Group New and Notable in the White Mountains
Updated January 9, 2024
Play
Alpine Garden Winery, in Bartlett, extends a rustic and cozy tasting room open year-round. Offering tasting flights and bottles to-go of limited-batch, natural wines and ciders, made with locally grown and foraged fruits. Each product is unique to season and circumstance, telling the story of the vintage. This is a journey of farming, passion, art, and craft. Click here to learn more about Alpine Garden Winery.
Enjoy a scenic ride on the Bretton Woods Skyway Gondola, NH’s only 8-passenger gondola, for breathtaking views of Mt. Washington and Presidential Range. The 5-minute ride up takes you to the Rosebrook Lodge with on-mountain dining at the Switchback Grille, Crystal Hills, or Peaks Café. Click here to learn more about the Skyway Gondola.
NH’s only certified organic distillery, Cathedral Ledge Distillery, offers handcrafted products in a timber framed barn. Flights, cocktails, tours, snacks, and gifts are available in the pet-friendly tasting room. All award-winning products including whiskeys, vodkas, gins, and maple liqueur are gluten free. Take a tour of the production area and learn about the process of making grain-to-glass spirits. Click here to learn more about Cathedral Ledge Distillery.
Conway Scenic Railroad is rolling out a dedicated cruise train in a bid to become an iconic shore excursion from Portland, Maine into New Hampshire's scenic and historic White Mountains. The new cruise train will consist of four first-class, air-conditioned cars with a total capacity for 364 passengers. Cruisers embark on Conway's own motor coaches at Portland's Ocean Gateway or Ocean Terminal for an hour's drive through the scenic countryside into North Conway and then enjoy a 2.5-hour journey by rail which includes hot plated lunches in dome-car dining with chefs working in a fully equipped kitchen car. Passengers disembark and return to buses for a faster (40-minute) ride down, with different scenery, stopping for an hour at North Conway to explore its one-of-a-kind shops including an old-time general store. Click here to learn more about booking a group visit to Conway Scenic Railroad.
Cranmore Mountain Resort celebrated the groundbreaking of the next phase in the resort’s multi-year redevelopment project, The Lookout, in September 2023. The building will sit parallel to the new Fairbank Lodge at the base of the mountain, extending out towards the Skimobile Express Quad. In addition to 17 new residences with ski-in/ski-out access, Cranmore’s ski patrol team will get a spacious, state-of-the-art first aid facility. Completion of the new building is scheduled for 2024-25 winter season. The new Fairbank Lodge opened for Christmas week 2023. The expansive lodge features 30,000 square feet of new day lodge space, along with 15, two-story lofted private residences on its upper levels. Day services include a new food pavilion, slope side bar, day and season-long lockers, restrooms, a café, and retail shop. When complete, the $85 million base area redevelopment will double the size of the area’s day-visit facilities and house 100 condominium residences to the resort. Click here to learn more about recent additions at Cranmore Mountain Resort.
Experience local and regional works of art incorporated into natural and man-made landscapes. The Franconia Artwalk is an outdoor exhibition of sculptures, mosaics, paintings, and ceramics on seasonal display, and a beautiful venue for art-related events and attractions. Click here to view the Franconia ArtWalk map. Settlers Green in North Conway incorporates public art throughout the property including murals, sculptures, custom neon, and photographs plus gardens, play areas, and comfortable seating to enhance the shopping experience. Click here to learn more about public art at Settlers Green.
In August 2023, Patriot Rail Company announced it assumed ownership and operations of the Hobo Railroad and the Winnipesaukee Scenic Railroad, located in Lincoln, NH and Meredith NH, respectively. In addition to the two scenic railroads, a vibrant rail bike operation—Rail Bike Adventures—offers patrons visiting Laconia, NH, an opportunity to ride a rail bike alongside the magnificent Lake Winnisquam. Patriot Rail, the nation’s third-largest short line holding company with 32 railroads and supporting operations in 23 states, also operates the Blue Ridge Scenic Railway in Blue Ridge, Georgia. Patriot Rail plans to announce a complete rebrand of its New Hampshire operations as they transition to Granite State Scenic Railroad in the coming months. Click here to learn more about booking a group train ride.
