Things To Do
Santa's Village
Some people like to wait to begin celebrating Christmas until after Thanksgiving, but at Santa's Village, there's fun year-round! With fun activities, rides, and a tour of Santa's workshop, this one's great for the younger kids. Tickets are limited and purchased online only.
Story Land
We may not live in Florida anymore, but that doesn't mean we don't have access to Cinderella's Castle! Catch the last open weekend of Story Land or check out the White Mountains aquarium, Living Shores. Another great option for kids and kids at heart alike!
Conway Scenic Railroad
Looking for a variety of scenic train rides? Then look no further! The Conway Scenic Railway offers four vintage-themed excursions ranging from just under an hour in length to 5.5 hours. This is a great way to make the most of the fall foliage in comfort and style.
The Mount Washington Cog Railway
If you're visiting the White Mountains, it would be a shame not to visit the world's first mountain-climbing (and second steepest!) cog railway. If you're looking for a well-rounded day trip, the Cog sets you up for a scenic tour to the top of the tallest mountain in the Northeast with a good chance of seeing a moose and puts you in easy traveling distance of visiting the infamous Mount Washington Hotel.
The Mount Washington Hotel
This grandiose hotel was opened to the public in 1902 and is one of the last surviving grand hotels in the White Mountains. Due in part to its imposing presence and longevity and largely to its role in hosting the 1944 Bretton Woods Conference which established the International Monetary Fund and the World Bank, the Mount Washington Hotel was declared a National Historic Landmark in 1986. Between the breathtaking views, gorgeous architecture, and rich history, the Mount Washington Hotel is worth a visit!
Diana's Baths
It's highly unlikely there will be snow and ice at Diana's Baths in October, but it should still be quite a sight surrounded by colorful leaves! This hike is extremely accessible - a relatively short, flat path that leads directly to the Baths and a handful of picnic tables. For the more adventurous there is a trail that continues beyond the baths or the option to clamber around on the rocks and falls themselves. Bonus - it's less than a 10-minute drive from the venue, so if you're looking for a quick, scenic walk this is the place to go!
Echo Lake State Park
Another relatively close outdoor adventure! Swimming in a mountain lake in October is probably out, but the beach offers a gorgeous view and there are several hiking trails of varying difficulties throughout the park.
Flume Gorge
This is where we took our engagement photos! These trails are a little farther away, but absolutely worth the trip. The trail loop is about 2 miles long and features a gravel path and boardwalks. There are some stairs, making this a moderately difficult hike, but the ground is even and well-maintained. Fun fact: Despite being the 5th smallest state in the US, New Hampshire has a stunning 266 waterfalls, making it #3 in the US for number of waterfalls per square mile! (Preceded by Hawaii at #2 and Washington at #1. Yes, Lexy made a spreadsheet to figure this out. Yes, Lexy is a nerd. But now you have a fun trivia fact!)
Kearsarge Tower Observation Site
For the most dedicated hikers, the Mt. Kearsarge Observation Tower Site is an excellent choice for a day hike. If you choose to do this challenging 6.4 round-trip hike, please remember the weather in the White Mountains can change extremely quickly and it gets dark a bit faster than expected, especially in the fall through winter months. The view is phenomenal, just be safe and prepared!
Jackson Falls
Looking for a way to enjoy a beautiful waterfall without the hike? Then Jackson Falls is the way to go. Complete with picnic tables and located near the historic town of Jackson, the falls offer both a serene destination as well as an attractive journey - one that takes you over the "Honeymoon" covered bridge (one of many covered bridges throughout the state).
Covered Bridges
As we mentioned earlier, New Hampshire is positively FULL of covered bridges, and being in the North Conway area puts you within easy access to at least six of them. If you're looking to get a little shopping done simultaneously, check out the Bartlett Bridge which hosts its own "Covered Bridge Gift Shoppe!"