Rasika DalviThere is something truly special about receiving a surprise, but it becomes even sweeter when it comes from your husband; and sweetest of all when it involves doing what you love most: traveling and exploring new places.
In October 2019, my husband planned a little getaway to one of my favorite destinations – New Hampshire. A weekend escape filled with scenic landscapes, charming towns, and outdoor adventures was the perfect way to celebrate my love for discovering new places. Little did I know, this surprise trip would become a collection of beautiful memories that I would cherish forever.
I am just in love with this beautiful state, which has everything to offer; from its 18 miles of seacoast- the shortest of any state in the USA to the summit of the northeast’s highest peak. During summer, one can enjoy hiking on Appalachian trails, sailing or kayaking on mountain-ringed lakes, camping amidst woods or simply relaxing in your cabin and soaking nature’s beauty. Snow enthusiasts can enjoy skiing, snowmobiling and other winter sports during winter. And of course, I cannot forget to mention spectacular foliage views during autumn (I will soon have a post dedicated only to foliage in NH). This state will bestow nature’s beauty on you throughout all the seasons. Apart from this splendid nature’s beauty, colonial history, and wooden bridges; one more thing which it offers is tax-free shopping (this tip is especially for my shopaholic readers out there 😉).
I have completely fallen in love with this beautiful state because New Hampshire truly has a little bit of everything. From its charming 18 miles of seacoast; the shortest coastline of any U.S. state to the majestic summit of Mount Washington, the highest peak in the Northeast, this state knows how to impress! During summer, adventure seekers can hike the scenic Appalachian trails, sail or kayak across peaceful mountain-ringed lakes, camp beneath the stars, or simply curl up in a cozy cabin and let nature do the entertaining. When winter arrives, New Hampshire transforms into a snowy wonderland, inviting visitors to enjoy skiing, snowmobiling, and other cold-weather adventures (because apparently, freezing temperatures are more fun when you’re doing it on purpose!). And how can I forget autumn? The spectacular fall foliage turns the entire state into a masterpiece of fiery reds, oranges, and golds.
No matter the season, New Hampshire has a way of showing off its natural beauty. Add in charming colonial history, picturesque covered wooden bridges, and one more irresistible perk – tax-free shopping! (A little insider tip for my fellow shopaholics: your wallet might actually thank you for bringing you here 😉). Whether you visit for adventure, relaxation, history, or a little retail therapy, New Hampshire happily checks all the boxes.
After a four-hour drive from Connecticut through the busy Friday evening traffic, we finally arrived in the beautiful landscapes of New Hampshire. For this trip, we decided to try a different style of accommodation and booked a vacation rental through Airbnb -a cozy alternative that offers a more personal and home-like experience compared to traditional hotels.
Our host had a beautiful home at Vista Villa Condominium in Intervale, perfectly nestled among the scenic surroundings of the White Mountains. The peaceful setting, comfortable stay, and welcoming atmosphere made it an ideal home base for our New Hampshire adventures.
Our vacation rental offered more than just a comfortable place to stay – it came with a million-dollar view! The house had such a spectacular setting that even if we had chosen to stay indoors, we could have spent hours relaxing on the patio, soaking in the breathtaking mountain scenery while sipping our favorite wine. It truly gave us that wonderful “home away from home” feeling.
The next morning, we set out to explore the legendary Mount Washington. No mountain in the Northeast carries quite the same fame and fascination as this New Hampshire icon. Rising 6,288 feet above sea level, Mount Washington is the highest peak in the Northeastern United States and the most prominent mountain east of the Mississippi River.
With its dramatic landscape and unpredictable weather, Mount Washington has captivated explorers and adventurers for centuries. Its first recorded sighting by a European explorer dates back to 1524, when it was spotted from the Atlantic Ocean. Since then, this magnificent peak has remained one of the most recognized and talked-about landmarks in the region, drawing visitors from around the world eager to experience its breathtaking views and legendary charm.
Mount Washington is not just another scenic mountain; it is a force of nature known for its extreme and unpredictable weather conditions. Often described as having “the worst weather in the world,” this legendary peak has earned its reputation through some truly remarkable weather events.
On April 12, 1934, the Mount Washington Observatory recorded a wind speed of 231 miles per hour (372 km/h), a record that stood as the highest wind speed ever measured at a land-based weather station for decades. The mountain’s harsh conditions are so intense that even its structures are specially designed to withstand nature’s fury.
