Experience New England from the Center of the Universe

February 22, 2020

Do you know where the center of the universe is? You might be surprised to discover that it’s right here at the Snowvillage Inn! Yes, it’s true! From the mountains to the lakes to the ocean, keep us as your base camp and you can truly see it, do it, experience it all! Stay in just one place and you can complete this New England Itinerary in as few as five days!

Mountains

Day 1 – Check-in and enjoy the views of the Presidentials from our screen porch, patio or dining room. Mount Washington is the highest mountain in the East and you can drink it all in from the moment you step through our doors. Ask for rooms with a mountain view for an extra-special experience. (Mileage: 0)

Enjoy your evening meal at Max’s Pub and go to bed early … you’ve got a busy day up ahead!

Day 2 – Drive up the Mountain Washington Auto Road. Hard to believe but during certain times of the year, you can drive your car right up the tallest peak in the East. During Winter you can go up in a Snowcoach. All are weather dependent, of course, as its weather is notoriously fickle.

April to October, you might try the Cog Railway, the 150-year-old train ride up the mountain! When you reach the summit, you can go for a walk and visit the Mount Washington Observatory.  (Mileage: 36)

No matter which way you transport yourself up the mountain, you can return to your home base at the Snowvillage Inn for dinner, rest and relaxation!

Lakes

Wake up early to watch the sunrise and enjoy a scratch-made hot breakfast at the Inn! Then hit the road for the second leg of your New England tour.

Day 3 – First stop on your Lakes Tour should be Crystal Lake, the beautiful little body of water just a few miles down the road. Look for the iconic Little White Church across the way. Its steeple is under repair and we hope to see it back where it belongs soon!  (Mileage: 1.8)

From there, take scenic Route 153 south to Route 25 and follow it down and around towards the Lakes Region of New Hampshire. It’s home to Lake Winnipesaukee, the largest lake in New Hampshire.  Depending on the time of year you visit, you can hang out on Weirs Beach, play games in its arcade and even watch a movie in its Drive-in Theater. Yes, they still have one! It’s a big lake so you could literally spend days visiting each harbor and site of interest. In Meredith, you can go for a (seasonal) boat ride on the Mount Washington, a mailboat that also offers day and evening cruises. In winter, drive along the shore and watch for ice fishermen and bob houses. (Mileage: 41)

Throughout your journey keep your eyes peeled for the many antique shops along the way! The Lakes Region guide to arts and antiques can give you some guidance. 

The Ocean

Day 4 – The Snowvillage Inn is surprisingly close to the coast of Maine! Our favorite destination is Crescent Beach, with bathrooms, showers and a food concession. With lots of parking and miles of sandy coast, it’s the place to enjoy long walks, sunbathing and boogie-boarding. Leave the Inn early to get a good parking space and drink in the views for a few hours before heading a little further up the coast. 

The next stop on your quintessential New England Tour is the foodie capital of New England, Portland, Maine. We recommend lunch or dinner at Luke’s Lobster, located right on the fish pier in Portland. Then drive down to the Eastern Prom. Portland’s largest developed park at 78 acres, provides sweeping views of Casco Bay and direct access to the waterfront. The park features an Olmsted-designed landscape, multi-use trail, playground, public boating ramp, Beach, and world-class sledding in the winter months. Many picnic areas and benches dot the property. 

Take time to view a lighthouse, a must-have for your tour of New England. Might we recommend Bug Light in South Portland.   (Mileage: 55)

Home Base

Day 5 – Spend your last full day relaxing at the Snowvillage Inn. Consider visiting the many tax-free outlets in nearby North Conway or visit museums, like the New England Ski Museum. Read a book or play a board game in our beautiful common areas or retire to Max’s Pub for one of Kevin’s signature cocktails!

Your 5 day New England Itinerary is complete! If you have more time, you can expand to include additional beaches on the Maine Coast, more mountains to hike or lakes to paddle. Book your stay soon!

Partial funding for development of this blog made possible by a Rural Business Development Grant through the Northern Community Investment Corporation from USDA Rural Development.