Romantic New Hampshire Getaway
The goal of a romantic getaway weekend should be to find a relaxing and quaint place to reconnect with that special someone in your life. Ideally this should be a place far away from the hustle and bustle of your daily lives. That’s what makes a romantic getaway to Lincoln, New Hampshire the perfect east coast summer or spring escape.
Nestled in the shadow of the idyllic White Mountains, Lincoln New Hampshire has so much to offer for couples looking to spending a relaxing couple of days. When most folks think of a romantic New Hampshire getaway they might first think about a ski weekend. It’s true that Lincoln is home of the fantastic Loon ski resort which devotees flock to each winter season. But just because there is no snow on the ground doesn’t mean there isn’t going to be fun to be had in Lincoln, NH.
Many happy couples have discovered a unique treasure during their romantic New Hampshire getaway. During the summer months, the Papermill Theatre presents an exciting season of award winning shows. This is where professional Broadway actors, singers, dancers and designers come to spend their summer. As a result, the theatre is able to tap into an amazing amount of talent. Take in a show then stroll into the quaint town for a candlelight dinner. Can it get more romantic then that?
Outside of the theatre season, Lincoln also plays host to the Highland Games. This is the largest Scottish cultural festival in the northeast. If you’ve never tossed a log, listened to bagpipes or tasted haggis then this could be a fun and unique way to spend a couple of days with your significant other. You’re sure to make new friends. Even if you’re not Scottish, you’ll still be warmly welcomed!
Residents of Lincoln pride themselves on making guests feel right at home. On any given weekend there are treats in store such as murder mystery games sponsored by local businesses, as well as live music and karaoke at several clubs. There are also summer brewfests and a good ol’ fashioned 4th of July celebration. The kind of patriotic party that you’d expect from small town America.
Of course you don’t need to be kept constantly busy on your Romantic NH Getaway. There’s an amazing array of picturesque bed & breakfast inns in Lincoln for you to spend a quiet weekend together. Sit out on the porch and catch up on your reading or take a bicycle ride through town. Most of all the superb restaurants and cafes you’ll find in Lincoln will most likely be within walking distance of your inn.
Speaking of walking, there are also some amazing trails in the White Mountains. These Flume Gorge is the perfect place for packing a picnic lunch and spending the day among nature. This pristine mountain range is a National Park and as a result of that status offers up options for camping. The bottom line is that when it comes to romantic New Hampshire getaways, no matter what time of the year it is, you should think of Lincoln.
Plan Your Loon Ski Package Today
Ski season is upon us, and New Hampshire has been getting plenty of fresh snow for those avid and first time skiers. Loon Mountain, located in Lincoln New Hampshire, has been a popular ski destination for New England visitors for years. Not only is Loon only 2 hours away from Boston, but it also features an array of ski slopes for all skill levels across three distinct peaks.
Lincoln New Hampshire is a quaint and beautiful town that features restaurants, shopping, natural wonders, and great attractions. I’d like to take this opportunity to provide a brief guide for visitors to Lincoln New Hampshire who plan to Ski Loon Mountain.
1. Driving Directions - Loon is easily accessible from Boston or any direction: From the north or south take exit 32 off I-93. Turn left; and head 2-½ miles up Route 112 on the right. From east or west, take Route 112, Kancamagus Highway, and 2 1/2 miles east of Lincoln.
2. Loon Mountain nearby Lodging - Although there are a variety of lodging options in the Lincoln area, Vacation-Offer is currently running a special Loon Ski and Stay Package. This deal offers a 3 night stay at InnSeason Resorts South Mountain, located right at the base of Loon’s South Peak, as well as 2 free lift tickets, all for $239.
3. Ski Loon Mountain - Based on the ski skills of your party, you should decide which of Loon’s 3 peaks you should head over to.
- Loon Peak - For families with young children and beginners, Loon Peak is the perfect starting point. Loon Peak is home of Bear Claw Trail, which a good starter trail for first time skiers. This is also where Loon’s Gondola Ride starts, which is a great way to experience the incredible views Loon Peak has to offer. East Basin (which is a part of Loon Peak) is a great place for expert skiers to test their skills on a steep slope.
- South Peak - For intermediate skiers, South Peak offers two fast and curvy runs, Boom Run and Cruiser, which will take you on either side of the peak on some true New England ski trails. Rip Saw is a double black diamond trail that breaks off of Boom Run, for adept skiers only.
- North Peak - North Peak is Loon’s highest point, and offers some great windy ’scenery trails’ that are perfect for breathing in the fresh mountain air and taking in the magnificent natural landscape.
