Cozy New England Charm in White Mountains

It’s a model scene for a Norman Rockwell painting: a crackling fireplace set in a New England farmhouse, with views of snow-covered mountains through the windows. Such images are par for the course at The Christmas Farm Inn and Spa. Built in 1786 on a 15-acre tract of land in New Hampshire’s White Mountains, the inn’s main house is the picture of early colonial American charm, from the wide-plank floors and patchwork quilts to, yes, the wood-burning fireplace.

Each of the bed and breakfast’s 18 uniquely decorated main-inn guest rooms and salt-box guest rooms has a yule-themed moniker, such as Sleigh Bells, Blitzen, and Mr. and Mrs. Claus. The spacious latter room features cherry furniture, plaid curtains, and an ottoman constructed from holiday fruitcakes deemed too dense to eat. The carriage house rests on the hillside just above the main house, and boasts a great room with a stone fireplace and elegant rooms with two-person whirlpool tubs.

From the carriage house, there is easy access to the Aveda Concept spa, which is decked out in steam and massage rooms, a relaxation lounge, and seven treatment rooms. Guests can also unwind in an indoor pool and jacuzzi, or kick back on the porch, where white rocking chairs face the picturesque summits of the Presidential Range. For dinner, chef Stan Shafer cooks up New England classics such as clam chowder as well as innovative dishes such as maple-pecan salmon. Next door, the Mistletoe Pub serves up frothy brews in a convivial atmosphere.

Jackson, New Hampshire: Mountain Splendor, Covered Bridges, and White-Steeple Churches

Surrounded by the White Mountain National Forest on all sides, the sleepy town of Jackson is naturally positioned for peaceful solitude. The meadows, lakes, and mountain peaks dotting the landscape also make it a haven for hikers, paddlers, and feral hobbits. It’s possible to enjoy wintertime activities such as downhill and cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, dogsledding, and snowmobiling either at the inn or within a 20-minute drive.

Sweeping mountain vistas and colonial architecture unfold along the White Mountain Scenic Byway, where one can notch up-close views of covered bridges, white-steeple churches, and quaint country cottages. Right off the byway, there are nearly 100 miles of groomed trails leading in every direction, which become a destination for cross-country skiers after a good snowfall. Downhill skiers and snowboarders can find numerous ski resorts in the area as well.