How to See New Hampshire in Five Days
From your New England for Visitors Guide

Mom wants to see mountains. Dad's got his heart set on boating and fishing on a tranquil lake. The kids are clamoring for amusement park rides. Can thisfamily's vacation be saved? Yes, with this five-day New Hampshire itinerary.

Difficulty Level: Average    Time Required: Five days

1. Start your White Mountains adventure in North Conway, where you'll find outlet stores and no sales tax on any of your purchases. When you've tired of shopping and the crowds, take a trip aboard the Conway Scenic Railroad.
2. In the evening, head north on Route 16 and pass through the covered bridge gateway to the town of Jackson, where you can sup at the Wildcat Inn & Tavern (tel. (603) 383-4245), a Jackson landmark.
3. On day two, continue on Route 16 to Dixville Notch in the Great North Woods, where hopefully you've made reservations at The Balsams Grand Resort Hotel, a relaxing mountain escape. Dinner at The Balsams features a gourmet menu.
4. Rise early on day three and take a morning walk around Lake Gloriette.
5. Ask The Balsams restaurant staff to pack you a picnic lunch before you set out again, heading north to Jefferson, where families may want to spend the afternoon at either Santa's Village or Six Gun City.
6. Couples might prefer to continue on to Franconia Notch for an aerial view of New Hampshire aboard the Cannon Aerial Tramway.
7. On day four, take the Mt. Washington Cog Railway 6,288 feet to the mountaintop for breathtaking views in the morning.
8. In the afternoon, head south on Route 3 and explore the eclectic amusements at Clark's Trading Post in Lincoln. A quick drive west to North Woodstock may let you squeeze in a self-guided tour of Lost River Gorge, too.
9. New Hampshire's most scenic road, the 34-mile Kancamagus Highway (Route 112), takes you back to North Conway on day five on what "Car and Driver" magazine has called an "eye-popping" and "arm-twisting" drive.
10. In the afternoon, take a quick trip south to Moultonborough and explore Castle in the Clouds and the Castle Springs Brewing Co.
    

Tips:

1. In the autumn, the Kancamagus Highway is one of the best foliage-gazing routes in New England.
2. To order a free copy of the Official New Hampshire Guide Book from the New Hampshire Office of Travel & Tourism Development, call toll free, 800 FUN IN NH (800 386-4664).

Related Information:

• New Hampshire Links
• Fall Foliage Driving Tours: New Hampshire
• The Balsams Grand Resort Hotel
  

More How To's from your Guide to New England for Visitors