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North Conway is a city in the White Mountains region of New Hampshire.

Understand

North Conway is in the heart of the White Mountains region of New Hampshire. It is a popular vacation destination year-round. The village of North Conway is located about two hours north of Boston, Massachusetts.

North Conway is home to more than 250 alpine ski trails as well as hundreds of acres of White Mountain National Forest land surrounding Mt. Washington, the biggest mountain in the northeast. Those who love the outdoors will find plenty to do in North Conway during any season. Hiking, fishing, swimming, biking, skiing, sledding, canoeing are common activities. Other than its outdoors activities, North Conway is home to a large strip of shopping areas including factory outlet stores, antique shops, and country stores.

Get in

By car

  • From Boston - Interstate 95 North. In New Hampshire, take Exit 4 to the Spaulding Turnpike, Route 16 North, continue on Route 16 North to North Conway.
  • From Concord - North on Interstate 93, take Exit 23. Follow Rt. 104 East to Meredith to Rt. 25 East. Follow Rt. 25 East to Ossipee and Rt. 16 North.
  • From Montreal - South on Interstate 91 to Exit 19 to Interstate 93 South. Take Exit 40, onto Rt. 302 East in Bethlehem. Follow Rt. 302 East to Bartlett. Continue on Rt. 302 towards Glen/North Conway.
  • From New York City - North on Interstate 91 to Exit 17, Wells River, Vermont. Cross over to Woodsville, NH and follow Rt. 302 to Bartlett. Continue on Rt. 302 towards Glen/North Conway.

Get around

Map
44°3′13″N 71°7′42″W
Map of North Conway

If you fly into Laconia Airport (KLCI  IATA), 50 minutes south of North Conway, rental cars are available at the airport and in nearby Gilford.

Passengers flying into Manchester-Boston Regional Airport (MHT IATA) or Portland International Jetport (PWM IATA) will also find rental cars available at those airports.

Much of North Conway's shops and less interactive attractions are on the town's main road, Route 16. Even with their close proximity, a car is more convenient for travel in the wintertime, as well as for travel to some of the attractions and activities outside of walking distance. In North Conway, taxi companies service all local areas.

Most of the taxi services include large capacity vans, car seats for children, and airport shuttle services.

See

  • Conway Scenic Railroad, Rt. 16 and 302, ☏ +1 603 356-5251, toll-free: +1-800-232-5251, . Enjoy the natural scenery of NH while enjoying a meal. Absorb the local history and check out North Conway station, in operation for more than 130 years. Adult $14.50, Children under 3 free, Child (4-12) $10. 
  • Mt. Washington Observatory, P. O. Box 2310, ☏ +1 603 356-2137, fax: +1 603-356-0307. The Observatory offers overnight educational trips, a pleasant view of the surrounding mountains, and guided snow tractor day trips in the Valley and up to the summit of Mt. Washington. Daytrips: $159, Educational Trips: $459. 
  • Snow People on Parade. Fiberglass snowmen displayed all over N.H. One of the 17 beautifully decorated snowmen are displayed at the Settler's Green outlet. 
  • Foliage and Covered Bridges, Rt. 112. Old style wooden bridges and New Hampshire's scenic Kancamagus Highway of the White Mountains. 
  • Cathedral Ledge, 60 Echo Lake Road (Located off of West Side Road). Panoramic views of the Mount Washington Valley are accessed by car atop the 1000 foot tall rock ledge. A very steep, easily driven road (Cathedral Ledge Road) leads tourists up the mountain in a matter of minutes where they are able to park and hike a 100 foot trail to the fenced viewing area. Easy access and limited area make this location slightly crowded at times. This area also attracts many experienced and novice climbers who ascend the rock face throughout the summer and winter months. 

Do

North Conway is a popular area for rock climbing and hiking with Cathedral Ledge and Diana's Baths being the most popular.

