Whitemountains_w26

White Mountains Winter 2025/2026

Scenic New Hampshire

The Who, What, Where and When Guide for White Mountain Wayfarers

Scenic New Hampshire | White Mountains | winter 2025/26 | 1

2 | Scenic New Hampshire | White Mountains | Winter 2025/26

LIFE-SIZE CHRISTMAS VILLAGE SPOOKY HALLOWEEN SHOP ICE CREAM & CANDY PATIO WITH PANORAMIC VIEWS TOYS & NOVELTIES . . . and so very much more!

FREE ORNAMENT Present this coupon with a retail purchase (limit one per group)

www.christmasloft.com North Conway, NH & North Woodstock, NH * *Not all features offered at N. Woodstock location Scenic New Hampshire | White Mountains | winter 2025/26 | 3

Beyond Skiing

Winter Fun in the White Mountains

By Mark Okrant

4 | Scenic New Hampshire | White Mountains | Winter 2025/26

Winter is upon us. And, for thousands of visitors, this means the joy of strapping on those long, narrow boards and heading down one of the numerous ski slopes in the White Mountains. But, for many of us, skiing is not a preferred winter season pastime.

A survey of winter visitors conducted by the Institute for New Hampshire Studies showed that their mostmentioned purpose (44% of overnight leisure trips) was to visit friends or relatives, and nearly three-quarters of all travelers from outside New England indicated this is their primary purpose.

According to that study, the second most-mentioned purpose (39% of overnight leisure trips) was for outdoor recreation. Shopping, snowmobiling, and rural sightseeing were other popular activities.

If you or your guests are not skiers, there are an abundance of options for outdoor fun this winter. For one, while those visitors are skiing, don’t forget that snow tubing—a super fun activity that doesn’t necessitate either great skill or bringing special equipment—is available at most major ski areas. Here is a partial list of options that you can explore away from the ski areas . . . and this is just a beginning.

Ice Castles in Lincoln is a large, interactive attraction built entirely from ice and snow. Thousands of visitors come each year to marvel at the arches and sculptures that dominate the site. People thrill at the opportunity to walk or crawl through tunnels and zoom down its slides. The entire area is illuminated by colored lights and adorned with hundreds of icicles, making the entire experience magical.

The world-famous Mount Washington Cog Railway is

primarily a warm-season attraction, but don’t let that impede you. Each winter, the railway offers a heated train service that climbs to the Waumbek station, situated about two-thirds of the way up the Cog. From here, you can see amazing mountain vistas and view the impact of the extreme cold temperatures and ferocious winds.

Don’t miss the opportunity to visit the Marshfield Base Station, where a gift shop, museum, and food area await.

The White Mountains provide numerous outstanding trails. Groomed routes for both snowshoeing and cross-country skiing await at Bretton Woods Nordic Center, Jackson XC, and Great Glen Trails. Meanwhile, easy winter hikes await at Sabbaday Falls off the Kancamagus Highway.

Snowmobiling is among the most popular winter season activities in this state, with more than seven thousand miles of trails. Many visitors arrive with their own machines, but there are also numerous rental opportunities.

Favorites in the White Mountains are Franconia Notch State Park, the Ammonoosuc Rail Trail, and the Presidential Rail Trail. Other extensive trail networks await within the nearby Great North Woods and Lakes regions.

If you love being outdoors during the winter but find that physical activity in cold weather is not your taste, consider taking a sleigh ride. Victorian Sleigh Rides may be just the activity for readers who are willing to venture outside and wish to do so in style. People describe sleigh rides as nostalgic and cozy. Sleighs carry couples and larger groups of people across snow-covered farm fields, with a backdrop of mountains, rivers, and woods. The only things that interrupt the quietude are the jingling of sleigh bells and the occasional snorting of the horses. A

Scenic New Hampshire | White Mountains | winter 2025/26 | 5

word to the wise: sleigh rides can be costly, especially when participating individually or as a couple. There are several opportunities to book a sleigh ride. Farm By the River Bed and Breakfast in North Conway treats riders to a forty-five minute long trip on cushioned seats, covered with faux fur blankets, and hot cocoa at the end of the ride. The views of the ledges at White Horse and Cathedral are unforgettable. Nestlenook Farm in Jackson can provide both a sleigh carrying ten to twelve people and one for a more intimate experience. Waterville Valley Resort and Purity Spring Resort in East Madison specialize in rides for groups of up to twenty passengers. In each location, riders are treated to beautiful scenery and traditional New England hospitality.

For those of you who insist on remaining indoors, there are several venues that host ice skating. These are excellent places to learn to skate safely, are wonderful for family activities, and can be used as a spot for social gatherings. The White Mountains region has a number of facilities open to the public: in Waterville Valley, Lincoln,

White Mountains winter 2025/26

Scenic New Hampshire

The Who, What, Where and When Guide for White Mountain Wayfarers

Published by The Smiley Publishing Group, LLC, P.O. Box 119 Wolfeboro Falls, NH 03896 | 603-569-5257 | thelaker.com Publishers of Scenic New Hampshire - White Mountains, home, The Laker and Dining Out in the Lakes Region.

Smiley Publishing Group, LLC. assumes no financial responsibility for typographical errors. Advertisers will please notify the management immediately of any errors which may occur. ©2025/2026 All Rights Reserved.

No reproduction in part or whole without express written consent.

Littleton, Conway, Berlin, and Wolfeboro. Among those still scheduled to be accessible this winter, the Waterville Valley Resort Ice Arena is available for public skating on Fridays and Saturdays. Ham Arena in Conway is available on Saturdays, and can provide skate rentals. Nucar Notre Dame Arena in Berlin has public skating on Fridays, while Pop Wahlen Ice Arena in Wolfeboro offers public skating Sundays through Saturdays.

One should not forget that there are numerous indoor facilities offering opportunities to participate in golf, tennis, ping pong, pickleball, and other sports. With more than a dozen locations in New Hampshire, golf simulators allow people to either practice their swings or play an actual round of golf inside the comfort of a nice, warm building. Five of these facilities are convenient to residents and visitors within central and northern New Hampshire: Owl’s Nest Resort in Thornton, Loudon Country Club in Loudon, Pembroke Pines Country Club in Pembroke, Studio18 Indoor Golf and Games in Wolfeboro, and Beaver Meadow Golf Course in Concord.

Lastly, during the winter months, New Hampshire remains a popular venue for shopping. Within the White Mountains region alone, there are very popular retail centers in Lincoln, Littleton, and North Conway.

Additionally, virtually every community of any size offers the same tax-free shopping opportunities for which New Hampshire is famous.

Therefore, no one who ventures into the Granite State during our coldest season has an excuse to shelter in place. Opportunities to have a special experience abound. However, it is recommended that you contact each of these establishments to determine hours of operation and reserve a spot before your visit.

We are on a mission to change the way you feel about insurance.

Buying insurance is one of the most important protections you can offer yourself and your family. Chalmers offers easy, knowledgeable advice, all in one call.

800-360-3000 Our team is ready and waiting!

When you choose Chalmers, you can expect: A personalized experience every step of the way A relentless commitment to excellence A fresh approach to understanding insurance Access to 100% digital communication and billing Same-day coverage

6 | Scenic New Hampshire | White Mountains | Winter 2025/26

#1 LUXURY BROKERAGE|CARROLL COUNTY

PAM ADAMI

RICK ADAMI

MARCIE BAGLEY

BILL BARBIN

ERVY BAXTER

VALENENTINA BELOV

CAILEE BERGERON

SHARRENE HENDERSON

MAUREEN BLANCHARD

LISA BROUILLETTE

MORGAN BULTMAN

JULIE CHIN

KIMBERLY CLARKE

JOHN DEVANEY

DAVID EMMET

RYAN GALLAGHER

MAUREEN GARRETTE

KRISTA KARNAN

MIKE KEEFE

LAUREN LACEY

KRISTINA LAKEMAN

MARY LANG

SUZIE LASKIN

CHELLSEY LATHAM

BILL LYDON

CHRIS MCNEVICH

DEIDRE MINICHIELLO

CHERYL NEE

STACY SAND

ELIZABETH SCULLY

MICHELE SOUTHWICK

WENDEY ST ONGE

JOY TARBELL

CHRIS VACHON

2779 WHITE MOUNTAIN HIGHWAY | NORTH CONWAY NH 03860 603-730-5683

Scenic New Hampshire | White Mountains | winter 2025/26 | 7

Welcome to the White Mountains Among the rugged mountains and quiet forests, there is much to do and see…and also a great deal of history. Once a distant, mysterious northern place, largely unreachable to settlers living south of the area, today the White Mountains encompass thousands of acres, offering everything from arts communities to industry to abundant, year-round outdoor recreation.

Franconia/Sugar Hill The White Mountains are full of surprises…two little-known facts of the Franconia/Sugar Hill area are that famed movie star Bette Davis vacationed in the area and poet Robert Frost resided in Franconia for a number of years. His former home is now called the Frost Place and it is a poetry education center (www.frostplace. org).