Ice Castles NH, located in North Woodstock, is an award-winning frozen attraction and one of only five located across North America. Professional ice artists craft the structures using hundreds of thousands of hand-placed icicles. The experience includes breathtaking LED-lit sculptures, ice-carved tunnels, fountains, and much more. Recent additions include the Mystic Forest Light Walk, snow tubing, sleigh rides, a private space for rent called the Arctic Alcove, Winter Fairy Village, and the Polar Pub – belly up to a frosty ice bar and order a winter-themed alcoholic beverage that you can enjoy while you chill out in the coolest place in town. Click here to learn about recent additions at Ice Castles NH.
Living Shores Aquarium, located next door to Story Land in Glen, is an indoor walk-through adventure that allows the whole family to discover the wonders of the ocean year-round. The aquarium includes over 32,000 sq. ft. of interactive tide pools, exhibits, and immersive activities. See otters, touch stingrays, interact with tropical birds and so much more. Guests can learn about the widespread oceans and native New England Lakes in a fun, interactive environment. The aquarium experience also includes a digital sandbox where kids can dig and discover marine life living on New England’s beaches and a drawing station where they can bring their own sea creatures to life and see how they move through the ocean in their habitat. The Bistro offers freshly made sandwiches, salads, pizza, flatbread & more.
Click here for more information on booking a group visit to Living Shores Aquarium.
Kancamagus 8, the most technologically advanced chairlift in the eastern US, and the Governor Adams Lodge are the new home of downhill mountain biking at Loon Mountain Resort. Over 1.75 miles of freeride and technical terrain were added to the downhill mountain bike park for 2023 plus Ninja Wild, an outdoor ninja course packed with 10 wilderness-themed features, came online for the summer season. The new expansion at South Peak, called Timbertown, includes 30+ acres of beginner terrain, a new four-person chairlift, and a fully automated snowmaking system which came online for the 2023/2024 winter season. Click here to learn more about Loon Mountain’s Flight Path: 2030.
Mount Washington Cruises recently acquired the Winnipesaukee Belle, formerly owned, and operated by the Wolfeboro Inn. Launched in 1985, the Winnipesaukee Belle is 65 feet in length and can accommodate 150 passengers. The vessel will undergo a lengthy refurbishment at the Mount Washington Cruises shipyard in Center Harbor. It is expected to return to service in 2025 for her 40th anniversary. Click here to learn about what’s new at Mount Washington Cruises.
The Mt. Washington Cog Railway, the world’s first mountain climbing train, is now open year-round. In the colder months when the summit is inaccessible, Waumbek Station awaits. At just under 4,000 ft (1,200 m), Waumbek offers a pristine winter snowscape and stunning views to the north and west. Riders may disembark for hot refreshments in the warming hut or by the firepit. The Attraction also boasts an all-new on-site maintenance facility where the team of master mechanics, welders, and fabricators maintain and plan to grow the fleet of nine biodiesel locomotives. July 3, 2024 marks the 155th anniversary of the first passenger train to arrive at the summit of Mount Washington. To mark the occasion, throughout 2024 The Cog will be focusing on the visionaries, the stewards, and the innovators who imagined, built, and continue to maintain and grow this remarkable example of American ingenuity. The celebration will culminate on September 14, 2024, with a very special commemorative event open to the public, the details of which will be announced at a later date. Click here to learn more about booking a group visit to the Mt. Washington Cog Railway.
Rek’-lis Brewing Company, in the quaint downtown village of Bethlehem, recently purchased the adjacent building sitting on 4 acres of land and opened The Pint House. This space includes a new tasting room, bar, and event space. Phase 2 will be the addition of a large parking lot, followed by Phase 3 which is to include a larger craft beer brewing production facility. Click here to learn more about The Pint House at Rek’-lis Brewing Company.
Remick Country Doctor Museum & Farm is a “hidden gem” situated on 60+ acres in quaint Tamworth Village. This unique museum, one of only three country doctor museums in the United States, which is also a working farm, is steeped in rural life history and provides a rich, engaging experience for all ages. The farmstead supplies space for abundant exploration set against an idyllic backdrop. Offering three seasons of history-based experiences, a friendly, knowledgeable staff assists in helping groups discover all the property has to offer. Click here to book a group visit to Remick Country Doctor Museum & Farm.
The Rocks celebrated its grand re-opening of the historic Carriage Barn in early fall 2023. The new energy-efficient facility features public program space and staff offices (home to the Forest Society North at The Rocks). This facility will offer ample space for North Country staff to deliver adult and youth educational programming on forestry, conservation, natural history, maple sugaring, and the Christmas tree operation. It will also serve as a center where visitors can learn about the Rocks’ history and find out more about recreational activities both on-site and in the region. Click here to learn more about renovations at The Rocks.
