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Western White Mountain Chamber

Basecamp of the White Mountains in New Hampshire

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family friendly

The Unofficial Western White Mountains Ice Cream Guide

May 23, 2023

ice cream

While there are many signs of summer, none are quite as satisfying as that first lick of a local ice cream cone. And the second taste. And the third…honestly, we can’t get enough. We want you to enjoy as much ice cream as humanly possible in summer 2023, so grab your friends and family and take an unofficial ice cream tour of the Western White Mountains area with us! 

Maple Haven

If ice cream is a part of your seasonal camping enjoyment, you simply can’t beat Maple Haven’s ice cream. Their window is located inside the campground where you can also experience Side StrEatz Restaurant, Mooseilauke Brook, paddle-boating in the pond, and more. You can visit their ice cream window Sunday-Wednesday from noon-8 p.m. or Thursday-Saturday from noon-9 p.m.

Tripadvisor reviewers absolutely love Maple Haven:

“We enjoyed the Ice Cream every night we could,” – Chris M

“The ice cream was a good – a nice, refreshing treat after a day of hiking in the White Mountains,” – AmiLou

Visit: Maple Haven Campground, 109 Lost River Rd, North Woodstock, New Hampshire

ice cream

Coneheads

Coneheads is all about the unique factor. Their claims to fame are many, but some notable ones are:

  1. They craft about 50 flavors on-site
  2. They offer ice cream, yogurt, and sugar-free options
  3. They use locally grown items like berries for their renowned Berry Garcia and walnut halves mixed with New Hampshire Maple syrup for their Maple Walnut
  4. They provide three local restaurants with exclusive flavors they don’t offer on their own flavor board

Visitors can also see how it’s made! Visit the Coneheads Ice Cream Factory and watch first hand how their delicious product is created.

You can start enjoying ice cream at Coneheads on Memorial Weekend, or in general after Father’s Day. 

Visit: 104 Main Street, North Woodstock, New Hampshire

ice cream

Restaurant Specialities and More

  • Woodstock Inn Brewery:
    • Baked Banana Blast – Try this famous homemade dessert. ‘Banana baked in a puff pastry with brown sugar topped with vanilla ice cream, strawberries, hot fudge, and whipped cream. Takes 10-15 minutes to cook, so don’t order if you’re in a hurry :)’
    • Wicked Witch’s Waffle – Ice cream for breakfast? You bet! Enjoy a waffle topped with vanilla ice cream, strawberries and whipped cream.
  • Chutters: You can really go all out when you make ice cream sundaes at home if you stock up on almost any topping you can imagine from Chutters.
  • The Common Man: Ask about their daily flavor of Common Man-made ice cream!
  • Polly’s Pancake Parlor: Order your French Toast with ice cream for a special treat.
  • One Love Brewery: Who doesn’t love a Brownie Sundae? Try theirs which comes with vanilla ice cream for the perfect after dinner delight.

No matter where you choose to get your first cone of 2023, we know it will be wonderful, and we are fairly confident that it won’t be your last. Enjoy this summer to the fullest by trying them all. 

Filed Under: Dining Tagged With: dessert, Dining, family friendly, Family Fun, Ice Cream, Seasonal Activities, Summer, white mountains

Santa Express Train!

March 30, 2023

Our popular Santa Express Trains depart Hobo Junction Station at 1:00pm beginning the Friday after Thanksgiving, and operate weekends through mid-December. We offer Coach Class & First Class seating on all of our Santa Express Trains. Everyone on the train will meet Santa & Mrs. Claus, all young children will receive a letter that they can complete for Santa and every young child will receive a gift from Santa on the train!

Tagged With: Christmas, family friendly, Hobo Railroad, Train Ride

Santa Express Train!

March 30, 2023

Our popular Santa Express Trains depart Hobo Junction Station at 1:00pm beginning the Friday after Thanksgiving, and operate weekends through mid-December. We offer Coach Class & First Class seating on all of our Santa Express Trains. Everyone on the train will meet Santa & Mrs. Claus, all young children will receive a letter that they can complete for Santa and every young child will receive a gift from Santa on the train!

Tagged With: Christmas, family friendly, Hobo Railroad, Train Ride

Santa Express Train!

