I grew up in New Hampshire, and we go back every Christmas to celebrate the holidays with the grandparents, but we rarely get to play tourist in my own home state. Turns out, there?s still tons to do after New Hampshire?s famous fall foliage season has ended. Winter in the White Mountains is for skiing, sledding, small-town charm and gorgeous snow-scape views.
1. Climb every mountain
You don?t have to be a mountaineer or hardcore hiking family to enjoy the White Mountains. Have you ever seen those ?This car climbed Mt. Washington? bumper stickers" They refer to Mount Washington, the highest?and one of the windiest!?points in the northeastern US, and it?s a super-popular route with road trippers. Unfortunately, from late October to early May the popular Auto Road to the summit is closed, so you won?t be able to drive there in your own car. As an alternate option, look into the Mt. Washington SnowCoach?a vehicle with giant triangular tracks that will take you up to the treeline. (If your kids are early risers, you might even consider the Sunrise SnowCoach tours, offered on specific dates.) Photo: Ariel Brewster
2. All aboard
Both the popular Cog Railway (this is the one that ascends Mt. Washington) and the Mountaineer Crawford Notch train (a route that winds through the mountain passes) are closed in winter. But if you?ve got a train-loving toddler in your family, the valley route with North Conway Scenic Railway is still worth it. It?s a peaceful, guided one-hour round...