Swift River Covered Bridge in New Hampshire

The Swift River Covered Bridge is located in Conway, New Hampshire. It was built in 1869 by Jacob Berry and his son Jacob Jr. and was lovingly restored in 1991. You'll find it located one-half mile north of N.H. Route 16 at Conway Village over the Swift River. It measures 129'4" long by 120' wide with a clearance of 13'2 feet.

It's a classic looking wood covered bridge and painted in the traditional barn red color with white and black accents. The style of bridge is known as a Paddleford truss with added arches. When it was used for vehicular traffic it was a single lane bridge. Now its just open to pedestrians and used as a picnic area. Inside you'll find several wooden picnic tables that you're welcome to use. Please clean-up after you're done!

We drove through the area while on a recent road trip and have to admit...the area and countryside surrounding it is gorgeous! If you enjoy the Fall Foliage season in the northeast...you can get some great views of that while driving through the area. A great little stop-off for us to enjoy our brown bag lunch.

Visiting the Historic Conway Scenic Railroad

The historic Conway Scenic Railroad is located in North Conway, New Hampshire. The station is located in the center of North Conway Village and has been a regional landmark since 1874. Currently, the station offers seasonal excursion train service in the Mount Washington Valley and attracts thousands of tourists every year.

Visitors can choose between two different passenger trains: the Notch Train and the Valley Train. You can choose to ride coach, first class or in the dining car which serves delicious gourmet meals. The Notch Train operates June through October and the Valley Train operates April through December.

Each of the two different trains offers passengers something different. The Notch Train is the most scenic, running for 50-60 miles with a train ride lasting from 5 to 5 1/2 hours. The Valley Train gives you an old-fashioned train ride experience lasting from 55 minutes to 1 hour and 45 minutes, running for 11 to 21 miles. You can learn about the two different options by visiting the company's official website.

If you're a fan of the northeast fall foliage, I recommend visiting the historic Conway Scenic Railroad from late September through mid October to see some of the best fall foliage. You can view their fare rates and book your fare directly online via their website. Throughout the year they offer a variety of different events at various price points.

Within walking distance of the railroad station you'll fine locally-owned shops, boutiques, cafes and restaurants located in and around North Conway Village. Looking to stay overnight or for the weekend? You'll find several beautiful Bed & Breakfast Inns nearby, along with numerous hotels, motels and lodges. Looking for a place to stay? Check out our post on The Glen House at the Base of Mt. Washington for some beautiful lodging accommodations.

You can learn more about the historic Conway Scenic Railroad by visiting their official website online and by connecting with the company on Facebook.

The Glen House at the Base of Mt. Washington in New Hampshire

The Glen House, a new 68-room hotel at the base of Mt. Washington, the highest summit in the Northeast, is under construction in Pinkham Notch in New Hampshire’s White Mountains and is expected to open in mid-September, 2018.

The design of the newest incarnation of The Glen House pays homage to the classic White Mountain hotels of the 1850’s, utilizing clapboards and painted trim in a style similar to its predecessors. The guestrooms have the simplicity of Shaker design while the expansive public spaces will have artwork embracing both the history of the Mt. Washington Auto Road and the four previous hotels. Many of the guestrooms will have balconies facing the 6,288 foot peak.

The Glen House restaurant, The Notch Grille, will serve casual American family cuisine at breakfast, lunch and dinner. There will also be a bar and lounge, as well as an expansive outdoor dining area with a view of Mt. Washington. The hotel’s outdoor function areas will be ideal for hosting weddings and events. The Glen House will be dog-friendly and have a dedicated meeting space, a gym and an indoor swimming pool, with complimentary WiFi throughout the property.

The three-story hotel will serve guests driving the famous Mt. Washington Auto Road and taking advantage of the four season activities at Great Glen Trails Outdoor Center, which offers walking, hiking, trail biking and fly fishing in summer, along with guided flat water and white water kayaking. Winter activities include Nordic skiing on 45 kilometers of classic and skate-groomed trails, snowshoeing, fat biking, snow tubing and winter tours up the mountain on the Mt. Washington SnowCoach. The fall foliage viewing in the White Mountains is among the best in New England.

The hotel was designed and is being built primarily by New Hampshire firms. The architects are BMA Architectural Group of Amherst, Stibler Associates LLC of Manchester are the interior designers and Martini Northern of Portsmouth are the contractors. Subcontractors include Ray's Electric of Berlin, Granite State Plumbing and Heating of Weare, Yeaton Associates Inc. of Littleton and GB Carrier Corp of North Conway. Thomas Spaulding has been named the General Manager.

The Glen House will be close to energy self-sufficient and carbon neutral, thanks to a geo-thermal system that will provide heating and cooling as well as two offsite energy-generating projects harnessing hydro and solar power.

Located 30 minutes from North Conway, The Glen House is expected to open in mid-September 2018 and is currently accepting reservations. You can visit The Glen House website to learn more about the hotel and to make reservations.

