The One Less Traveled By

June 7, 2020

“Two roads diverged in a wood, and I—

I took the one less traveled by,

And that has made all the difference.” – Robert Frost

A different time, a different place, but New Hampshire’s own Robert Frost understood what we still face today. Both literally and figuratively, his words convey that there comes a time to take a different path. Our choices are clear in hindsight.

If your plans have been uprooted, and your usual destination not available, Frost’s advice might be in order.

Many travelers in these times are avoiding crowds and cities and yearning for rural destinations. Lucky for us, Snowvillage Inn is in the heart of the White Mountains with so much to do right here at the Inn or a short drive from our door.

While some attractions remain closed, you can still find many adventures on our rivers, trails, lakes, and mountains. Here are some travel ideas for couples (starting with booking your stay at Snowvillage Inn!)

Take the Road(s) Less Traveled – Now is the time to find less popular treks around Mount Washington Valley. Avoid the crowds by hiking around the many trails here on our property (including our upcoming Forest Bathing Trail) or in the surrounding communities. Consider conversation lands, such as these in Conway. Whether you’re looking for a picnic area, open space, or river access, you’ll find it here. Here are a few others we like: Boulder Loop Trail, Moat Mountain Mineral Site Trailhead, and Meadow Brook Trailhead. These last three are accessible off the Kancamangus Highway in Albany. 

We also highly recommend Mary Mountain (near Danforth Bay),  Pine Barrens, High Watch Trail, and Red Stone Quarry.

Paddle Your Own Canoe (or Kayak) – Getting out on the water is a great escape from the heat and from the crowds! Bring your own or rent from Saco Bound or Saco Canoe Rentals. Popular spots include Crystal Lake in Eaton, Silver Lake in Madison, the Saco River, or Conway Lake. Avoid the big lakes and the big crowds in Central NH and Western Maine and enjoy a little touch of paradise close to the Inn.

Swing a Club – Golf courses in NH have just been reopened to visitors from out of state. To keep track of current status, check this “what’s open” page on Visit New Hampshire’s website. The Chamber also publishes a golf blog that highlights area courses that are open and welcoming guests. 

Ride a Bike – Pedal your bike down a country road. Mount Washington Valley is known as a mecca for bicyclists. You can stay off the more populous roads like Route 16 and 302 and instead enjoy windy jaunts on Route 153 or Route 113 in Eaton and Madison. Or go off-road on mountain biking trails too numerous to mention. Bring your own bike or rent from our friends at Bob and Terry’s. 

Take It Easy – Of course, we recommend showing up and doing nothing at all! Rest in an Adirondack chair. Read a little poetry (we recommend Robert Frost of course!). Stroll through the woods. Sit on the deck staring at the mountains. With so much stress and strife in the world, it’s OK to stay with us and chill out.

This is the time we’ve all been waiting for! Time to take off for a week away from your worries and cares. With private rooms, spacious outdoor dining for dinner and breakfast in your room or outdoors on the deck, the Snowvillage Inn is the perfect choice for these times.

Take the road less traveled by … it will make all the difference. Snowvillage Inn is reopening for lodging guests June 12, 2020.