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North Conway, Jackson or where to stay in October

North Conway, Jackson or where to stay in October

Old Feb 24th, 2015, 02:54 AM
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North Conway, Jackson or where to stay in October

We (2 couples) will be driving from Ogunquit Maine to spend 2 nights in New Hampshire and then on to Woodstock Vermont for 5 nights, already booked.

The dates are October 7th & 8th. We had originally thought to stay in the White Mountains maybe North Conway but the more I read the less I am not sure. Then we thought maybe Jackson to stay in a smaller town, but then maybe Lincoln is a better base.

Hoping the fall colours will still be good. Take in a few covered bridges, drive the Kancamagus Highway and Flume Gorge or other suggestions.

Any recommendations for towns to stay in and B&B or hotel recommendations would be appreciated.
Where would be best to stay the 2 nights. I know more time would be great but 2 nights is all we have. We will enjoy whatever we get to see and do.

Many thanks in advance
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Old Feb 24th, 2015, 06:27 AM
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I live an hour away from the White mountains, so I can't recommend lodging. As for a town, North Conway is a shopping and tourist mecca, and Lincoln is mostly condos and ski resorts. They are both in beautiful settings however. Jackson is more of a 'real' New England town. Other places to look at might include Sugar Hill for a very small village, and Littleton for a typical medium sized New England town.
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Old Feb 24th, 2015, 10:03 AM
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Jackson is a wonderful town to stay in. Do NOT stay in North Conway. Over run with shopping outlets.
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Old Feb 24th, 2015, 10:55 AM
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Thank you for your replies.

North Conway is out then.
I will have a better look at Jackson and also Sugar Hill and Littleton. We do not want to stay in a big town and don't need the shops. We would rather a small town or village.
So either of those places would be good for a base?
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Old Feb 24th, 2015, 01:35 PM
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Jackson, definitely.

It is at the foot of Pinkham Notch, one of the three gaps or passes in the White Mountains.

You will be at the base of the Presidential Range, the tallest mountains in the Northeast, each named after a president. Mt. Washington is, naturally, the tallest at something over 2000 meters. The mountains are covered with hiking trails, most built by the Apalachian Mountain Club who have a center at the height of land in the Notch where you can learn about the area, take as much hike as you are up for, and photograph each other in front of the famous sign "The area ahead has the worst weather in North America. Many have died . . ." It's true. If you want to go to the summit, you can drive up the narrow auto road (toll), weather permitting.

The next notch to your west is Crawford Notch, a gentler glacial scoop from the rock. The AMC has another center here in a retired railway station. There is a wonderful, gentle walk to the top of Mt Willard where you can look back down the Notch from above. Further up the valley is Bretton Woods, site of the famous economic conference at the Mt. Washington Hotel. Not far beyond this is Fabyans, the lower terminus of the White Mountain Cog Railway, the first in the world.

Continuing up the valley, watch for signs to Franconia Notch, the last in the White Mountains. It used to be famous for a rock formation known as "the Old Man of the Mountains", but alas, the face fell off!

An Interstate Highway is squeezed into the Notch. To the south of the Notch, it intersects with the famous Kancamagus Highway, leading you through lower mountains back to Conway. There is turn you can make in Conway, near the public library, that will lead you around the horror of North Conway to Bartlett's, which is very near Jackson. This is a long and glorious day in beautiful scenery. On a good day. I would ask the innkeeper to help you trace this on a map, just to be sure. With any luck at all, the summits will be covered with snow and the mountainsides with color.

Can you tell that I love this area?
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Old Feb 24th, 2015, 07:21 PM
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We spent two weeks in New Hampshire and Vermont last October. We really enjoyed the day we spent in Jackson. The town businesses participate in the Return of the Pumpkin People display. Individual businesses design their own display incorporating pumpkins. It was fun walking around town seeing all the creative ideas they came up with. You can easily make day trips from here. I would make your reservations soon, as everywhere we went there was an abundance of 'no vacancy' signs.
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Old Feb 25th, 2015, 02:52 AM
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Yes Ackislander it does show that you love the area.
And thank you for your wonderful suggestions of things to do in the White mountains. I am taking notes.

And michele thanks for your suggestions too. I have not had a chance tonight to investigate any listings in Jackson. I will try tomorrow.

Any recommendations of hotels or B&Bs?
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Old Mar 4th, 2015, 06:31 PM
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Hi again Aussie, I suggest you google Jackson and see what is in your budget. I think the colors will be passing by the time you hit Jackson. but that will be more clear once August hits.

One thing no one has mentioned in Jackson.. "Ravenwood" an must do eclectic art gallery and even if you spend no money its awesome. Make sure you hit their back garden. I like inside but I LOVE the back yard areas... I can't say enough...
Jeff Foliage
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Old Mar 5th, 2015, 02:34 AM
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I have been looking at Jackson accommodation and have made some notes.

We realise that the colours will quite possibly be finished. But do you think it still may be a good base for 2 nights to spend some time in the White Mountains.

North Conway sounds like much more built up.


Thanks for the Ravenwood suggestion.
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Old Mar 5th, 2015, 04:15 AM
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I think Wolfboro on Lake Winnipesaukee also does Pumpkin People. Not sure if there would be much difference in foliage between Jackson and the north shore of Lake Winnipesaukee. There are several places to stay in beautiful Meredith with great views of the Lake. You are close enough to the White Mountains to drive around and visit some attractions. Oct 7 and 8th is usually around peak time further south in Concord NH area. The Lakes and Mountains are an hour north but can be a big change in elevation which is also a factor. The Center Sandwich area is our favorite area, small quaint town but not much in the way of lodgings.
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Old Mar 6th, 2015, 06:02 PM
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There was still plenty of colors during our visit the first week of October. Climb in elevation over the Kancamangus and I'm sure there will still be color.

I agree about visiting "Ravenwood" outdoor art gallery in Jackson. It was fun. I bought a hanging metal plant basket.
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Old Mar 7th, 2015, 04:10 AM
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Thanks for the suggestions, I'm taking notes!
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Old Mar 8th, 2015, 03:34 AM
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What are your thoughts on staying Intervale NH?

I have been looking at a few Inns there.
Or should I pay the extra and stay in Jackson?

I did look at staying further south near Meredith but the White Mountains seems to be still our 1st choice.
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Old Mar 8th, 2015, 04:45 AM
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Intervale is fine. Jackson is better because it is a sort of destination in itself as well as a gateway to the White Mountains (a bit arty, cross country ski touring center I n winter, trails more or less out the door) but Intervale, like Bartletts, is on the way to other places, if that makes any sense. The difference in price may be significant, however.

My favorite Jackson story: we were sitting at breakfast in a diner where the locals were much amused. McDonald's had erected a huge new billboard on Route 16 just outside the National Forest, where billboards are prohibited. During the night, someone had taken a chainsaw to the billboard and dropped it on the ground! You have to love people like that!
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Old Mar 8th, 2015, 07:41 AM
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Just make Jackson a day trip. Budget is important to us too. We did our trip in a motorhome so different than paying for lodging. The entire area is beautiful...you will love it. Each little town feels like you stepped into a Norman Rockwell painting.
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Old Mar 10th, 2015, 03:58 AM
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Still mulling over where to stay.

We have also looked at The Golden Apple in Glen, has good reviews and rates are better than Jackson.
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