While a lot of words online are dedicated to helping you organize and plan your family reunion, there actually isn’t that much about what everyone should do after they arrive. Once the introductions are over, the stories are told, and dinner’s done…what then? Figuring out activities can be a challenge when you’re dealing with a group that can have toddlers, teens, adults, and seniors. But North Conway and the White Mountains have you covered. There is something for every generation, ensuring you and your loved ones stay engaged and will remember this get-together for years to come.
Family-Friendly Nature Walks
North Conway is truly special in that you can see some amazing sights without having to trek for miles out in the wilderness.
Diana’s Baths is a short walk up a slight incline to a collection of waterfalls that looks like something from a fantasy novel. Or, after a brief drive, Cathedral Ledge offers one of the most spectacular views of the entire valley. These are easy trails for parents and seniors, and the payoff at the end is far greater than the effort needed to get there. Perfect for short legs and time-worn joints, that means you can just relax and enjoy the gentle New England weather.
The Scenic Route
The Kancamagus Highway stretches from North Conway to Lincoln, offering numerous trailheads along the way. It’s essentially a buffet for nature lovers! You can drive a few minutes, pop out, see a beautiful river or gorge, and then pop back in the car and do it again. It can take as long or be as short as you want. And since everyone is working up an appetite, when you get to Lincoln, you can enjoy one of the surprising number of fantastic casual restaurants (Alpine Pizza is a particular favorite!).
Winter Wonders
The White Mountains are gorgeous in the winter, often called a hidden gem for those who like to have fun in the snow and on the slopes. While the kids will go crazy for Santa’s Village (a seasonal theme park), an often-overlooked activity is dog sledding. It’s ideal for groups of all ages because you get to enjoy the slopes without all the gear and risk of skiing/snowboarding. There are plenty of vendors to choose from, so just ask your innkeeper for their recommendation.
Dinner Options
With all the connecting and hiking, people are certainly going to be hungry! Figuring out what everyone wants to eat can be a headache, but a few local options should get everyone on the same page. Vito Marcello’s Italian Bistro has been a local and tourist favorite for decades because it goes overboard when it comes to both quality AND quantity while being affordable. Tuckerman’s Restaurant & Tavern is a neighborhood staple with local microbrews and pub classics that are sure to please even the pickiest of palates.
The Cozy In Between
Of course, you don’t want to be on the go the entire time. The whole point of a family reunion is to connect, which is why where you stay is just as important as what you do. The Cranmore Mountain Lodge has served multiple generations for multiple generations. It offers the ideal blend of space, privacy, and proximity to all the activities listed above. And with a wallet-friendly inn buyout, this makes gathering everyone together (whether you’re telling stories or figuring out dinner) nice and simple as opposed to stressful.
Basically, North Conway and the White Mountains give you the room and the options to make your family reunion whatever you want. There’s something for everyone, from the youngest grandchild to the wisest grandparent—even cynical teens and overworked parents can’t help but enjoy themselves.
We’re ready to help you figure out all the details of your family reunion and then make it happen so that even YOU, the one putting it all together, can relax and have a great time. Just click here to get started, call 603-356-2044, text 978-788-0018, or email thelodge@cmlnh.com.