So those who don’t know me are always shocked to learn that I went to band camp. I also WORKED at band camp. It was back in my “I totally won’t suck as a teacher” phase. I was a counselor at Camp Encore/Coda (now owned and run by my favorite former camper and fellow NYU alumna, Cara Bergantino!). One summer when I was working, my mother decided she missed me and drove the 3 hours from Massachusetts just to see me on my day off. The two of us decided that North Conway was the answer to all of our troubles. So we drove from Sweden, ME over to North Conway for a day of outlet shopping and eating.
For the record, I thought my mother was pranking me about this visit because I had recently called her on her birthday to prank her by telling her I broke my leg. “Surprise! Kidding! Happy birthday, Mom!” Her response was “You little &#$*! You failed for your second semester at NYU! KIDDING! You made Dean’s List!” (We had a very strange relationship and I miss her dearly.) I’m pretty sure the visit was a detente between us.
We got to North Conway around 9AM and started with some shopping. The first stop in North Conway is always Zeb’s General Store. I’m a sucker for penny candy (more on that when we discuss Kittery and York, ME), and my mom loved all the random crap that you don’t need…but you actually do. It’s easy for someone to get lost in Zeb’s, each shelf has something different to explore.
From there, go for a train ride on the Conway Scenic Railroad. Even in summer, the ride is a beautiful tour through the mountains. They have all kinds of tours, from short one hour ones, to a longer five hour scenic excursion. Another option is their murder mystery train, which is exactly what it says on the box – a murder mystery party while riding the rails.
When we’re in town, we like to lunch at Flatbread Company. Flatbread is actually a local chain (with one random location in Maui?), but it is all about locally sourced ingredients. I’ll admit, I went to the Providence one first, but the North Conway one is also great. They have a Street Taco pizza with cotijo cheese…excuse me while I daydream a bit about it. I haven’t yet been to their new location, but they just relocated (as of June 16th) down the road.
Now that you’re all full of delicious pizza, I recommend some more retail therapy. North Conway is home to the Settlers Green Outlets. I wouldn’t miss an opportunity to stop by The Met. The Met Coffeehouse, that is. They have great drinks and their chocolate croissant is perfection. They’ve got two locations in North Conway – one right in the outlets, the other is downtown.
When you’re exhausted and have spent large amounts of money in the outlets, if you need a place to crash, I recommend the White Mountain Hotel. It’s gorgeous and honestly looks exactly what I see in my head when I think of a New England resort. If you’re into golf, there’s also a golf course on site.
The next morning, if you’re looking for some adventure, head over to Storyland. It’s a rite of passage as a New Englander to go to this amusement park. That and Canobie Lake Park and Water Country (Water Country…water country…have some fun! IYKYK). Storyland is known for being one of the best kids amusement parks in the northeast. If you’ve got kiddos, definitely spend a day there.
Places to stay:
* White Mountain Hotel
* North Conway Grand
* Stonehurst Manor
Places to eat:
* Barley and Salt <- the tap list is incredible!
* Flatbread Company
* Moat Mountain Brewery (and Smokehouse) <- go for the brisket!
Happy Travels!
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