The White Mountains area in New Hampshire is a phenomenal place for a summer family trip. It is in reasonable distance of the Greater New York area and offers so many nature trips and adventure opportunities. The scenery is magnificent and there are so many family friendly places to stay and things to do.

When I was a teen I spent two weeks with my family one summer in the White Mountains. We had a really grand time hiking, biking, boating and visiting the local attractions. Although I generally like to visit new places,  I knew this was one place I wanted to return to. I decided to wait for my own kids to get older to really enjoy the nature and attractions fully. Although our oldest children were teens we had some little ones with us as well and there were appropriate activities both for the teens and for the younger children as well.

We stayed in the town of Lincoln. We rented a ski condo in the Clearbrook development across Loon Mountain. Lincoln is a nice little town with spectacular views of the mountains with the picturesque Pemigewasset River flowing through many parts of the town. Just driving down the Main Street offers beautiful views all around.

During the summer there are daily minyanim in Lincoln set up by Chabad. The weekday minyanim meet at the Days Inn in Lincoln. It is best to check at http://lincolnnhminyan.com/ to confirm the times and that the minyanim will be in place. For Shabbos Chabad supplies Sifrei Torah to individual families staying in the Loon Mountain area in order to put together Shabbos minyanim. It is best to be in touch with Rabbi Levi Krinsky: minyan@lincolnnhminyan.com to make sure there will be Shabbos minyanim within walking distance. The Price Chopper on Paper Mill Drive in Lincoln does carry some kosher food but items and stock vary, I would not rely on it heavily.

The town of Bethlehem, a 30-minute drive from Lincoln, has more Jewish amenities than Lincoln. I personally find Lincoln to be more scenic but many people chose to stay in Bethlehem and like it there.  Bethlehem is equipped with a year round shul at Congregation Machzikei Hadath. A bit down the road, located in the Presidential Mountain Resort, there is a fully stocked kosher grocery including dairy foods, frozen foods and an option of ordering some hot take out in the summer. Although we brought our food with us we enjoyed a cholov Yisrael ice cream.

Both Lincoln and Bethlehem are well situated near many attractions. Most popular attractions and nature trips are an average of a half hour drive.

Posted: December 1,  2021

Information, prices and hours posted here are current as of the posted or updated date. It is advisable to call ahead or check online to confirm hours and prices.