Lincoln - Woodstock New Hampshire

Mrbuffer and I are going on vacation Oct. 16 to the Inn at Loon Mountain in Lincoln NH. I know it's late for vacation, but this is the earliest I could get any accumulated time off.

We'll be taking I-84 to the Mass Pike and then probably north on I-93. Any suggestions for lunch and for dining out while we're there?

Thanks,
Marita and Chris
(We're going ALCS and NLCS,time, I know, but at least the games will be nationally televised so I can see my Yanks win!)

you MUST eat at Bellini's in North Conway NH. Open for dinner only. It rivals the finest Italian restuarants in NYC. The plates are huge, the slad crisp and one of the best house dressings in the country. Service is great, your glass or cup is never empty.

That sounds good. It looks like US 3 paralells I-93? Is that a good road or is it just stop lights. And how busy will it be from the Mass border?

Remember, we've got NY plates on our car and we don't wanna be attacked by Sox fans...

I regret to inform you that the highways -- all of them -- are going to be packed solid that weekend, which is the height of the foliage season, which means that every road going into and out of New Hampshire is going to be bumper to bumper with leaf peepers and your average speed is gonna be about 15-25 mph.

As I have great friends with ski condos in Lincoln AND Conway, means I get to ski Loon AND Wildcat and since I'm the invited guest, get to cook all the apres ski food, which is a real pleasure. So unfortunately, I've never eaten in any of the restaurants in this area. However, I would strongly recommend driving the Kangamangus.....it is BEAUTIFUL in Oct.

And this entertainingly-named highway is where, exactly? My family is going to be up that way that very weekend!

quote:

Originally posted by Lucky Bishop

I regret to inform you that the highways -- all of them -- are going to be packed solid that weekend, which is the height of the foliage season, which means that every road going into and out of New Hampshire is going to be bumper to bumper with leaf peepers and your average speed is gonna be about 15-25 mph.

That's the week after Columbus Day. The woman at the Inn told us that things usually slow down after that weekend. Sheesh, I need to find some alternate routes - any suggestions?

According to the foliage forecast on the New Hampshire state tourism website, the foliage peak will be the weekend AFTER Columbus Day, which means that the highways are still going to be jampacked. It's true, there will be even more traffic on Columbus Day weekend, when the roads will be complete gridlock in some spots, but don't expect an easy drive of it on the weekend after, either.

Actually, if you're really worried about making time, the Interstates (93 and 95) will probably be your best bets, because the peepers will mostly be on the much more scenic US and state highways. It's really a matter of what's more important to you, speed or view. But they'll ALL be busy.

As I said in another forum, my wife's family and I do a northerly road trip every year on one or another weekend in early to mid-October, and invariably, it tends to be a slow drive. My advice is just to be prepared for that, and go with it. Bring a lot of CDs to play in the car, find a baseball game or a good college station on the radio, settle into your car seat with some snacks and just think, as the band Suddenly Tammy put it in their song "Supersonic," "We get there when we do."

quote:

Originally posted by Lucky Bishop

According to the foliage forecast on the New Hampshire state tourism website, the foliage peak will be the weekend AFTER Columbus Day, which means that the highways are still going to be jampacked. It's true, there will be even more traffic on Columbus Day weekend, when the roads will be complete gridlock in some spots, but don't expect an easy drive of it on the weekend after, either.

Actually, if you're really worried about making time, the Interstates (93 and 95) will probably be your best bets, because the peepers will mostly be on the much more scenic US and state highways. It's really a matter of what's more important to you, speed or view. But they'll ALL be busy.

As I said in another forum, my wife's family and I do a northerly road trip every year on one or another weekend in early to mid-October, and invariably, it tends to be a slow drive. My advice is just to be prepared for that, and go with it. Bring a lot of CDs to play in the car, find a baseball game or a good college station on the radio, settle into your car seat with some snacks and just think, as the band Suddenly Tammy put it in their song "Supersonic," "We get there when we do."

I just want to get there with a minimum of hassle. Once we get there and check into the Inn, we can go grocery shop for the week and relax at the condo. It's got an indoor pool, hot tub and game room at the main complex, and the condo has a fireplace so we're going to be heavy into relaxation.

We've got the whole week, so hopefully the traffic will be at a minimum. There is trail riding across the street from the Inn, and I heard of a place where you can decorate ceramics, I forgot the name. Also plan to check out the local parks and Lincoln/Woodstock during the weekdays.

