1. Ski or Hike with Stunning Views at Wildcat Mountain
The massive peak of Wildcat Mountain can be seen right across the valley from New Hampshire’s even larger Mount Washington. The location offers skiers an unmatched view of the beautiful White Mountain vistas. Nearly fifty trails of varying difficulty can be found at Wildcat Mountain, including the longest novice trail in the state. Wildcat Mountain, just outside of the town of Jackson, is also known for having the second largest vertical drop in New Hampshire, the ninth largest drop in the New England region. Wildcat is home to some of New England’s best known resorts for alpine skiing as well.
542 NH-16, Gorham, New Hampshire 03581, Phone: 603-466-3326
2. Snap a Classic Photo at the Iconic Honeymoon Bridge
Also referred to as Covered Bridge 51, the Honeymoon Bridge in Jackson is a covered wooden bridge extending over the Ellis River. The bridge was built by Charles Broughton with the help of his son in 1876. The Honeymoon Bridge today is a popular photo opportunity for tourists in the White Mountains area of New Hampshire and is one of twenty examples in the country of the Paddleford truss design. The bridge got its nickname of “Honeymoon Bridge” from a tradition of couples kissing underneath it “for good luck,” with the name dating back to at least the year 1936.
16 Main St, Jackson, NH 03846
3. Cross-Country Ski the Scenic Trails of Jackson Ski Touring Foundation
The Jackson Ski Touring Foundation manages almost one hundred miles of ski trails throughout the Jackson area and New Hampshire’s White Mountain National Forest. The foundation keeps the majority of its trails well-groomed and ready for skate skiing, classic track skiing, and snowshoeing. These trails range in terms of difficulty from beginner trails to expert-level ones. Guests can either rent equipment from the base lodge of the Jackson Ski Touring Foundation, where day passes can also be bought, or bring their own gear. Skiing lessons are also available for beginners. The grounds also include the Cocoa Cabin, the warming cabin, and more.
153 Main St, Jackson, NH 03846, Phone: 603-383-9355
4. Enjoy Family-Friendly Slopes and Events at Black Mountain
Nestled within the beautiful Mount Washington Valley in Jackson, New Hampshire, Black Mountain has offered great opportunities for memories, smiles, and fun in the snow since 1935. The mountain boasts a rich history of a commitment to riders and skiers. Black Mountain had one of New England’s first snowmaking systems in 1957, as well as the first “overhead cable lifts” in the United States with the Shovel Handle. Visitors today can find opportunities for riding and skiing, no matter what their abilities or age may be, across the more than 140 acres, forty-five trails, and five lifts.
373 Black Mountain Rd, Jackson, NH 03846, Phone: 800-475-4669
If you are traveling with kids:
5. Glide Across the Ice or Take a Sleigh Ride at Nestlenook Farm
Perfectly positioned in the heart of the White Mountains, Nestlenook Farm is the place to go for hours of family entertainment. The resort provides facilities for a host of fun winter sports including ice skating and snow shoeing as well as their very popular sleigh rides. Ice Skating takes place on a marvelous 3-acre natural ice rink where you and everyone else has plenty of space to play. The snow-shoeing trail network is open to all ages and levels of skill – rental equipment is available on site. If you want to enjoy a relaxing horse-drawn sleigh ride through the 65-acre farm you will need to book online, in advance. After your exercise you can warm up with toasted marshmallows and hot chocolate.
Nestlenook Farm, 66 Dinsmore Rd, Jackson, NH 03845, 603 383 7101
6. Challenge Your Mind with Locally Made White Mountain Puzzles
White Mountain Puzzles has been a part of the White Mountains community for more than thirty years, selling high quality puzzles for people of all ages. Tourists and locals alike can stop by the puzzle store in Jackson, New Hampshire to browse the hundreds of different jigsaw puzzles, many from several recognized artists. The numerous colorful puzzles range in difficulty, offering something for everyone, whether they’re looking for a simple puzzle for young children to a more challenging puzzle for adults and puzzle lovers.
18 Black Mountain Rd, Jackson, NH 03846, Phone: 603-383-4346
Romantic Ideas:
7. Grab a Pint and Pub Fare at The Shannon Door Pub and Restaurant
Known simply among many locals as the “DOOR,” The Shannon Door Pub and Restaurant is a popular local restaurant and Irish that has been an establishment of the Jackson community since 1953. Guests will find favorite Irish pub dishes on the menu, along with a handful of Italian classics. Live entertainment can also often be found at the pub. Situated within the heart of Jackson Village, the specialty of The Shannon Door Pub and Restaurant is its award-winning thin crust pizza, which is offered alongside a large menu of many other comfort food options. A kids menu is available as well.
9 Spancil Hill Rd, Jackson, NH 03846, Phone: 603-383-4211
8. Tee Off with a View at Eagle Mountain House Golf Club
The Eagle Mountain House Golf Club is located at the Eagle Mountain House property, which consists of an old-fashioned large hotel, a golf course, a restaurant, and a pub. The hotel is one of the few “Grand Hotels” of New Hampshire’s White Mountains that still remain today. Eagle Mountain still attracts guests with its award-winning cuisine at the on-site Highfields Restaurant, nine-hole golf course, idyllic location in the White Mountains, and stunning views. Open from May to October, the par 32 golf course meanders its way along Wildcat River and each hole includes captivating mountain views and elevated tees.
179 Carter Notch Rd, Jackson, NH 03846, Phone: 603-383-9111
9. Stay in a Cozy Cottage at the Historic Christmas Farm Inn
The Christmas Farm Inn is known for offering caring and exceptional service, a full-service spa, wholesome New England country cuisine, and first-class hotel accommodations in Jackson, New Hampshire. The inn celebrates life’s simple pleasures in the “Spirit of Christmas,” such as family, friends, fun, well-being, inspiration, and adventure. A sense of fun, quality, and authenticity have always been the guiding principle for the restaurant at the Christmas Farm Inn, offering homemade desserts, craft cocktails, and original cuisine that combines worldly and local flavors. Each and every meal is cooked to order and a menu for kids is available as well.
3 Blitzen Way, Jackson, NH 03846, Phone: 603-383-4313
10. Savor Farm-to-Table Cuisine at Thompson House Eatery
The Thompson House Eatery in the town of Jackson offers a variety of tasty dishes with a focus on using local ingredients. Many ingredients are sourced from farmers in the local area, however, the restaurant also grows its own microgreens year-round, in-house. During the summer, the Thompson House Eatery’s garden produces around ninety percent of its herbs and produce, along with all of the flowers found in the eatery. Everything served is made from scratch in-house and the menu changes daily. Owned and operated by the Fournier family, the restaurant’s philosophy is rooted in simple hospitality and a passion for cooking.
193 Main St, Jackson, NH 03846, Phone: 603-383-9341
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