One of only 5 installations in the world, the NH Ice Castles are a truly one of a kind, awe-inspiring experience of ice, light, and sound. Created from scratch, making every year a new once-in-a-lifetime experience. https://icecastles.com.
Mt Washington Cog Railway
Mt Washington Cog Railroad: the world’s first mountain-climbing cog railways and the second steepest rack railway in the world (after Pilates in Switzerland). https://www.thecog.com
Waterville Valley
Independently-owned ski + adventure resort with skiing, golfing, indoor ice skating, canoeing, mt biking, disc golf, and skateboard park: all within walkable distance to the legendary town center. Waterville.com
The Flume
Favorite NH State Park attraction featuring a two mile loop of boardwalk and stairs exposing you to the quintessential White Mountain Forest experience of waterfalls, trees, water, & 100+ year old covered bridge. Discovered in 1808 by 93 year old Jess Guernsey, who stumbled on it while she was, in classic NH spirit, “out fish’n.” Gift shop, cafeteria, and and a 20 minute movie showcasing local parks are all available.
Lost River Gorge
Classic New Hampshire outdoor experience: ¾ mile boardwalk with narrow paths and direct access to nature’s finest. For the more athletic/adventurous, drop into the narrow Boulder Caves and invoke your inner contortionist to navigate paths with great names such as Thor’s Cauldron, Lemon Squeezer, or Devil’s Kitchen. Young Explorers, gemstone mining, and evening lantern tours run throughout the season. https://lostrivergorge.com
Cannon Mt Aerial Tram
Weather-dependent, but stunning views of White Mountain Presidential Range without any of the hiking to the top! Year round wonderful jumping off point for many activities within the Franconia Notch State Park. https://www.cannonmt.com/things-to-do/attractions/tram
Polar Caves Park
For nearly 100 years, this family-owned and family-friendly nature attraction has offered a fantastic way to pay homage to the wonders of the White Mountains, reconnect with nature, and stimulate curiosity across in ages. Open 7 days, Memorial Day to Labor Day. https://polarcaves.com
Clark's Bears + Trading Post
A local attraction for nearly 100 years, Clark's Bears/Trading Post is a family-friendly tour de force. Beyond the legendary bear show, there's steam trains, waster slides, bumper boats, climbing walls, circuses, magic mansion, and, of course, train ambushes by the the local wolf man! For families with kids not yet too cool for fun, this is one stop that can't be beat. https://clarksbears.com
Alpine Adventures
One of the best zip line adventures you'll experience anywhere. Friendly and experienced staff in a central location right off the main commercial strip of Lincoln. Fall zip tours crossing the valleys are a once in a lifetime experience unmatched anywhere, including ride up the mountain on Alpine's six-wheeled off road vehicle! https://alpinezipline.com
Welch-Dickey Trailhead
Looking for a local hike with a strong physical ascent, gorgeous views, and a good parking lot just 5m from your stay? The popular Welch-Dickey trail and loop has you covered with it’s 4.5 mile total distance, 1,751 foot elevation gain, and 2734’ peak elevation. While not the easiest hike in the area, most hikers complete the loop in a modest 3-4 hours round trip. More recreational hikers can take the counter-clockwise route and still be rewarded with stunning views of the valley in less than a 30m hike. As with all hiking in the Whites, extra water and hiking boots are mandatory minimum equipment.
New England Ski Museum
Small, locally-curated ski museum chronicling ski history and local legend Bode Miller (whose medals are on display). Tons of early ski gifts and souvenirs for those appreciative of the sport's early history and changes. http://newenglandskimuseum.org
Highland Mt Bike Park
If you mountain bike, this is your Mecca. Highland Mountain is the world's only mountain-bike-specific, lift-accessed mountain, focused entirely on biking. No bike? No problem: full gear and suspension bikes are available to rent. First timers should pay strong attention to trail difficulty signage: advanced trails will challenge even the best of riders! (603) 286-7677. https:// HighlandMountain.com
Sculptured Rocks Nature Area
Local favorite located right off the road that some have called the "Little Grand Canyon of New Hampshire," which is just about as high a bar as anyone can set. More accurately: a natural phenomenon of interesting rock formations with a nice swimming hole to cool down in on hot summer days. https://www.nhstateparks.org/visit/state-parks/sculptured-rocks-natural-area
The Frost Place
Obligatory call-out to the house museum founded in 1977 in honor of the one and only poet Robert Frost, who lived at the house from 1915 - 1920 and 19 summers and inspires much of IndieVacations' ethos of nature + poetry as a cure for modern distraction + preoccupation. Regular studio sessions and poetry readings viewable off their website. https://frostplace.org
Dole Mill Arcade + Candy Store
Hidden just around the corner from Campton Pond and Falls (which you likely turned left at when arriving for your stay) is the historic Campton Dole Mill. After closing in 1965 as one of the oldest woolen mills in the country, the mill has experiencing new life as a vintage video game arcade, RC car track, and a small collectibles/souvenir shop. As a labor of love of local owners Jessye and Sky Bartlett hours can vary so best to call ahead or plan to swing by on nights and weekends. (603) 745-9919
Squam Lakes Nature Science Center
Locally run nature center with educational activities for children and nearby Kirkwood Gardens cafe and gift shop. Nature tours, lake cruises, area hiking, and more animals and education than any child can handle. https://www.nhnature.org
Owl's Nest Golf Course
Owl's Nest is an 18 hole golf course first opened for play in 1998 and set within a multimillion dollar master plan inclusive of new 200 room hotel, wedding venue, 2 pools, 10 acre pond, and the one of best Sunday brunch options in the clubhouse than you'll find anywhere in the vicinity. 603-726-3076. owlsnestresort.com. 40 Clubhouse Lane Thornton, NH.