  • Attitash Ski Resort, Route 302, toll-free: +1 800-223-SNOW (7669) (7669). In the wintertime, Attitash is known for its 74 trails and Terrain Park for both skiers and snowboarders. In the winter of 2010, Attitash opened its Nor'easter Mountain Coaster. This coaster brings you 1,420 feet up the side of the mountain; at the top you descend 2,880 feet downward at a speed up to 25 miles per hour. A single ride on this coaster is $12 without a ski ticket, or $10 with a ski ticket. First time ride is free. Requirements to ride the coaster include: children over 3 years of age, and riders must be 9 years or older to ride alone. During the summer, Attitash is well equipped with its Alpine Slide, Water Park and Scenic View ride. Attitash is a perfect vacation spot in every season for the whole family. 
  • Cranmore Mountain Resort, 1 Skimobile Rd, ☏ +1 603 356-5543. Cranmore Mountain is a great beginner mountain, for those with small children learning how to ski or snowboard. It is a very family oriented resort, with a warm, cozy lodge for those needing a break from the cold. This mountain is also equipped for night skiing, with well lit up trails for those adventurous enough to ski or snowboard during the night. If you don't have your own skiing/snowboarding equipment, you can rent right from the resort, as well as taking group lessons or individual lessons for those just beginning. There is also a tubing park located on the resort open until 9PM every day except Sunday, where it is open until 4PM. For a 2-hour tubing ticket, it is $23 for every age. 
  • Northern Extremes, Main St, ☏ +1 603 356-4718. Offering kayaking, canoeing, tubing, snowmobiling, and hiking. 
  • Bike Shop, Mountain Valley Mall Blvd, ☏ +1 603 356-6089. Bike rentals. 
  • Ham Arena, West Main Street, Conway, ☏ +1 603 447-5886, fax: +1 603-447-5888, . In addition to public ice skating, the Ham Arena offers ice hockey programs and figure skating practice ice for children and adults. The Ham Arena also features a pro shop stocked with hockey equipment, an on-site pizza and snack shop, and even a video games area. 
  • Diana's Baths, West Side Road (0.5 Miles north of the Cathedral Ledge access road). The series of waterfalls is very popular amongst tourists during the summer. Many come here to cool off in the frigid mountain water of Lucy Brook. A mild 0.6 mile hike from the parking area is required to access the falls. $3 honor system for parking. 
  • Echo Lake State Park, 68 Echo Lake Road Conway, ☏ +1 603 356-2672. M-F: 9AM-Sunset Sat/Sun: 8:30AM-Sunset. Good location for family swimming and picnics. A trail around the lake provides close-up views of Cathedral Ledge and White Horse Ledge. Pets are not permitted. Adults(12-65) : $4 Children (6-11) : $2. 

Events

February

  • Mt. Washington Valley Winter Carnival, toll-free: +1-800-367-3364. Various events held around Mt. Washington Valley. Week long event typically held mid-February through early March. 
  • Race to Beat Cancer, Mt. Cranmore Resort, ☏ +1 603 356-3719. Held annually in February to benefit the American Cancer Society 

March

  • Mt. Washington Valley Winter Carnival, toll-free: +1-800-367-3364. Various events held around Mt. Washington Valley. Week long event typically held mid-February through early March. 

May

  • Annual Taste of New Hampshire, Mt. Washington Hotel, toll-free: +1-877-873-0626. Chefs of the American Culinary Federation provide culinary and beverage demonstrations throughout the weekend. 
  • Annual Memorial Day Sidewalk Sales, Settler's Green Outlet Village Route 16. 
  • Memorial Day Weekend Craft Fair, North Conway Community Center, ☏ +1 603 356-2096. 

June

  • Mt. Washington Road Race, ☏ +1 603 466-3988. Held in mid-June, annual hillclimb up the Mt. Washington Auto Road. 

July

  • Independence Day Celebration, Schouler Park, ☏ +1 603 447-5680. July 4th. Includes fireworks around 9PM 

August

  • Labor Day Weekend Lobster Bake and BBQ, White Mountain Hotel West Side Rd, ☏ +1 603 356-7100. 

September

  • Labor Day Sidewalk Sales, Settler's Green Outlets, Route 16. Back to school specials at more than 60 stores. 
  • Fall Festival and Scarecrow Contest, Settler's Green Outlet Village, Route 16, ☏ +1 603 356-7031. Held in late September through early October, free events for the whole family. 

October

  • Fall Festival and Scarecrow Contest, Settler's Green Outlet Village Route 16, ☏ +1 603 356-7031. Held in late September through early October, free events for the whole family. 

December

  • Polar Express Event, Conway Scenic Railroad 38 Norcross Circle. This special event takes adult and children passengers on the Polar Express to the "North Pole" departing from the center of North Conway. 

Golf

  • Hale's Location Golf & Country Club, West Side Rd, ☏ +1 603 356-2140. 18 holes. Par 36. 
  • North Conway Country Club (North Conway Village at Norcross Circle), ☏ +1 603 356-9391. 18 hole par 71 course rated as one of the top ten golf courses in New Hampshire. 

Buy

The numerous stores and shopping centers are located on "the strip," a stretch of road on Route 16 in North Conway. Chains including Wal-Mart and Staples. Stores tend to close early in this area of New Hampshire, so if you're shopping after dinner, be aware that you might miss out on more unique shops like Zeb's General Store or the North Conway Five and Dime if you wait too long.

  • North Conway Antiques and Collectibles (Routes 16 and 302), ☏ +1 603 356-6661. 
  • North Conway Five and Dime, Route 16, ☏ +1 603-356-3953. The Five and Dime appears very low key, but is a very interesting store to visit. This general store differs from Zeb's in nearly every way, having old fashioned toys, utensils, and novelties that have lasted through the ages. 
  • Zeb's General Store, Route 16, ☏ +1 603-356-9294, toll-free: +1-800-676-9294. Zeb's General Store is like the candy store everyone imagines when they were a kid. It has many different types of candy, honey sticks, and homemade fudge. Not only does Zeb's sell candy, but there are a variety of gift baskets, New England specialty foods, crackers, maple syrup, desserts, dips, and many, many more, all priced reasonably. It is a great place to go to make the children happy, and perhaps pick up a self-made gift basket for someone or try a different type of recipe. Zeb's is one of those stores that has a little bit of everything! 