The area has awe-inspiring views and many businesses and special spots to recommend it to any visitor, whether poet, movie star, or just someone wishing to relax and spend time in the NH’s peaceful snow-capped mountains.

Franconia and Sugar Hill are nestled on the western side of the glorious White Mountains and the tranquility and

und!

n

Ope

-Ro Year

beauty of the area is unsurpassed.

Colonial Governor Benning Wentworth granted the town of Franconia in 1764.

Movie star Bette Davis was vacationing in the area when she met and fell in love with Arthur Farnsworth, an employee of a local ski school, according to Wikipedia.org. They married and Davis had a plaque installed to commemorate her husband after his death; the plaque was placed on a rock on the Bridal Veil Falls trail.

A visit to this area just wouldn’t be complete without a meal at Polly’s Pancake Parlor, where the food is delicious, the maple syrup sweet and fresh and the history of the parlor and the décor are famous!

Franconia also is home to Franconia Notch State Park and popular Cannon Mountain and the White Mountains sit in part of the area. The Appalachian Trail crosses through the area as well.

The historic Iron Furnace visitor’s site in Franconia is a fascinating look at the iron industry that once thrived in the town.

Made from Scratch Pancakes, Waffles, French Toast, Soup, Sandwiches, Quiche, Ice Cream, Pies and More Call for Hours

I-93, Exit 38 672 Rt. 117 Sugar Hill, NH

603-823-5575 www.PollysPancakeParlor.com 8 | Scenic New Hampshire | White Mountains | Winter 2025/26

Come In and Get Cozy...

Dining Room

Living Room

Quality Rustic Furniture for Your Camp, Cabin or Lake Home...

Bedroom Cozy Cabin Rustics specializes in locally and American made furniture fitting rustic, lake house and log cabin decor. We carry living, dining and bedroom furniture made of cedar, pine, birch, aspen, maple, cherry, barn board and many more beautiful species of wood. From sofa groups, coffee tables, dining room sets, cabinets, shelving, tables, benches, bedroom sets, mattresses, lighting and lamps, outdoor and more, you’ll find plenty of choices to fit your home.

Kitchen

Hot Tubs

PLYMOUTH | 603-238-3250 | 599 Tenney Mtn. Hwy. Exit 26 off I-93 OPEN DAILY 9AM-5PM • SUNDAYS 10AM-4PM • COZYCABINRUSTICS.COM Scenic New Hampshire | White Mountains | winter 2025/26 | 9

You’ve been to the mountains... now visit us at the Lake!

Best winter resort in New Hampshire

One Lakefront Resort, Four Distinct Stays LODGING • EVENTS • WEDDINGS • DINING • TAX-FREE SHOPPING • ADVENTURE BOOK DIRECT AND SAVE • (844) 745-2931 • WWW.MILLFALLS.COM

10 | Scenic New Hampshire | White Mountains | Winter 2025/26

Lincoln/Woodstock With skiing, snow-capped peaks and all sorts of winter sports, as well as shopping and dining, this area of the White Mountains has it all! In the Lincoln/North Woodstock area, there is something to do each and every winter.

Once upon a time (in 1764 to be exact) this area of the mountains was granted to settlers. It was a wild, remote region and it took time for settlers to become aware of the natural beauty and possibilities of this northern part of NH. By the mid to late 1800s, tourists were venturing to the region for the scenic beauty. Loon Mountain’s ski resort soon followed and the world was suddenly at the doorstep of Lincoln and Woodstock.

Lincoln is known as the second largest town by area in NH (Wikipedia.org), although the year-round population is modest, with about 1,700 residents. In the winter, when the snow flies, skiers and other outdoor sports enthusiasts flock to the area.

Woodstock, with a population of around 1,500, sits next door to Lincoln; it was granted in 1763. In its early days, logging and lumber mills were king in the town, rivaled only by the tourist trade that brought visitors to see the wilderness beauty of the area. It joins neighboring Lincoln with shopping, dining and lodging options.

The Conway Area Visitors come to the area for the all sorts of winter sports, great scenery, food and shopping. The Mount Washington Valley areas of Conway and North Conway have it all, with something for everyone.

Conway actually encompasses the areas of North Conway, Center Conway, Kearsarge and Intervale, as well as an area known as Redstone.

Long before settlers came to the valley, the area was home the Pequawket Indians. They made good use of the Saco River area for fishing and hunting and lived along the waterway. Their camps stretched for miles and must have been an amazing sight.

Darby Field is a name seen in the area today, and the man/explorer of that name came to the mountains in the 1640s. He arrived via the Saco River, the best means of travel at the time. Like many other areas of NH, the area was named for an English noble or famous personage.

Colonial Governor Benning Wentworth sent a group of men to settle the area he called Conway (named for the commander of the British army).

The area grew over the years and by the 1850s, artists had discovered the wild beauty of the region. One of the most famous artists, Benjamin Champney, trekked over the White Mountains, capturing the views on canvas. The paintings became great publicity for the White Mountains, and soon tourists were arriving. This led to the era of the grand hotels and tourism.

Today, the Mount Washington Valley continues to lure vacationers year-round and is popular in winter as well as in the summer.

Shopping abounds in North Conway, with outlet stores, and specialty shops offer everything from designer clothing to handmade artisan goods to ski and sports equipment and apparel.

The NE Ski Museum has a second location (main headquarters for the museum is near Cannon Mountain) at the former North Conway Community Center on Rt. 16 near the downtown area. The museum has displays and

historic ski photos. Visit www.newenglandskimuseum.org.

Bretton Woods The tiny area of Bretton Woods has some big boasting rights: it was the home of the United States Monetary and Financial Conference in 1944, the location of one of the remaining grand hotels, a ski area, as well as being home to the first cog-driven train to climb Mount Washington.

Some mistake it for the resort that is situated there and shares the name Bretton Woods. However, the area is actually within the town of Carroll.

At one time, grand hotels dotted the White Mountain area, their sprawling facilities provided a playground for the wealthy. Many are gone, but the beautiful White Mountain Hotel and Resort remains. Joseph Stickney, an entrepreneur/businessman, built the grand hotel. He envisioned a beautiful hotel, and he hired over 200 Italian artisans to construct the building, with granite and stone masonry. The hotel opened in 1902. Over the years, the hotel has seen it all: Prohibition, world war, a monetary conference and the start of the sport of skiing which has grown in popularity over the years. Declared a National Historic Landmark in the 1980s, the Mount Washington Hotel is one of only a small number of grand hotels still in existence. It continues to welcome guests and offers a glimpse of the era of grand hotel vacationing in the mountains.

The Bretton Woods ski area is nearby and welcomes outdoor enthusiasts.

The Cog Railway also is part of Bretton Woods; in July of 1869, after much work to cut through the forests the first train, Old Peppersass, was the first cog-driven train to climb 6,288-foot Mount Washington.

Welcome to Our House by The Lake

Authentic Pizza

Comfort Food

Craft Beer

Wine & Cocktails

Live Music

Open Monday - Thursday 3-11 pm Friday-Sunday 11:30 am-11 pm Located at the Historic Coe House 18 Main Street | Center Harbor Just Up the Street from Town Docks

www.TheTaphouse.net Follow Us

Order Online

Scenic New Hampshire | White Mountains | winter 2025/26 | 11

Bringing Mexico to New Hampshire with tons of flavor and just as much excitement!

Our food is made from scratch, made to order, PLUS sourced locally AND we roll all of our own flour tortillas by hand.

Quality that you can taste.

Check out our Taco Tuesdays!

Tues -Wed 4pm-9pm | Thurs - Sat 12pm - 9pm Sunday 12pm - 5pm

106 Main Street Littleton, NH | (603) 444-3338 | www.alburritos603.com

Call Us for Show Times and Movies (603) 575-5314 32 Main Street Littleton, NH jaxjr.com 12 | Scenic New Hampshire | White Mountains | Winter 2025/26

Y esteryear Fits Like a Glove…in the White Mountains

By Kathi Caldwell-Hopper If you live in New England, you know keeping warm in the winter is important. Snowpants, boots, socks, hats, thick jackets, and for protecting your hands from the cold, gloves are vital.

Cold weather gear has always been important, and in the north country of New Hampshire, glove making became a thriving industry, employing many and bringing wealth to company owners.

Littleton, New Hampshire became a hub for glove making, and factories sprang up along the Ammonoosuc River, which threaded through the town.

The settlement of Littleton was created in the 1760s when those looking for a better life realized how good the soil was in the area. They could make use of the land to grow crops and set up farms. As with all early New Hampshire communities, little could happen without a sawmill and a gristmill. People needed a sawmill to turn trees into timber for building homes and barns.

Settlers also needed a gristmill for grinding corn and other products into flour.

A community of the Littleton area was the Willowdale Settlement, built in 1812. Many mills thrived in the community due to the power available from the Ammonoosuc River. When the Littleton Lumber Company opened in 1870, the settlement grew and included a post office, a school, stores, and a town hall.

Many people worked in the lumber mill - as many as 60 men - producing up to 6 million board ft. each year.

