The White Mountains Are Beautiful on Any Budget

The White Mountains region of New Hampshire has earned its place among the nation’s best spots to see fall foliage.

Viewing the stunning fall colors are free, but you should expect to shell out at least a few bucks for hotels, meals and attractions. Here are a few options.

BUDGET

Stay: Why not soak in nature’s fall colors by staying at a campground? North Conway – abuzz with leaf-peepers in September and October – has two options, including the Saco River Camping Area with two playgrounds and hot showers. It’s open through Oct. 10.

Do: The Cannon Mountain Aerial Tramway is an unforgettable way to enjoy mountain foliage. A cable car takes visitors to the 4,080-foot summit. On clear days, you can see Canada. Flume Gorge, a breathtaking trail that runs through a chasm, is just 10 minutes away.

Dine: North Conway has all kinds of affordable eats. Hit up the Stairway Cafe for breakfast, Moat Mountain Smoke House & Brewing Co. for barbecue, the Peking Sunrise Restaurant and Lounge for Asian fare, or Merlino’s Family Steakhouse for meatier dishes.

MID-RANGE

Stay: Best Western properties in the area combine smart accommodations with nice prices. Options include the Best Western Silver Fox Inn, in Waterville Valley, and the Best Western White Mountain Inn, in Franconia, which is just a short ride from Franconia Notch State Park.

Do: The Mount Washington Cog Railway is a scenic way to reach Mount Washington, the highest peak in the Northeast. Guests enjoy a three-hour round-trip journey that includes an hour at the summit. Take in “Extreme Mount Washington,” which details the peak’s wild weather.

Dine: Jackson is a popular spot for families making a weekend getaway to Storyland. You’ll find an attractive dining area and friendly staff at Highfields Restaurant, said one AAA inspector, while The Wentworth Inn’s candlelit ambiance makes for a memorable meal.

LUXURY

Stay: The AAA Four Diamond Rated Inn at Thorn Hill & Spa, in Jackson, offers guest rooms and cottages. Enjoy majestic mountain views on the inn’s spacious deck. A AAA inspector wrote that the inn provides the complete package when it comes to unwinding, relaxing and being pampered.

Do: The spa at the Omni Mount Washington Resort, a AAA Four Diamond Rated property in Bretton Woods, earned a AAA inspector’s “Best Of” award in 2018 for its private guest areas and staff’s attention to personal care. The inspector was especially fond of the spa’s eucalyptus aromatherapy steam room.

Dine: Bretton Woods has two AAA Four Diamond Rated restaurants. One of them – The Dining Room at Omni Bretton Arms Inn – earned a AAA inspector’s personal favorite award this year for its passionate and creative chef and luxurious setting featuring a fireplace, classical music and upscale artwork.

Have you spent time in the White Mountains? Leave a comment to tell us about the experience!

Let AAA help you find the best hotel room for your next White Mountains getaway. Start here.