 |
THE GRANDE DAME PLUS NATURE'S GLORY
Mt Washington Hotel of New Hampshire
By Kent St John
Her beauty hasn't faded; she is prettier than ever. For over 100 years visitors to the White Mountains have stayed in a place that matches the magnificence of the surrounding Presidential Mountain Range. Today, the Mount Washington Hotel offers elegance, pleasure and the opportunity for numerous outdoor adventures.
The hotel is a symbol of what local residents can do to recapture their heritage. In 1991 the hotel was purchased at auction by the MWH Preservation Limited Partnership for 3.12 million dollars. The partnership, spearheaded by Wayne Presby and Joel Bedor, has since consolidated the 27-hole golf course and Bretton Woods Ski Area under one umbrella.
The group is made up of members of four local families and today provides employment to many native residents. Better yet, the hotel has options for all budgets and travel desires. Everyone has a special place that requires yearly (sometimes more) returns. Residents will tell you that in honor of Wayne Presby we nicknamed the Grand Dame, "Wayne's World". A world we have become a part of.
"Look at me, gentlemen ... for I am the poor fool who built all this." Those were the words of New Hampshire resident Joseph Stickney in 1902 upon completion of the Mount Washington Hotel. Thank god for fools!
Traveling up the mile long driveway toward the hotel is a captivating experience that doesn't diminish no matter how many times you take it. The 200 room pearl white Spanish Renaissance structure has the majestic Mount Washington for its focal companion. The main hotel has over 900 ft. of verandah that captures the heart of the Presidential Range.
Upon entry you will step back 100 years! Huge stone fireplaces and a grand lobby will mark a period in time not found in many places today. It takes you back to the days when a vacation meant enjoying your companions, nature and place.
Staying with the Chauffeurs
Okay, it sounds like big bucks. Well never fear, the hotel offers special packages and great accommodations for those that want the lux with out the bucks! The Mt. Washington offers several options to cover all budgets. I personally like to stay in the Bretton Arms Country Inn. It's on the hotel grounds and each of the 34 rooms is filled with Victorian charm. It is also where the chauffeurs stayed while the big bank bosses cozied up at the main hotel. The small restaurant on the ground floor offers meals that any bon vivant would love. A wonderful lower budget option is the Bretton Woods Motor Inn with views of the Grande Dame.
If going with a group or larger family, a great alternative is to rent a Townhouse mountainside. They are large, comfortable and offer fireplaces, decks and full home facilities. Better yet is the ability to use all quarters of the massive property. All events and activities are covered under any choice of accommodation, and shuttle service is provided. All that surrounds you is National Forest, mountains and visual beauty.
The Bugle Plays
Every morning a newsletter called "The Bugle" is printed, and the day's events are listed. Options vary season to season and often include special interest themes. One of my all time favorites is the pyrotechnics class offered over the 4th of July. The chance to see a world class show being set up is amazing. Even better is watching them go off. The Mt. Washington display rivals any big city.
The resort also offers many special event weekends such as Murder Mystery and Gourmet Dinning. The best event may just be relaxing and doing nothing at all. The veranda is a great place to just sit and space on the mountains and the trout-filled stream that passes the hotel. Getting lost on one of the many trails is also a peaceful selection. If in the mood, do it on the back of a horse.
The Hotel has only remained open in the winter since 2000, but is fully geared up for winter activities. Downhill skiing at the Bretton Woods Area can be interspersed with sleigh rides, ice-skating, snow tubing or enjoying the huge stone fireplace in the lobby. No matter how you spend the day, nights end in The Cave. The Cave is the one of the hotel's lounges and has a great history. It was built into the basement during prohibition times and retains a "let the good times roll" attitude.
Thank God for Another Fool
Even before Joseph Stickney gained fame as the fool that built the Mt. Washington Hotel, another man conquered an impossible dream. A meatpacking tycoon presented the idea of a train up to the summit of Mt. Washington. Members of the New Hampshire Legislature laughed at Sylvester Marsh. It was said that he "might as well build a railway to the moon". Today you can ride to the moon and to one of the wildest places on earth.
Here are some fun facts about the top of Mt. Washington and the Cog.
* The average snowfall is 177 inches.