When the mill burned in 1898, the village faded away.

More mills followed along the river until eventually tanneries sprang up to make shoes, gloves, and harnesses, bringing in workers from elsewhere and employing locals in search of jobs.

Over the years, Littleton’s industry changed and spanned out. According to “Rivers and Roads: The Foundation of Littleton’s Growth” by the Littleton Historical Society, the Kilburn brothers brought in the stereoscopic industry, with photographic cards offering the viewer local and far-away scenes. This was just one of many businesses to come to the area.

By the late 1800s, glove-making was proving a good industry in Littleton. The major companies were Granite State Glove Company, the White Mountain Glove Works, the Saranac Buck Glove Company, and the Eureka Glove Company. In a small northern community, it could be assumed not all would survive but that would not be the case.

The Eureka Glove Company was a glove manufacturer in Littleton, New Hampshire, and the company was busy in the late 1800s. By 1882, Eureka needed more space and moved its operations to the Tilton’s Opera House block on Main Street.

Another thriving business, owned by the local Parker brothers, saw them working as tanners, according to the Littleton Chamber of Commerce walking tour brochure.

The Parkers eventually became glove makers. The family had a mansion in Littleton, proving their success. Ira Parker seemed to have an eye for business and invention and secured the rights to a tanning process. He needed deer hides for the gloves his company was making and traveled all over the Coos County area to seek out and buy deer hides.

As his business continued to grow, in 1889, Ira oversaw the merger of the Parkers’ business with two additional glove companies, creating the Saranac Buck Glove Company, which was located on Saranac Street. The business was a success, and by 1900, the company had a large employee pool on the payroll.

They produced around 984,000 pairs of gloves yearly, an astounding total. (It is interesting to note that one of Ira’s new partners was Sylvester Marsh, the man who built the Mt. Washington Cog Railway.)

It appears Ira Parker did not slow down, and after he sold his interest in the Saranac company in 1898, he moved to Lawrence, Massachusetts. He likely saw more opportunity in Massachusetts, with its plethora of mills, and he eventually brought the Arlington Mills back to life.

A bit south of Littleton, another glove factory was born in Plymouth, New Hampshire. Unlike the Littleton area glove makers/factories, the Draper & Maynard Co. (D&M) went a different route.

The business started as a family concern in Ashland, New Hampshire, producing buckskin gloves. The gloves were utilitarian protective gear for laborers who used them for field and other outdoor work.

“Twenty Decades in Plymouth, New Hampshire: 1763-1963” by Eva Speare reported that the business was initially located at Glove Hollow in Ashland. Its growth rapidly accelerated until plans were made to move to nearby Plymouth so the company could spread out.

Seeing that their business was thriving and could sustain growth, Jason Draper, the son of one of the family business’s founders, and his brother-in-law, John Maynard, planned to expand the operation in the 1880s.

In the late 1800s and early to mid-1900s, Plymouth was a hub of industry for baseball glove manufacturing.

Over the years, the high-quality gloves manufactured by D&M gained popularity, especially when baseball great Babe Ruth traveled to Plymouth and posed for publicity photos, stitching a baseball glove and hobnobbing with local officials.

Across the country, the game of baseball was becoming popular in the late 1800s. In the beginning, Scenic New Hampshire | White Mountains | winter 2025/26 | 13

baseball players did not use gloves but simply relied on their bare hands or primitive gloves when fielding balls.

This was awkward and led to many hand injuries.

Perhaps Draper or Maynard heard of the possibility of hand injuries when playing baseball and knew there had to be a better way to protect players. Whatever the reason, they invited Arthur “Doc” Irwin, a professional shortstop, to visit their business. Irwin had suffered some broken fingers the previous playing season, and when visiting the business, Draper and Maynard fitted him with a padded glove. When Irwin’s teammates saw the glove, they also wanted gloves. Orders began to come in, and the D&M business was off and running. They operated from a factory in Ashland on Glove Hollow Brook, near Plymouth.

It seemed a natural progression from buckskin gloves to baseball gloves. D&M may have been the first company to produce baseball gloves; in its heyday, it made thousands.

By the late 1800s, the D&M employed around 200 workers. The business was bringing much-needed employment to the area. Along with baseball gloves, D&M made and sold baseballs, leather goods such as gloves for other sports, and uniforms.

Expansion continued when Draper hired reps to sell

Visit our store to pick up quick meals to experience restaurant-quality food at home!

products to various baseball teams. The salespeople sang the praises of the D& M company’s products and took orders steadily. Sales offices opened in New York and California, and a Japanese businessman purchased the rights to sell D&M products in Japan. Popular baseball players had endorsement deals with D&M, further increasing the company’s awareness.

As the business grew, Draper and Maynard decided to build a new factory on Plymouth’s North Main Street. A 100-foot building rose above the downtown Plymouth area. Business was booming, and the company employed up to 600 workers, which was quite an infusion into the local economy.

The new space allowed Draper and Maynard to expand their sporting goods line even further, and by 1905 the company was considered a leading manufacturer in northern New England.

While up the road in Littleton, gloves were produced to keep out the cold; in Plymouth, the D&M had turned successfully to making gloves for sportsmen.

The idea for the baseball glove revolutionized the sport and spilled over into other sports as well. D&M made boxing gloves and other padded leather sporting goods. A trademark was adopted as well, depicting Maynard’s bird dog, Nick (the “Lucky Dog”).

Look for our blue for shopp

The White Mountain Independents is a thriving c Washington Valley. Each store emphasizes uniqu unrivaled customer service.

See It Here • Buy It Here • Keep Us Here

Books Cards Gifts organic, local and always all natural

Organic Market – Farm Café Remedies – Eco-Gifts Wellness Center ONE FREE HOUSE MADE CHOCOLATE WITH THIS COUPON 3358 White Mtn. Hwy., Rt.16/302 • N. Conway (north of the village)

603-356-6068

nhLocalGrocer.com

3358 White Mtn. Hwy., Rt.16/302 • N. Conway

(just north of the village)

603-356-6068

A taste nhLocalGrocer.com to excite Bath & Body North Conway, NH Soyfire.com the imagination! $5 off $40+ (non sale) purchase North Conway Village & Settlers Green 603-307-1066 | ncoliveoil.com

Soyfire

2677 White Mountain Hwy North Conway, NH (603) 356-8969 • soyfire.com

10% off purchase

14 | Scenic New Hampshire | White Mountains | Winter 2025/26

Open Daily 10-5

Just south of the Park in North Conway Village

whitebirchbooks.com

603-356-3200

2568 White Mountain Hwy, North Conway, NH

10% off with purchase of $50 or more* *Some restrictions apply

A cottage industry grew from the baseball factory, and women sewed baseballs for D&M from their homes.

Increased production met the demand from the national baseball leagues, which needed hundreds of baseballs each year. During the 1920s, a large percentage of major league players used D&M gloves and mitts, as well as the company’s balls and bats. Also produced were footballs and basketballs, popular items as these sports grew, and many schools and colleges offered football and basketball.

Unfortunately, the factory burned in 1910 and was replaced by a four-story brick building, according to information in Eva Speare’s book “Twenty Decades in Plymouth, New Hampshire: 1763-1963”. With the larger factory building, the company was able to make more products; thus, more people were employed.

Around 1916, Plymouth was in the news, and it was all about baseball. An article in The Record Enterprise titled “When the Legendary Babe Ruth Came to Laconia and Plymouth” by Jonathan Stimmel, NH Historical Society, reported a visit by the Red Sox team in 1916.

On an October day, famed player Babe Ruth played on a local team that pitted the player and others against an area league.

There was another visit to the D&M, where Red Sox

players were invited to choose their own gloves and balls.

Babe Ruth occasionally stopped at the factory, and a black-and-white photograph shows Ruth in a full-length Jazz Age raccoon coat talking with factory workers who made the gloves and baseballs.

After Jason Draper’s death, John Maynard continued to run the business until his death in the 1930s. Although Maynard had retired as president in 1930, he continued to help the company until he died.

Family members ran the business until a competitor in Cincinnati, Ohio, purchased the trademark. An article in the September 1937 issue of the Bristol Enterprise reported that “Ohio Firm Buys Draper & Maynard.” A subhead added, “Operations Transferred to Cincinnati; Famous Trade Mark Included.” The Ohio buyer was the P. Goldsmith Company, a widely known sporting goods firm. They bought the equipment, name, and trademark of the Draper & Maynard company.

The D&M Co., along with other White Mountain glove businesses, may be no more, but they will never be forgotten.

e flags and thanks ping local

community of over 25 small, locally-owned businesses in Mt. ueness over sameness, a great variety of quality products, and

whitemountainindependents.com

Enjoy this more!

279 NH Route 16 & 302 Intervale, NH (Next to the Scarecrow) (603) 356-3042 raggedmountain.com

28 Norcross Circle Beside the Train Station North Conway, NH (603) 733-5144

itsmygirlfriendsnh.com

603-356-0490 • theruggedmill.com

RavenWood Curio Shoppe Curiosities, Garden Fantasies, Creative Sculptures, Jewelry, Pottery, and more!

