Crossroadz

Hello!

My fiance and I will be honeymooning October 9-19, 2005 in New England. Our itinerary will consist of hiking (anything from easy to strenuous) and seeing the fall foliage. We definitely want to spend a few days (3 to 5) hiking in the White Mountains. I would love to have some recommendations on where to stay in the WM's (B&B, hotel, or resort that's nice and close to trailheads) as well as what trails are "must-do's" and also where to eat.

Also, where else should we go in NE? Are there any other areas in NH that would be great to see that time of year? Or VT? I've been to ME a couple times (Rockland, Rockport, Camden, etc) but would be open to Acadia NP and Bar Harbor if the hiking and sites are worth it. Also, suggestions on drives and places to stay would be much appreciated.

Thanks so much!

clarkgriswold

Check out bayside-inn.com, not sure if they're open that far into October.

Mt. Major is just up the road and is an easy-to-medium hike with a spectacular payoff, an incredible view of Lake Winnepesaukee.

zootsi

A couple of comments - you will be in Northern New England the busiest time of the year, so make reservations well in advance. Hiking the Whites in October can be a little iffy - you may well hit some nasty weather above treeline - just be prepared for it. That being said, the Whites offer some spectacular hiking at all levels. If you are serious about hiking here, pick up a copy of 'Fifty Hikes In the White Mountains', or at least the Delorimer hiking map of the White Mountains. Some of my favorites - Mt Lafayette, Mt Eisenhower, Mt Moosilauke (there are all day, above tree line hikes). For half day or less - Mt Cardigan, Mt Chacuora (sp?), Mt Dickey & Wells, and many more. As for Vermont, there are also some great hikes in the Greens. Vermont is slightly less rugged and more bucolic than New Hampshire (more white clapboard villages and cows), and is a great place to bike and stay at farmhouse inns. There is so much to see and do in both of these states it's hard to know what to recommend. Do a search back on these posts for ideas.

dfrostnh

Portsmouth NH would give you some time on the water. There are several boat trips available. We enjoyed the inland rivers cruise on the Heritage. Great Bay is an important stop on the migratory bird path plus you would see some great foliage. There are lots of great restaurants in Portsmouth.
We like most of Vermont and as was mentioned, the scenery is different from NH, more rolling open farmland esp along Lake Champlain. The Great Vermont Corn Maze is in Danville near the NH border. This would be a fun hike of a different variety. The best breakfast in NH is the Littleton Diner (corned beef hash! hearty pancakes from locally milled grain) One of the prettiest small towns in NH is Center Sandwich. The Corner House Tavern is always good. It's just northwest of the Lake Winnipesaukee area. We recently stayed at the Mountain View Grand Hotel in Whitefield. They have a jacuzzi room in the tower, golf, spa, pools, etc. but this may be a little too far from the trail heads.
We liked the Golden Eagle Resort in Stowe but it is more of a motel than a resort. The rooms are large with gas fireplaces, etc. Burlington would be an easy day trip.
The hiking guide is a good recommendation. You can also get a NH Atlas and Gazetteer at any bookstore which will provide detailed maps of the state. A good way to get off the beaten track without getting lost. If you stay in the White Mountains in the Conway area, Portland ME or Portsmouth NH would be an easy day trip.

Tess_Durberville

"Quintessential Vermont & New Hampshire" --- http://www.fodors.com/forums/threads...1&tid=34517681

http://www.yankeemagazine.com/foliage/

http://www.brettonwoods.com/
I've driven past the Mount Washington Hotel (part of the Bretton Woods resort) -- I don't have a clue what it's like up close, however it's so dramatic looking from the road.

A charming bed & breakfast that I have stayed at is the Colby Hill Inn in Henniker, New Hampshire ---http://www.colbyhillinn.com/

alliegator

Some places we visited in Conn. a couple weeks ago that we really liked were: Mohawk State Park, Macedonia Brooks State Park, Kent Falls State Park & Mt Tom State Park. All were very nice and had hikes etc..All had wonderful fall foliage and this was the weekend of 15-17th.