Romantic Things To Do in New Hampshire in Winter

Ahhh…..winter is a magical time in New Hampshire, and there’s nothing like cuddling up by a fire or enjoying an intimate candlelit dinner with a special someone. Of course, we outdoorsy people prefer to shred alongside our best bud, but hey, there will be something for everyone!  

If you are planning a romantic trip with your partner, think about visiting New Hampshire! From numerous rides in spectacular landscapes to countless fine dining options, the Granite State has everything you need to charm the socks off your special someone!

Romantic Scenic Rides in New Hampshire

1. Sleigh Rides

Enjoy a romantic sleigh ride on the mountains, along the lakes, or on a traditional farm. A perfect place that offers sleigh rides every winter is the Charmingfare Farm in the Merrimack Valley Region. You’ll go through their beautiful farm and if you’re lucky, spot native turkeys, foxes, coyotes, and deer along the way.

Another option is the ultimate romantic sleigh ride at Franconia Notch Stables. It’s also located in the White Mountains Region, where you’ll be taken through a beautiful scenic ride in the stables, complete with a complimentary hot cocoa bar and a unique champagne toast ride for couples.

For a whole night experience, try the Nestlenook Farm where you’ll be taken in an Austrian sleigh ride through the forest and along the Ellis River. After the ride, you can enjoy a private campfire with s’mores kits and hot cocoa. Few things scream romance more than cuddling around a crackling fire!

2. Scenic Gondola Rides

Enjoy New Hampshire in all its wintry glory with a scenic gondola ride! A favorite is the Gondola Skyride to the summit of Loon Peak. With its 1.3-mile ascent, it’s one of the highest scenic gondolas in the state.

Another good choice is the Bretton Woods Skyway Gondola which only opens in the winter. You’ll get to enjoy a panoramic view on the way and at the top, where you can dine at Switchback Grille or Peaks Cafe.  

3. Scenic Railroad

Go to the Conway Scenic Railroad to board a five-hour trip on a steam locomotive from North Conway and around the Sawyers River. Built in 1921, the steam locomotive 7470 was restored in 1974 and brought back to service in 2019 after a five-year hiatus.

If altitude is your thing, try the Mount Washington Cog Railway, the first-in-the-world mountain-climbing cog railway that makes a round trip to the summit of the highest peak in the Northeast. At the peak, you’ll find comfortable warming huts, a blazing fire pit, and hot refreshments.

Romantic Outdoor Adventures

1. Skiing and Snowboarding

New Hampshire is a mecca for the snow sports enthusiast. With over 300 miles of trails and 128 chair lifts, the area is home to some of the best ski resorts in the nation. Try the Bretton Woods Ski Area, the winner of the best snow and grooming in the East for the 2024-2025 season by SKI magazine. It’s the largest ski area with 464 acres of skiable terrain and over 60 trails to suit all levels.

The area also has a 92% snow-making capability to cover its trails. For a more unique experience, head to the Gunstock Mountain Resort for some night skiing and tubing. You can enjoy 22 illuminated trails under the night sky, ending your session with drinks at the Barrel Bar and Grille.

2. Skating and Tubing

If skiing and snowboarding aren’t your things, you can try skating and tubing in North Conway. The Schouler Park Skating Rink in Conway offers an intimate, fun time amidst the stunning scenery of the North Conway Village and the dramatic White Mountains.

For tubing, head to Cranmore Mountain Resort, rated as New Hampshire’s number-one tubing hill. With 10 tubing lanes, visitors can relax in the numerous restaurants, patios, and lounge areas after a full day of activities.

3. Ice Castles

Explore Ice Castles wonderland experience on Clark Farm Road, North Woodstock. Every year in winter, Ice Castles bring fairy tales to life. You can find ice slides, caverns, archways, and crawl tunnels throughout the magical attraction.

There’s also the romantic mystic forest light walk, where your path is illuminated in the magical glow of winter at night. Enjoy a frosty ice bar at the Polar Pub or book a private alcove for special occasions.  

Best Luxury Spa & Retreat in NH

1. Snowga Retreat in the White Mountain National Forest

Those into yoga can book you and your partner into a Snowga retreat which includes daily yoga classes, meals, a horse-drawn sleigh ride with champagne, and evening bonfires and s’mores.

The retreat leaves you feeling connected with nature throughout the whole stay and gives you privacy with your loved one. For those who want to play outdoors, they also offer skiing or snowshoeing.

2. Mountain View Grand Resort and Spa

Everyone deserves a treat every now and again, so indulge yourself and your partner and book yourself a luxurious treatment at the Mountain View Grand Resort and Spa. Their exclusive Tower Spa is a beautiful top-floor oasis with stunning views of majestic peaks.

Book yourself a couple’s massage or some alternative therapies to recharge your batteries after a day out exploring. Then, enjoy some healthy bites from the spa cuisine menu for some guilt-free indulgence!  