Wines for every palate, every season & every reason.

Made in NH.

Through the Covered Bridge in Jackson Main Street • Jackson, NH RavenWoodCurio.com

Reporters Court North Conway Village 603.356.9643

whitemountainwinery.com

DGFLOWERSTUDIO.COM

2655 Main St. North Conway Village (603) 356-3854 Scenic New Hampshire | White Mountains | winter 2025/26 | 15

daily rail excursions to waumbek station (4000’) marshfield base station is open every day The highest full-service facility accessible by car on mount washington food • gift shop • museum

perfect base camp for cold weather recreation hiking • backcountry skiing • snowmobile trail access

16 | Scenic New Hampshire | White Mountains | Winter 2025/26

T R R E A T I N N I W mount S on

washington

Scenic New Hampshire | White Mountains | winter 2025/26 | 17

18 | Scenic New Hampshire | White Mountains | Winter 2025/26

Warm Up to Winter in the White Mountains

By Chef Kelly Ross

Ahhhh, winter in the middle of the White Mountains… what a beautiful thing! Heaven knows the winter months bring different hobbies and outdoor activities than the summer months do - downhill and cross-country skiing instead of water skiing, snowmobiling instead of riding motorcycles and bicycles, ice skating instead of jogging, and well, hikers are still hikers regardless of the weather.

One of the biggest differences between the activities during the change of seasons is what you care to eat when you are done burning all those calories, and nothing is better this time of year than hearty and warm comfort foods. Instead of a nice fresh salad or burger, a nice thick soup that eats like a meal is what most of us crave. This is what today’s article is geared toward – foods to replenish the system and to warm ourselves from the inside out.

I feel it is safe to say that French Onion is a top 5 soup forever with most people - and yup, I am one of them.

Well, this soup, although it does have French Onion in its name, is more chock full of goodies and eats much more like a stew, or I should say a meal, than its less-filling cousin. This version is truly something you have never seen before. It is out of this world and will easily feed 6-8 hungry eaters. Although the cooking process will take a few hours, most of it is just letting it simmer and boy, oh boy, is it worth it!

French Onion Beef Noodle Soup 2 tbsp vegetable oil 3 lb English style bone-in short ribs, cut into 2-inch segments Kosher salt 6 scallions, white and green parts separated 8 cloves garlic 1 hunk of fresh ginger, 4 inches long, scrubbed, thinly sliced 6-star anise pods 2 cinnamon sticks, 3-4 inches long 8 whole cloves

2 tsp black peppercorns 2 tsp coriander seeds 1 cup dry white wine ½ cup or more of soy sauce 3 tbsp unsalted butter 5 lb medium sweet onions, thinly sliced 2-3 tbsp rice vinegar 6 more scallions, thinly sliced/chopped 30 oz fresh, or 18 oz dried ramen noodles Heat the oil in a large pot over medium-high heat.

Season the ribs with salt and, in batches, cook, turning as needed until well browned on all sides. This should take about 15 minutes. Transfer them to a platter/pan.

Carefully, pour off the rendered fat until there is just enough to just cover the bottom of the pot. Adjust the heat to medium. Cook the whole halves of the scallions, garlic, and ginger, stirring occasionally until they all start to brown, 4-5 minutes. Add the star anise, cinnamon sticks, cloves, peppercorns, and coriander seeds and cook, stirring often until it is very fragrant and the oil is sizzling, about 1-2 minutes. Add the wine, scraping the bottom of the pot with an offset spatula, deglazing the pan to be specific, to get all the browned bits off the bottom of the pan. Simmer until almost completely evaporated, about 3 minutes. Return the beef to the pot, add the soy sauce as well as 12 cups of water. Bring to a boil, reduce the heat to simmer and partially cover with a lid. Simmer for about 1 ½ hours, or until the meat is not quite falling off the bone. While this is going on, in a separate pot, heat the butter over a medium-high heat until the foaming subsides. Add the onions, season with salt, and cook until they start taking on color, stirring quite often, about 15 minutes. Reduce the heat to mediumlow and continue to cook, stirring occasionally, until the onions are deep golden in color, soft but not mushy. This will last about 30-45 minutes. Using tongs, remove the beef from the broth and set aside to cool. Once you can Scenic New Hampshire | White Mountains | winter 2025/26 | 19

handle, tear the meat off the bone into bitesized pieces, discarding any bone and excess fat.

Strain the broth through a fine mesh cloth or sieve into a large bowl, discarding the solids. Add the meat and broth to the onions, bring to a boil, and drop to a simmer until the liquid has reduced somewhat and all the flavors have melded together, about 30 more minutes. Add the vinegar, taste, and add more vinegar and/or soy sauce if needed. Thinly chop the remaining scallions, cook the noodles as directed.

Divide the noodles among all bowls, ladle the soup over the noodles, making sure each bowl gets an equal amount of beef and plenty of onions. Top with the scallions and dig into your bowl of deliciousness! If cooking the day before, cook the noodles the day of eating just before digging in.

Next up, let’s move on to something very warming, very filling, and very Italian, which is never a bad thing in my book. This “soup” is again a meal, especially after a day out in the elements of winter exercise. It is very hearty with its pasta, beans, mega vegetables, and a good oldfashioned ham hock for flavor and protein. Speaking of vegetables, this recipe utilizes sofrito, which is a mix of aromatic veggies that are slowly cooked in the opening stages of the cooking process. Also, trust me, get yourself a loaf of some sturdy, crusty bread to go along with, and you will have yourself some seriously happy campers at the dinner table. This recipe will feed 4-6 of you, and although this one won’t take as long as the last one, this too shall take some time.

Pasta e Fagioli 8 oz dried white beans, such as cannellini, soaked overnight Kosher salt 4 carrots, peeled or scrubbed and coarsely chopped 6 cloves of garlic ½ cup olive oil, plus more for drizzling later Freshly ground black pepper 1 smoked ham hock 2 cans whole peeled tomatoes, 15 oz each 1 bunch Tuscan kale, ribs and stems removed, leaves torn 1-2 Parmesan rinds, optional 2 bay leaves Vegetable or chicken stock, optional, but suggested 8 oz ditalini, or any small pasta Finely grated Parmesan and crushed red pepper flakes for the top Crusty bread Start by putting the chopped carrots, leek and garlic in a 20 | Scenic New Hampshire | White Mountains | Winter 2025/26

food processor until finely chopped. Heat ½ cup oil in a large pot over a medium heat.

Add the chopped veggies, season generously with salt and pepper and cook, stirring often until the veggies start to sweat out some of their liquid, about 4-5 minutes.

The goal is to slowly cook the sofrito until the veggies are soft but have not taken on any color. Reduce the heat to medium low, cover the pot and cook for about 15 minutes, stirring every 5 minutes, until the veggies are soft and juicy. Add the ham hock and cook, uncovered, stirring and scraping the bottom of the pot every 5 minutes or so, until the sofrito is starting to brown and has lost at least half of its volume, about 10 more minutes. Add the beans and the water you soaked them in, as well as the tomatoes and kale. Season again with salt and pepper if needed. Bring to a boil, then add the Parmesan rinds if using them, as well as the bay leaves. Drop the heat to medium-low and bring to a gentle simmer. Cook the soup, using a cover that is half on, half off, adding some stock, or water as needed to keep the beans submerged by an inch or so until the beans are tender, usually 1-3 hours depending on their size. Fish out the Parmesan rinds if used, as well as the ham hock. Use a fork to remove the meat from the hock and return to the soup while discarding the bone as well as any excess fat. In a separate pot, cook the pasta to al dente, about 3 minutes less than the package tells you to. Consider that once drained, you will be adding this to the soup so it will continue to cook. Drain, add to the soup, stir, and serve. Top each bowl with fresh grated Parmesan, drizzle with oil and sprinkle with red pepper flakes. Oh yeah, don’t forget the bread.

Although every article I write contains recipes that I truly love, there is always one that I prefer over the rest, and this one is my favorite of today’s batch. Anytime someone throws any type of potato soup or stew in front of me, it’s guaranteed to disappear pretty quickly, and this one is a classic example. This stew is hearty, rustic and incredibly warming from the inside out as it is a classic “Stick to your Ribs” kind of soup. This will give you 8 good servings. Unlike the last couple, plan on this taking you more like an hour to put together.

