STAY
The White Mountain region has all kinds of accommodations, from small B&Bs to grand hotels and resorts. We recently visited two noteworthy inns.
Wildcat Inn & Tavern
94 Main Street, Jackson
603-383-4245, wildcattavern.com
The Wildcat Inn is tucked in the little town of Jackson. The setting is cozy-chic, featuring beautiful grounds for outdoor dining and events. We checked into a comfy golf-themed suite, nostalgically decorated, just upstairs from the dining room, with a separate living room and bedroom, perfect for a couple. The property includes The Igloo, a small house great for a group of friends or family, and the onsite restaurant offers excellent food.
Stonehurst Manor
3351 White Mountain Highway, North Conway
603-356-3113, stonehurstmanor.com
The turn-of-the century Stonehurst Manor is nestled among the trees at the top of a hill overlooking the mountains and greenery. The inn sits upon 33 private acres above the hustle and bustle of North Conway, with romantic guestrooms and suites. Some rooms offer mountain views, Jacuzzis, and woodburning fireplaces, appreciated during the colder months or chilly summer evenings. The night we visited there was a wedding party, and the place was filled with excitement and festivities. A stay here includes both breakfast and dinner.
DO
Jackson Falls
Jackson
This is one of our favorite hang-out spots to spend the day. Just up the hill from downtown Jackson, this public but hidden gem is a great place to relax on the rocks or by the falls and wading pools and chill for the day. It’s relatively quiet and peaceful, just a great place to unwind, clear your head, and catch up. Bring a picnic lunch and enjoy the scenery. Bring water shoes, as the rocks can be slippery.
Taste of New Hampshire Street Food Festival
Eagle Mountain House
Jackson, 603-387-0462
Held by the White Mountain chapter of the American Culinary Federation (ACF), this annual event is a chance to meet talented local chefs as they present their delicious creations. There’s a jazz band and both silent and live auctions. The ACF promotes culinary certifications, techniques, trends, and industry updates at monthly meetings. A portion of the proceeds from the festival go towards culinary education for local chefs and future chefs.
2019 Arts Jubilee Summer Concert Series
Cranmore Mountain Resort
239 Skimobile RoadNorth Conway
800-SUN-N-SKI cranmore.com
For five consecutive Thursday evenings in July, you can listen to outdoor concerts with mountain views. Local musicians open each performance. Tributes to John Denver, Elton John, and Billy Joel are planned for this summer. Bring a blanket or lawn chairs, along with a picnic supper, and enjoy the music.
EAT
The Wild Rose Restaurant at Stonehurst Manor
3351 White Mountain Highway, North Conway
603-356-3113, thewildroserestaurant.com
The Stonehurst Manor’s Wild Rose is a gem of a gourmet restaurant serving classic New England cuisine plus Italian specialties. Service is thoughtful and attentive. Start with the fresh baked bread (you’ll ask for more, as we did). The Artisanal Mix Salad has a tangy cranberry-orange vinaigrette. The Wood Oven Baked Four Onion Soup is loaded with four kinds of onions and sherry. The Prime Rib of Beef, slow-roasted for 18 hours, is served with garlic mashed potatoes and pea pods. Order The Wild Rose, seafood nirvana on a bed of housemade tomato rose al dente fettuccine.
Wildcat Inn & Tavern
94 Main Street, Jackson
603-383-4245, wildcattavern.com
The tavern at the Wildcat Inn offers delicious meals with live entertainment. There’s a nice wine list to go with tasty dishes like Wild Mushroom Crostini. The Classic Crab Cakes have a slight twist, topped with creamy horseradish tartar sauce and candied jalapeños. If you’re hungry, get the full rack of Candied Apple Pork Ribs (also available by the half), St. Louis style, with a tangy glaze and toasted coconut. Go surf and turf with the incredible Filet and Lobster Tail. For dessert, the Chipotle Flourless Chocolate Torte comes with a blueberry compote and a Chambord drizzle.
Vito Marcello’s Italian Bistro
45 Seavey Street, North Conway
603-356-7000, vitofoods.com
Vito Marcello’s is a lovely traditional Italian restaurant with generous portions. Chef-owner Marcello uses family recipes handed down from his father and grandfather for over 90 years. Start the meal with an Espresso Martini, then go for the rich and cheesy Eggplant or Chicken Parmigiana. Try the Shrimp Scampi or the Lasagna Ala Vodka, with sweet Italian sausage and ground beef. For dessert, homemade gelato in an array of flavors is perfect with an espresso or cappuccino.
Red Fox Bar & Grille
49 Route 16, Jackson
603-383-4949, redfoxbarandgrille.com
Hands down, Red Fox has one of the best Sunday breakfast buffets around, a true bargain at $8.99 for all you can eat, including Baked Ham and Spanish Eggs. They’re also open for lunch and dinner, with great woodfire offerings like to-die-for Steakhouse Tips. With wide screen plasma TVs, a kids’ playroom, and movie room, Red Fox is great for families.
Autumn Nomad
18 Black Mountain Road, Jackson
603-373-8227, autumnnomad.com
Bakery cafe Autumn Nomad specializes in gorgeous cakes, as well as breakfast and lunch. We fell in love with their Lemon and Wild Maine Blueberry Cake, lemon cake layered with blueberry filling and lemon buttercream.