Group New and Notable in the White Mountains
Updated March 6, 2023
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Enjoy a scenic ride on the Bretton Woods Skyway Gondola, NH’s first 8-passenger gondola, for breathtaking views of Mt. Washington and Presidential Range. The 5-minute ride up takes you to the new Rosebrook Lodge and on-mountain dining at the Switchback Grille, Crystal Hills, or Peaks Café. Click here to learn more about the Skyway Gondola.
Cranmore Mountain Resort expanded their summer downhill mountain bike park for Summer 2022, with the addition of 3 miles of new trails to their lift-serviced terrain. The Skimobile Express Quad underwent a full system modernization and upgrades including Doppelmayr’s most advanced, state-of-the-art safety features, an automated system that will control the lift speed during windy conditions, and a tower speaker system that will allow the lift operators to communicate with guests on the lift if needed. The resort also broke ground on a new $20 million base lodge, Fairbank Lodge, which will replace the existing base lodge and will include 30,000 square feet of new day lodge facility space, along with 15 residential condominiums. The first floor of the Fairbank Lodge is projected to open in February 2023, with the second floor and entire Fairbank Lodge slated to be completed prior to the start of the 2023-2024 winter season. Click here to learn more about recent additions at Cranmore Mountain Resort.
Hermit Woods Winery & Eatery, located on Main Street in Meredith is open year-round for tastings and tours. The property recently doubled the size of their kitchen and food services and added an outdoor Beer & Wine Garden. The completion of the third-floor remodel has been a tremendous addition with increased seating, events, and piano nights in a space called The Loft. Hermit Woods also recently purchased the property across the street, allowing for a significant expansion in the coming years. Click here to learn more about happenings at Hermit Woods Winery.
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, and a private space for rent called the Arctic Alcove. New for 2023: 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.
New England’s newest hands-on experience, Living Shores Aquarium, located next door to Story Land in Glen, is open year-round. An indoor walk-through adventure that will captivate visitors of all ages. Over 20 exhibits ranging from interactive tide pools, tropical bird encounters, sting ray feedings, and much more. The Bistro offers made to order pizza, sandwiches, and salads. 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. An additional 4 miles of downhill trails expanded the bike park for 2022 with more planned for 2023 plus Ninja Wild, an outdoor ninja course packed with 10 wilderness-themed features, will come online for the Summer of 2023. Click here to learn more about Loon Mountain’s Flight Path: 2030.
Mount Washington Cruises announced the launch of its newest vessel, the Winnipesaukee Spirit, in Spring 2021. Seating up to 100 passengers, the 56-foot vessel includes two decks, indoor/outdoor seating, and two small lounge areas which can be rented for semi-private gatherings. The entire vessel is also available for charter, allowing the company to better address demand for medium-sized events. 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, Waumbeck Station awaits. At just under 4,000 ft (1,200 m), Waumbeck 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. 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.
Seven Birches Winery, located in the Riverwalk Resort at Loon Mountain, opened a second tasting room called the Atrium Wine Bar in the Lincoln Village Shops. The space includes a new private function room and Rhythm Studio which features the new Rhythm Craft Ciders. Additions to be included in the Phase II Riverwalk Resort construction are an expanded winery, barrel room, and new tasting room/bar. Click here to learn more about Seven Birches Winery.
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.
The Rocks is renovating the historic Carriage Barn into an energy-efficient facility that features public program space and staff offices (the future home of 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.
Shop
Lincoln Village Shops, located in a 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 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. 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 that 30 sculptures placed throughout downtown Meredith.
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 and the Eastern Slope branch of the New England Ski Museum offers unique ski collectables and gifts.
Celebrating its 35-year anniversary in January 2023, Settlers Green is continuing its efforts to evolve in an ever-changing retail climate, bringing the community a grocery store, opportunities to explore new public art, and expansion of some of its most popular family brands. Market Basket is set to open in summer 2023 as part of Settlers Green Streetside Phase II development. Along the Art Walk, shoppers can discover the newest addition, American Dog by Dale Rogers, keeping watch over the Market Basket development. Additionally, 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
A new Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriot is under construction at Cranmore Mountain Resort in North Conway. The slope side 89-room hotel is owned and operated by Lafrance Hospitality and is projected to open in February of 2023. 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.
Slated to open in April 2023, Hampton Inn Lincoln White Mountains will offer 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 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, 114-room Cambria Hotel (a member of the Choice family) is under construction on the site of the former Junge’s Motel property on Route 16 in North Conway. The property includes a 5,800-square-foot restaurant and 2,500-square-foot bank. A 90-room Hilton Garden Inn is under constructions at the former Richard Packer Art Gallery site and will offer amenities such as a pool, outdoor patio, fitness center, meeting room, and food/beverage service. Plans to convert the Intervale Motel are currently under review. The proposed project would include a 3-story, 70-room Viewpoint North Conway with a 75-seat restaurant and roof-top lounge open to the public.
Dine
Explore a mansion dating back to 1914 while enjoying unmatched mountain and lake views when dining at the Castle in the Clouds estate. While the Carriage House Restaurant will remain closed for group dining during the 2023 season, groups who have at least an extra hour in their schedule can opt to dine outdoors on a first come, first served basis on the terrace at the Café in the Clouds. 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.
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 75 seat American grille style restaurant & bar will be conducive to booking group meals. Click here for the latest updates on Phase II construction at Riverwalk Resort.
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.