Chorizo and Potato Stew 12 slices bacon, chopped 2 medium sweet onions, chopped 8 cloves garlic, thinly sliced 3 tbsp tomato paste 2 ½ lbs russet potatoes, peeled and cut into ¾ inch cubes 3 lb smoked Spanish chorizo, cut in half lengthwise

and then into half moons 1 lb button mushrooms, cut into ½ inch wedges 2 quarts of chicken stock 1/3 cup hot smoked Spanish paprika ½ tsp cayenne pepper Kosher salt1 cup sour cream 2 cups fresh torn dill Fresh grind black pepper Cook the chopped bacon in the bottom of a pot until brown, but not crispy, stirring much of the time, about 6-7 minutes. Remove the bacon and put on paper towels to drain. Add the onions to the pot, again stirring often, until they start turning golden brown and are softened, about 8-10 minutes. Add the garlic and cook for about 3 more minutes and continue to stir. Add the tomato paste and cook while stirring until slightly darkens in color, about 2 more minutes. Return the bacon to the pot, add potatoes, chorizo, mushrooms, broth, paprika and cayenne pepper and bring to a boil. Once it boils, drop to a very slow simmer and cook, stirring occasionally until the potatoes are tender, 25-30 minutes. Remove from the heat. Stir 2 tbsp of water into the sour cream in a small bowl. Ladle the stew into the bowls, top each bowl with sour cream, sprinkle with the fresh dill and season with fresh grind pepper. I Love This Stuff!!

I want to share what many of you may have been expecting or hoping to see sooner than this, the ultimate classic for us New Englanders, and that is a traditional New England Clam Chowder. Many people and chefs thicken their chowder with a butter/flour roux, which is what I often do, but this recipe is done with a flour/ half and half slurry, which works divine as well. This is

classic comfort food at its best. Most of my life I made this recipe 5 gallons at a time, but this adjusted version will give you 10 portions, and even if you are only cooking for just a few, I suggest making this as-is so you can easily enjoy as much, if not more, the second and third day later. This goes together in less than an hour, and although this recipe has cooked bacon sprinkled over the top, I usually suggest oyster crackers as well as fresh chopped chives on top.

New England Clam Chowder 8-10 thick cut slices of bacon 4 celery ribs, chopped 2 large onions, chopped 2 garlic cloves, minced 6 small potatoes, peeled and cubed 2 cup water 2 bottles clam juice, 8 oz each 2-4 tsp clam or seafood bouillon paste, like Better Than Bouillon. Start with 2, add more gradually if preferred ½ tsp white pepper ½ tsp dried thyme 2/3 cup all-purpose flour 4 cups, or 1 qt, of half-and-half, divided 4 cans chopped clams, 6 ½ oz each, undrained In a Dutch oven, cook bacon over medium heat until crisp. Remove to paper towels to drain and set aside.

Saute celery and onion in the drippings until tender. Add garlic and cook for 1 minute longer. Stir in the potatoes, water, clam juice, bouillon, pepper, and thyme. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer, uncovered, until potatoes are tender, 15-20 minutes. In a small bowl, combine flour and 2 cups of the half-and-half until smooth.

Play it Safe Play it Safe Play it Safe and Worry-Free. and and•Worry-Free.

Worry-Free.

Play it Safe Free Consultation and Worry-Free.

• Premier Technology on the Market •• Free FreeConsultation Consultation • Free Consultation • WeTechnology Install in the Winter ••Premier onon the Premier Technology theMarket Market • Premier Technology on the Market •We We’re Local to You ••We Install in Install inthe the Winter • We Install in Winter the Winter • We’re Local toYou You • Indoor Solutions Too! ••We’re Local toto You We’re Local • Indoor Solutions Too! ••Indoor IndoorSolutions SolutionsToo! Too!

Invisible Fence of Invisible Fence of Southern Maine North Country Invisible Fence Invisible Fence of Invisible Fence of Southern Maine Play it Safe (Northern NH & Western ME) 800-585-2803 Southern Maine Southern Maine southernmaine.invisiblefence.com 800-297-3326 and Worry-Free.

800-585-2803 northcountry.invisiblefence.com ©2020 Invisible Fence of Southern Maine. Invisible Fence is a registered trademark of

southernmaine.invisiblefence.com • Free Consultation 800-585-2803 800-585-2803 Scenic New Hampshire | White Mountains | winter 2025/26 | 21 ®

Invisible Fence, Inc. All rights reserved.

IF_SouthernME_MaineMagFeb2020_7_67x4_75.indd 1

• Premier Technology on the Market 2/4/2020 8:38:30 AM

Gradually stir into soup. Bring to a boil and cook and stir until thickened, 1-2 minutes. Stir in clams and remaining half-and-half, heat through but do not boil. Simmer on low until ready to eat. Crumble the cooked bacon and sprinkle over each serving with chopped chives if preferred and serve with oyster crackers. This is classic New England scrumptiousness.

Last but not least today, I am going a different route.

Yes, this is a great meal to enjoy after a day outside, but this meal is a romantic dinner for two to four. An outstanding seafood stew, a big bowl for each of you will have fresh snapper in it as well as scallops, shrimp, calamari, littleneck clams and mussels. Like the Pasta e Fagioli, a real nice bread for dipping into the delicious broth will be vital in truly enjoying this meal to its fullest.

Seafood Stew For 2-4 1 medium fennel bulb 6 tbsp olive oil, divided 2 celery stalks, chopped 1 small leek, white and pale green parts only, sliced 3 garlic cloves, crushed Kosher salt and fresh grind black pepper 1 lb large shrimp, ideally 16/20’s and with heads and shells on Pinch of saffron, if available. Very expensive spice ¼ cup dry white wine 1 can whole peeled tomatoes, 28 oz 1 tsp fennel seeds 1 small snapper fillet, about 8 oz, halved crosswise 6 oz or more medium sea scallops, muscle removed ¼ lb of squid, mix of body and tentacles ½ lb littleneck clams

22 | Scenic New Hampshire | White Mountains | Winter 2025/26

½ lb mussels, scrubbed, debearded Small sprigs of tarragon Crusty baguette, sliced and toasted Thinly slice half the fennel bulb, set aside. Coarsely chop the other half. Heat 2 tbsp oil in a medium heavy stock pot over a medium low heat. Add the chopped fennel, celery, leek, garlic and bay leaf. Season with salt and pepper and cook, stirring occasionally until the veggies are soft but have not taken on any color. 10-12 minutes should be safe. Meanwhile, remove the shells and heads, if applicable, from the shrimp. Save them all for the broth. Once the veggies are all soft, increase the heat to medium and add the heads and shells and saffron, if you have any. Cook for 4-5 minutes, stirring occasionally until the shells turn bright pink. Add the wine and bring it to a boil. Reduce the heat and simmer, uncovered, until it reduces by about a third. Add half of the tomatoes and 4 cups of water, bring to a strong simmer, then reduce heat to a slow simmer and continue uncovered until all the flavors have melded, about an hour, maybe a bit more. Remove from the heat and puree the mixture with an immersion blender until smooth, or if you don’t have one, let it cool somewhat and puree in a blender. Strain the broth through a fine mesh sieve into a bowl. You should have about 3 ½ cups of broth. Wipe out the pot and heat 2 tbsp oil over medium heat. Add the fennel seeds, reserved sliced fennel, and the remaining tomatoes, crushing with your hands. Season with salt and pepper and cook, stirring occasionally until the fennel is softened and the seeds are toasted, about 5 minutes. Add the broth and bring to a simmer. Meanwhile, heat the remaining 2 tbsp oil in a small skillet over medium high. Season the snapper and scallops with salt and pepper. Cook the snapper, skin side down, pressing gently with the back of a spatula to ensure contact with the pan, until the skin is browned and crisp, about 4 minutes. Turn the fish over and cook until cooked through, for about an additional minute more. Transfer to a plate. Cook the scallops in the same skillet until golden brown and barely cooked through, about 2-3 minutes per side. Transfer to the same plate as the snapper. Slice the squid bodies into ¼ inch rings and add to the broth with the shrimp. Also, pop in the littlenecks and mussels to the broth. Cook until they just start to open, reduce the heat to medium low and add the squid and shrimp making sure all seafood is completely submerged in liquid. Once the seafood is cooked, for about 3 minutes, check for any clams or mussels that did not open and discard them. Divide the seafood stew between the 2-4 bowls. Nestle the snapper and scallops into each bowl and into the broth. Scatter tarragon sprigs over the top of each and serve with the bread and butter or an infused oil. This is an incredible meal that is sure to WOW your partner and/or crowd.

I hope these recipes hit the spot and have already inspired you to start experimenting. Whether you utilize these after a day out in the winter snow or just hanging out inside, these are guaranteed to excite your taste buds and warm up your insides, so get in gear and start cooking!

May you all have a fabulous winter season. Have fun enjoying your winter sports, be safe on the slippery roads, cozy up by the fire, and keep your taste buds smiling! If you care to touch base with any questions or feedback, please reach out to fenwaysox10@gmail.com.

Scenic New Hampshire | White Mountains | winter 2025/26 | 23

24 | Scenic New Hampshire | White Mountains | Winter 2025/26

Events Calendar

elcome to the White Mountains of NH. Once you settle into your lodgings,it’s time to head out on the ski W slopes, snowshoe trails, enjoy area restaurants or take the family to the fun shopping areas and receational spots that call the White Mountains home. Scenic NH’s calendar will keep you up-to-date on all sorts of events,

located on the main roads and hidden among the hills. Please call ahead for all event listing for updates, schedules subject to change.

