Mountainside Lodging with Family-Friendly Activities

With its barn-red façade and crisscrossed trusses, the covered Honeymoon Bridge has been a symbol of Jackson, New Hampshire, since it was built in 1876. It’s the main crossing over the Ellis River, which flows through Mount Washington Valley in the White Mountains. Across the bridge from town, Nordic Village Resort stretches along a 1-mile road winding up Iron Mountain. The resort combines panoramic Appalachian views with evening bonfires, live entertainment, and rustic activities. While you’re here, you can make use of two passes to nearby Great Glen Trails, where 28 miles of mountain trails are ideal for cross-country skiing in the winter and biking when it begins to warm up. The trails also provide a great view of the mountains and scene routes for hiking.

Halfway up the hill, the resort’s Nordic Village area is filled with buildings named after German and Scandinavian cities. Inside, two-room efficiency suites chase away any alpine chills via jacuzzi tubs and flickering gas fireplaces.

Climbing up the slope, you'll pass a pair of rowboats bobbing on a pond, set near a tiny farmyard inhabited by lambs and ponies. At any time of the year, it's not unusual to spot a moose or black bear peeking through the foliage in an attempt to photobomb family snapshots.

Though the hiking trails covering the nearly 165-acre property provide quite a workout, make sure to stop by the Mountain Top Fitness Center. Weight benches and cardio machines sit on persian rugs amid wall-to-wall windows overlooking scenic mountain ridges. Outside, a heated pool (opening in late May) boasts similar views, and the Mountain Club pools below steam against a forested backdrop.

Jackson, New Hampshire: Small-Town Charm near White Mountain National Forest

Located about three hours north of Boston, the town of Jackson hosts a number of family events, including the upcoming Christmas in June celebration and the Wildquack Duck River Festival, a race of more than 3,500 rubber duckies. For a quieter experience, the dining credit included with this Getaway can be used to sample home-smoked barbecue and local beers at any Valley Originals restaurant.

The White Mountain Trail provides one of the most scenic routes for exploring the surrounding White Mountain National Forest. This National Scenic Byway slips through Crawford Notch and Franconia Notch—both dramatic mountain passes. Head northwest to meet up with the 2,181-mile Appalachian Trail, or steer straight north to hit Mount Washington Auto Road, which climbs to the 6,288-foot summit of Mount Washington.

Read the Fine Print for important info on travel dates and other restrictions.