Bath Covered Bridge in New Hampshire

The Bath Covered Bridge in New Hampshire is one of the prettiest covered bridges in the northeast United States. It's a historic covered bridge over the Ammonoosuc River off US 302 and NH 10 in Bath, New Hampshire, and is on the U.S. National Register of Historic Places. If you're a covered bridge fan, this is definitely one bridge that you need to see!

Built in 1832, the bridge measures 390 feet long and consists of four spans supported by Burr trusses, resting on stone piers and abutments. You can see the partially frozen Ammonoosuc River running underneath the bridge in our photograph. Yes, we were visiting the area during the wintertime season.

Bath is a small rural town in New Hampshire with approximately 1,000 residents. One of the things that is really cool about this small town is that you'll find a total of 3 wooden covered bridges nearby. Matter of fact, their motto is the "Covered Bridge Capital of New England".

We were just passing through the area and I was pretty excited to stumbled upon this old covered bridge! It's one of the longest that I've personally ever seen and definitely one of the nicer wooden bridges located on the east coast. Just my personal opinion on that!

Waterville Valley in New Hampshire Fall Events

Have you ever visited New Hampshire during the Autumn season? If not, you are really missing out! New Hampshire has some of the best Fall Foliage here in the Northeast. Several years ago hubby and I took a road trip through New Hampshire and it was absolutely gorgeous!

Here is some information on the Fall events currently scheduled for the Waterville Valley area. Fall is definitely one of the best times of the year to plan a visit!

Autumn is here, and it is a special time in Waterville Valley in New Hampshire. The surrounding White Mountain National Forest serves as the perfect scenic backdrop for family friendly fun, a couples’ getaway or a group trip.

Staying at Waterville Valley Resort gets you closer to fall scenery with a variety of options and activities, whether you are an adventurous outdoor enthusiast or looking for a more low-key, relaxing experience. There is something special about being in the valley surrounded by the mountains, away from the traffic and noise of a large city.

Freedom to Choose

Waterville Valley Resort’s Freedom Pass gives visitors access to a wealth of activities, from tennis and golf to ice skating, boating and trolley rides around the valley. There are many options whether you’re looking to be active or spend some time relaxing.

You don't have to be a professional to enjoy the Golf Club’s nine hole course or tennis on one of the Tennis Center’s 18 courts. Or, head over to the Waterville Ice Arena for some ice skating. For a slower paced but scenic activity, take a paddle boat ride around Corcoran’s Pond or a ride up the Snow’s Mountain chairlift.

No car necessary! Waterville Valley’s open air trolley stops at many locations around the valley and can bring you wherever you need to go, or on a nice unhurried tour, Visit Town Square, where there’s a variety of restaurants, shops and nice view of Corcoran’s Pond. This is also where many events take place and visitors gather just to take in the scenery.

Hiking

Hiking is one of the most popular fall activities in Waterville Valley, dating back to the 1800s when the Waterville Athletic and Improvement Association was formed. The association still exists and oversees 100 miles of trails around the valley, ranging from easy, flat walking paths to more challenging climbs.

Access the trail network around Snow’s Mountain by foot or via the chairlift. Maps are available, noting beginner through advanced terrain.

Popular hikes near Waterville Valley include:

Welch Mountain & Dickey Mountain Loop: This hike loops across the summits of the Welch and Dickey mountains, both nearly 3,000 feet in elevation, providing nice views along the way.
Mount Osceola: Mount Osceola is one of 48 mountains in New Hampshire known on the “4,000 footers” list produced by the Appalachian Mountain Club (AMC). It is accessible via Tripoli Road in Livermore or off the Kancamangus Highway in Lincoln.
Mountain Biking

Another way to hit the trails in Waterville Valley is on two wheels. Bring your own bike or rent one from the Adventure Center in Town Square. This is a great activity for beginners and experienced riders alike. With more than 30 miles of trails, there is a variety of terrains for all abilities. You can even take the bike up the Snow’s Mountain Chairlift and choose your path down. The trails are well-marked with checkpoints and maps along the way.

In addition to well-maintained rentals, the Adventure Center offers guided lessons with instructors to make sure riders feel comfortable and suggest suitable routes. This is a unique way to take in the beauty of the surrounding White Mountain National Forest.

Fall Events

15th Annual Chili Challenge & Brews-Sept. 27

This is an annual favorite in Waterville Valley. Area restaurants compete in Town Square for the title of best chili. For $7.50/adults and $5/child (12 & under) attendees can sample all of the contestants’ chili and vote for their favorite beginning at noon. Uncle Steve Band will play a free live concert from noon to 3 p.m. There will also be hot sauce samples from New Hampshire-based Jehu Hot Sauce and a brew tent open until 4 p.m..

White Mountain Storytelling Festival-Sept. 27-28

Back for its fourth year, this festival provides stories for people of all ages, including children’s stories, ghost stories and more. The event runs Saturday through Sunday morning, featuring nationally known storyteller Odds Bodkin. Nearly 15 experienced storytellers will entertain audiences in various venues, separated by age groups/genres.