ONGOING ArtWorks Gallery & Fine Crafts/CCAC, art, workshops, and events, open year-round with seasonal hours, 603-323-8041, 132 Rte. 16, Chocorua, www. chocoruaartworks.com.

Believe in Books Literacy Foundation/Theatre in the Wood, Intervale, programs for children, 603-356-9980, www.believeinbooks.org.

Castle in the Clouds, winter events, dining, Rte. 171, Moultonborough, 603-476-5900, www. castleintheclouds.org.

Chapman Sanctuary and Visny Woods, nature trails open for hiking, 740 Mt. Israel Rd., Center Sandwich, 603284-6428, www.chapmansanctuaryvisnywoods.com.

Chocorua Lake Basin View Lot, free, directions/ info: www.chocorualake.org.

Cog Railway, 3168 Base Station Rd., Mount Washington, info./winter hours/schedule, 800-922-8825, www. thecog.com.

Conway Historical Society, historical info., 603-4475551, www.conwayhistoricalsociety.org.

Conway Public Library, 15 Greenwood Avenue, Conway, many learning experiences, 603-447-5552, www. conwaypubliclibrary.org.

Conway Scenic Railroad, train rides to White Mt. areas, reservations: 603-356-5251, station located at 38 Norcross Circle, North Conway, www.conwayscenic. com.

Dam Brewhouse, events, 1323 NH Rte. 175, Campton, 603-726-4500, www.dambrewhouse.com.

Frank Bolles Nature Reserve, walking trails, off Rt. 16 to Chocorua Lake Rd., Chocorua, www.chocorualake.org.

Great Glen Trails, outdoor center/activities, Mt. Washington Auto Rd., Gorham, 603-466-3988, www. greatglentrails.com Guided Snowshoe Tours, Jackson Ski Touring Foundation, call for hours, 603-383-9355, 153 Main St., Jackson, www.jacksonxc.org. (Ski/snowshoe rentals available;

Dine In or Pig Out

Daily specials & Event Catering

Check Out the Pig Pals Pub Full Bar

Gluten Free Menu Options Gluten Free Desserts

On Snowmobile Corridor 15 Trailer Parking Available

603-539-7427 Call Ahead for Take-Out

Pizza  Ribs Beef  Pork Chicken  Seafood Burgers  Salads Kids’ Menu

Corner of Rte 16 & 25W, West Ossipee, NH www.yankeesmokehouse.com

Scenic New Hampshire | White Mountains | winter 2025/26 | 25

XC skiing) In the Round, Sundays at 8:45 a.m., thought-provoking topics related to tolerance, Benz Center, Sandwich, 603284-7532.

Indoor Pickleball, 5 - 7 p.m., Sandwich Elementary School gym, Sandwich, Tues., Thurs. Friday, 603-3872180, parksandrec@sandwichnh.org.

Jackson Historical Society, 23 Black Mt. Rd., Jackson, info./hours: 603-383-4060, www.jacksonhistory.org.

Living Shores Aquarium, alligators, fish, and more, exhibits, family fun, open through Dec. with tours, children’s programs, 850 NH Rt. 16, Glen, 603-3834186, www.livingshores.com.

Majestic Café, jazz, blues, and more, 34 Main St., Conway, 603-447-4737, www.mountaintopmusic.org.

Mt. Washington Valley Arts Assoc., 16 Norcross Circle, North Conway, 603-356-2787, www.mwvarts.org.

Nature Programs, Tin Mountain Conservation Center, 1245 Bald Hill Rd., Albany, info.: 603-447-6991, www. tinmountain.org.

NE Ski Museum, ski exhibits, 135 Tramway Drive, Franconia. www.newenglandskimuseum.org.

NE Ski Museum, ski exhibits, 2628 White Mt. Highway, North Conway, www.newenglandskimuseum.org. (North Conway Branch) Open Mic Night at the Medallion, 6 - 8 p.m., free, first Wed. of each month (Dec. 3, 2025, Jan. 7, Feb. 4, March 4, April 1) Medallion Opera House, 20 Park St., Gorham, 603-723-3421, www.medallionoperahouse.org.

Outdoor Nature-Based Storytime for Young Children, Tuesdays, 10:30 a.m. - 11:30 p.m., Cook Memorial Library, 93 Main St., Tamworth, 603-323-8510, www. tamworthlibrary.org.

Remick Country Doctor Museum & Farm, events, tours, 58 Cleveland Hill Rd., Tamworth, 603-323-7591, www. remickmuseum.org.

Second Saturday Contradance, Tamworth Outing Club, 7:30 – 10 p.m., Tamworth Town House, 27 Cleveland Hill Rd., Tamworth, admission charged, info.: Amy Berrier 603-651-5800 or Teresa Fournier at 978-609-2181.

Song and Jam Circle, 6:30 – 8 p.m., community-created jams and song circle, 3rd Monday of each month, Runnells Hall, 25 Deer Hill Rd., Tamworth, free, bring your favorite instruments, Arts Council of Tamworth, 603-584-2712, www.artstamworth.org.

Snow Coach Tours, take a trip up Mt. Washington, Great Glen Trails, Gorham, pre-register: 603-466-3988, www. greatglentrails.com.

Tamworth Farmer’s Market, Saturdays, 9 a.m. noon, 30 Tamworth Road, Tamworth, info: www. tamworthfarmersmarket.org.

Tamworth Townhouse Hoot – Bruce Berquist & Jim Alt, 1 – 3 p.m., Saturdays, 27 Cleveland Hill Rd., Tamworth, song circle, local musicians welcome to participate, bruceberquist@gmail.com.

The Recipe Group, 12:30 p.m., Pope Memorial Library, 2719 Main St., North Conway, schedule: 603-356-2961, www.popelibrarynh.org.

26 | Scenic New Hampshire | White Mountains | Winter 2025/26

Tin Mountain Conservation Center, 1245 Bald Hill Rd., Albany, programs, hikes, nature learning center, 603447-6991, www.tinmountain.org.

WRENegades Walking Group, 9:30 a.m., meet Thurs. mornings in parking lot behind WREN gallery, free, walk, all ages welcome, barbs@wrenworks.org.

Writer/Poetry Group, meets first Thurs. of each month through Dec. 2026, 4 p.m., Conway Public Library, 15 Greenwood Ave., Conway, 603-447-5552, conwaypubliclibrary.org.

DECEMBER Dec. through March 29, Snow Coach Tours, take a trip up Mt. Washington, Great Glen Trails, Gorham, pre-register: 603-466-3988, www.greatglentrails.com. (Offered on select dates.)

Dec. 18-21, A Christmas Carol, M&D Playhouse, 2760 White Mt. Highway, N. Conway, 603-733-5275, www. mdplayhouse.com Dec. 18, A Charlie Brown Christmas – Heather Pierson Trio, 7:30 p.m., Majestic Theatre, 36 Main St., Conway, 603-447-4737, www.conwaymajestic.com.

Dec. 18, Pontine Theatre: A New England Christmas, 6:30 – 7:30 p.m., Remick Country Doctor Museum & Farm, 58 Cleveland Hill Rd., Tamworth, 603-323-7591, www.remickmuseum.org.

Dec. 19-31, Alpine Advent, European-inspired Christmas Market, 12 chalets showcase NH artisans, food, drink, festivities, Town Square, Waterville Valley, 800-4682553, www.visitwatervillevalley.com Dec. 19, Milk Carton Kids Holiday Tour with special guest Humbird, 8 pm, Stone Mountain Arts Center, Brownfield, ME, 207-935-7292, www.stonemountainartscenter.com.

Dec. 19-22, Cocoa & Cookies with Santa, 4:30 – 6:30 p.m., at Meister Hut, Cranmore Mountain Resort, 239 Skimobile Rd., N. Conway, 1-800-SUN-N-SKI, tickets: www.cranmore.com.

Dec. 20, Christmas Bird Count, 7 a.m., Tin Mountain Conservation Center, 1245 Bald Hill Rd., Albany, programs, hikes, nature learning center, 603-447-6991, www.tinmountain.org.

Dec. 20, MWV Choral Society: Baroque Christmas, 3 & 7 p.m., Majestic Theatre, 36 Main St., Conway, 603-4474737, www.conwaymajestic.com.

Dec. 27, Dar Williams with special guest The Nields, 8 pm, Stone Mountain Arts Center, Brownfield, ME, 207935-7292, www.stonemountainartscenter.com.

Dec. 31, New Year’s Eve Bash with SESSION 450, with opener Blugrit Blues Band, 7 p.m., Majestic Theatre, 36 Main St., Conway, 603-447-4737, www.conwaymajestic. com.

Dec. 31, NYE Cranapalooza Glo Party, 4:30 – 7 p.m., DJ music, games, activities, fireworks at 6:30 p.m., Cranmore Mountain Resort, 239 Skimobile Rd., N. Conway, 603-786-6754, www.cranmore.com.

Dec. 32, New Year’s Eve Contradance, 7:30 – 10 p.m., Tamworth Town House, 27 Cleveland Hill Rd., Tamworth, Amy Berrier 603-651-5800 or Teresa Fournier at 978609-2181.

