Tucked just above Franconia, The Frost Place is the former home of poet Robert Frost and one of the most peaceful spots in the White Mountains. Walk through the simple farmhouse where he wrote some of his most famous work, then head outside to the short poetry trail and sweeping mountain views from the porch. It’s quiet, thoughtful, and a great way to slow down for an hour or two.

Looking to experience some of the best fly fishing in the White Mountains? Whether you're casting a line for the first time or you're a seasoned angler, the team at Troutsmith in Littleton can help. They offer guided trips, gear, fly tying supplies, local knowledge, and everything you need for a memorable day on the water. If you're interested in fly fishing during your stay, they're the folks to call.

Tucked into Franconia Notch State Park, the Flume is an 800-foot natural granite gorge you walk straight through, on a boardwalk that hugs the rock as Avalanche Brook rushes alongside you. Mossy walls rise up to 90 feet, and the full loop carries you past covered bridges, glacial boulders, and a series of waterfalls. It is a two-mile loop with a fair number of stairs, but the path is well maintained and the payoff is constant.

Our recommendation: Reserve your timed tickets online ahead of time, especially in summer and foliage season, since they sell out. Go early in the day for the quietest walk and the best light through the gorge. Comfortable shoes are a must.

For a bigger thrill, Alpine Adventures in Lincoln runs zip-line canopy tours and guided off-road excursions through the White Mountain wilderness. The zip lines send you soaring across treetops and ridgelines, while the off-road tours climb steep, rugged trails to views you will not find from the road. The guides are known for being friendly and genuinely fun, which makes it a great pick for groups, celebrations, or first-timers.

Our recommendation: Book ahead, since tours run on set times and fill up. Dress for the weather and wear closed-toe shoes. If you are new to zip-lining, the guides will walk you through everything, so come ready to enjoy it.

A short drive into North Woodstock brings you to one of the area's most playful adventures. A wooden boardwalk winds down through a glacial gorge dotted with waterfalls, and along the way you can climb through a series of boulder caves with names like the Lemon Squeezer and the Dungeon. There is also a suspension bridge, a treehouse, and a nature trail, so it works whether you want a full scramble or a gentler stroll.

Our recommendation: The caves are optional and clearly marked, so go as adventurous or as easygoing as you like. Wear shoes you do not mind getting dirty, and know there are plenty of stairs. Last entry is mid-afternoon, so plan a morning or early-afternoon visit.

Right on Main Street, this classic small-town movie theater has been a local staple since the 1950s and still keeps that old-school charm.

What makes it fun is the mix, you’ll find everything from big, crowd-pleasing releases to more offbeat picks (yes, even the occasional David Lynch energy). It’s the kind of place where you don’t overthink it, just check what’s playing and go.

100% worth a look while you’re in town, especially if you want a low-key night that still feels a little different.

One of the most iconic stretches of the White Mountains, Franconia Notch is where you go for big views, easy access, and a little bit of everything. The park runs through a dramatic mountain pass with peaks on both sides, waterfalls, lakes, and some of the best hikes in New England.

You can keep it simple with quick stops like The Basin or Echo Lake, or go bigger with a walk through the Flume Gorge, a narrow granite canyon with waterfalls and boardwalk trails. There are also countless hikes, from short scenic overlooks like Artist’s Bluff to more challenging routes along Franconia Ridge.

One of the most iconic experiences in New England, the Cog Railway is a scenic train ride to the summit of Mount Washington, the highest peak in the Northeast. Climb nearly 6,300 feet aboard a historic steam or modern train as it slowly makes its way up the mountain, with sweeping views of the White Mountains the entire ride. It’s equal parts adventure and throwback, and one of the most memorable ways to take in the region.

A nostalgic, Christmas-themed amusement park tucked in the White Mountains, Santa’s Village brings holiday magic to life year-round. Think festive rides, live shows, visits with Santa, real reindeer, and even a small water park in the summer. It’s especially great for families and anyone who leans into the fun of the season, no matter the time of year

Step inside a barrel-vaulted Victorian hall and you'll understand why locals have been calling this place a wonder cabinet since 1891. Franklin Fairbanks built it to house a lifetime of collecting, and the result is gloriously eclectic: mounted animals from every continent, meteorites and fossils, gems, shells, and ethnographic artifacts gathered across the globe. A hands-on science wing keeps younger visitors busy, and a butterfly house is included with admission. The real signature is overhead though, in Vermont's only public planetarium, where guided tours of the night sky run on a rotating schedule. Plan on two hours, more if you catch a show. Open daily, with free off-street parking right on Main Street.

A true New Hampshire classic, Cannon is one of the most iconic ski mountains in New England. Known for its big vertical drop, rugged terrain, and no-frills feel, this is where locals go to really ski. It’s home to the highest ski summit in NH and the legendary aerial tram, which delivers sweeping views of Franconia Notch on the way up.

You’ll find a great mix of terrain, from cruisers to steeps, plus glades and the quieter Mittersill side for a more off-the-beaten-path feel. In the summer and fall, the tram and surrounding trails make it just as worth the trip for hiking and views.

A true winter bucket list experience, Ice Castles is a massive, hand-built frozen world made entirely of ice. Wander through glowing tunnels, climb icy towers, and slide through sculpted chutes, all lit up with color-changing lights after dark. Built by professional ice artists using thousands of icicles, it feels like stepping into a real-life snow globe.

A straight shot down I-93 brings you to the area's full-service destination resort. Loon sprawls across three peaks with a four-passenger gondola hauling you to the summit and wide, immaculately groomed cruisers that reward green and blue skiers, plus enough steeps, glades, and a halfpipe to keep stronger riders honest. The base is a village unto itself: rentals, lessons, restaurants, and slopeside bars for the après crowd. Weekends draw a crowd, so arrive early or aim for a weekday and you'll have the corduroy mostly to yourself.

Skiing here comes with the Presidential Range as your backdrop and Mount Washington filling the horizon. New Hampshire's largest ski area spreads 464 acres of famously well-groomed terrain across three connected sections, served by a Skyway gondola and a fleet of high-speed quads. The trail mix leans beginner and intermediate, with wide, forgiving cruisers and a celebrated network of tree-skiing glades that range from gentle introductions to genuine double-black challenges. Year after year it collects SKI Magazine nods for best snow and grooming in the East. The grand Omni Mount Washington hotel sits right across the road if you want to make a day into a weekend.

Cross into Vermont's Northeast Kingdom and you'll find the mountain locals quietly hope you won't discover. Burke trades resort polish for genuine terrain and near-empty lift lines, even on a packed Saturday. Two high-speed quads carry you to a summit with long, varied descents and serious fall-line pitches that have built a devoted following over decades. The vibe is unhurried and unpretentious, the views run for miles, and the skiing speaks for itself. Check the calendar before you go, as the mountain runs a limited midweek schedule.