This past weekend I packed up my favorite Fall fashion neutrals and headed to North Conway, New Hampshire. And while the foliage wasn’t in its full glory, New Hampshire most certainly was. From scenic train ridges to hikes filled with waterfalls this state has a lot to offer! So today I’m sharing my North Conway New Hampshire Travel Guide with you!
North Conway, New Hampshire Travel Guide
Above: Diana’s Baths
Getting there
The drive from lower Westchester to North Conway, New Hampshire is around five and a half hours. Basically just as far as it’s hype counterpart Stowe, Vermont. It took a little over six hours because we made a few rest stops.
There are two different one lane roads you can take into the town once you get off the highway which are a few miles long. At night they feel like they go on forever.
If you can leave a little early the day you leave, take the Kancamagus Highway on your way home, it’s the most scenic route!
Where To Stay
We stayed at the Comfort Inn and Suites which was right down the road from the main part of town (about a two-minute drive). The hotel offers mini-golf, a pool (older but clean looking), and a basic breakfast (due to Covid it’s just coffee and pre-packaged food, and apples and bananas).
The staff was very friendly and I appreciated all the precautions they had in place for cleaning the room. For example, you leave your garbage cans and the door and check off how many towels or soap you need for the next day and they leave them at your door as well. So everything can be replenished without contact or entry of the staff.
While everything seemed clean, the rooms did feel a bit dated. I did bring a big container of disinfectant wipes and hand sanitizer to use on the trip. When we arrived, we washed our hands and I then wiped every, single, surface down. Then we washed our hands again. This is so important because everyone makes mistakes and can forget a spot so double cleaning isn’t a bad idea.
Above: Echo Lake State Park
What to Do
From hiking to waterfalls, national parks, Mount Washington, and historic spots, New Hampshire has a lot to offer. Here is a round-up of what we did and what I liked best!
- Conway Scenic Railroad – We choose North Conway New Hampshire because of the scenic train ride. While it was fun, I think this was my least favorite excursion! Crazy right? We booked the Private Car in the Barlette Excursion train. We went with our friends, who have a four-year-old daughter, and she enjoyed the first 30 minutes (out of 55 minutes) until the ride put her to sleep! LOL In her favor, booking the 12:45 p.m. ride probably wasn’t the best idea. You also stop at a certain point and ride the train backwards back to the station. If I were to do it again and was staying for more than two nights, I would have done the longer, Mountaineer train ride, that takes you through the mountains. The trains are disinfected in between every use and the windows in the private cars open so it felt clean and safe.
- 5 and 10 cent Store – Opened in 1939 the No. Conway 5 and 10 cent store is North Conway’s oldest continually operating retail store. In the 1940s and 1950s, every town had at least one of these stores where you could find just about everything. It’s a cool little piece of history that has candy, trinkets, books, games, and other giftable items to bring home to your loved ones!
- Zeb’s General Store – Do not miss Zeb’s! This General store is filled with a bit of everything – from maple syrup to candy, toys, pancake mix, Christmas ornaments to handmade soap and bath bombs, there were so many cool items to choose from! There is always a line, but trust it is worth the wait!
- Diana’s Baths – The trail is a little over a half-mile walk up to the waterfalls and it is worth every step!! You can then hike up the rocks or there’s a steeper path along the side to get to the top. Again we were with a four-year-old and she trooped it out without a stroller! There were plenty of kids around as well so this “hike” is family-friendly!
- Kacnacmagus Highway – The pull-off near the Swift River is beautiful! The water is crystal clear and the stream is filled with large gray rocks. The highway overall has stunning views of the foliage and the mountains along with a number of waterfalls you can hike to see!
- Echo Lake State Park – You can get to the lake so easily right from where you park. There’s a sandy beach and you can walk all around the lake that has beautiful mountain views! There are plenty of picnic tables if you want to bring some food!
Left: Five and Ten Cent Store Right: Conway Scenic Railroad
Where to Eat
- The Met Coffee House – As a New Yorker I’m a tough critic when it comes to pizza and coffee. So when I tell you the Met Coffee was so delicious that I bought a bag of beans to bring home, you know it’s good! We had a late breakfast here both days and the food was amazing as well!
- Flatbread – In my Salem post, I recommended Flatbread, per Riley’s recommendation. Since I didn’t get to try it in Salem I knew I had to try it here. It did not disappoint – get the pulled pork pineapple pie, I’ll be missing having this pie in my life!
Left: Vintage Pharmacy Inside Zeb’s Right: The Met Coffee House
Keep in mind if you arrive after 9:00 p.m. all the restaurants are closed except for fast food due to the pandemic. Luckily, I don’t hate Taco Bell, so we had that Saturday night. But it is a bit disappointing when you’re on vacation.
We also went to Costco a few days prior and loaded up on snacks and food so we didn’t have to eat breakfast if we didn’t want to.
Overall I would recommend a trip to North Conway, New Hampshire! While not needed, I would love to go back with my hiking boots next time and see more of this beautiful state! Any questions feel free to drop them below.
Above: Diana’s Baths