4. Lincoln New Hampshire Dining Options: Although there is a variety of restaurant options in Lincoln, I’d like to highlight a few of the best places to hit up after a day on the slopes.
- Common Man - Right on Pollard Road, Common Man has become a common stop for skiers and hikers coming out of the White Mountains for good reason. Common Man prides itself on serving American Fare like prime rib, and baked mac n’ cheese in a casual atmosphere.
- Gordi’s Fish and Steak House - Located on the Kancamagus Highway across from the Lincoln Shopping Center, Gordi’s is the place to go for surf and turf. The rustic atmosphere is the perfect complement to the friendly service, and classic steak, burger and fish plates.
- Vita Cafe and Restaurant - Vita’s is a quaint restaurant and cafe on Main St which offers the feeling of eating delicious homemade food at grandma’s house. They have a great selection of domestic and international wine and beer to top it off.
5. Franconia Notch State Park - Visitors staying in Lincoln gain easy access to one of the White Mountain’s most beautiful splendors. Franconia Notch State Park provides deep-set hiking trails that wind through the woods, offering views of sheer rock walls, rushing rivers and icicle laden evergreens. The Flume Gorge and the Old Man and the Mountain historic site are two particular highlights within Franconia Notch that are more than worth a visit.
Top Ski Destinations in 2010
The Winter of 2010 is underway and vacationers across the country are itching to hit the ski slopes with all this talk of snow. If the upcoming Vancouver Winter Olympics isn’t getting you excited for some skiing action, then the great deals and packages at ski resorts across the country should jump start your planning for ski-a-palooza 2010.
I’d like to take you on a cross country tour to some of the best ski destinations for skiers of all levels and breeds, including the slopes with the freshest powder to the highest verticals to the coziest hot tubs. So without further ado, I present our awards for 2010’s Top Ski Destinations:
1. Freshest Powder - Alta, Utah - Alta is one of the country’s only ski resorts with a seemingly never ending supply of fresh powder. Known for its unspoiled wilderness and pure powder skiing, Alta provides both beginners and intermediate level skiers the experience of a lifetime.
2. Best Vertical - Cannon, New Hampshire - Located in New Hampshire’s Pristine White Mountains, Cannon has the most vertical of any ski mountain on the east coast, providing for some great black diamond trails. Olympic Medalist Bode Miller grew up skiing Cannon, and hopefully can get some gold in Vancouver!
3. Best Instruction - Breckenridge, Colorado - Breckenridge sits on the Rocky Mountains and offers some of the best views and slopes the country has to offer (which is why it’s been one of the most popular ski resorts for several years running). Although the slopes are often full with out-of-town vacationers, Breckenridge offers some of the best instruction for first time skiers and beginners. The mountain also boasts the highest chair lift in North America.
4. Best Ski Town - Jackson Hole, Wyoming - For those who want to truly experience a ’ski town,’ Jackson Hole is a must see. The town sits in the valley of the Grand Teton Mountain Range, which provides some of the most challenging terrain and ‘out-of-bounds’ free ski areas to be explored by experts. The small town itself is lined with quaint art galleries, mom-and-pop shops, and delicious restaurants that make it an irresistible ski town.
5. Coziest Hot Tubs - Vail, Colorado - Vail is the second largest ski mountain in the US, and has some of the best lodging options for sitting back and relaxing in a hot tub. After a day out on the slopes, nothing is better for a set of tired legs than the soothing, bubbling waters of a hot tub. Find yourself a nice glass of red wine and some good company, and you’ll never want to leave Vail again.
6. Best Ski and Stay Deal - Loon Mountain, New Hampshire - InnSeason Resort and Vacation-Offer are currently offering an incredible Loon Ski and Stay Vacation Package at the highly rated Loon Mountain in Lincoln, New Hampshire. During the winter, Loon becomes a winter wonderland, providing thrilling slopes and scenic views for skiers of all levels. This is the perfect place for a romantic weekend getaway or a family ski trip on the cheap: for only $239 you can book a 3 night stay which includes 2 free adult lift tickets to Loon.
7. Most Peaceful - Big Mountain, Montana - For those solace seekers that are looking for an unspoiled and unadulterated skiing experience, Big Mountain is the place where you can find your peace of mind. Located in the wilderness west of Glacier National Park, Big Mountain won’t be the first stop for bus loads of international tourists, which often equates to getting the whole slope to yourself. Just you and the mountain.