The primary summit building was engineered to endure winds of up to 300 miles per hour (480 km/h), and several observatory buildings are anchored securely to the mountain with heavy chains to prevent them from being lifted or damaged by powerful gusts. Standing atop Mount Washington, you truly get a sense of the incredible forces of nature that have shaped this iconic peak.
Mount Washington’s reputation for extreme weather is well deserved. Temperatures at the summit can plunge to a bone-chilling -47°F (-44°C), while the average summit temperature remains around 27°F (-3°C). Adding to the challenge, the mountain experiences powerful winds, with an average speed of approximately 35 mph (56 km/h).
Because of its unpredictable and often dangerous conditions, Mount Washington is sometimes referred to as the “deadliest mountain in America.” Its rapidly changing weather can surprise even experienced hikers and skiers with sudden fog, fierce winds, heavy rain, and thunderstorms. Since 1849, more than 150 people have lost their lives on this mountain, many due to the harsh and rapidly shifting environment.
I believe after knowing these amusing (and kind of intimidating too) facts, let’s begin our journey towards this magnificent mountain.
There are several ways to experience the majesty of Mount Washington, making it accessible for adventure seekers of all kinds. For railway enthusiasts, the historic Mount Washington Cog Railway offers a memorable journey to the summit aboard the world’s first mountain-climbing cog railway. The scenic round trip takes approximately three hours and costs around $72 for adults and $41 for children.
Those who prefer a more relaxed experience can join a guided van tour, which provides a comfortable ride along with fascinating stories about the mountain’s history and landscape ($36 for adults and $16 for children). Another popular option is driving along the legendary Mount Washington Auto Road, a winding route that offers breathtaking views as it climbs toward the summit.
For those seeking a true adventure, hiking Mount Washington through the Appalachian Mountain trails is an unforgettable challenge. Several trails lead to the summit, with the most common route from the base requiring approximately 4–4.5 hours of hiking over steep, rocky terrain.
Although hiking to the summit sounded like an exciting adventure, we decided to take a different approach on this visit. We chose to experience the beauty of Mount Washington by driving along the scenic and winding Auto Road; a thrilling journey in itself, filled with incredible views and unforgettable moments.
It was a partly cloudy day when we set out for our Mount Washington adventure, with rain in the forecast for the afternoon. When it comes to this mountain, checking the weather is not just a suggestion; it’s practically a survival skill! The weather here has a reputation for changing its mood faster than a toddler, so choosing the right day is definitely important.
We began our journey from the base of Mount Washington via the famous Mount Washington Auto Road in Gorham; an unforgettable 8-mile wild ride to the summit. The adventure begins at the toll booth, where you pay $31 for a car and driver, plus $9 for each additional adult passenger.
But this isn’t just a toll fee; it comes with some fun perks! Visitors receive an informative audio CD, printed driving instructions, free admission to the Mount Washington Observatory Museum, and, of course, the ultimate bragging right; a legendary bumper sticker proudly declaring: “THIS CAR CLIMBED MT. WASHINGTON” 🚗🏔️ Because let’s be honest, after conquering those steep climbs and winding mountain roads, your car deserves a little recognition too!
I must admit, this was a nerve-wracking yet awe-inspiring drive to the sky. This drive is definitely not for the faint-hearted; especially for those who don’t enjoy heights, steep climbs, or roads that make you hold your breath around every turn! The 8-mile Auto Road is a thrilling adventure filled with sharp hairpin turns, dramatic mountain views, and plenty of moments where you’ll want to slow down just to admire the scenery (or to remind yourself to keep your eyes on the road!).
The road is narrow, has two-way traffic, and, in many sections, has no guardrails standing between you and the spectacular drop below. If you decide to take the wheel yourself, a confident driver, a reliable vehicle, and a good dose of courage are highly recommended. But if your nerves prefer a more relaxing experience, you can always choose a guided van tour; where someone else handles the steering while you sit back, enjoy the views, and quietly thank them for doing the hard part!
As we continued climbing higher, the landscape transformed right before our eyes. The lush green forests slowly disappeared, replaced by rugged terrain, rocky slopes, and an almost otherworldly alpine landscape. It felt like we were leaving the trees behind and entering a completely different world at the top of New Hampshire.