At Santa’s Village, the new Midnight Flyer family roller coaster is being built for 2024 on the spot where the retired Rudy’s Rapid Transit used to sit. The Midnight Flyer will give riders the feel of flying with reindeer, just like Santa does to deliver presents. The colors feature Midnight blue cars with silver trim, offset by Northern Lights-inspired green track — an ideal combination for flights originating from the North Pole. Click here to learn more about booking a group visit to Santa’s Village.
Sculptured Sand, a captivating fall event held in North Woodstock, is where 25 intricate, larger-than-life sand sculptures are displayed along a winding trail through a scenic autumn forest. Showcasing the talents of world-renowned sand sculptors, the event offers a unique fusion of art and nature. Visitors are invited to witness the ephemeral beauty of sand art harmonizing with the vibrant colors of New England’s fall foliage as they stroll through the woods. Click here to learn more about Sculptured Sand.
Seven Birches Winery, located within the grand new Riverwalk Resort at Loon Mountain, is hand-crafting classic European grape varietals and locally sourced fruits into wines of distinction. Open daily to the public for wine tastings, and "Meet the Winemakers" winery tours by reservation. Additions to be included in the Phase II Riverwalk Resort construction are an expanded winery, barrel room, and new tasting room/bar. Rhythm Studio, located in the Lincoln Village Shops, offers Craft ciders, tasty meads, hard seltzers, fruit wines and other unique ferments under this new brand label by the makers at Seven Birches Winery. Click here to learn more about Seven Birches Winery.
Get ready for farm-tastic fun at Moo Lagoon, the new water play area coming to Story Land in 2024. You will be “udderly” amazed by all the exciting ways to splash and play. Zip down water slides of all sizes, then drench your friends with all kinds of silly sprayers. There’s water every which way with squirting flowers, farm-themed fountains and even a tractor that soaks. Bring the whole family because there’s fun for kids of all sizes, from tots to tweens. Click here to learn more about booking a group visit to Story Land.
Shop
Lincoln Village Shops, located in Lincoln’s historic renovated mill building, provides shopping, dining, and experiences for all. Burgeon Outdoor manufactures premium outdoor apparel on-site while Three on the Tree Boutique features unique style clothing, quality thrift, antiques, and handmade jewelry. Drop into a yoga or spin class at Live a Little Fitness, refuel at The Moon Café and Bakery, and unwind with a flight or glass at Rhythm Handcrafted Beverages Studio.
The small town of Woodstock is a close neighbor to Lincoln but is unique with a lot to offer along its walkable Main Street. Fadden’s General Store & Maple Sugarhouse, family owned since 1896, has an on-site maple sugar house, souvenirs, groceries, and the area’s largest selection of maple syrup. Head across the street to check out Fig Tree North, a woman-owned shop featuring local art, healing jewelry, handmade bags, hats, cards, prints, vintage treasures, and more. The Woodstock Brewery Company Store offers unique gifts and brewery clothing while Kancamagus Collectibles offers a large selection of tee-shirts, sweatshirts, and NH maple syrup, in addition to an antique car museum. Wander up the street to The Christmas Loft to check out New England’s largest selection of Christmas ornaments.
The walkable Main Street in the town of Littleton offers ample opportunity to purchase locally made goods and handcrafted souvenirs. Satisfy your sweet tooth at the “World’s Longest Candy Counter” at Chutters or stop by the League of NH Craftsmen Fine Craft Gallery for the best selection of regional, handmade, fine crafts. Bella Funk Boutique features designer clothing and accessories while Little Village Toy & Book Shop offers games, toys, and puzzles plus local interest books. GoLittleton Glad Shop features Pollyanna memorabilia, glad gifts and Littleton souvenirs. Stop into Littleton Bike & Fitness for all your cycling needs.
The resort town of Meredith is well known for its proximity to Lake Winnipesaukee, where boaters can enjoy dockside restaurants and shoppers will love to explore Mills Falls Marketplace, a complex of shops and eateries in a converted 1800’s cotton mill. Bring home some homemade candy, NH made products, and unique clothing and jewelry. The Meredith Sculpture Walk is a self-guided outdoor art exhibit featuring more than 30 sculptures placed throughout downtown Meredith. Hermit Woods Winery & Eatery is open year-round for tastings and tours. The completion of the third-floor remodel offers increased seating, events, and piano nights in a space called The Loft.