Fall Foliage Celebration-Oct. 11-13

Celebrate fall in the Valley with the Fall Foliage Festival, held during Columbus Day weekend. A weekend of fun events is planned, including children’s games, pumpkin painting, and live music. On Sunday, there will also be a 5K run/walk hosted by the Waterville Recreation Department, a beer garden with fall brew samples, a corn hole tournament, and a stein holding competition. Guests of all ages are invited to enjoy this festival.

Waterville Valley was designed and planned specifically as a self-contained, four seasons resort. Today in addition to its world-class ski area, Waterville Valley Resort has award-winning tennis courts, golf, hiking, biking, lodging, cultural activities and summer theater, an indoor ice rink, boating, a skate park, and a host of outdoor activities. Dining options include traditional favorites and elegant dining. For more information, call 1-800-GO-VALLEY or visit www.visitwatervillevalley.com.

Manor on Golden Pond B&B Inn - New Hampshire

We live in the north east and have always wanted to visit the great state of New Hampshire. With our 30th wedding anniversary coming up in 2016...New England and the surrounding area is definitely on our bucket list when we travel. That's right, we are going to take a 3 week vacation and travel all around New England to celebrate our 30th wedding anniversary!

In the meantime, I wanted to share this information with all of you about The Manor on Golden Pond B&B Inn in New Hampshire that was recently sent over to me to share with all of my travel blog readers. I know many of you are planning your vacations right now and this B&B looks absolutely gorgeous and charming. Here is the information. I am NOT affiliated in any way with the business.

New Hampshire's Manor on Golden Pond Selected For 'Vacation of a Lifetime'

A year of free nights at celebrated inns and B&Bs across North America – that’s what Michael Hubbard and Sossi Chungrian won, and their travels take them June 1, 2014 to Holderness, New Hampshire where they will stay at The Manor On Golden Pond.

The couple were chosen from 49,853 entries as one of the grand prizewinners of the 2013 Vacation of a Lifetime from Select Registry Distinguished Inns. The Montreal, Canada couple’s prize is a free night at all of the nearly 350 Select Registry inns, B&Bs and small boutique hotels across the United States and Canada.

“It’s a dream vacation – the opportunity to stay at leading inns in great destinations in 40 states and provinces coast to coast,” says Jay Karen, Select Registry’s executive director. “They can visit as many of our properties as they like. Wherever they go, they’ll enjoy the very best our industry has to offer.”

Squam Lake residents are invited to be part of the couple’s journey, serving as local experts and sharing their favorite things to see and do here. Top picks will be featured on the Select Registry blog, showcasing all that the destination has to offer. Plus, qualifying recommendations will serve as entries to win the 2014 Vacation Of A Lifetime, awarding three grand prizes of free nights at all Select Registry inns throughout 2015.

Hubbard and Chungrian are planning overnight stays this year at inns from Middlebury, V.T.; Washington, D.C.; to Savannah, G.A.; to Denver, C.O.; Seattle, W.A.; and more. Throughout the year, they will share their travels on the Select Registry blog.

“Unique experiences – that’s what you get at inns and B&Bs, along with personal attention and wonderful accommodations,” Chungrian says. “That’s something you just don’t get everywhere. We’re thrilled to have this year of travel to great destinations enjoying delicious breakfasts and gracious hospitality.”

What makes Select Registry properties so special? Of the 20,000 inns and B&Bs in North America, only about 350 have qualified for this designation. Lodgings must pass rigorous, unannounced quality inspections first to gain and then to maintain their membership. “The goal is to give guests confidence that when they check into a Select Registry inn, they know they’re in for an exceptional experience,” Karen explains.

About Select Registry: Select Registry is a collection of premier inns in the United States and Canada. Only about 350 of the 20,000 inns and bed and breakfasts in North America have qualified to join this “best-of-the-best” collection. Member properties must pass rigorous, unannounced quality inspections to gain and maintain admission. Many of these inns are recipients of coveted industry awards for both service and ambiance, including: Best Small Hotels in the U.S., Top Ten Romantic Inns, Best Breakfast in America, Best Places To Watch the Sun Set, and World’s Best Adventure Lodges. To explore Select Registry inns across North America, visit Selectregistry.com/.

About the Manor on Golden Pond: Located in central New Hampshire, the Manor on Golden Pond provides luxury hotel services with the charm of a country bed & breakfast. At the Manor, visitors can enjoy skiing & snowboarding, downhill skiing, snowshoeing, sleigh rides and much more. In 2004, the Manor was selected as New Hampshire’s first member of Small Luxury Hotels of the World, a prestigious luxury organization representing some of the world’s finest “five-star” boutique resorts with fewer than 100 rooms. The Manor has also received the “Award of Excellence” from Wine Spectator along with the Four-Diamond Award from AAA. For more information and for reservations call (800) 545-2141, (603) 968-3348 or visit www.manorongoldenpond.com.