Head To The White Mountains Of New Hampshire For A Great Winter Weekend
	"Imagine a whole New England Village dedicated to nordic skiing, with a white steepled church, covered bridges, rivers with cascading waterfalls, sundry eateries, charming country inns and a hundred miles of cross country ski trails...... Jackson, New Hampshire  is it!"
Winter enthusiasts have been drawn to the picturesque White Mountain village of  Jackson, New Hampshire for more than two hundred years. Spurred by spectacular views, soaring majestic mountains and cascading waterfalls, visitors are effortlessly transported from the hustle of modern life to a more peaceful, leisurely pace where time seems to stand still.  Today, this oasis of tranquility remains a destination for artists, vacationers and romantics.   In fact, spend just a few hours here and it's easy to understand why this tiny hamlet was named among the Ten Top Romantic Ski Towns in the country by Ski America Magazine.  All you need do is pass through the historic covered bridge, and you know you have come to a very special place.
Clockwise, from top left:  The Lodge at Jackson Village, Wentworth Inn, Wildcat Inn & Tavern, The Inn at Thorn Hill	To get started, of course, you'll want to find a place to stay, and in this regard,  we're happy to report that, even though Jackson is still a small village, it has the distinction of being home to a number of grand hotels, as well as some notable bed and breakfasts and small inns.  You'll also find some cozy and inviting small cottages, all of which provide a perfect retreat after a day of skiing or hiking the mountains.  With just a little exploring, you should find the right accommodations for your individual tastes and budget. One of the most highly recommended is The Lodge at Jackson Village, a small intimate family-run inn with only 32 rooms, several with extra amenities like whirlpool and fireplaces.  The Wentworth is an elegant New England style resort with fine dining and its own golf course for spring and summer visitors. Guests of the luxurious Inn at Thorn Hill relish in the comfort of uniquely outfitted rooms in the Main Inn and Carriage House or a selection of private cottages.  And the Wildcat Inn and Tavern offers comfortable, modestly-priced accommodations in a classic country inn with its own tavern.
One of the first things to do after your arrival is just spend a few minutes taking a quick stroll along the mile and a quarter loop that rings the Village.  You might want to stop off the J-Town Deli or the Bakery Shop for sandwiches or a cup of coffee and pastry. Take time to browse the unique shops and art galleries...and if you look carefully, tucked away behind the Jackson fire station, you find the Ravenwood Curio Shop with its intriguing collection of handmade and craft items. Like most visitors to this delightful area, you'll quickly find yourself captivated by your surroundings and the majestic landscape, with its white steepled churches, historic architecture and soaring snow-capped mountains. It's easy to understand why artists from around the world, as well as throngs of downhill and cross country skiers, consider this to be a "sublime" destination.
Of course, most winter time visitors to Jackson and the neighboring villages have come for the skiing and other outdoor activities.  Whether your preferred choice is slushing down the nearby Alpine slopes or trekking cross country on the superb Nordic trails, the White Mountains definitely have something for every skier.  Regardless of where you are staying, you'll be just a few minutes from five downhill slopes and four cross-country systems. If skiing is not your sport, you might want to try ice skating or strap on snow shoes and head out across well-maintained trails, suitable for both the novice or expert.  For these activities, perhaps your best bet would be to explore nearby Nestlenook Estate and  Resort, which offers a wide variety of seasonal recreational activities including heated Austrian sleigh rides, ice skating and snowshoeing.  For a memorable evening experience, skate away on Emerald Lake, by day or by night under the shimmering stars.	Notable & Noteworthy If no other reason, we would still suggest a visit to this rural New Hampshire enclave because it's only a short twenty minute drive across the Maine border to Stone Mountain Arts Center.  This unique and intimate 200 seat music hall, housed in a beautiful timber frame structure at the top of a mountain country road, offers a dramatic entertainment experience you will not soon forget and, for many, is reason enough to make this journey.     Surely, there must be something special to attract some of the nation's most sought-after performers to such a remote, small town venue. For example, in the coming months, the roster includes the likes of Ralph Stanley, Tom Rush, Ruthie Foster, Smothers Brothers and Nitty Gritty Dirt Band.  For schedule and information.