
Photo c/o The Local Grocer
Regardless of your “Love Language” type, you’ll find plenty of ways to say and show someone that you love them in the Mt. Washington Valley. And now more than ever, is it a perfect time to bask in the meaning of Valentine’s Day.
Whether you’re focusing on self-care this February and getting back to some self-love basics; or sharing in the love with a friend, partner or family member, spending Valentine’s Day Mt. Washington Valley is the perfect gift to get and give.
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TRY SOMETHING NEW!
If you’re a couple who always visits the Mt. Washington Valley to ski, snowmobile, hike or shop, then why not try the OPPOSITE of that! If all you’ve ever experienced are the slopes of the valley, why not book a snowmobile tour in Mt. Washington Valley for you and your partner? Our friends at Northern Extremes and Northeast Snowmobile have put together some amazing tours that cover over 250+ miles of trails through Maine and New Hampshire.
Conversely, if all you’ve ever done when visiting the Mt. Washington Valley is snowmobile, why not take a lesson at a local slope? February has been dubbed the “Learn to Ski” month and local mountains have programs, lessons and rates that make it super easy to take your first run.
REALLY GET IN THE SPIRIT
Why not give in to the ooeey-gooey romantic aspect of the holiday and book a romance package at any of the Mt. Washington Valley inns?
You’ll be inundated with chocolates, roses, fine dining, couple’s spa treatments, couple’s snowshoeing tours, truffle and champagne tastings, and more – similar to the one that Snowvillage Inn in Snowville, NH is offering!
The concierge at each of the Mt. Washington Valley inns is so helpful and ready with creative ways to help you and your partner celebrate the holiday. Bask in all the romantic details and experience Valentine’s Day in the Mt. Washington Valley.
SHARE THE LOVE FOR THE MOUNTAINS
Whether you have a partner or not, Valentine’s Day can be for celebrating the things that YOU love – even if it isn’t another person. Do you have an affinity for the mountains of Maine and New Hampshire?
Everyone who lives in the valley does, and the Mt. Washington Valley is home to some of the most enthusiastic and knowledgeable outdoor guides. As a Valentine’s Day present to yourself, book yourself a guided trip in the Mt. Washington Valley. Take on new terrain you’ve been wanting to try, hike an alternate route up Mount Washington, take an intro to ice climbing course, learn how to read a compass – the courses and guiding trips available to you are endless. And when you book them with a guide, you’ll be privy to Mt. Washington Valley insider tips and entertaining stories, all from a local’s perspective. Visit our friends at Redline Guiding, the AMC, International Mountain Climbing School, and REI.
TREAT YO’ SELF!
That M.Miller winter coat you’ve been eyeing at Spruce Hurricane; or the pair of Frye Boots you keep circling back to at Assets Jean Co.; or finally decking your bathroom out with artisan skin care products and scents from Fields of Ambrosia? Whatever your indulgence may be, the boutiques and stores of the Mt. Washington Valley have it. And go ahead, you have our full permission to splurge on yourself.
Our friends at White Mountain Independents, a pool of 25+ independently owned stores that make up our main streets in Conway, North Conway, Jackson, and beyond, all have a curated inventory of one-of-a-kind treasures.
Settlers’ Green is also a shopping destination not to be missed with 60+ outlet stores, restaurants and even a foot soaking spa!
WHAT GREATER LOVE IS THERE, THAN FOOD?
Create your own foodie tour in the Mt. Washington Valley!
The restaurants in the Mt. Washington Valley work tirelessly to create an epic food scene in the White Mountains, and you’ll find everything from fine dining to truly creative culinary experiences, to pub food that’s locked and loaded; all paired with cocktails that will blow you away and award-winning craft brews.
First, decide on the type of foodie experience you’re looking to have? Fine Dining? Casual? Just drinks? What about a drink and dessert pairing?
If you’re going for Fine Dining, then buckle up! The Fine Dining restaurants in the Mt. Washington Valley are in a league of their own. Book a table at the Oxford House Inn, just over the border in Maine. They offer a formal dining room with views of the White Mountains, as well as a more casual speak-easy in its basement. Both dining rooms offer a menu thought-up by Culinary Institute of the Arts graduate, chef AND owner, Jonathan Spak.
White Mountain Cider Co. is another fine dining restaurant for the books. The White Mountain Cider Co. is owned by Culinary Institute of America graduate Teresa Stearns. The year-round charming New England property includes an award-winning restaurant, gourmet market, deli serving breakfast and lunch, and cider mill.
Take a drive to Jackson and the historic Eagle Mountain House for 3 course pre-fixed dinner menu for the weekend of Valentine’s Day 2/12, 2/13, 2/14. $55 per couple, reservations required. 800-966-5779
Recommended by Bon Appetit, Gourmet, NY Times, New Hampshire Magazine, Boston Globe, Boston Magazine, and more, Wild Rose at Stonehurst Manor creates a dining experience to be remembered. Enjoy the atmosphere of its classic “Library Lounge” with deep wood fixtures, a roaring fireplace, stained glass, and shelves filled with books. The Wild Rose at Stonehurst Manor also boasts an extensive martini menu and knows how to shake – or stir – a great cocktail.
It would be impossible to name each of our favorite fine dining locales in the valley. But trust us when we say, they are all worthy of a reservation. Take in all of our fine dining partners, here!
If you’re looking for Something a bit more casual, may we suggest a tasting tour? Start in Conway at Tuckerman Brewing Co. for homemade craft beer that has been brewing strong for twenty-five years! Be sure to dress warm and enjoy its flagship Pale Ale in its outdoor beer garden.
Make your way north to Cathedral Ledge Distillery, and enjoy a tasting flight of its organically distilled vodka’s and gin. Revel in the craftsmanship of the post and beam barn and the views behind it of Cathedral Ledge.
Right next door lives The Local Grocer, a perfect stop to refuel. Either make a meal out of it and enjoy a lunch menu created from home-grown ingredients from its farm just a few miles down the road. Enjoy sandwiches, smoothies, salads and more; or indulge in its homemade dark chocolate creations to set the Valentine’s Day mood.
Without having to go very far, next on your tasting list is Moat Mountain Smokehouse and Brewery. Living right next door to The Local Grocer, this valley staple has been brewing for decades and it shows in its fleet of beer on tap. A fun environment and incredibly creative menu, you’ll want to spend some time here!
Of course, we would be remiss if we didn’t share one of the best kept (not-so) secrets of the Mt. Washington Valley; Cold River Vodka. Vodka distilled from Maine potatoes grown right in Fryeburg, Maine, the fleet of vodka and gin featured from this distillery is undeniable. While it doesn’t have a tasting room in the valley, many restaurants feature its vodka and gin on their shelves.
TAKE IN A SHOW!
Celebrate love with M&D Playhouse and a virtual, one night only performance on Saturday, February 13 at 7:30 pm of Standing on Ceremony, The Gay Marriage Plays. This is a witty, warm, occasionally wacky production offering unique takes on the moments before, during, and after “I do.” Two little words, and suddenly your whole world changes.
Order take-out from any of the valley’s amazing restaurants, and cuddle up on the couch for this charming production!
This collection of short plays, performed by a fabulous cast, is a vow to the universal challenges of relationships, the blessings of equality, and the often-hilarious power of love.”
This is a fundraiser for M&D Playhouse and White Mountains Pride. Please support these wonderful organizations with the purchase of a ticket for each member of your household who’ll enjoy along with you. Just $19.99 Includes all fees for streaming access of this entertaining production. Cheers to love! For info and to purchase tickets, click here!