crew, Nike, Old Navy, Pacific Sunwear, Children's Place, Gap, Van Heusen, Wilson's Leather, Coach, Aeropostale, Adidas, Bass, Brookstone, Carter's, Champion, Harry and David, Journeys, Reebok, Talbots. This shopping outlet has parking to access any store. During the winter season, it is busier with more people because of the tourist attractions and skiing/snowboarding resorts surrounding this area.

## Eat

Chains including Applebees's, Ben and Jerry's ice cream, Burger King, Dairy Queen, Friendly's Ice Cream, McDonald's and Pizza Hut can all be found in town. Other options include:

### Mid-range

* Delaney's Hole In the Wall, 2966 White Mountain Highway, ☏ +1 603 356-7776. Delaney's is a family oriented tavern with a variety of options on the menu serving lunch and dinner. Located in the heart of the White Mountain region in New Hampshire, there is always a crowd made up of skiers and snowboarders from all over in the winter. On occasion, there is entertainment at the restaurant, such as singers/bands. There are always TVs with sporting events on to watch as well. Their motto is "Big Time Portions – Big Time Drinks – Big Time Fun for the Whole Family."
* 44.0529-71.12751 Horsefeathers, 2679 White Mountain Highway, ☏ +1 603 356-2687. Horsefeathers is a great place for a sit-down meal. They are known for having excellent seafood. They do have a small menu, but every item is great.
* 44.0685-71.14372 Moat Mountain Smoke House & Brewing Co., 3378 White Mountain Highway, ☏ +1 603 356-6381. Moat Mountain and Brewery is an excellent place for both children and adults. They have a vast menu that varies in price from $10-15. They are known for having some of the best ribs and burgers in the area. They offer five different types of their flagship beers and have over ten different types of seasonal beer.
* Peaches Restaurant. Excellent for breakfast.
* The Stairway Café. Excellent for breakfast.
* Muddy Moose Restaurant and Pub, 2344 White Mountain Highway, ☏ +1 603 356-7696. 11:30AM-10PM.
* Peking Sunrise Restaurant, 1179 Eastman Rd, ☏ +1 603 356-6976. 11:30AM-9:30PM. Lunch Specials daily 11:30-3PM.
* Black Cap Grille, 1498 White Mountain Highway (Located in Settler's Crossing between EMS and L.L. Bean). 11:30AM-9:30PM. Kitchen open until 10PM on weekends. Bar serves later.
* Merlino's Family Steakhouse, 1717 White Mountain Highway, ☏ +1 603 356-5009. 11AM-9PM.
* Fiesta Jalisco, 6 Mountain Valley Blvd, ☏ +1 603 733-5550. M-Th 11AM-10PM, F Sa 11AM-10:30PM, Su 11AM-9PM.

### Splurge

* 44.0742-71.14153 The 1785 Inn, 3582 White Mountain Hwy, ☏ +1 603 356-9025, fax: +1 603 356-6081, the1785inn@aol.com. At the Scenic Vista. Gourmet, innovative but casual.

## Sleep

* 44.0729-71.14141 Starlight Lodge North Conway, 3537 White Mountain Highway, ☏ +1 603 356-3551. $199.
* Fox Ridge Resort, ☏ +1 603 356-3151. Check-in: 3PM, check-out: 11PM. Offers three room types: family rooms, rooms, and jacuzzi rooms. $75 to $200.
* Green Granite Inn and Conference Center, 1515 White Mountain Highway (Route 16), ☏ +1 603-356-6901, toll-free: +1-800-468-3666. $100-270 per night.
* Holiday Inn Express Hotel & Suites, 1732 White Mountain Hwy, ☏ +1 603 356-2551.
* Isaac Merrill House, toll-free: +1 800-328-9041. The Isaac Merrill House has only 15 rooms, with four different room styles to choose from, this hotel is about atmosphere and history. $99 to $159.
* North Conway Grand Hotel, Rt. 16 Settler's Green, ☏ +1 603-356-9300, toll-free: +1-800-655-1452, ncgres@northconwaygrand.com. $89 to $199, meals not included.
* Red Elephant Inn (formerly Victorian Harvest Inn), 28 Locust Ln, ☏ +1 603 356-3548, toll-free: +1-800-642-0749. A year-round bed and breakfast located on a quiet wooded lane just off the main route. Eight rooms with private baths and air conditioning, garden and pool. $80 to $200 per night. Great views of the Moat Mountain range. The breakfasts are outstanding!
* Residence Inn by Marriott, North Conway, 1801 White Mountain Highway, ☏ +1 603 356-3024. Features family suites with double queen beds, high-speed Internet access and breakfast.