- The North Country of New Hampshire is no doubt cold during the winter months, but with endless charm and Main Street’s hard-to-beat baked goods, Lancaster warms you right up.
- While here, travelers can find adventure with dog sledding and cheer with holiday-themed plays at the local theater.
- With snowy mountain terrain and a homegrown dining scene, Lancaster is the perfect winter getaway for a classic New Hampshire experience.
The quaint little town of Lancaster, New Hampshire, is living proof that sometimes good things really do come in small packages.
When the first U.S. census was taken in 1790, it was recorded that the town had a population of just 161 residents. Today, that number has multiplied to 3,212, but Lancaster is nonetheless a quiet, idyllic place for respite. Located in northern New Hampshire, bordering Vermont, Lancaster keeps good company with neighboring towns that have cozy stays, delicious food, and quirky shopping, making it easy to access all that the area has to offer.
This little town may not be sited in the North Pole, but it is in the heart of New Hampshire’s Great North Woods, and it truly shines during the colder months. “Winter brings this serene, almost cinematic quiet,” says Lloyd Van Horn, managing director of the Mountain View Grand Resort & Spa. “You wake up to snow-dusted peaks, crisp mountain air, and landscapes that invite you to slow down and reconnect,”
Here’s what you need to know before planning a trip to Lancaster, New Hampshire.
Best Things to Do
The Glen House
For some travelers, you can’t visit New England in the winter without snapping on some skis. The Lancaster area is no stranger to the sport, and visitors can head to Cannon Mountain to scratch that skiing itch. For those of us who aren’t looking to barrel down mountains at high speed, but who still want some thrills, there is dog sledding with Muddy Paw Sled Dog Kennel in nearby Jefferson, New Hampshire. Here, you can meet dogs, offer treats, and head scratches before going for an adorable adventure. Also, for those with the need for speed, is Santa’s Village (also in Jefferson) where you and the kids can get into the holiday spirit and ride the new Skyway Sleigh roller coaster.
Looking for something more chill in the chilly weather? Head to the Christmas tree farm at the Rocks Estate in nearby Bethlehem, New Hampshire, to cut down your own Christmas tree, take home a traditional wreath, or enjoy a storybook-worthy horse-drawn carriage ride. The local Weathervane Theater in Whitefield, New Hampshire, which has been open since 1966, is brimming with holiday-themed shows to enjoy as well.
Where to Eat and Drink
Waumback Golf Course
The Yellow Diner in Lancaster will take your breath away the first time you walk through their doors. The café is a cozy place to dine with warm yellow lighting and wooden beams, floors, and walls. Grab a seat under one of their nature-scene murals and order one of the hearty sandwiches—I recommend the “North Country Rancher,” a spicy chicken creation dressed with sweet garlic mayo. Don’t miss the adjacent shop that sells artisan honey and maple syrup, along with other great home-focused gifts.
More coffee and sweets await, just a few doors down. The Polish Princess Bakery is known for its European-style bread and pastries that are made fresh daily, and its espresso drinks—I almost lost myself in the fruit and custard Danish. If you want something savory, the bakery also does pizza nights on Thursdays.
Check in with them on Thursdays for pizza nights. For an elegant and beautifully presented meal, take a 10-minute drive to Fenn’s Way at Waumbek Golf in Jefferson. My favorite, as a foraging enthusiast, is the Forager Crostini, which blends the earthiness of mushrooms with the saltiness of goat cheese and the sweet kiss of honey.
Where to Stay
Mountain View Grand
There aren’t a ton of lodging options in the Lancaster area, but there are some solid options nearby. Mountain View Grand Resort & Spa has outstanding views and is only a five-minute drive from the quaint town of Lancaster. My kids fell in love with the resident animals at the hotel’s on-site farm (especially Reggie, the surprisingly friendly rooster), and I got plenty of quiet time at the warm indoor pool while the kids splashed around for hours. Winter activities abound with sledding, snow tubing, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, and early-morning snowshoe meditation. “We see Mountain View Grand as both a destination and a natural starting point for exploring the North Country. Our historic property has been rooted in this region for well over a century, and engaging with the surrounding towns is part of who we are,” says Van Horn.
After a day of exploring, you can unwind at the Mountain View Grand’s Tower Spa Lounge with 360-degree views of the mountains and refuel at one of the on-site restaurants. I’m partial to the Harvest Tavern, which has one of the most creative kids’ menus I’ve seen. Kids or no kids, though, make sure to treat yourself to a unicorn hot chocolate, which comes topped with whipped cream and edible glitter.
Dating back more than 110 years, The Glen House in Gorham, New Hampshire, is worth the 30-minute drive from Lancaster for its sustainability efforts (the property has its own geothermal heating and cooling system and a new hydrogenerator that produces roughly 80 percent of the hotel’s electrical needs) and proximity to the White Mountains. The nearby Great Glen Trails Outdoor Center hosts a snow sculpture competition every winter.
The 11-room Jefferson Inn bed and breakfast provides a sweet boutique option in the area. A stay here feels like coming home, but only better. Start each day of your stay with a full country breakfast before heading out for your next winter adventure.
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