March 30, 2023

Our popular Santa Express Trains depart Hobo Junction Station at 1:00pm beginning the Friday after Thanksgiving, and operate weekends through mid-December. We offer Coach Class & First Class seating on all of our Santa Express Trains. Everyone on the train will meet Santa & Mrs. Claus, all young children will receive a letter that they can complete for Santa and every young child will receive a gift from Santa on the train!

Tagged With: Christmas, family friendly, Hobo Railroad, Train Ride

Santa Express Train!

March 30, 2023

Our popular Santa Express Trains depart Hobo Junction Station at 1:00pm beginning the Friday after Thanksgiving, and operate weekends through mid-December. We offer Coach Class & First Class seating on all of our Santa Express Trains. Everyone on the train will meet Santa & Mrs. Claus, all young children will receive a letter that they can complete for Santa and every young child will receive a gift from Santa on the train!

Tagged With: Christmas, family friendly, Hobo Railroad, Train Ride

Santa Express Train!

March 30, 2023

Our popular Santa Express Trains depart Hobo Junction Station at 1:00pm beginning the Friday after Thanksgiving, and operate weekends through mid-December. We offer Coach Class & First Class seating on all of our Santa Express Trains. Everyone on the train will meet Santa & Mrs. Claus, all young children will receive a letter that they can complete for Santa and every young child will receive a gift from Santa on the train!

Tagged With: Christmas, family friendly, Hobo Railroad, Train Ride

The History and Bright Future of the Hobo Railroad

March 20, 2023

hobo railroad

Have you heard about the Hobo Railroad? It’s celebrating its 35th year! This incredibly popular attraction is a one-of-a-kind train experience that you can have during spring, summer, fall, and winter right in the beautiful White Mountains region. 

In honor of its anniversary, we sat down with Jennifer Franz to learn all about it.

hobo railroad

The Beginning of the Hobo Railroad

The track that is currently utilized by the Hobo Railroad dates back to the 1800’s. At that time it was owned by the Boston, Concord, and Montreal Railroad. 

Franz says, “It was used as one of the primary routes north for tourists making their way from cities like Boston, Hartford, and New York to the pristine lakes and mountains of northern New Hampshire as well as to points further north including the Northeast Kingdom of Vermont and Montreal, Canada.”

She continues, “In the early 1900’s the rights to the rail line were sold to the Boston and Maine Railroad who kept the line active between the Lakes Region and Lincoln, New Hampshire in support of the paper mills and other businesses that depended on passenger and freight service.”

However, the passenger service level dwindled with the rise of automobiles and the creation of highways in the 1950s, and by the 1970s when the paper mills closed, freight service was no longer needed and shut down completely. At that point, the rail line was purchased by the State of New Hampshire and eventually offered for lease.

The railroad lease opportunity was music to Ed and Brenda Clark’s ears! In the 1980s the couple reached an agreement with the State of New Hampshire and created the Hobo Railroad, which opened in Lincoln, New Hampshire on June 15, 1987. 

Franz says, “The Clarks have continued to operate and grow the railroad operation successfully for the past 35 years. Brenda, Ben, and Jennifer share the responsibilities of daily operations. The economic development of this area was completely due to the development of the rail line.”

The Past and Present

Many have ridden the rails over the years and it may interest new riders to know that back in 1987 a ticket cost just $5! Today, the costs are still very affordable. Adult tickets are $22, child tickets are $17, and toddlers (age three and under) are absolutely free.

Other changes include the addition of two other locations in the Lakes Region and a fourth location called Rail Bike Adventures.  

While some things like costs and locations have changed, much hasn’t. Franz says, “We pride ourselves in keeping with a traditional, vintage railroad experience.” 

hobo railroad

Vintage Charm

The Hobo Railroad uses restored vintage coaches to take passengers around the area. The first four cars did some traveling on their own all the way from Hoboken, New Jersey! Then other 1950s MBTA cars from Boston, Massachusetts joined the team. 

Franz says, “All the cars were restored on property in Lincoln, New Hampshire by the Clark family and their employees.”

hobo railroad

So Much to See

Have you heard the song “Over the River and Through the Woods”? Well, that’s essentially the route that the Hobo Railroad runs. Riders are taken quite literally over the Pemigewasset River and through the stunning woods. 

