This year, I took my annual fall girl’s trip to Lincoln, NH with one of my sisters and one of my cousins. We were looking for fall charm and unfortunately, it just didn’t work out that way. It was hot, we were missing prime leaf peeping time, and many of the activities we planned for were a little, well, underwhelming. Maybe it would have been different if there was a chill in the air or more of a fall hue, but to be quite honest, there were also some aspects of the trip that might not have met expectations even if the weather was fallier (Is that a word?). So here are some of the places we went and things we did and how I truly felt about them. I read several blogs that severely oversold these items and I felt a little tricked. I’m not saying don’t visit Lincoln, NH, I’m just saying that unless you are there the week where the leaves are at their peak of color, then make sure you have reasonable expectations. We adjusted our itinerary because we kind of ran out of things to do, so I have also included some places that weren’t on my original plan.
Flume Gorge–Overrated
If this is your first hike ever then you might be impressed. But with the $20 price tag to walk in the woods, even a first-timer is going to be left feeling a little underwhelmed. Don’t get me wrong, it’s a nice walk, but some of the other hikes I did for free in NH are more impressive. The story of how the gorge was found (by a 93 year old lady in the 1800’s out for a walk) was interesting, but the hike leaves a lot to be desired. And did I mention it cost $20 to go on a walk? Yeah, that’s a no for me dawg.
Basin Cascade Hiking Trail–Meets Expectations
Ok, so this hike met my expectations and I didn’t even finish the whole hike. It’s a short 2.6 miles, out and back, and mostly uphill climbing along exposed tree roots. However, it’s the views and path along the side of rocky waterfalls and pools that got me excited. We didn’t finish the whole hike because we kept stopping to veer slightly off the path to rock scramble and play in the water. I even fulfilled a wild swimming moment and stripped down to my undies to swim in the insanely cold water. I hope the folks on the rocks below enjoyed the show.
Kancamagus Highway–Meets Expectations IF
This well-known highway meets expectations if you are there during peak leaf season. This is also a fabulous option for leaf peepers who have mobility issues or don’t enjoy hiking. There’s a $14.99 audio guide you can download, but I’d save the change and just read a little about the highway before you start the drive. The leaves were on their way to peak season when we were there, but I can imagine it’s a pretty spectacular sight if you time it just right.
Small towns of Lincoln, Conway, North Conway, and Woodstock, NH–Overrated
I expect small towns to be small, but the way they are sold on the travel blogs I read leading up to this trip was that they were small but full of charm….well either they lied or I have different expectations as for what passes for charming. There are very few restaurants, coffee shops, and retail spots. Maybe after a long day of skiing when you just want to eat and head back to your lodging they suffice, but after my trip to VT last year I was hoping for a little more character. It might feel more charming if you book a cabin in the woods and plan to cook for yourself versus going out. If you stay in a place like Lincoln, plan a more outdoors centered trip and it may meet your needs and expectations more closely. If you are looking for real charm, check out my post on Stowe, VT.
Coastal Cities of Portsmouth, MA and Portland, ME–Meets Expectations
We adjusted our itineraries and visited both these spots on our trip, and both of these did not disappoint. Portsmouth, MA had streets lined with darling cafes, restaurants and shops. The surrounding neighborhoods were filled with adorable New England houses and just wandering around the picturesque area was a delight. Portland, ME was more of a hipster vibe but a great place to chill and enjoy the nautical landscape. We hung out at the Liquid Riot brewery, sampled the potato donuts at The Holy Donut, popped in the adorable shops, and did a little lighthouse hopping. Both of these places make a great half day or one day stay on a New England road trip.
Artists Bluff–Overrated
The hike is nice enough and the viewpoint is lovely, but it is CROWDED. And honestly, I thought the views from the hikes and drives below brought out the leaf color better. The view of the hillsides are crisscrossed with the vacant ski slopes and there is a small lake at the bottom. It’s nice enough, but like I said, I found the drives and pulling off to random viewpoints more enjoyable than sitting next to hundreds of nearest and not dearest strangers looking at a mediocre view.
Windy Ridge Apple Orchard and Cider Mil AND Contoocook Cider Company–-Meets Expectations
Ok, so Windy Ridge Apple Orchard is more of a kid friendly place, but the sweet mom and pop vibe and the delicious apple cider donuts, apple crisp, and apple cider slushies puts this in the meets expectations category. Also, the back-roads drive from Lincoln to the orchard is beautiful. Honestly, one of my favorites moments on this trip was making this 35 minute drive with the windows down, enjoying the foliage, and listening to T-Swift.
The Contoocook Cider Company definitely met expectations. It is a great gathering place to sit back with a flight of hard ciders and enjoy the view and live music! There is also a little shop upstairs where you can purchase apple items including apple cider donuts that have a slight clove taste to them. I definitely enjoyed sitting with my girls and chatting it up over our flight of cider…even if I did spill one all over the front of my pants. NO, I did not not overindulge–I am just super clumsy.
Salem, MA–Meets Expectations
On our way back to Boston where we flew out, we stopped for a day in Salem, MA. I would definitely encourage a half to full day in Salem. I personally don’t think you need a full day, but it is a nice place if you want to take it easy and spend the night. There are several witchy themed shops, museums and house tours dedicated to the Salem Witch Trials, and several historical landmarks to check out as well. I don’t think there’s a bad time to visit Salem but, I think it’s best enjoyed in the month of October, when it’s cooler, and at night. I spent the afternoon there and returned at night for a History and Hauntings tour. The vibe at night was drastically different and even more enjoyable. Check out all the Hocus Pocus movie scene spots, sip a magical cocktail at the reportedly haunted restaurant Rockefellas, and brush up on the frustrating history of the Salem Witch Trials at the Salem Witch Museum.
What I’d Do Differently Next Time
I recognize that I just hit a few highlights of the region and I think I would go back if I planned things differently. For one, I would make it a full on road trip and stay the night at multiple locations. If my schedule wasn’t set in stone, I would also make every effort to go there during peak leaf time (something I think is mainly achievable through a road trip). Or, I would create more of a hiking centered trip, and stay in a cabin in the woods versus looking for daily activities to fill my time and fall dreams. Maybe I put too much fall aesthetic and fall vibe pressure on the trip, but I do stand by my recommendations on the individual places/activities above. If you have other recs or an itinerary that fulfilled your fall wishes, please send them my way!
Totally agree with all of this! Of those towns, North Conway had the most I felt like. But definitely not a full day kind of town.