“One feels that he has got into a place different from the usual resorts…there is plenty of sunlight, of air, of woods, of streams and mountains; and the world with its care and troubles is shut out…Rest, recreation, and nature are its chief attractions” – [Arthur L. Goodrich on Waterville Valley, 1892]
Our family has been coming to “the Valley” since we were old enough to walk. Numerous hockey tournaments, day-trips skiing, hiking Mt. Osceola and the other “48’s”, and swimming in the Smart’s Brook and other local rivers and ponds in the late summer. It truly, transports you to a different world where the real world anxieties and troubles slowly dissipate.
Moreover, it is an incredibly safe community, that is great for kids and adults alike (we saw folks from Milton, Marshfield, Scituate, Duxbury, Hingham, etc. while we were there). I loved the the Valley as a kid, and have come to love it so much more as an adult, as I appreciate the area and natural beauty so much more.
Where to Stay
**The Golden Eagle Lodge** (highly recommend) – in my humble opinion, the “Golden Eagle” is by far the best place for lodging in Waterville Valley, and will offer a wonderful overall experience. The staff, from the cleaning crew to the front desk, are incredible; if you go, make sure you say hello to AmySue, Tina, LuAnn, and Gina! (the A-Team staff at the Golden Eagle).
The Lodge is a stone’s throw to the charming downtown area (also known as Town Square), which would remind you of a small community in the Swiss Alps. Babies being pulled in sleds, snowshoers, cross-country skiers, and even fat-tire bikers! The Lodge offers free passes to the White Mountain Athletic Club so you can use the amenities, and even discounts for other kid-related activities. All 139 rooms are condo-like, and contain a fully equipped kitchen, and are spacious and incredibly clean. Sit in the den area and relax, open a book from the library, and sip some coffee or a hot chocolate next to the fireplace.
First Person Perspective
After a 2-hour drive up to the Valley, unpacking in the cold, we finally got settled. One of my favorite activities to do is walk around the Valley at night, as it is beautiful and there is nothing quite like it. I exited the lodge and walked through the grounds to a path that leads to the downtown area. It was lit up beautifully against the freshly fallen snow, and immediately brought back memories from my formative years. I walked around the town square, listening to each crunch of my footsteps, and acknowledging the moon and night sky and the vast mountain ranges beyond.
The next morning, looking for more inspiration, we decide to get some coffees and fresh pastries at Jugtown, and hike the Mad River Path. The path is beautiful, and when you get further in to the trail, all you can hear is the slow bustling of the river and the distant smell of smoke from folks’ chimneys. Balsam fur trees litter the area, until you come to a birch grove where a lonely winter chickadee quietly chirps. We speak to some cross-country skiers and some local citizens, and make our trek back fully appreciating the area. We hike up the last hill and come upon the vast giant-like shadow of the Golden Eagle Lodge. We quietly admired the lodge and the mountains in the background, looking around at the little beautiful valley nestled between the mountain ranges and the joy of the people inhabiting it.
Valley Town Square Must-Dos
**Jugtown Country Store** – Opened in 1978, Jugtown has been an institution and a cornerstone of the community the early morning is one of the best times to trek to Jugtown, the Valley’s Country Store, as the light from the sun just starts to glisten off of the mountains, steam rises above the ground, and the icicles shine. Other than the beautiful landscape, one can also smell the freshly baked muffins, croissants, and other pastries wafting from the Jugtown kitchen.
**Olde Waterville Pizza Company** – wonderful ambiance, good pizza, and the best craft beer can offering in the area – this should be the first place you go for dinner in the Valley!
**Mad River Path** – This 2-mile round trip cross-country and multi-use trail is a nice hike in the morning or early afternoon. The trail follows the Mad River and offers nice views, sounds of the river, and eventually leads to a rock staircase. If you hike in winter wear proper gear!
The Bookmonger and La Tasse Cafe – grab an espresso from La Tasse Cafe and then check out the book monger for some Robert Frost poems, scores of books on Waterville Valley’s history, or a children’s book and a stuffed moose to take home!
Other Things to Do: Go skiing, snowboarding, or tubing at the Waterville Valley Ski Resort, ice skating, cocktails at the Coyote Grille, La Hacienda Mexicana (great for kids), and enjoy a pint at the Valley Pub!
Greater White Mountain Must-Dos (Outside the Valley Town Square)
**Schilling Beer Company, Littleton, NH** – Schilling does it right, and is number one. If you go to Waterville Valley, you need to make the 40 or so minute drive through Franconia Notch (“the Notch”) to Schilling Beer Company in the small American town of Littleton, which is by far the best place for a pint and a few pizzas. Schilling sits on the Ammonoosuc River and is a rehabilitated grist mill with wood stoves, fireplaces, and exposed wood, that focuses on European-inspired ales – you must go here!
**Polly’s Pancake Parlor, Sugar Hill, NH** – Polly’s Pancake Parlor is an unbelievable institution. It has been open since 1938 and serves locals and tourists alike – get here early, or you may wait up to an hour to be seated. The freshly made maple syrup and maple whip are incredible – the nitro cold brew, is the best I have ever had. And of course, the pancakes and bacon are a must. Do yourself a favor and go here – and, before you leave – buy a gallon of their homemade maple syrup!
**Covered Bridge, Farm to Table, Campton, NH ** – Other than Schilling, Covered Bridge (formerly, The Country Cow) is my favorite restaurant. It sits next to the Pemigewasset River, has wonderful food, live music, and an incredible craft beer can and local draft list. It was also featured on the show Restaurant Impossible (Holy Cow! S9, E5). Make sure you go here!
Other great places: Iron Furnace Brewing, Reklis Brewing Company, Dam Brewhouse, Benton’s Sugar Shack, Vulgar Display of Poutine, Littleton Freehouse, Crumb Bum Bakery
I hope you like this itinerary – enjoy, and feel free to direct message or e-mail with any questions!
My daughter, Jennifer owns The Covered Bridge Farm Table. I am so proud of her success. If you are in the White Mountains, it’s a must stop for great food and live entertainment.
Thank you for all the reviews. Recently bought and renovated a condo at the Black Bear Lodge in Waterville Valley. Have enjoyed all four seasons there, but were unaware of somd of the local places your pointed out. Will definitely try them out.
Yes, it is a wonderful area. If you have any other questions, please feel free to reach out.
Take care,
FSS