Take home a unique treasure from one of the local shops along Main Street in North Conway Village. Be sure to check out Bavarian Chocolate Haus featuring handmade, handcrafted chocolate confections and get in the spirit of Christmas while you browse New England’s largest selection of ornaments at The Christmas Loft. The League of NH Craftsman Fine Art Gallery showcases works by over 250 juried NH artists, the Eastern Slope branch of the New England Ski Museum offers unique ski collectables and gifts, and White Birch Books, a quirky, independent bookstore, will captivate your entire family with the bestsellers, extensive local section, cozy children's department and unrivaled card selection. Looking for something for your four-legged friends? Head up the road to check out For Your Paws Only, featuring an on-site pet bakery, a full line of pet supplies, and pet gifts.
Plymouth’s Main Street, as well as the state university campus within its boundaries, is perfect for strolling and shopping. New Berry’s is filled with New Hampshire made goods and unique finds while Plymouth Soap Works offers hand-crafted, luxury-quality products produced onsite. Artistic Roots is a cooperative gallery and teaching center offering fine art paintings, photography, jewelry, pottery, glass, fiber art, wood art and more by local artisans. Relax and refuel at Café Monte Alto, serving premium fair-trade coffee in a warm, inviting atmosphere. While you’re in the area, take in a concert or comedy show at The Flying Monkey Movie House & Performance Center or explore the region's artistic, historical, geographic, and cultural treasures through multiple exhibits, activities, and events at the Museum of the White Mountains.
Celebrating its 35-year anniversary in 2023, Settlers Green continues its efforts to evolve in an ever-changing retail climate, bringing the community a grocery store, opportunities to explore new public art, and the expansion of some of its most popular family brands. Market Basket opened in summer 2023 as part of Settlers Green Streetside Phase II development. Along the Art Walk, shoppers can discover over a dozen pieces of public art. Recent additions include Swix, Merrell, Cotopaxi, Boba Beach Bubble Tea food truck, and Mountain Moose Noodles with Aspen Dental and Panera Bread slated to open in 2024. OVP Management Inc., which develops and manages Settlers Green, is working with town officials and the area housing coalition to develop housing and residences. Click here to learn more about what’s new at Settlers Green.
Stay
The new Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriot at Cranmore Mountain Resort in North Conway opened in February 2023. The slope side 89-room hotel is owned and operated by Lafrance Hospitality and amenities include an outdoor hot tub and fireplaces, free breakfast, an indoor pool, free shuttle service, and onsite food and beverage. Click here to book your group reservation at the Fairfield Inn & Suites.
In April 2023, Hampton Inn Lincoln White Mountains opened its doors and offers complimentary hot breakfast, an indoor pool, and fitness center. Located centrally on Main Street, the new property provides easy access to area attractions and the Kancamagus Highway. Click here to book your group reservation at the Hampton Inn Lincoln.
The four-story, 80-room Home2 Suites by Hilton North Conway opened in late 2021. Complimentary hot breakfast, guest laundry, an indoor pool, and fitness center are some of the amenities offered by the property and guests can choose from one-king ben or two-queen bed studio suites. The property includes a 4,185-square-foot which is connected to the hotel via a breezeway, but the restaurant remains vacant as management is still seeking a food and beverage operator. Click here to book your group reservation at the Home2 Suites.
Huttopia White Mountains introduced new Vista tiny houses that can accommodate up to five guests. The tiny houses provide comfort and a connection to the outdoors in one unforgettable glamping experience. Amenities include electricity, bathroom, BBQ, kitchen, and screened-in porch. The property also offers a seminar tent which can accommodate groups of up to 40 people. Click here to learn more about glamping in the White Mountains.
The Lodge is the newest addition to the Common Man Family’s Plymouth accommodation options. Opened in 2022, the rustic-themed 37 room lodge offers a variety of guest room options, a gift nook stocked with NH-made goods, and continental breakfast in the lobby each morning. 17 additional rooms are currently under construction and slated to open in spring 2024. Click here to book your group reservation at The Lodge.
The expansion of the Presidential Wing at the Omni Mt. Washington Hotel & Resort features 69 new rooms and suites, offering guests the chance to relax in opulent accommodations with breathtaking views of Mt. Washington from private balconies or patios, as well as large luxurious baths. The new space will soon feature a Central Club Lounge with morning coffee service and convenient Business Center. Click here to learn about recent renovations at the Mt. Washington Hotel & Resort.
