There is so much to love about the Mount Washington Valley.
There’s the hiking, skiing, tubing (down a river in the summer or a snowy slope in winter) and active pursuits.
There’s the nightlife and the music scene; the restaurants, distilleries and brewpubs.
There’s shopping and a bustling scene.
But what if you want all that plus the peace that comes from a natural setting?
A great solution just got an overhaul: With its recently wrapped $3.5 million update, The White Mountain Hotel & Resort (87 Fairway Drive, North Conway, N.H.; whitemountainhotel.com) is located close enough to the action but far enough away to make you feel tucked away in nature.
I visited The White Mountain Hotel & Resort right after those updates were complete. It wasn’t my first stay there; I’ve visited on ski weekends, and I’ve popped in for delicious dinners and cocktails over the years.
The hotel’s best feature is will never change: location. Tucked into the side of the soaring rock ledges of White Horse Ledge — a legendary rock climbing and hang gliding spot — and right next to the lovely nine-hole Hale’s Location Golf Course, the hotel feels alone in the lush landscape of the valley.
A two minute or so drive to town, it’s easy to access on busy days, and far enough aside to feel tranquil.
Serenity comes quickly, and so does that feeling of the grand old hotel tradition.
Family owned and operated, you’ll bump into — and probably chat with — one of the Sullivan family soon after arriving.
The lobby is soft and welcoming, with comfortable seating that sparks conversation with other guests. The rooms, redesigned in soft colors with plush bedding, and lovely baths and (so rare today) windows that open to let you breathe that mountain air, are bright and comfortable.
The dining room and bar serve up great meals all day, from a morning omelet to a dinner sourced from local ingredients. The bar is a fun place to hang; Al the bartender helped me discover just the right sipping tequila to wrap up Day One.
We chose to keep the hotel as our base camp, heading out for a few adventures, some a little drive away, others much closer.
Just steps away we found Hale’s Location Golf Course. Owned by the home association that the hotel is situated amid, it’s nine holes of fun challenge, some forgiving slopes and absolutely breathtaking views.
On one hole, a hang glider swooped down from the ledge just over our heads.
There are also brand new pickle ball courts, shuffleboard, cornhole and basketball on the property. You can head directly out from there on all levels of hikes and bike rides.
And the pool — outdoor and heated year-round, during our summer stay it was the perfect spot to soak in the afternoon sun and watch the alpenglow spread across the surrounding mountain peaks.
There are also hot tubs, a gym, massage treatment rooms and more.
We next headed up to Jackson for music at the famed Wildcat Tavern and then, the next day, a walk up Jackson Falls.
We went into town as well, visiting some favorite stores, mingling with the crowds and lunching at the amazing Barley & Salt, where my beer snob spouse says the taps beat all.
After a two-night stay, it’s time for us to head home. But we know we will return. The magical mix of relaxing and invigorating is what a vacation escape is all about. The White Mountain Hotel & Resort and its upgrade have it down pat.