* The highest wind velocity ever recorded worldwide was at the summit of Mt. Washington (231miles per hour)
* Each trip to the summit on the Cog Railway uses one ton of coal and 1,000 gallons of water.
* At Jacob's Ladder the grade measures 37.4%. That means that there is a 14-foot height difference between passengers in the front and back of the coach.
* The Cog was the first mountain climbing railway in the world and is the only one still in operation that runs entirely on coal fired steam.
* The Cog is one of the coolest ways to travel ever! That is a fact, at least to me.
One Big Playground
The White Mountain region is dominated by the 780,000-acre White Mountain National Forest, complete with 48 mountains topping 4000 feet and 49 scenic villages. While hiking is fabulous the region is also easily explored by car. There are only 2 National Scenic Byways in Northern New England and both are in the heart of the "Whites".
The best known scenic route is the Kancamagus Highway (also the only Federally Scenic Byway in NE) that runs 34 miles from Lincoln to Conway. Over 90% of the "Kanc" run through the National Forest. Unspoiled best describes the ride, mountains, streams and scenery. The other National Scenic Byway includes the "Kanc" but includes more. The White Mountain Trail is a 100 mile loop. Wooded roadsides with covered bridges and small villages make for a very pleasant ride. You can catch the trail on route 302 just as you exit the Mount Washington Hotel.
Hear is a list of hidden gems, check the Directory for web sites.
* Bath - Covered bridges and the oldest general store in the country.
* Littleton - Picturesque main street with unique shops and fine restaurants. Two especially choice places to eat are The Depot and the Italian Oasis. The Depot's owner Rick Tillton has a global reputation. Wayne Morello of the Oasis is a fountain of local knowledge.
* The Basin - One of the first scenic stops along the Franconia Notch Parkway. The whirlpool Vlike waterfalls is believed to have been formed 15,000 years ago. This was also once a great spot to see the Old Man in the Mountains: c. 30,000 b.c. V May 2, 2003 Read the sidebar link to see what become of New Hampshire's best known icon.
* Moose Watch - American Moose, reaching 6 ft. and 1200 pounds are best spotted on route 302 between Twin Mountain and Crawford Notch. The same 302 that passes the Mount Washington.
* Crawford Notch- This area has the highest waterfalls, outlook ledges and trailside features. Hiking trails aplenty!
* Jackson - A covered bridge and white steepled church make Jackson a stand out. Jackson has a lively arts scene. Nordic ski trails are best in the East.
North Conway and Conway - Shopping is king here. Outlets are mixed with unique boutiques. The area is also one of New England's best gatherings of fine restaurants. Weekend and leaf-peeking season can create horrific traffic so plan accordingly.
Back in Time, Back in Space
Northern New Hampshire is a special place that will satisfy and comfort. It is not a late night, club crawl kind of place. Mountains, scenery and outdoor activity are in abundance. Like the Mount Washington Hotel echoes of a simpler yet dignified mood prevails. You cannot help but to fall into step with what's important and what's not. In the end you will find out that you will want to come back and recharge.
Get planning Guide
Do your self-a favor and see why stays at historical resorts are becoming a new trend. The MT. Wash is truly a step back into a special place. It is now a place for the future.
www.mtwashington.com (800) 258- 0330
My favorite place at the Resort, close but with its own special appeal, The Bretton Arms
www.brettonarms.com (800) 258-0330
One special way to view the world, the Cogg Railway
www.thecog.com (800) 922- 8825
New Hampshire's largest ski area. Ski the glades at one of Ski Magazines favorite places.
www.brettonwoods.com (603) 278- 3320
www.brettonwoods.com/alpineski.html
These links will give you some fine outdoor options for a visit to the White Mountains.
www.nhoutdoors.com/nh_guides.htm
www.visitnh.gov/todo.html?action=showregion&nhregion=wm
www.fs.fed.us/r9/white/
pages.citenet.net/users/ctmx1141/newhamp.htm
www.visitwhitemountains.com/htmdocs/activity/fishing.htm
www.wildernessmaps.com/crawford/
www.cs.dartmouth.edu/whites/index.html
Scenic drives through mountains, notches and villages.
www.byways.org/travel/byway.html?CX_BYWAY=2458
Towns along the way
www.littletongristmill.com
Villages to see
www.littletongristmill.com
Moose watching, one of life's great pleasures!
www.gomoose.com
|
