3 Day Travel Itinerary: NH's Mountain View Grand Resort
This post may contain affiliate links. To learn more about our affiliate links and cookies policy, see our Terms & Conditions page. Thank you.
The Mountain View Grand Resort & Spa is a warm, bright yellow gem of a hotel tucked away in the tiny New Hampshire town of Whitefield. Making the most of its rural surroundings and stellar mountain views, the family friendly, historic hotel is a superb vacation destination for couples and families. Use this 3 day travel itinerary to discover all the resort has to offer.
The hotel manages to balance the grandeur of an earlier age with a casual 21st century vibe. You will pay well for the accommodations and food, but once you check-in nearly all of the activities and amenities are included - no nickel and diming here. (For adventure seekers, the hotel has a variety of summer and winter excursions that can be booked for an extra fee; there are also extra charges for the luxurious spa.)
The resort’s activities program has a nice selection of programs for all ages from toddlers to the elderly. Even at the height of summer (August) the resort does not feel crowded. The mountains towering around the resort give it a feeling of stability and calm. Yet, there is much to explore and the atmosphere is energizing. This 3 day trip planner will provide an overview of this family friendly vacation destination.
For more information on travel in New Hampshire's north country read our posts on:
TRAVEL ITINERARY
Day 1: Arrive in time for the three o’clock check-in. Unpack and stretch your legs by taking a tour of the hotel and surrounding grounds. Begin in the lobby. Explore the small store, museum, game room, library, and indoor pool.
Outside, tour the tennis and basketball courts, the greenhouse, pastures, barn, and axe throwing pit. Across the street do a walk-by of the outdoor pool, golf course club house, fire pit, and bocce ball courts. There is an extensive system of trails for hiking and biking.
Next, ready for dinner and head to the ground floor for a drink. There is an elegant bar next to the dining room, or find an Adirondack chair on the expansive front porch and watch the sky begin to change color as the sun sets behind the White Mountain’s presidential range.
Day 2: Begin your day with the breakfast buffet in the Harvest Tavern. Then, take a hike on the resorts extensive system of trails (or mountain bike). If you choose to explore on foot, try the following route. Make your way to the small activities building at the back of the hotel and pick up a trail map. Time your walk so you can participate (or watch) and axe throwing lesson and competition (it’s just fun!).
After, make your way over to the farm and visit with the llamas, sheep, chicken and goats. Just past the barn, you will find a gravel road that leads to a network of trails. The system is well-marked with a series of easier and more difficult trails that you can navigate in according to your level of fitness.
Post-hike, cool off at the out door pool and order a snack on the deck. The scenery from this corner of the property is breathtaking.
In the late afternoon, enjoy a facial or a message in the Tower Spa. After dinner, have a drink in the bar or on the veranda. Or, migrate to the ornate parlor game room and enjoy a board game, puzzle, or game of cards.
Sunday: Grab a coffee in the lobby. Enjoy an early morning round of golf or take another hike. Indulge in the breakfast buffet, and check out at eleven.
TIPS
Most of the hotel rooms do not have coffee makers, mini-fridges, or microwaves (they are available for an extra fee). There are some ice makers scattered about. Bring a cooler if you desire drinks or snacks for your room.
This is a great place for families to come and relax. There are lots of activities and places for kids to work energy out (both young and old). Most are free. And the grounds feel safe enough to let older kids exercise a bit of independence.
Make dinner and spa reservations before you go. Both fill up fast, so for a good view in the dining room or slot in the spa – book early.
The dining room has a casual, family friendly atmosphere. Some diners ‘dress up’, but there are lots of shorts and sweatshirts even at dinner. There are also many small children so the ambiance can be noisy and chaotic (this is probably less so when school is in session). For a more upscale dining experience, choose the 1865 Wine Cellar, but be aware, the dining selections are limited and more expensive.
Bring comfy walking shoes. The resort is spread out. Elevators are small and few, and there are lots of stairs. Also, since the hotel was built in 1865, the floors throughout the building are uneven. And carpeted. With so much carpet and the humidity of the northeast, there is a bit of a carpet-smell throughout. It is not a bad smell, but it is distinct. (Don't worry, the hotel and grounds are immaculately clean.)
The hotel is located near many White Mountain attractions, scenic drives and hiking in the National Forest. In just a short drive you are in the Mount Washington region, by Franconia Notch, or in Littleton, NH.
At this hotel there is always something to do. But doing nothing can be just as much fun.
Safe travels! Laura and Randy
For more information on travel in New Hampshire's north country read our posts on:
Kommentare