If you’re part of a group of single gals looking for a fun weekend getaway, a mom looking for 48-hours to leave home-life behind and have fun with friends, a mom and daughter duo looking to reconnect after a busy summer, a girls’ weekend in Mt. Washington Valley, NH can do just the trick.

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It’s fun to pile into the car and dodge regular life for the weekend with your closest pals and try a new destination. What makes Mt. Washington Valley, NH so great, is that not only is it filled with fun activities, but it’s also within driving distance of many New England states, so planning a spontaneous trip isn’t that far-fetched of an idea.

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(Please note that spontaneity during a pandemic means something slightly different than what it did in the past. Many attractions take reservations in advance, and last-minute lodging may be harder to come-by, paired with potentially longer wait times to get into a restaurant. Give you and your group some breathing room when it comes to choosing dates for an ‘impromptu’ trip.)

Here are some of the best ways to change up your weekend routine with your favorite gal pal while taking a mini vacation in Mt. Washington Valley, NH!

Get Down and Dirty

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And take on some outdoor adventure! Rent bikes, hike a mountain, paddle down the river! These are all outdoor activities in Mt. Washington Valley that it’s famed for! What’s great, is that taking on these adventures allows you to time your own schedule.

For example, if you rent canoes to paddle down the Saco River, pack a picnic from any of our favorite cafes, and leisurely make your way down the river, stopping at different sandy beaches for a swim. Take pictures, make memories, laugh, and enjoy all the summer has to offer before it comes to a close.

And if you’re seeking adventure on dry land, you can find a list of favorite hikes, here, as well as great options for bike rentals, and bike excursions. Rent E-bikes from Northeast ATV and ride the Presidential Rail Trail in Gorham, NH or rent Fat Bikes and make your way through Whitaker Wood in North Conway, NH.

Relax with a Spa Treatment

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Now that you’ve played in the outdoors, shake the dirt off with a manicure, massage or facial! Spas in Mt. Washington Valley have a plethora of options that offer metropolitan services in mountain settings.

Schedule a group spa manicure at a spa like Debony Salon. Located in Jackson, Debony Salon offers themed manicures every season, with products that match the summer, fall, winter and spring. Currently it’s offering a Watermelon Basil Spa Pedicure and Manicure, and can take up to three pedicures and three manicures at a time.

Right down the road, The Spa at the Christmas Farm Inn hosts an AVEDA concept spa offering a slew of services from massage, to facials, to CBD treatments.

Another treat is The Spa at the Omni Mount Washington. This historic grand hotel hosts a luxury spa inspired by the surrounding White Mountains. Truly indulge at this spa and book you and your friends a spa package, and make use of the facilities for a complete spa day.

Shop!

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Walk the villages of Mt. Washington Valley, NH and find its local charm through the locally owned shops and boutiques. Everything from high-end denim to chic mountain wear to bath and body, candles and New England themed products, you could spend an entire day finding your favorite things! Be sure to check out the White Mountain Independents, a network of 20-plus locally owned shops in Mt. Washington Valley. You’ll find owner-curated items and probably even get shopping advice from the owners themselves, as many of them are always on the premises.

Settlers Green is also a must-stop with events, restaurants and 60-plus brand name stores found throughout this shopping mall.

Find Your Favorite Drink!

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You’ll find distilleries, wineries, and breweries that can make your favorite drink! Put together your own tasting tour during your weekend, and follow the Mt. Washington Valley’s craft beer trail, and make stops at White Mountain Winery and Cathedral Ledge Distillery as well!

If you’re driving route 16 north, from Conway, NH follow this list of breweries, distilleries and wineries to make sure you hit them all during your trip:

Tuckerman Brewing Company – Hobbs Street, Conway, NH. Featuring an outdoor beer garden, lite bites and live music, this brewery has been making its own beer for going on 25-years!

Saco River Brewing Company: Jockey Cap Lane, Fryeburg, Maine. Continue heading north on Route 16, and you’ll see it connect to route 302 east. This will bring you into Fryeburg Village, where you’ll find this gem of a brewery waiting for you. Featuring a solid menu of handcrafted beer and alcoholic seltzers, outdoor seating, and food trucks, it’s a must stop on your tasting tour.

Sea Dog Brewing Company: White Mountain Highway, North Conway. Located in a big red barn, Sea Dog Brewing Company is a brewery and restaurant. With a rotating tap of eight or more beers brewed in its own English brewing style enjoy beers with a distinctive, refreshing taste and crisp finish.

White Mountain Winery: White Mountain Highway, North Conway Village. The winemakers of White Mountain Winery make their own wines in a variety of blends, including fruit-wines. Stop in for a tasting and shopping experience, and meet the shops welcome committee, three pups named Stella, Doc, and Lucy.

Cathedral Ledge Distillery: This distillery crafts its own handmade vodka and gin in a beautifully built post-and-beam barn. Enjoy tastings and tours of the distillery, where dogs are also welcomed.

Moat Mountain Smokehouse and Brewing Company: White Mountain Highway, two-miles outside of North Conway Village. This smokehouse brews its own beers and makes most of its menu from scratch. We recommend pairing any of its flagship beers with its Cajun-seasoned fries, and settle in for a great meal, and great beer!

Ledge Brewing Company: Town Hall Road, Intervale. This brewery features crisp, refreshing, hand-crafted beer, perfect for ending your outdoor adventure with. It hosts live music and has an expansive outdoor seating area.

For complete trip planning resources and information call 800-367-3364 (800-DO-SEE-NH) to talk to a Mt Washington Valley Chamber of Commerce rep.  To learn more about New Hampshire vacations, go to www.VisitNH.gov.

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