Things To Do
Polly's Pancake Parlor
Take a drive out to Polly's Pancake Parlor for a unique breakfast experience. Polly's won a James Beard award in 2006 and has great "mix and match" options that allow you to get a plate of pancakes that each have different batter types/flavors and pancake toppings.
Artist's Bluff Hike
First easy pit-stop on the way home from Polly's if you're trying to work off a pancake breakfast. Relatively quick hike (50 min-1 hr round trip, uphill climb) with good views of Franconia Notch (the mountain pass at the heart of White Mountain National Park). Address/parking lot directions on White Mountain site.
The Basin
The Basin is a second outdoor stop on the ride home from Polly's. It's a beautiful rock bowl formed by thousands of years of erosion. Getting to the basin is fairly easy in terms of activity level - there are wooded walking paths that lead to it from the parking lot.
Welch-Dickey Loop Trail
This hike is not for the faint of heart! This trail is a 4 mile loop with two summits and fabulous views of the surrounding mountains. You will be climbing uphill over large expanses of rock - be sure to keep an eye on the trail markers!
Walter's Basin
Walter's Basin in Holderness has a full restaurant and a downstairs bar - both areas overlook the water.
The Common Man
The Common Man in Ashland has a restaurant, an upstairs bar, and a gift shop across the street from the restaurant.
League of NH Craftsman Store
Check out League of NH Craftsman stores for "fine crafts" of all sorts. It's a fun place to shop for upscale keepsakes. May be hard to have kids in here. See website for locations.
Squam Lakes Natural Science Center
Head to the Squam Lakes Natural Science Center with kids to visit the live animal exhibit trail (kind of like a natural habitat zoo). Check out lake cruises on the Science Center website to purchase tickets for Squam boat tours