“Along the way, passengers can expect to see trees, the river, and if you’re lucky, the wildlife in the area,” says Franz. 

But there’s more! Franz continues, “You also get glimpses of the mountains, wildlife, campers, kayakers, and canoers.”

There’s a lot to see and each season offers something new and special.

hobo railroad

Train Experiences by Season

The Hobo Railroad operates from late May through October and again from Thanksgiving through mid-December. We recommend you come back during each season because there are advantages to each. 

The season of renewal is all about fresh sights. Franz explains, “Passengers get a ride through the forest and watch as the trees and plants emerge from their winter slumber. In the spring the wildlife becomes more active, especially the birds.”

While in spring the Railroad sticks to weekends only, summer really heats up with seven-day service and Nature by Rail on select Thursdays throughout the season. 

“Passengers will see the trees and flowers in full bloom. Many people are out fishing, tubing, or kayaking in the river. People enjoy camping along the riverbed. In the summer, the wildlife you may see includes birds, deer, turkey, and bear,” says Franz. 

Unsurprisingly, fall is a favorite time to ride the rails! The foliage views in New Hampshire are legendary and the Hobo Railroad offers a whole new vantage point. 

Franz says, “The fall foliage season allows passengers to see the changing of the leaves. In the White Mountains of New Hampshire, the foliage colors are vibrant reds, oranges, yellows, and greens.”

As the temperatures get lower, the Hobo Railroad begins to offer a special kind of winter magic. Franz explains, “During the winter, passengers watch as the river freezes over, the mountains become snowcapped, and we begin to get light dustings of snow.” 

And as winter moves toward the holidays, there’s even more fun to be had. Franz says, “During late November-December, we run our Santa Express trains (weekends only) which offer a unique experience to visit with Santa and enjoy some good old-fashioned family time. At the beginning of the ride, elves go through the cars and hand out letters to Santa. On the ride back towards the station, Santa goes through the cars and hands out gifts to each child, and collects the letters to bring to the North Pole. After the ride is over, there is a family photo opportunity with Santa.” 

hobo railroad

A Perfect Souvenir 

If you want to bring home a piece of the train ride, there’s no better place to get one than the Hobo Railroad’s very own gift shop. Franz says, “Some of the most popular items in the gift shop include: die-cast toy trains, hand-blown glass Christmas ornaments, and sweatshirts/t-shirts.”

Be a Part of the Hobo Railroad’s Future 

Customers can’t get enough of the Hobo Railroad. Franz says, “We have many repeat customers. We have generations of families who come back to visit us.” 

Whether you’re a first-time rider in this, the 35th season, or a seasoned one from 1987, we hope you’ll join the Clarks starting on Memorial Day Weekend 2023. 

Filed Under: Adventure, Attractions, Family Fun, History, Year Round Tagged With: Adventure, All Ages, Attractions, Dinner Train, family friendly, Family Fun, history, Hobo Railroad, Lincoln, Seasonal Activities, What to Do, white mountain history, white mountains

Vets Ride Free! Memorial Day Weekend at Hobo Railroad

March 20, 2023

The Hobo Railroad is extending a well-deserved THANK YOU to all active duty, retired and honorably discharged military Veterans this Memorial Day. Each Veteran will be provided with a free ticket. Thank you for your service!

Tagged With: All Ages, Attractions, Family Business, family friendly, Hobo Railroad, Lakes and Rivers, Lincoln, train, Train Ride

NHSCOT’s Second Annual Great Kilt Skate

January 6, 2023

Don your tartan and join us on the ice for NHSCOT’s Second Annual Great Kilt Skate, Sunday, February 5 from 2 – 4pm at White Park in Concord, NH. Enjoy Scottish tunes, hot chocolate and coffee, and perhaps a few other surprises too! The Great Kilt Skate began in Canada in 2015 and now extends to the US, with New York City and Concord, NH being the first two American cities to host this very lively Scottish event.

Many thanks to Concord, NH Parks & Rec for partnering with NHSCOT for this event. We hope you’ll join us! Learn more at https://nhscot.org/events/second-annual-great-kilt-skate/.