This 30-minute scenic roller-coaster ride through the clouds is an adventure where every turn brings a new surprise. With each twist and climb, Mount Washington keeps you wondering what’s waiting around the next corner; another breathtaking view, another dramatic landscape, or perhaps another moment of “Wow, we are really high up!”
But the real reward comes when you finally reach the summit. The spectacular panoramic views make every nervous turn and steep climb completely worth it. Of course, Mount Washington does not welcome visitors with warm sunshine and a gentle breeze. When we arrived at the top, it was a chilly 26°F (-3°C) with strong winds blowing at around 27 mph (45 km/h). The mountain was basically reminding us, “Welcome to the summit… now find your jacket!”
So, a friendly tip: bring warm layers, gloves, and a jacket before stepping out of your car. Your excitement might make you forget the cold for a few minutes, but the wind will quickly bring you back to reality!
Once outside, the views were absolutely incredible, stretching for miles in every direction. From the observatory, the 360-degree panoramic view reveals a breathtaking landscape that can include parts of four states (Maine, Massachusetts, New York, and Vermont), Canada, and even the Atlantic Ocean on a clear day.
The view was truly “top-notch”—quite literally, because we were standing on the top of the Northeast! 🏔️
At the summit, there is Mt. Washington Observatory which was established in 1932 to study the world’s extreme weather conditions. It is a non-profit organization which is supported by donors & corporate partners. There is also a Sherman Adams Visitor Center which houses a cafeteria, restrooms, gift shop and believe-it-or-not a post office too. You can send friends and family a post card from the summit of Mount Washington with a unique, exclusive cancellation stamp that you can only get from the top of Mount Washington! There is also an extreme weather museum at the top; offers some interesting history and perspectives of life at the top of the world. There is the Historic Tip Top House, originally a mid-1800’s hotel, restored in the 1960’s as a museum.
I wondered if Mount Washington’s tourism came to a halt during the harsh winter months. But the answer is a big “absolutely not!” In fact, winter is when the mountain transforms into an entirely different world. The Mount Washington Snow Coaches continue to take adventurous visitors above the treeline, offering a once-in-a-lifetime experience surrounded by snow-covered wilderness. Just imagining that icy adventure gives me goosebumps!
For those who love winter adventures, there are plenty of ways to embrace the snowy landscape. Visitors can enjoy activities like snowshoeing, tubing, and cross-country skiing by purchasing a “Trails Total” ticket, which includes a Snow Coach ride along with ski, tube, and snowshoe rentals. It sounds like the perfect way to experience the magic of a true New Hampshire winter wonderland.
After spending time soaking in the breathtaking, almost mystical panoramic views from the summit, we began our descent back down the mountain. The journey downhill requires just as much attention as the drive up. Drivers are advised to keep their vehicles in first gear while descending to help control speed and reduce strain on the brakes. Even then, it’s a good idea to stop at one or two scenic pullouts; not only to admire the views one last time but also to give your brakes a chance to cool down. (Your car deserves a little mountain break too!)
The Mount Washington Auto Road is more than just a drive; it is an unforgettable adventure filled with thrilling moments, stunning scenery, and memories that stay with you long after you leave. This incredible journey to the summit is definitely one experience that deserves a spot on every traveler’s bucket list.
If you are the kind of person who believes there is no such thing as “too cold” for ice cream (because ice cream is a feeling, not a season 😉), then I have the perfect place for you—Trail End Ice Cream in Intervale. Even when the temperature is flirting with the freezing point, this little gem serves up happiness by the scoopful! They offer a delicious variety of homemade ice cream flavors, and the portions are generous enough to make you wonder if they accidentally misunderstood the meaning of “one scoop.”
During our visit, we treated ourselves to a sundae with two scoops served in an almond bowl; because after all, a mountain adventure deserves a sweet reward! The ice cream was absolutely delicious, and enjoying it while soaking in the spectacular views of Mount Washington made the experience even more special.
Cold weather, chilly hands, and a melting dessert? Absolutely worth it! Sometimes the best memories are made when you’re standing outside in a jacket, holding ice cream, and happily ignoring the temperature. 🍦🏔️
Hopefully, we will come soon again to this Granite state which has so many adventurous experiences to offer.
Till then enjoy reading & keep traveling!!!!!
🌿 Stay on the Trail!
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