3.Church Landing at Mill Falls Resort

Book a private room at Church Landing, which is Meredith’s premier lakefront lodging set on the shores of beautiful Lake Winnipesaukee, and to truly pamper yourself, visit the Cascade Spa and book yourself a couple’s massage.

The resort’s rooftop spa offers a panoramic view of the gorgeous surroundings, and you can choose from several types of massages to enjoy amidst spectacular scenery.

4. The Glen House Hotel

The Glen House Hotel at Mount Washington is the perfect place for a romantic getaway. Created in the 1850s, the hotel painstakingly preserves its historical furnishing, decor, and fixtures, offering visitors a unique, quaint experience.

Glen House features an indoor, heated, saltwater pool for those wanting to relax after a day of skiing. You can also opt for romantic evenings with the outdoor firepit or cozy up with a blanket and order cocktails from the bar. For a luxurious dinner, book a table at the Notch Grille where local produce is made into modern country comfort foods.

5. Omni Mount Washington Resort

Be at the heart of the action at Omni Mount Washington Resort in Bretton Woods. The hotel also has a 25,000-square-foot spa and wellness center, where you can enjoy sweeping views of Mount Washington, the Presidential Range, and Crawford Notch.

Splurge for the Romantic Package, where you get a bottle of sparkling wine paired with sweet treats in your room, all meticulously arranged by your concierge. For the active, there’s also a ski-for-free package when you book your accommodation.

Enjoy Fine Dining and Romantic Meals

1.The Puddle Dock

Located in the Strawbery Banke Museum, the Puddle Dock is a restaurant that offers modern colonial dishes with a twist. It uses local ingredients and has in-house desserts to spoil you after your meal. The building was once a general store, and it still has historic exposed beams that will instantly take you back to colonial times.

2. The Ledges

Enjoy a panoramic view of the White Mountain at the Ledges! Featuring the freshest produce and ingredients, the restaurant focuses on contemporary New England cuisine. Another highlight is their wine collection, which has received multiple Wine Spectator’s Awards of Excellence.

3. Americus

Located at the LaBelle Winery Derry, Americus features farm-to-table dishes with an international flair. It’s a perfect place for those who love their drinks because it serves all LaBelle wines, craft cocktails, craft beers, and non-alcoholic beverages. Book early to get a place near their picturesque pond and firepit at night!  

4.Harvest Tavern

Another farm-to-table restaurant with an excellent view is the Harvest Tavern. Located in the Mountain View Grand Resort and Spa, it's the perfect place to end your day after relaxing at the spa and skiing outdoors. They also serve a wide variety of handcrafted cocktails that you can enjoy.

5. Cafe Lafayette Dinner Train

For a unique experience, try Cafe Lafayette Dinner Train that’s located in the scenic White Mountains. The experience features a two-hour train ride and a 5-course dinner on the 1950s restored vintage rail car. You’ll travel along the Pemi River Valley from the North Woodstock station along 3 trestle bridges and a Christmas tree farm in Thornton before returning to the station.

Final Thoughts

There you go! There are tons of romantic things to do in New Hampshire in winter. Outdoorsy folks can spend time on the vast amount of skiable terrain and those who want something more tame can enjoy numerous activities like a shared spa experience, intimate dinners, and romantic sleigh rides.

New Hampshire in winter is truly magical. Grab your special someone and come visit us this season. We, at Gidana Getaways, are looking forward to welcoming you to our Granite State!

FAQs

1. What are the best romantic things to do in New Hampshire during winter?

The best romantic things to do in New Hampshire during winter are going on outdoor adventures, staying at a private and relaxing hotel with a spa, having romantic dinners, and enjoying scenic rides with gondolas or vintage railroads.

2. Which scenic winter destinations are most romantic in New Hampshire?

Some of the most romantic destinations in New Hampshire are Franconia Notch Stables, Loon Peak, Bretton Woods, and North Conway.

3. Are there any romantic resorts or hotels in New Hampshire for a winter getaway?

Yes, there are. Omni Mount Washington Resort, The Glen House Hotel, Church Landing at Mills Falls, and Mountain View Grand Resort and Spa are popular with couples during winter. Not only will you enjoy winter activities, but you can indulge in spa and wellness treatments when you need to recharge.

4. What outdoor activities can couples enjoy in New Hampshire's winter?

Some outdoor activities couples may enjoy in New Hampshire are skiing, snowboarding, snowshoeing, ice skating, tubing, dog sledding, ziplining, or enjoying a night out at the Ice Castles.

5. Are there any unique winter experiences for couples in New Hampshire?

For a unique experience, book yourself into the Cafe Lafayette Dinner Train, where you can enjoy a 5-course meal aboard a vintage train. There’s also Ice Castles, a winter wonderland made of ice that only opens during winter and is available in limited locations. You can also go on a night skiing and riding session at the Gunstock Mountain Resort

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