Great North Region Travel Guide

Explore the natural beauty, cultural wealth, food and drink, local customs, and safety guidelines of Great North Region, New Hampshire.


Introduction to Great North Region

The Great North Region of New Hampshire is a perfect blend of nature, adventure, history, and culture. This region is geographically located in New England, the northeastern part of the United States of America, in North America. The Great North Region is a paradise for nature enthusiasts and adventurists, as it is home to high peaks, verdant forests, lakes, waterfalls, and rivers. Besides natural beauty, the region boasts of an array of cultural offerings, from museums, galleries, and historical landmarks to food, drink, and local customs. This tour guide will take you through all the best things to do, places to visit, and must-try dishes, including practical information on how to get around and where to stay.

List of Places to Visit in Great North Region

The Great North Region is a vast area, with plenty of destinations and attractions worth visiting. Here is a list of the top places to see in the area:

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  1. The Museum of the White Mountains - Plymouth
  2. The Mount Washington Observatory and Weather Discovery Center - North Conway
  3. New Hampshire Boat Museum - Wolfeboro
  4. Canterbury Shaker Village - Canterbury
  5. The Lake Winnipesaukee Museum - Laconia

Natural Attractions of Great North Region: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  1. Franconia Notch State Park - Franconia
  2. The Flume Gorge - Lincoln
  3. Mount Washington - Sargent’s Purchase
  4. Kancamagus Highway Scenic Drive - Conway
  5. The Lakes Region - Laconia

Hiking/Biking Routes of Great North Region

The Great North Region is a heaven for hikers and bikers. Here are the top hiking and biking trails in the area:

  1. Mount Washington - Tuckerman Ravine Trail
  2. Mount Chocorua - Champney Falls Trail
  3. Franconia Notch State Park - Franconia Ridge Trail
  4. Kancamagus Highway - Pemigewasset Wilderness
  5. The Northern Rail Trail - Boscawen to Lebanon

Best Things to Do in Great North Region: Activities and Tours

The Great North Region offers a wide range of activities and tours. Here are some of the best things to do in the area:

  1. Ride on the Mount Washington Cog Railway
  2. Take a scenic drive along Kancamagus Highway
  3. Visit Castle in the Clouds and take a horseback ride
  4. Experience winter sports at Bretton Woods and Cannon Mountain
  5. Enjoy a sunset cruise on Lake Winnipesaukee.

Week-Long Itinerary for Great North Region

The Great North Region requires at least a week to explore its attractions fully. Here is an itinerary for a week-long trip:

  1. Day 1: Arrive in North Conway and visit The Mount Washington Observatory and Weather Discovery Center
  2. Day 2: Hike Mount Chocorua and explore Champney Falls Trail
  3. Day 3: Visit Canterbury Shaker Village in the morning, and enjoy afternoon boating in Wolfeboro
  4. Day 4: Drive along the Kancamagus Highway, stop at Franconia Notch State Park for a picnic lunch, and walk on the Franconia Ridge Trail
  5. Day 5: Drive to Mount Washington and enjoy a ride on the Mount Washington Cog Railway
  6. Day 6: Visit the Museum of the White Mountains in the morning, explore Lake Winnipesaukee Museum in the afternoon, and enjoy sunset cruise
  7. Day 7: Depart from Great North Region

Food and Drink Scene of Great North Region

The Great North Region offers a range of dining and drinking options, from casual cafes and pubs to fine dining restaurants. Here are the must-try dishes and local beverages:

Must-Try Dishes

  1. Seafood chowder
  2. Lobster rolls
  3. Maple syrup on pancakes and waffles
  4. Apple cider doughnuts
  5. Baked beans and ham

Local Beverages

  1. Craft beer from Tuckerman Brewing Company
  2. Coffee from White Mountain Coffee Co.
  3. Maple syrup and apple cider from family-owned farms
  4. Local wine from Seven Birches Winery
  5. Old Man of the Mountain Granite Stout from Woodstock Inn Brewery

Where to Stay in Great North Region: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

The Great North Region offers several accommodation options, from budget-friendly hostels and guesthouses to luxurious hotels. Here are the top places to stay:

  1. The Omni Mount Washington Resort - Bretton Woods
  2. The Manor on Golden Pond - Holderness
  3. The Wolfeboro Inn - Wolfeboro
  4. The Inn at Pleasant Lake - New London
  5. Bartlett Inn - Bartlett

What to Buy in Great North Region: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

The Great North Region is famous for handicrafts, antiques, maple syrup, and apple cider. Here are some of the top souvenirs and local products to bring home:

  1. Maple syrup and apple cider
  2. Handicrafts from the League of NH Craftsmen
  3. Antique items from antique stores in North Conway and Wolfeboro
  4. Locally produced cheeses, meats, and jams from farmers’ markets
  5. Artworks by local artists from the galleries in the region.

Local Culture and Customs of Great North Region

The people of Great North Region are friendly, warm, and welcoming. They are proud of their history, culture, and traditions. Here are some of the customs and cultures of Great North Region:

  1. Respect for nature and the outdoors
  2. Traditional craft making, especially quilt making and basket weaving
  3. The annual New Hampshire Highland Games and Festival
  4. Maple sugaring season in late winter to early spring
  5. Fall foliage season in September and October.

Best Time to Visit Great North Region

The best time to visit Great North Region is from June to October. During this period, the temperatures are mild, and the outdoor activities and adventures are plenty. Specifically, fall foliage season, which usually runs from mid-September to late October, is a must-see in the region.

Do’s and Don’ts of Great North Region

Do:

  1. Do respect nature and wildlife.
  2. Do bring warm clothes, waterproof boots, and a raincoat.
  3. Do try the maple syrup and apple cider.
  4. Do embrace the local culture and customs.
  5. Do try the outdoor activities and adventures.

Don’t:

  1. Don’t litter.
  2. Don’t feed wildlife.
  3. Don’t underestimate the weather conditions.
  4. Don’t disrespect local customs and traditions.
  5. Don’t forget to carry a map or a GPS device.

Safety and Health

Safety in Great North Region

The Great North Region is a generally safe area, but visitors should take precautions while enjoying outdoor activities, especially hiking and skiing. Visitors should:

  1. Carry enough food, water, and warm clothing.
  2. Hike and ski in groups, if possible.
  3. Stick to designated trails and obey trail rules.
  4. Check the weather before heading out.
  5. Carry a first aid kit and a whistle.

Health in Great North Region

The Great North Region has several medical facilities that offer quality medical care, but visitors should carry their medications and medical insurance. Visitors should:

  1. Carry essential medications and a first aid kit.
  2. Drink plenty of water to prevent dehydration.
  3. Watch out for ticks, especially in the summer seasons.
  4. Take precautions while swimming in the lakes and rivers.
  5. Wear sunscreen and insect repellent.

Getting to Great North Region: Transportation Options and Logistics

The Great North Region is accessible by road, air, and bus. Here are the transportation options and logistics:

Airports Near Great North Region

  1. Manchester-Boston Regional Airport
  2. Portland International Jetport
  3. Boston Logan International Airport

Bus Stations Near Great North Region

  1. Concord Coach Lines - Plymouth
  2. Dartmouth Coach - New London and Lebanon
  3. Carroll County Transit - North Conway

Other Options

  1. The Amtrak Downeaster Train
  2. Rental cars and taxis
  3. Private shuttle services

How to Get Around in Great North Region

The Great North Region is best explored by car. Visitors can rent a car at nearby airports and bus stations. Alternatively, visitors can use the local taxi services, rideshare apps, and shuttle services.

Where to Go Next from Great North Region: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

The Great North Region is a gateway to other unique destinations in New England. Visitors can explore the following nearby destinations:

  1. Portsmouth, New Hampshire
  2. Portland, Maine
  3. Burlington, Vermont
  4. Boston, Massachusetts
  5. The White Mountains of New Hampshire

Conclusion

The Great North Region of New Hampshire is a perfect destination for nature lovers, adventure seekers, history buffs, and culture enthusiasts. Visitors to the area will enjoy a wide range of outdoor activities and adventures, cultural offerings, and culinary delights. Moreover, the region has several accommodations, transportation, and medical facilities to offer. Therefore, the Great North Region should be on everyone’s travel bucket list.

The Balsams at Dixville Notch The Balsams at Dixville Notch


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