Whenever I travel, I get really excited when a place exudes peace and quiet. I am not good at slowing down. I am a type A capricorn who shows up to every trip with reservations booked and back up plans made. So when my parents wanted me to visit their retirement home in the White Mountains of New Hampshire, I jumped in the car an drove north.
What I expected to be a weekend of adventure turned into 72-hours of nature and peace. Maybe it was the drive with beautiful scenery or the silence when I opened my car upon arrive. Either way, my anxiety dropped, and I took a breath for the first time a while.
Ever since that first visit to the White Mountains area, I have repeatedly gone back to explore more. And after several visits to the granite state, I have got my itinerary down pact. Here’s what I get up to when I visit.
Where I’m Staying: Owl’s Nest Resort
If you blink, you might miss the town – but you definitely won’t miss Owl’s Nest Resort. What feels like a quiet little town is secretly home to one of the coolest resorts in New Hampshire. Between the lake, the Nicklaus golf course, and the saltwater pool, Owl’s Nest has plenty to keep you busy. So much so, that you’ll want to extend your trip to be even longer.
Whenever, I stay at Owl’s Nest, there are always at least three things that I am doing:
- Working on my Golf Game.
- I am still very much a beginner golfer, so I haven’t made it out on the course yet. But I’ve been practicing at their indoor golf simulator and hitting at the driving range like I know what I’m doing. They do offer lessons, and it’s definitely something I need to check out in the future.
- Relaxing by the Pool.
- If you know me, if I’m staying at a place with a pool, I am swimming! No matter the weather. Owl’s Nest just built a brand new saltwater pool that is massive! It’s the perfect spot to relax, swim, and enjoy the sunshine while admiring the scenery around you.
WanderBea Tip: The pool at Owl’s Nest is now on ResortPass, so if you want to visit for the day you can!
- Playing Tennis.
- Not only does Owls Nest offer amazing golf facilities, they also have some brand new pickleball and clay tennis courts. Whenever I visit, I always make sure to challenge my boyfriend to a game of tennis. I’m still on a major losing streak, but when I do win one day — it’ll be worth it!
Where I’m Eating: Breakfast Edition
Breakfast is always a non-negotiable for me, and my first stop for breakfast in NH is always Polly’s Pancake Parlor.
Polly’s Pancakes is a local legend. The trick with this place is to call ahead and put your name on the list for a table. The earlier you go the better. While the wait for a table will probably be around 30-45 minutes, the gingerbread pancakes are totally worth it!
Where I’m Eating: Lunch Edition
I’ve got a few options by the time lunch rolls around, but it’s normally always some type of sandwich. Honestly, that’s my go to lunch everyday, but when on vacation, I try and make the sandwich feel fancy!
Butch’s Deli at Owl’s Nest hits has so many options to choose from, and is right on property within the resort. One of the best parts about this deli is that they will deliver your sandwich to the pool. So you can eat your lunch and read your book in the sun without a care in the world.
The Common Man restaurants in New Hampshire are also a classic. They are located all over the state, and have a woodsy cabin vibe. I really like their soups and sandwiches, but I don’t think you can go wrong with anything on that menu.
Finally, my end-all travel lunch tip will always be to stop at a grocery store, and the Market Basket in Plymouth, NH is my budget-friendly ride-or-die. Seriously, it’s the best Market Basket I’ve ever stepped foot in. Most of the time, I’m stopping at the MB and getting a sandwich to stay on budget, so I can keep traveling.
WanderBea Tip: Grocery Stores when traveling are always a cheap lunch option, especially in Europe. A lot of grocery stores have meal deals or prepared food that is restaurant quality without being restaurant prices.
Where I’m Eating: Dinner Edition
Dinner at Owls’ Nest is easy with two go-to spots right on property: Panorama 682 and Slice. Both are delicious – one’s got elevated views and great cocktails, while the other serves up comfort food in style. You can’t go wrong with either. Slice does lose a few points from me though because they did just take their dessert pizza off the menu, and I’m not fully over it yet.
Just outside the resort is the Little Red Schoolhouse, and let me tell you this place is a gem. Down the street and in the woods is a a re-purposed old school house that serves all the classic New England staples, including the best lobster rolls I have ever had. And I live in Boston.
Don’t forget to venture into Lincoln and try Five Main on the River. It’s a blink-and-you’ll-miss-it spot that quietly delivers one of the best meals around. If you go, I recommend the chicken parm sandwich and trying a beer on tap!
My Favorite White Mountain Drink Spots
- One Love Brewery – laid-back vibes and craft beer are always a win
- Crucial 10 Cider – one of my absolute favorites. They’ve always got something new for you to try and owners are incredibly kind. It’s the type of place that will make you feel like a regular even if it’s your first visit.
- Seven Birches Winery – perfect for a wine tasting and feeling fancy
It wouldn’t be a trip to the White Mountains if I didn’t mention hiking. I do have a confession to make, and that is I am not a huge hiker. I’ll do a few trails, but if the loop is over 4 miles, you will not catch me there.
But don’t worry! For those who are big hikers, I have consulted my local expert, aka my boyfriend, for some hiking trail recommendations.
- Artis Bluff (1.4 mi)
- The Basin (2.5 mi)
- Flume Gorge (2.2)
- Arethusa Falls and Frakenstein Cliff Loop (5.3 mi)
- Mount Lafayette and Franconia Ridge Trail Loop (8.6mi)
- Canon Mountain (2.5mi)
Why I Keep Coming Back
Both Owl’s Nest and the White Mountains offer the perfect balance of adventure and relaxation. And there is really so much more to do than meets the eye. Every time I leave the White Mountains, I always feel like I’m leaving a second home behind.
I highly recommend your next weekend trip be to the White Mountains for a little adventure and rest. Comment below where you favorite weekend getaway is.
Happy Travels!