Dec. 31, NYE – Soggy Po’ Boys with Celia Woodsmith, 8 pm, Stone Mountain Arts Center, Brownfield, ME, 207935-7292, www.stonemountainartscenter.com.

Dec. 31, Second Saturday Contradance, Tamworth Outing Club, 7:30 – 10 p.m., Tamworth Town House, 27 Cleveland Hill Rd., Tamworth, Amy Berrier 603-6515800 or Teresa Fournier at 978-609-2181.

JANUARY Jan. 3, Jigsaw Puzzle Fun, 1 – 3 p.m., Pope Memorial Library, 2719 Main St., North Conway, 603-356-2961, www.popelibrarynh.org.

Jan. 5-March 9, Bill Koch League, 1:30 – 3:30 p.m., ski event, Great Glen Trails, 1 Mount Washington Auto Rd., Gorham, 603-466-3988, www.greatglentrails.com. Takes place on Sundays.

Jan. 4-March 8, Nordic Meisters, 10 a.m. - 4 p.m., ski, snowshoe, fat bike, or do all three, race series, Great Glen Trails, 1 Mount Washington Auto Rd., Gorham, 603-466-3988, www.greatglentrails.com. Takes place on Tuesdays.

Jan. 7, Open Mic Night at the Medallion, 6 - 8 p.m., free, Medallion Opera House, 20 Park St., Gorham, 603-7233421, www.medallionoperahouse.org.

Jan. 7, Skateboard Art Open House, 5:30 – 7 p.m., view and bid on a variety of skateboard deck art, benefits Kevin Peare Memorial Skate Park, Ham Community Room, Conway Public Library, 15 Greenwood Ave., Conway, 603-447-5552, www.conwaypubliclibrary.org.

Jan. 8, Plymouth Square Dance, 7:15 p.m., Barn on the Pemi, 341 Daniel Webster Highway, Plymouth, all are welcome, traditional caller David Millstone will teach traditional squares and more, with live music, suggested donation $10-$15 at the door, refreshments available, weather cancellations/updates see Plymouth Square Dance Facebook, email: how.gen@gmail.com, 603-4810789. (Takes place throughout winter until April.)

Jan. 17, Authors at the Pope: Bruce Robert Coffin, author of the Detective Justice Series, 5 p.m., Pope Memorial Library, 2719 White Mt. Highway, N. Conway, in conjunction with White Birch Books, info.: www. whitebirchbooks.com.

Jan. 17, Torchlight Parade & Fireworks, 6:45 p.m., skiers and snowboarders glide down and light up the slopes, Loon Mountain, 60 Loon Mt. Road, Lincoln, 603-7458111, www.loonmtn.com.

Jan. 17, Women’s Winter Escape, 8:15 a.m., Great Glen Trails, 1 Mount Washington Auto Rd., Gorham, 603-4663988, www.greatglentrails.com.

Jan. 20, On A Winter’s Night, 8 pm, with Cliff Eberhardt, John Gorka, Lucy Kaplansky and Patty Larkin, Stone Mountain Arts Center, Brownfield, ME, 207-935-7292, www.stonemountainartscenter.com.

Jan. 23, The Gibson Brothers Country Roads, 8 pm, Stone Mountain Arts Center, Brownfield, ME, 207-9357292, www.stonemountainartscenter.com.

Jan. 24, Golden Gala, large fundraiser for the Loon Mountain Area Community with moonlight skyrides, snowcat rides, music and giving, Octagon Lodge, Loon Mountain, 60 Loon Mt. Road, Lincoln, 603-745-8111, www.loonmtn.com.

Each office is independently owned and operated

Your Source for Loon Mountain Real Estate

Located in the Lincoln Sales & Design Center 49 Main Street, Lincoln, NH REAL ESTATE • CAFÉ • TITLE COMPANY • FLOORING FIREPLACES • FURNITURE • WINDOW TREATMENTS INTERIOR DESIGN • PHOTO GALLERY CONTRACTORS - BUILDING, PAINT, ELECTRIC

Scenic New Hampshire | White Mountains | winter 2025/26 | 27

Jan. 24, M.W. Otto Rhode Memorial Skin & Ski, 11:30 a.m., fundraiser for Granite Backcountry Alliance, ski/ snowboard down Mt. Washington Auto Rd., Great Glen Trails, 1 Mount Washington Auto Rd., Gorham, 603-4663988, www.greatglentrails.com.

Jan. 29, Los Lobos, 8 pm, Stone Mountain Arts Center, Brownfield, ME, 207-935-7292, www. stonemountainartscenter.com.

Jan. 30, Skin the Moon, 5 p.m., ski down under moonlight at 8:15 p.m., Waterville Valley, 800-468-2553, www. visitwatervillevalley.com.

Jan. 30-Feb. 1, Snow Sculpting Competition, free, sculpture competition, Great Glen Trails, 1 Mount Washington Auto Rd., Gorham, 603-466-3988, www. greatglentrails.com.

Jan. 31, Frost & Flame, 4 – 7 p.m., ice carvings, fire dancing, caricature artists, family event, and more, Cranmore Mountain Resort, 239 Skimobile Rd., N. Conway, 603-786-6754, www.cranmore.com.

FEBRUARY Feb. 1, Edgar Meyer/Mike Marshall/George Meyer, 8 pm, Stone Mountain Arts Center, Brownfield, ME, 207935-7292, www.stonemountainartscenter.com.

Feb. 3-March 24, Winter: Learn to Knit, 5:30 p.m., meets every Tues. through March 24, Conway Public Library, 15 Greenwood Ave., Conway, 603-447-5552, conwaypubliclibrary.org.

Feb. 4, Open Mic Night at the Medallion, 6 - 8 p.m.,

free, Medallion Opera House, 20 Park St., Gorham, 603723-3421, www.medallionoperahouse.org.

Feb. 5, New Orleans Spotlight: Heather Pierson Mardi Gras Show, 7:30 p.m., Majestic Café, 34 Main St., Conway, 603-447-4737, www.mountaintopmusic.org.

Feb. 5, Plymouth Square Dance, 7:15 p.m., Barn on the Pemi, 341 Daniel Webster Highway, Plymouth, all are welcome, traditional caller David Millstone will teach traditional squares and more, with live music, suggested donation $10-$15 at the door, refreshments available, weather cancellations/updates see Plymouth Square Dance Facebook, email: how.gen@gmail.com, 603-4810789. (Takes place throughout winter until April.)

Feb. 12-March 1, Spider’s Web, M&D Playhouse, at Eastern Slope Inn, 2760 White Mt. Highway, N. Conway, 603-733-5275, www.mdplayhouse.com.

Feb. 15, Songbird: The Singular Barbara Streisand Trio, 7:30 p.m., Majestic Theatre, 34 Main St., Conway, 603447-4737, www.mountaintopmusic.org.

Feb. 15, The Fretless & Vasen, 3 pm, Stone Mountain Arts Center, Brownfield, ME, 207-935-7292, www. stonemountainartscenter.com.

Feb. 22, Ski, Shoe, Fatbike to the Clouds, 10 a.m., Great Glen Trails, 1 Mount Washington Auto Rd., Gorham, 603-466-3988, www.greatglentrails.com.

Feb. 28, Pokey LaFarge, Majestic Theatre, 7 p.m., 34 Main St., Conway, 603-447-4737, www.mountaintopmusic. org.

Welcome To New Hampshire!

Let Realty Leaders show you to a new way of life, a lifestyle the locals call the “New Hampshire Way.”

www.realtyleaders.com

810 Route 16 Ossipee, NH

603-539-9595 28 | Scenic New Hampshire | White Mountains | Winter 2025/26

Feb. 28-March 1, 2026 Bill Koch League Festival, Jackson Ski Touring Foundation, call for hours, 603-3839355, 153 Main St., Jackson, www.jacksonxc.org. (Ski/ snowshoe rentals available) MARCH March 4, Open Mic Night at the Medallion, 6 - 8 p.m., free, Medallion Opera House, 20 Park St., Gorham, 603723-3421, www.medallionoperahouse.org.

March 5, Plymouth Square Dance, 7:15 p.m., Barn on the Pemi, 341 Daniel Webster Highway, Plymouth, all are welcome, traditional caller David Millstone will teach traditional squares and more, with live music, suggested donation $10-$15 at the door, refreshments available, weather cancellations/updates see Plymouth Square Dance Facebook, email: how.gen@gmail.com, 603-4810789. (Takes place throughout winter until April.)

March 6, Skin the Moon, 5 p.m., skin up and ski down under moonlight at 8:15 p.m., Waterville Valley, 800468-2553, www.visitwatervillevalley.com.

March 7, Late and Alone: An Intimate Portrait of Johnny Cash, 7:30 p.m., Majestic Theatre, 34 Main St., Conway, 603-447-4737, www.mountaintopmusic.org.

March 14, Gubbulidis, 7:30 p.m., Majestic Theatre, 34 Main St., Conway, 603-447-4737, www. mountaintopmusic.org.

