Summer

July and August bring hot and humid days with temperatures often in the 80s and 90s.The mosquitos like to vacation here too so make sure you bring your bug spray. There's a lot to do in the summer and places can be very busy especially on weekends. Make reservations or for a quieter time, come during the week. By the end of August and into September, days are warm, (ideal for picnics,hikes and canoeing) while nights are cool. The bugs are mostly gone! After Labor Day the roads are a lot quieter making scenic drives more pleasant. Early to mid-September is often the best time to visit.

 

Fall

Temperatures are variable by late September and it can be rainy and cool one day, only to be followed by an 80F day the next. Leaves start to turn as early as the middle of September and you'll see color appearing consistently around the area. The annual Fryeburg Fair, one of the oldest agricultural fairs in the North East, takes place during the first week in October and is definitely an event not to be missed. Foliage season really peaks during the Fair and into the second week in October, around Columbus Day weekend - the busiest weekend of the year. If you're planning on leaf-peeping that weekend, book well in advance! Mid to late October brings much cooler weather and its not uncommon to see an early snowfall towards the end of the month. Bring layers! Most attractions are still open through the end of October but often on limited hours, so check opening times carefully. Early November is very quiet here with many stores and restaurants closed for vacation. Mid November sees the start of the winter season and the run up to the holidays.

 

Winter

Winter in the White Mountains begins just after Thanksgiving and with any luck, by Christmas we have some snow! It's not really cold in December but expect some days below freezing. On the other hand, temperatures in the 50s are not unknown. January is our coldest month with short but generally sunny days. If you're hardy, this can be a great month for skiing. February brings warmer days and our heaviest snowfalls providing great conditions for all winter sports enthusiasts. March is fun - enough snow to keep us going till the end of the month and longer warmer days in which to enjoy the outdoors. Most ski resorts close at the end of March. Restaurants and stores are open throughout the winter but may close Monday or Tuesday and early during the week. Reservations are not normally required except during holidays.

 

Spring

Spring gets to the White Mountains slowly. While other parts of the country are seeing daffodils in March and April, ours are still snuggled up till almost May. April temperatures can range between 40F and 60F and days getting into the 70s are not uncommon. These days are glorious with no humidity and no bugs! Many hiking trails are still icy so care is required but lower elevations are passable. Spring skiing extends into April at some of the resorts and notably at Tuckerman's Ravine - a Spring tradition! May brings long warm days and cool nights with trees and flowers coming into bloom. Bring your bug spray and watch out for Black Fly festivals throughout the area during early May. Memorial Day is the traditional start of the high season although many attractions are open for business on weekends from late April. June is the time to come if you want to get in before the summer crowds and get some great deals.

Dining

Good food should always be part of any vacation or trip away and we're very fortunate to have some great restaurants in North Conway, Fryeburg and the surrounding area. Here are some of our favorites.

• Oxford House Inn. Natalie and Jonathan offer superb fine-dining in an intimate atmosphere. A great favorite with many of our guests, especially as its only a 5 minute walk from us! Reservations recommended.

• May Kellys Cottage. Irish owned and operated restaurant in North Conway with live Irish music every Thursday, and a traditional Seisun every Sunday afternoon. Good Irish food with American alternatives.

• 302 West Smokehouse. Fryeburg's other great restaurant also walkable from us. Cozy, pub-type atmosphere and a good selection of smokehouse fare including wonderful pulled pork.

• 1785 Inn & Restaurant. Honored with many awards over the years, including the Gourmet Diners Society," Golden Fork Award" for 1996 through 2006 and the Wine Spectator's "Award of Excellence" for 1986 through 2006. Relaxed atmosphere, decadent food and excellent wine list. Reservations recommended.

• Black Cap Grille. Contemporary grille with a huge burger menu among other items, including fresh fish, maine lobster cakes, steaks and pasta. Uses fresh local produce wherever possible. One step ahead on the casual dining scene and like nothing else up here.

• Ebenezers Pub in Lovell. Rated the number one beer bar in America and the World for the last five years in a row by Beer Advocate Magazine! The food is excellent too! We especially like the Chimay Burger. Located on the third green of the Lake Kezar Golf Course, this is a great place for either Lunch or Dinner.

• The Met. Coffee House. Opposite Horsefeathers in North Conway Village this place never seems to close. Serving all the things you'd expect to find in an upmarket city coffee house with some mountain influences thrown in, this is the valley's best place to sit back for a while and watch what's going on.

• Flatbreads. Pizza House serving pies made with organically grown ingredients cooked to order in a clay oven right in front of you! Excellent pizzas you'll want to take away with you.

• Maestros Cafe & Deli. Authentic Italian bistro just north of North Conway village. Serves a superb choice of sandwiches and salads for lunch, but don't be in a hurry to get out of there as service can sometimes be European leisurely. Dinner encompasses many traditional and delicious Italian dishes. Reservations recommended, especially during high season.