We just returned from Lincoln, NH. We stayed over a Shabbos. It was a wonderful vacation and we would return tomorrow if we could! It was quiet, calm, relaxing, and peaceful.
Lodging: we stayed at the Village at Loon Mtn. We were in a 2 br + loft, townhouse. It looked like a camp cabin from the outside, and was dated, but had ac (3 units), and a full kitchen (self cleaning oven). It could have used a deep cleaning, but it was ok. Next time I'd request they wash the bedspreads and clean the kitchen before we arrive. Staff was very pleasant and accommodating. We had some minor issues and maintenance took care of them, quickly and with a smile. They knew about Shabbos (the pool desk allowed my husband to take a bottle of advil and pay on Sunday). Only problem, a power outtage Friday night lasting for 12 hours. Not the hotel's fault, but not pleasant. THere are 2 indoor pools and 2 outdoor, not kept up well, but usable. They have a lovely kids playground, lots of tennis courts and a basket ball court (and outdoor chess set). Note: you can pay for maid service. IF not, you can take your linens to the laundry and exchange for clean ones. Due to the wildlife in the area, all garbage must be taken to the dumpster (a 2 minute drive. No trash can be left outside. At night it was completely quiet.
Davening and Shabbos: Weekday minyanim are at the Days Inn in N Lincoln - a 10 minute drive. There are no shabbos minyanim there. My husband went and it appears they usually have a minyan during the summer (except during the 3 weeks). My husband signed us up to host the Shabbos minyanim. There was only one Shabbos minyan when we were there. (July 5-6) We had about 15 men (chassidim, Persians, Mod Orthodox, vacationers and people who live nearby all year). Chabad provided a sefer Torah, siddurim (with summer Parshiyot), and someone to lein. There is no eruv in the area, so everyone left their stuff in our unit (not a problem, plenty of room). Someone provided cookies and bourbon and my husband provided SM Scotch - so there was a kiddush. Maariv Saturday night was a 10 pm - so everyone could drive back after Shabbos and pick up their stuff. The power outtage made for some hot davening - but some men davened from the porch.
We were told the Days Inn becomes a 'minyan factory' after tisha b'av and there are many shabbos minyanim.
Kosher food: The 24 hour Price Chopper in Lincoln is small and can be very crowded. At the end of the first aisle there's a narrow cooler containing CY milk (all 3 colors), CY Yogurt, CY cream cheese and Millers cheese. The store carries have pareve bread and rolls, (hamburger buns reg and whole wheat, Italian bread, ciabatta, etc). They have many of the kosher products you'd find in any grocery (pasta, canned products, etc). They had a few packages of Meal Mart uncooked frozen hamburger patties. No other kosher meat is available in Lincoln.
If you need kosher meat or chicken - stop in Brookline (suburb of Boston.) They have kosher products.
If you drive the Kamakagus Hiway (which you MUST do), you'll end up in Conway. Drive 10 minutes to North Conway and there are 2 large groceries, Walmart, etc). They don't have kosher meat or CY products, but when I return I'll do my major shopping there. It's a hour from Lincoln - but it's a beautiful drive.
The dollar store in Lincoln is well stocked - picked up a crock pot there.
If you go out late at night (after 10 pm), you'll find the streets are empty, but beware of moose.
Sights/Attractions:
There are many many things to do for people of all ages. There are trails, hikes, and camping for those who love nature. There are canoes, kayaks, tubing and motorboating for water lovers, there are multiple water parks, amusement parks, ropes courses, gondolas up mountains, and zip lines. There are moose tours. There's biking, atv-ing, and several scenic (and entertaining) train lines. There are numerous antique shops (N. Conway) and lovely shops to explore (N. Conway). There's Mt Washington (highest peak in the eastern US- which we didn't do). And scenic drives thru the mountains, which are beautiful. New Hampshire has no sales tax; there's outlet shopping (N Conway) and numerous discount liquor stores. This is all in addition to the usual swimming pools and hot tubs at the hotels/condos.
We drove the Kamakagus Hiway several times. Stop at the scenic overlooks, enjoy the beauty of Hashem's creation. Stop towards the end of the drive and wade in the freezing water (there are several places to stop with parking areas). Beware of cars parked on the road. There are many trails, camping areas, etc. It seems that people park on the main street if the area is filled. It is not a scary drive. There is NO place where you're 'on the side of the mountain' or on a cliff. It's full of curves and requires careful driving, but it's not scary. There is no cell phone service, for most of the 40 minute drive, (make sure you have gas). Watch kids in the scenic outlooks and their bathrooms. (Toilets are a rather large hole with a seat, with a nasty drop)
We hiked the Flume Gorge. It has some uphill areas and lots of stairs, but easy enough for out-of-shape 60+ year olds to do it with only a few rest stops. It's beautiful. Hold tight to young children - the railings are not meant to restrain them.
Conway Scenic Railway. We took a 1.5 hour train ride. Beware of the authentic steam engines- if you're in the coach seats, the windows are open and soot blows in. In spite of that, it was lovely and relaxing. There are rides without steam engines, check the schedules. A must for train buffs. The station is in North Conway. There is also a short train ride in Lincoln.
We were there for the 4th of July and enjoyed sharing in the parade on Main Street. It's that kind of quaint town.
Bethlehem- Arlington Hotel - We ate dinner in the hotel one night. The hotel lobby is lovely. We were not impressed with the food - especially for $70 a person. It is not a restaurant (which we knew in advance) - there's no choices and no 'menu'. Reservations at the door were $80, if you call in advance (we called that day) they're $70. Our waitress was wearing ripped jeans and a t-shirt.
Lincoln is a 2-2.5 hour drive north of Boston. There's no train service to Lincoln. We flew to Boston and rented a car. We stopped in a grocery (in Somerville, just outside Boston) and picked up some supplies. We brought frozen meat and chicken with us. The other nearby airport is in Manchester, NH.- those flights were extremely expensive.
We did a lot of driving. Things are far apart. Bethlehem is 40 minutes north of Lincoln.
The people in the area are nice - they stop for pedestrians to cross the street, and they stop to let you pull out or make a left turn. The scenery is magnificent and we plan to return.
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