The Sunny day diner in Lincoln is worth checking out. Just south of clark's trading post.

Also try Pig's Ear BBQ! Right in downtown Woodstock. The gal in charge is a Texas native and does some fine pulled pork and brisket. Her sides are homemade. I hope she's not closed for the season. Only outdoor dining on her covered deck.

Across the street is Peg's which has good breakfast.

In Lincoln is Elvio's. Good Lasagna and Calzones at decent prices.

Fresleone's pizza (sp) just up north a bit near Indian Head Mt. makes a good pie. You can choose from a varety of crust styles.

I've been to "The Common Man" a few times. A very successful place for informal but fine dining.

If you like pancakes...by all means go to Polly's Pancake Parlor. (see Roadfood review) Be prepared to wait. Also closed for winter, so call ahead to see if they're open.

Most of the eating joints in the WoodStock/Lincoln area are good to great. I don't bother with the high-class joints, just the "roadfood" type.

I go up there at least once a year during the summer, beautiful country with some fantastic scenery.

Polly's closes for the season on Monday, October 18.

Well that gives mrsbuffer one day. Make sure to get the sampler, with the cobb bacon

If you take the gondola ride to the top of Loon MT., there is a trail among some rock formations that's worth the walk.

The best scenic ride is to go up rt.93 to rt.3 and then rt.302
You'll see the Bretten woods hotel & Hart's location, plus a few other points of interest. Then take Bear Notch Road* to the Kangamangus to return to Lincoln. You can then avoid North conway which is nothing but outlet stores.

*closed during winter, and I think it's all paved by now.

Polly's Pancake Parlor (Sugar Hill,NH) is a great destination to enjoy a commanding view of Mt.Lafayette, all the way to Mt.Washington on a clear day. The restaurant is expensive for my taste, but the food deserves praise. If you've never been to Littleton, NH, try the Littleton Dinner for inexpensive, decent hefty portions. My favorite, Cold Mountain Cafe, Bethlehem, NH (a sleeper of a charming town in a laid back way.) Lastly, Woodstock Inn & Station for great microbrews and the best red flannel hash in the morning (in Woodstock,right next to Lincoln.)

Ok here's another question for natives/locals - where can mrbuffer and I go grocery shopping? We do plan to cook in a couple nights, and just to pick up stuff to keep in the condo for the week. I did a search for Stop & Shop but didn't seem to find one in the area. Is there a ShopRite or something fairly close by?

quote:

Originally posted by Lucky Bishop

And this entertainingly-named highway is where, exactly? My family is going to be up that way that very weekend!

The Kangamangus runs from North Conway to Loon Mountain and is a beautiful drive.

The only grocery store I know of in Lincoln is the P&C Grocery.
(think pricey and crowded).
In North Woodstock next to the state liquor store is Wayne's Market. He won't have everything you want, but he has a great butcher counter with some good meats and reasonable prices.

quote:

Originally posted by Edwaste

The only grocery store I know of in Lincoln is the P&C Grocery.
(think pricey and crowded).
In North Woodstock next to the state liquor store is Wayne's Market. He won't have everything you want, but he has a great butcher counter with some good meats and reasonable prices.

So I would have to stop on the way up, probably off I-93.

quote:

Originally posted by Edwaste

The only grocery store I know of in Lincoln is the P&C Grocery.
(think pricey and crowded).
In North Woodstock next to the state liquor store is Wayne's Market. He won't have everything you want, but he has a great butcher counter with some good meats and reasonable prices.

So I would probably have to stop somewhere along I-93...oh well...

The Clam Shell restaurant in Littleton is really good. There is also a Shaw's and Walmart.

quote:

Originally posted by mrsbuffer

quote:

Originally posted by Edwaste

The only grocery store I know of in Lincoln is the P&C Grocery.
(think pricey and crowded).
In North Woodstock next to the state liquor store is Wayne's Market. He won't have everything you want, but he has a great butcher counter with some good meats and reasonable prices.

So I would probably have to stop somewhere along I-93...oh well...

The big chain supermarkets in the NH area is Market Basket (ak.a. Demoulas's Market Basket) and Hannaford (formerly known as Shop & Save).

Both pretty good supermarkets and far superior in selection and prices to Stop & Shop.