March 14, Hannes Schneider Meister Cup Race, Cranmore Mountain Resort, 239 Skimobile Rd., N. Conway, 800-786-6754, www.cranmore.com.

March 14, St. Paddy’s Celebration and Dinner, Stone Mountain Arts Center, Brownfield, ME, 207-935-7292, www.stonemountainartscenter.com.

March 21, Altan, 8 pm, Stone Mountain Arts Center, Brownfield, ME, 207-935-7292, www. stonemountainartscenter.com.

March 23, Last Call, longest running snowboard event in the east, Loon Mountain, Little Sister Park, Loon Mt. Road, Lincoln, 603-745-8111, www.loonmtn.com.

March 26-April 5, Women, M&D Playhouse, at Eastern Slope Inn, 2760 White Mt. Highway, N. Conway, 603733-5275, www.mdplayhouse.com.

March 28, 80s Day, all-day, all-mountain celebration, Loon Mountain, Loon Mt. Road, Lincoln, 603-745-8111, www.loonmtn.com.

March 28, Debo Ray, 7:30 p.m., Majestic Café, 34 Main St., Conway, 603-447-4737, www.mountaintopmusic. org.

March 28, Spring Splash, noon - 2 p.m., for skiers and snowboarders, Cranmore Mountain Resort, 239 Skimobile Rd., N. Conway, 800-786-6754, www. cranmore.com.

March 28, Passholder End of Season Barbecue, noon - 2 p.m., barbecue to celebrate the season, Cranmore Mountain Resort, 239 Skimobile Rd., N. Conway, 800786-6754, www.cranmore.com.

APRIL April 1, Open Mic Night at the Medallion, 6 - 8 p.m., free, Medallion Opera House, 20 Park St., Gorham, 603723-3421, www.medallionoperahouse.org.

April 2, Plymouth Square Dance, 7:15 p.m., Barn on the Pemi, 341 Daniel Webster Highway, Plymouth, all are welcome, traditional caller David Millstone will teach traditional squares and more, with live music, suggested donation $10-$15 at the door, refreshments available, weather cancellations/updates see Plymouth Square Dance Facebook, email: how.gen@gmail.com, 603-4810789.

April 3, Shelby Means, 8 pm, Stone Mountain Arts Center, Brownfield, ME, 207-935-7292, www. stonemountainartscenter.com.

April 3, Skin the Moon, 5 p.m., ski down under moonlight at 8:15 p.m., Waterville Valley, 800-468-2553, www. visitwatervillevalley.com.

April 4, Slushpool Party, Governor Adams Lodge Base Area, Loon Mountain, 60 Loon Mt. Road, Lincoln, 603745-8111, www.loonmtn.com.

April 10, Willy Porter and Peter Mulvey, 8 pm, Stone Mountain Arts Center, Brownfield, ME, 207-935-7292, www.stonemountainartscenter.com.

April 11, Quinn Sullivan, 8 pm, Stone Mountain Arts Center, Brownfield, ME, 207-935-7292, www. stonemountainartscenter.com.

April 22, Alan Doyle, 8 pm, Stone Mountain Arts Center, Brownfield, ME, 207-935-7292, www. stonemountainartscenter.com.

April 30-May 10, Sunrise Coven, M&D Playhouse, at Eastern Slope Inn, 2760 White Mt. Highway, N. Conway, 603-733-5275, www.mdplayhouse.com.

Interior Design Studio

Creating beautiful and bespoke interior designs.

Serving clients in person and all over Northern New England in the Design Studio right in the heart of Franconia.

303 Main Street, Franconia, NH (603) 790-0130 www.newenglandhomeandinteriors.com Scenic New Hampshire | White Mountains | winter 2025/26 | 29

Sign Up Today for Snowmobile and OHRV Safety Classes Winter is here, and free in-person snowmobile safety education classes are now being scheduled in the Granite State. To operate a snowmobile or off-highway recreational vehicle (OHRV) in New Hampshire, any person age 12 or older must have either a valid motor vehicle driver’s license or have successfully completed an approved OHRV/ Snowmobile Safety Education class. These classes are taught by instructors and staff trained by the New Hampshire Fish and Game Department. Those interested in attending should register soon before slots are filled by visiting www. wildlife.nh.gov/highway-recreational-vehicles-ohrv-andsnowmobiles/ohrv-and-snowmobile-safety-education.

OHRV/Snowmobile Safety Education classes can also be conveniently taken online. With recent changes to the state laws, all online classes will include a combination of practical OHRV and snowmobile safety and the rules that apply to all trail riders. The cost for the virtual class is $34.95.

To register for an online safety class, visit www.offroaded.com/newhampshire.

“The online safety courses provide a convenient option for students to obtain their New Hampshire rider certificate, at their own pace, while learning key safety information important for riding both OHRVs and snowmobiles,” said Captain Michael Eastman, OHRV/Snowmobile Education and Law Enforcement Coordinator for the New Hampshire Fish and Game Department. “The entire course can be taken on a smartphone, tablet, or computer and offers a fun approach to learning by using live-action video and interactive learning modules.”

To learn more about operating snowmobiles and OHRVs safely and responsibly, visit www.wildlife.nh.gov/highwayrecreational-vehicles-ohrv-and-snowmobiles/ohrv-saferiding-tips.

Even after course completion, all riders under the age of 14 must be accompanied by a licensed adult over the age of 18 when operating a snowmobile or OHRV, including on property belonging to their parents, grandparents, or guardians.

To further one’s safety and rider etiquette education, operators of all ages are invited to join one of the over 100 snowmobile and 26 OHRV clubs in New Hampshire.

“Joining a club is a great way to learn about safe riding, help support local landowners, and help maintain trails for your own and others’ enjoyment,” Eastman said. For more information on how to become involved with a snowmobile club, visit www.nhsa.com. For OHRV club information, visit www.nhohva.org.

In addition to safety education, NH Fish and Game Conservation Officers will be out on the trails this winter conducting patrols to detect and apprehend impaired snowmobile operators, enforce speed limits, deter unlawful off-trail riding, and detect machines with modified exhausts.

These ongoing initiatives will help to keep the state’s snowmobile trails open and safe for all outdoor enthusiasts during the upcoming seasons.

To learn more about registering your OHRV or snowmobile, visit www.wildlife.nh.gov/highwayrecreational-vehicles-ohrv-and-snowmobiles/registeringyour-ohrv-or-snowmobile.

Your Guides to New Hampshire From Lakes to Mountains

Find The Laker and Along Rt. 16 Wherever Your Travels Take You. ppening in

What’s Ha ur Guide to

Yo

JANUARY 8,

2024 | THE

NH’s Lakes

LAKER | Page

1

Region

FR E E

• Vol 41 Jan uar y 8

... Find More e This Issue

Insid

3 Winter Fun | Page Page 8 ‘Cue the Grill |

14-16 What’s Up | Pages 20 Yesteryear | Page

• No1

Your adventure doesn’t stop in the White Mountains. The Laker highlights the best of the Lakes Region—from dining and events to outdoor fun— while Along Rt. 16 follows the corridor from Portsmouth all the way to the mountains with stories, happenings, and hidden gems.

Look for both publications at all NH rest areas and hundreds of local distribution points.

The Smiley Publishing Group, LLC, P.O. Box 119 | Wolfeboro Falls, NH 03896 603-569-5257 | thelaker.com Publishers of Scenic New Hampshire - White Mountains, home, The Laker, Along Rt. 16 and Dining Out in the Lakes Region.

30 | Scenic New Hampshire | White Mountains | Winter 2025/26

FREE

RO U T E 16 & The Sce

Along

nic Byways

of Rtes. 25,

28, 108,

Winter Fun

January 2024

109, 113

, 125, 153

Cook Out | Page

3

5

her of

ue... Find Mo re

What’s Up | Pages

10-12

E 16 | Page

& 171

January | Vol. 10 | No. 1 Published on the 16th of the Month

From the Publis

Inside This Iss

Yesteryear | Page

| ALONG ROUT

1

WhiteMtns Antiques .com

Open Year Round OSSIPEE, NH

ANTIQUaEnGdALLERY ESTATE SERVICES 1030 Rt 16 OSSIPEE NH 03864 (603) 651-1023

The Lakes Region’s Destination for Discerning Antique Collectors’ Scenic New Hampshire | White Mountains | winter 2025/26 | 31

Gypsy Restaurant Food from Around the World

Our menu is packed with unique dishes we create from scratch. Daily specials incorporate seasonal, local ingredients. From delicious appetizers to tasty salads, inspired entrees to decadent desserts, your meal will be one of a kind.

Our recipes are authentic and time-tested.

The ingredients are always fresh.

The result is a menu that bursts with flavor.

Lunch - Thursday - Sunday 11:30 - 4 Dinner - Thursday 5 - 8:30, Friday & Saturday 5 - 9, Sun 5 - 8

117 Main Street, Lincoln NH • 745-4395 • gypsycaferestaurant.com 32 | Scenic New Hampshire | White Mountains | Winter 2025/26