The White Mountain Hotel & Resort in North Conway recently renovated and redesigned all guest rooms and suites, along with extensive exterior improvements. Located at the base of Cathedral Ledge, the 80-room hotel features views of the surrounding cliffs and mountains. Click here for White Mountain Hotel & Resort group itineraries and pricing.
New hotels coming to the Conway area, opening dates to be determined: A 3-story, 113-room Cambria Hotel (a member of the Choice family under Jamsan Management) is under construction on the site of the former Junge’s Motel property on Route 16 in North Conway and is slated to open in February 2024. The property will include an on-site restaurant and lounge, fitness center, self-operated laundry room, business center, pool, and hot tub. The new 110 Grill restaurant and 2,500-square-foot bank will be in separate buildings on the premises.
A 90-room upscale Hilton Garden Inn under construction at the former Richard Packer Art Gallery site, sandwiched between the Red Barn Shopping Center and The Christmas Loft, is slated to open in August 2023. The new property will offer amenities such as a pool, outdoor patio, fitness center, meeting room, and food/beverage service.
The Intervale Motel is being converted into a 3-story, 70-room Viewpoint North Conway with a 75-seat restaurant and roof-top lounge which will be open to the public. Projected opening date TBD.
Dine
Explore a mansion dating back to 1914 while enjoying unmatched mountain and lake views when dining at the Castle in the Clouds estate. Guests can opt to dine outdoors on the terrace at the Café in the Clouds or inside in the Carriage House Restaurant. Click here to learn more about booking a group visit to the Castle in the Clouds.
Relive the golden days of railroading as you travel aboard one of the Conway Scenic Railroad’s elegant Dining Cars: the Chocorua on the Valley Trains, the Hattie Evans as part of the Mountaineer’s Dining Package; or the Rhonda Lee, a Vista Dome Dining-Lounge car. Click here to learn more about Conway Scenic Excursions.
In an effort to bring more energy to the heart of North Conway Village, Berry Companies is converting the former Olympia Sports building at Norcross Place (originally home to the world-famous Carroll Reed Ski Shop) into a food hall-tap house. Cheese Louise (Conway), Sap House Meadery (Ossipee), and Saco River Brewing (Fryeburg, ME) will fill the space which will include roof-top decks featuring outdoor seating with Valley views, an outdoor alley-way dining area, and live entertainment. Construction is underway and expected to open to the public for summer 2024. Click here to learn more about dining at Norcross Place.
The recently renovated Main Dining Room at the Omni Mt. Washington Hotel & Resort offers a modern twist on century-old classic. The casual, yet sophisticated, dining experience now includes a custom-made white marble bar, comfortable seating areas, and an adjacent Ammonoosuc Dining Room available for private events. The rooftop Jewell Terrace now includes the all-new Observatory Bar which features comfortable seating areas, games, and seasonal heated and shaded spaces. Click here to learn about recent renovations at the Mt. Washington Hotel & Resort.
Riverwalk Resort at Loon Mountain broke ground on Phase II construction which is scheduled to be completed in Spring of 2024. The expansion will include 66 additional luxury units, a second restaurant, an incredible production winery, a new spa, and Grand Ballroom. While the rooms won’t cater to motor coach groups, the 6,000 square foot Grand Ballroom and a 85 seat Rhythm Tap & Grille, an American grille style restaurant & bar with additional outside patio dining, will be conducive to booking group meals beginning in June 2024. Click here for the latest updates on Phase II construction at Riverwalk Resort.
Twin Barns Brewing Co. North Taproom opened its doors as the Northern outpost for beer raised in a barn in October 2022. Located in North Woodstock, the Meredith-based craft beer brewer opened as a BYOF (Bring Your Own Food) operation and plans to expand its offerings with delectable, mouth-watering BBQ, burgers, mac and cheese, and more in early 2024 by Angry Hog BBQ. Click here to learn more about booking a visit to Twin Barns Brewing Co. North Taproom.
Looking for a unique dining experience? Ride the rails with the Winnipesaukee Scenic Railroad aboard the Turkey Dinner Train or Fall Foliage Special Train excursion, both departing from Meredith Station. Enjoy a 2-hour Turkey Dinner Train along the western shore of Lake Winnipesaukee, complete with all the fixings. The Fall Foliage Special Train offers a 4-hour roundtrip journey; first, stop at the Common Man Inn & Spa, Plymouth for a tasty hot buffet lunch followed by a second stop at the 1869 Ashland Railroad Station for a guided tour with members of the Ashland Historical Society. Click here to learn more about booking your group reservation at the Winnipesaukee Scenic Railroad.
