Granite State aims beyond leaf-peeping in fall

August 26, 2007|N.H. Deals, Richard P. Carpenter, Globe Correspondent

New Hampshire is a special place to be as summer slides into autumn. This sampling of offerings shows just how special:

The Glen Oaks Inn in Intervale has a four-night package called the White Mountain Experience. Included are lodging, a full country breakfast daily, afternoon beverages, a trip for two on the Cog Railroad to the top of Mount Washington, dinner for two one evening, a gondola ride for two over the Wildcat Mountain ski area, a three-hour Moose Tour for two, and (on Tuesday-Thursday or Saturday) a 1 3/4-hour journey on North Conway's Chocorua dining car with dinner. The cost for two is $875, and the offer is available until Sept. 15.

Call 877-854-6535 or visit glenoaksinn.com.

Waterville Valley's Fall Unlimited Package starts at $69 per night and, in addition to lodging, can include mountain biking, tennis, and golf, plus access to the White Mountain Athletic Club and Waterville Valley Recreation's open gym program. Because such activities are included in the price, families may save 50 percent or more. Participants choose from lodging ranging from a one-bedroom hotel room to a five-bedroom condominium at establishments that include the Town Square Condominiums, Golden Eagle Lodge, Black Bear Lodge, Snowy Owl Inn, and Village Condominiums.

Call 800-468-2553 or go to visitwatervillevalley.com.

The Lakes Region, with Lake Winnipesaukee as its centerpiece, is naturally a haven for outdoor activities. But it is also an increasingly popular place for spa treatments. For example, the Lake Opechee Inn and Spa in Lakeport has a variety of package plans, one titled Time to Reconnect. The offer includes two nights lodging with country continental breakfasts, champagne and chocolate truffles, a 60-minute couple's massage, and a gift bag from Tranquility Springs Wellness Spa. In Tranquil Season (Oct. 22-May 17), prices range from $239 to $379. In the Inn Season (May 18-Oct. 21), prices are $289-$439.

Call 603-524-0111 or visit lakeoinnandspa.com.

Also in the region, the Highland Lake Inn in East Andover has a Buy One Night, Get the Second Night Free offer throughout this year, subject to availability. Rates at the 10-room bed-and-breakfast are $145-$175 including breakfast. The inn is located on seven acres adjoining a 21-acre nature preserve.

Call 603-735-6426. The website is highlandlakeinn.com.

The Conway Scenic Railroad Fall Package, available Sept. 1-Oct. 14, takes riders to the doorstep of the Appalachian Mountain Club. A round-trip ride on Conway Scenic Railroad includes dinner and an overnight stay at the AMC Highland Center, where some of the guest benefits are walk-on naturalist programs and complimentary use of L.L. Bean gear. Prices start at $106 per person.

Call 603-278-4453, ext. 2001, and mention this package. The website is outdoors.org.