Best places to visit in New Hampshire – Historic Inn Cookie Tour
Take an Inn-to-Inn Cookie Tour of Historic Inns in the Dreamy White Mountains of New Hampshire
The snow is gently falling as you approach a beautiful historic New Hampshire country inn adorned with twinkling white lights, shining like a beacon in the dark winter night. At the front door, the gracious inn keeper welcomes you to come in and warm up by the enormous stone fireplace. The sound of firewood crackling draws you in, as does the nearby dining room table which is laden with holiday cookies. The scent of fresh pine fills the air as guests stop to admire the towering Christmas tree decorated with keepsake ornaments, both vintage and new.
This idyllic setting is what guests can expect to experience as they travel to the picturesque White Mountains of New Hampshire, U.S.A. and get a rare chance to “inn hop” to nine historic inns as part of the 26th Annual Mt. Washington Valley Inn-to-Inn Cookie Tour happening December 9 and 10th.
New Hampshire Inn to Inn Cookie Tour
The Inn-to-Inn Cookie Tour stretches from Jackson to Eaton, NH with eight New Hampshire inns opening their doors to visitors. No inn is more than fifteen minutes from the next, with many being much closer. The inns participating in the 2023 tour include the Inn at Crystal Lake in Eaton; Snowvillage Inn in Snowville; Wildcat Inn and Inn at Ellis River in Jackson. In North Conway, visit the Cranmore Inn, and the Samuel O’Reilly House. Start or finish the tour at The Farmstand B&B in Chocorua, NH. New for 2023 is a tour of the Inn at Thorn Hill in Jackson, NH.
Mt. Washington Valley Cookie Tour
The Mt. Washington Valley Cookie Tour is the longest-running cookie tour in New England. Tour participants will immediately get into the holiday spirit as they tour nine historic inns and are inspired by the exquisite holiday décor and tree decorations. Several inns also offer holiday shopping opportunities featuring the work of local artists and craftspeople with handmade food and gifts for sale.
Inns Participating in the Inn-to-Inn Cookie Tour
The Cranmore Inn and Suites
Located in the North Conway Village and surrounded by the White Mountains, the Cranmore Inn has served guests since 1863. Guests can walk to shops, restaurants and pubs and other destinations. The historic inn offers hot cooked-to-order breakfasts, afternoon snacks, fireplaces and more.
Inn at Crystal Lake & Pub
The gorgeous Inn at Crystal Lake features sweeping balconies that are decorated to the nines for the holiday season. Located in the quaint village of Eaton Centre, the historic, full-service inn offers 11 guest rooms, a pub and a dining room. Located between the Lakes Region and the White Mountains within a 10-minute drive to North Conway. https://www.countryinnsinthewhitemountains.com/inn/inn-at-crystal-lake/
Inn at Ellis River
The Inn at Ellis River is nestled along a mountain stream near Jackson Village. It’s the ideal location for a romantic getaway or outdoor adventure. The inn offers 21 rooms and a rustic cottage, many with two-person Jacuzzis, fireplaces and/or balconies with views. Enjoy a quiet evening in the pub, games room, sitting room or the six-person hot tub overlooking Ellis River. www.innatellisriver.com
Snowvillage Inn in Eaton Center
As the name suggests, Snowvillage is snuggled on the slopes of Foss Mountain offering panoramic views of Mount Washington and the renowned Presidential Mountain Range. A romantic getaway spot, this vacation destination offers peace and relaxation or access to outdoor adventure nearby. A classic, yet contemporary inn with unforgettable views.www.snowvillageinn.com
The Farmstand Bread and Breakfast in Chocorua
The Farmstand was voted the number one B & B in New Hampshire in the 2019 WMUR TV Viewers Choice Awards, as well as winning several ‘certificates of excellence’ from Trip Advisor. The B & B is located on seven acres in the scenic village of Chocorua, overlooking a river and the historic Chocorua Dam Park. The Farmstand B & B offers four bedrooms and two shared baths, full breakfast made from locally sourced ingredients. www.thefarmstand.net/
The Inn at Thorn Hill & Spa
A beautiful Cape Cod inspired historic inn, The Inn at Thorn Hill & Spa offers luxury and comfort as you discover all that Mount Washington Valley has to offer. Ideally located in the White Mountains in the picturesque village of Jackson, this adults-only destination offers rest and relaxation. Enjoy luxurious suites, a restaurant and lounge as well as a spa.
Established in the late 1800’s this historic inn has been offering a cozy luxurious experience to guests for over 90 years. The innkeepers are dedicated to upholding the tradition, heritage and antiquity of this charming historic inn. www.innatthornhill.com
Wildcat Inn & Tavern in Jackson
Wildcat Inn is a classic country inn with its own tavern, offering cozy accommodations and great fun. Dine, dance, ski and enjoy the accommodations at the ‘rollicking and romantic’ Wildcat Inn & Tavern located in Jackson in the heart of the White Mountains. North Conway is just minutes away. The website suggests: “bring our friends, family and even your dog is welcome!” https://www.wildcattavern.com/
Samuel O’Reilly House
The inn’s prominent Victorian features are accented with century old wooden sand cast patterns displayed throughout this historic inn. Built in 1900 and completely renovated in 2017, the inn has seven bedrooms and seven bathrooms. Three of the bedrooms are luxurious outfitted with Jacuzzi tubs and offer private decks. The spacious backyard boasts 270-degree panoramic views of the Saco River and Moat Mountain directly behind the inn. A beautiful stone fire pit is available for year-round use. Guests can walk, hike or snowshoe directly behind the inn.https://www.oreillyhouse.com/
For more information visit https://www.countryinnsinthewhitemountains.com/annual-holiday-inn-to-inn-cookie-tour/
The Cookies!
And then of course there’s the cookies! Some homemade treats from past tours include Fig & Ginger, Chocolate Almond, Gingersnaps, Turtle Thumbprint Cookies, Peppermint Meltaway Bars and more. Guests also receive a Holiday Recipe Cookbook filled with cookie recipes.
VIP Lodging Package
If you have dreamed about staying at a gorgeous country inn in the famous Mt. Washington area, this is your chance for a romantic getaway. Each participating inn offers a VIP Lodging Package which includes two-night accommodations, two tour tickets, the 2023 Holiday Recipe Cookbook, a keepsake ornament plus a chance to win a $250 getaway gift certificate from the Country Inns in the White Mountains in New Hampshire. Some of the inns offer packages with dinners, sleigh rides, live music and more. A limited number of one-night stays and Cookie Tour tickets are available.
Proceeds to non profits
Each year, a portion of the proceeds from the Inn-to-Inn Cookie Tour are donated to a local nonprofit organization. This year the Country Inns in the White Mountains will donate to End 68 Hours of Hunger Program to help ease the strain of hunger for local children on weekends when they are not provided with school meals. Over the quarter of a century of Cookie Tours, over $11,000 has been donated by the Country Inns in the White Mountains to this and other non-profit groups throughout Mt Washington Valley.
For more information, visit https://www.countryinnsinthewhitemountains.com/reserve-your-cookie-tour-package-now.’
lead photo Admiral Peary Inn B&B, Fryeburg, ME.
by Laurie Wallace-Lynch
Other articles from totimes.ca – otttimes.ca – mtltimes.ca
You must be logged in to post a comment.