Outlets

  • Settler's Green Outlet Village Plus, Route 16, ☏ +1 603 356-7031, toll-free: +1-888-667-9636. Stores include: Banana Republic, Eddie Bauer, J Crew, Nike, Old Navy, Pacific Sunwear, Children's Place, Gap, Van Heusen, Wilson's Leather, Coach, Aeropostale, Adidas, Bass, Brookstone, Carter's, Champion, Harry and David, Journeys, Reebok, Talbots. This shopping outlet is conveniently located, with great parking to access any store. During the winter season, it is busier with more people because of the tourist attractions and skiing/snowboarding resorts surrounding this area. This shopping outlet is also located not more than 5 minutes from numerous hotels, inns or resorts to stay at. 
  • White Mountain Outlets, Route 16. Stores include: L.L. Bean, Polo Ralph Lauren, Chuck Roast, Nautica, Brooks Brothers, Liz Claiborne. 

Eat

Chains including Applebees's, Ben and Jerry's ice cream, Burger King, Dairy Queen, Friendly's Ice Cream, McDonald's and Pizza Hut can all be found in town. Other options include:

Budget

Mid-range

  • Delaney's Hole In the Wall, 2966 White Mountain Highway, ☏ +1 603 356-7776. Delaney's is a family oriented tavern with a variety of options on the menu serving both lunch and dinner. Located in the heart of the White Mountain region in New Hampshire, there is always a crowd made up of skiers and snowboarders from all over in the winter. On occasion, there is entertainment at the restaurant, such as singers/bands. There are always TVs with sporting events on to watch as well. Their motto is "Big Time Portions – Big Time Drinks – Big Time Fun for the Whole Family." 
  • 1 Horsefeathers, 2679 White Mountain Highway, ☏ +1 603 356-2687. Horsefeathers is a great place for a sit-down meal. They are known for having excellent seafood. They do have a small menu, but every item is great. 
  • 2 Moat Mountain Smoke House & Brewing Co., 3378 White Mountain Highway, ☏ +1 603 356-6381. Moat Mountain and Brewery is an excellent place for both children and adults. They have a vast menu that varies in price from $10-$15. They are known for having some of the best ribs and burgers in the area. They offer five different types of their flagship beers and have over ten different types of seasonal beer. 
  • White Horse Grille & Tavern, West Side Rd, ☏ +1 603 356-9745. 
  • Muddy Moose Restaurant and Pub, 2344 White Mountain Highway, ☏ +1 603 356-7696. 11:30AM-10PM. 
  • Peking Sunrise Restaurant, 1179 Eastman Rd, ☏ +1 603 356-6976. 11:30AM-9:30PM. Lunch Specials daily 11:30-3PM. 
  • Panda Garden Chinese Food (Chinese Cuisine), 32 White Mountain Highway (Located in Mountain Mall Valley Shopping Center), ☏ +1 603 356-5009. Sunday-Thursday: 11:30AM to 9:30PM. Friday and Saturday: 11:30AM-10:30PM. 
  • Black Cap Grille, 1498 White Mountain Highway (Located in Settler's Crossing between EMS and L.L. Bean). 11:30AM-9:30PM. Kitchen open until 10PM on Weekends. Bar serves later. 
  • Merlino's Family Steakhouse, 1717 White Mountain Highway, ☏ +1 603 356-5009. 11AM-9PM. 
  • Fiesta Jalisco, 6 Mountain Valley Blvd, ☏ +1 603 733-5550. Monday-Thursday: 11AM-10PM, Friday-Saturday: 11AM-10:30PM, Sunday: 11AM-9PM. 

Splurge

Drink

Sleep

  • Eastman Inn, 2331 White Mountain Highway, ☏ +1 603 356-6707, toll-free: +1-800-626-5855. A 14 room year-round bed and breakfast. All rooms with private baths and air conditioning. $110 to $160 per night. 
  • Isaac Merrill House, toll-free: +1-800-328-9041. The Isaac Merrill House has only 15 rooms, with four different room styles to choose from, this hotel is about atmosphere and history. $99 to $159. 
  • Red Elephant Inn (formerly Victorian Harvest Inn), 28 Locust Ln, ☏ +1 603 356-3548, toll-free: +1-800-642-0749. A year-round bed and breakfast located on a quiet wooded lane just off the main route. Eight rooms with private baths and air conditioning, garden and pool. $80 to $200 per night. Great views of the Moat Mountain range. The breakfasts are outstanding! 

Go next

Routes through North Conway
Littleton/Berlin ← Glen ←  W/N  E/S  → Conway → Portland/Portsmouth



This city travel guide to North Conway is a usable article. It has information on how to get there and on restaurants and hotels. An adventurous person could use this article, but please feel free to improve it by editing the page.
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