Tagged With: family friendly, Family Fun, Ice Skating, outdoor activities, Outdoor Winter Activity

Family Fun at Clark’s Bears

June 9, 2022

 

It’s not every day you can see dancing bears. Clark’s Bears started from humble beginnings in 1928 and has since grown to one of the White Mountain’s biggest family-friendly attractions. Nestled along the banks of the Pemigewasset River along Route 3 in Lincoln, Clark’s has an abundance of activities for the young and young at heart. 

ed clark

Over 90 Years of History

Clark’s Bears first opened as a roadside attraction by Florence and Ed Clark in 1928. “Ed Clark’s Eskimo Sled Dog Ranch,” featured guided sled dog tours for travelers visiting the White Mountains. Originally from Westchester County, New York, Ed Clark spent three years in Labrador managing raw fur trading posts where he fell in love with sled dogs. Upon his return to New York, Ed brought home a sled dog team and quickly realized New York wasn’t the place for a sled team. Ed and Florence fell in love with the White Mountains and the Clark family still calls it home today.

In 1931, Florence and Ed purchased their first Black Bear and added the famous Black Bear Show to their growing trading post. It wasn’t until 1958 when the Clarks started the White Mountain Central Railroad that the family business started to grow into the modern day park that you see today. Over 90 years later, Clark’s Bears is a family affair. It’s not uncommon to see over 20 family members working at the attraction during the height of the summer.

wolfman

Family-Friendly Attractions

Clark’s Bears is fun for the whole family! With a variety of rides, shows, and museums, there’s something for everyone at Clark’s. First introduced in 1973 by the longtime employee, Leon Noel, the infamous Wolfman is eager to please in his unruly ways. Just hop on board the White Mountain Central Railroad and look for the famous backwoods recluse and all his antics.

On a hot summer day, cool off on the Anaconda Escape, a 300-foot waterslide comprising of lots of twists and turns, drops, and plunges. If you’re not soaked yet, head over to the Water Blaster Boats for even more splish, splash fun. You’ll definitely want a towel after this ride! Climb to new heights on the Old Man of the Mountain Climbing Tower, a 30-foot replica of the famous Old Man of the Mountain.

clark trained bears

Let your feet rest and jump on a Segway for a ride through the park. Clark’s is home to the nation’s first Segway park. Just watch out for the Wolfman! Merlin’s Mystical Mansion will be sure to turn your world upside down and the Yandong Chinese Acrobats will make you question your own flexibility. Catch a crowd-pleasing show full of high-flying tricks and contortions. And, of course, you can’t miss the Bear Show at Clark’s! Two baby girl cubs have been added to the bear family. Make sure you check out the how the adorable new additions have grown this summer!

Take a stroll down Main Street to visit one of many museums and eateries in the picturesque Victorian town. The brick American Museum is full of old-time Americana treasures, like steam and gas engines and old advertising from yesteryear. For car enthusiasts, you don’t want to skip Avery’s Garage with its fully-restored 1931 LaSalle Touring car and Mobil gas pumps. You’ll find antique horse-drawn fire engines at the 1884 Pemigewasset Hook and Ladder Fire Station.

After all the exploring and fun, you’ll be ready to fill your belly. For something hearty, stop by the Whistle Stop Snack Bar for burgers and fries, sandwiches, and more. Pullman’s Lunch has pizza, sandwiches, and paninis. For the classic summer treat, visit the 1890s themed ice cream parlor, Peppermint Salon, for an ice cream sundae. Boxing fans will be excited to hear that part of the bar is from Sharkey’s Tavern’s 145-foot bar in Boston.   

On your way out after a long day of fun, stop by Clark’s Main Gift Shop to pick up a few souvenirs to remember your trip to Clark’s Bears. There’s something for everyone and many of the items are made in New Hampshire and the United States.  

Plan Your Visit

Clark’s Bears is open from Memorial Day through Columbus Day weekend. Days and hours vary so check out their website for more details!

Filed Under: Adventure, Attractions, Fall, Family Fun, Spring, Summer Tagged With: Bear Shows, Clark's Trading Post, clarks bears, clarks trained bear, family friendly, Family Fun, Seasonal Activities, train rides, What to Do, white mountains

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159C Main Street
North Woodstock, NH 03262, USA

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Lincoln, NH 03251

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