Day Trip: Lincoln-Woodstock

We folks in central New Hampshire are lucky. In about an hour, shooting straight up Interstate 93, we can get to the Lincoln-Woodstock area. Right on the edge of the White Mountain National Forest, it’s special any time of year – but it truly sparkles on those bright, clear days of winter.

Of course, everyone is lucky that the area’s logging and pulp mill industries were supplanted decades ago by tourism and a commitment to sustainability of natural resources. Forests are flourishing, rivers and streams are running clean and swift.  And these natural gifts are bolstered by a host of options for lodging and eating. As for activities, you’ll find not only the tried-and-true downhill and cross-country skiing, snowboarding and snow shoeing, but also a bit of the unexpected. Visit lincolnwoodstock.com for inspiration.

Cascade Coffee House: This North Woodstock eatery is built on the idea that homemade is best. The ambiance is, shall we say . . . local. Couches form a conversation area that’s backed up by an entire wall of cookbooks: Read one, borrow one, donate one! A basket on the coffee table holds menus from area restaurants, just in case you’re afraid you’re in the wrong spot. (You’re not.) Sandwiches are creative – some even developed by and named after local customers. My husband, Bud, tried a Virginia ham and cheddar sandwich with spinach and hot pepper jam. It was out of this world – as was the homemade New England Chowder. The coffee house serves breakfast and lunch only, and is known for its ginormous cinnamon buns and drinks like Liquid Apple Pie (hot cider with a shot of caramel). Check out the rest rooms for some startling but inspirational photos of area residents. 115 North Main Street, North Woodstock. 745-2001.

Betty and Barney Hill Historical Marker: If you’re looking for something truly “out of this world” head up Route 3 to the Betty and Barney Hill Historical Marker that was installed this past summer just beyond the Indian Head Resort. The marker commemorates the Hill’s purported abduction by aliens September 19-20, 1961. It was the first alien abduction story that got national coverage. Read about it in John G. Fuller’s 1980 book The Interrupted Journey (amazon.com). While you’re on Route 3, stop at the Irving station to gas up your vehicle, take a photo of yourself in front of the “life-sized” alien painted on the building, and then jot down your own “alien abduction experience” on the huge chalk board.

Lincoln Woods Hut: If the groomed trails and glitzy après-ski scene at Loon Mountain are too much, drive east on Rte 112, cross over the East Pemigewasset River and duck into the Lincoln Woods Visitor Center. Inside the toasty log cabin you’ll find a roaring fire, volunteers to give advice on short and long hikes into the Pemi Wilderness, winter camping, getting to the “most beautiful setting on the planet” (Greely Ponds), and even trail protocol (ski outside edges of trail, hike and snowshoe inside to keep trails viable for all). A chalkboard on the wall is updated with current conditions (you’ll want to notice wind chill), and if you’re less than prepared, try ducking a few feet down the trail to the suspension bridge for a great view up the East Pemi to the mountains beyond.

Alpine Adventures: Some of us (okay, me included) like to play outside the box, so to speak. If that’s you, you’ll want to stop at Alpine Adventures on Main Street in Lincoln. Even if the red, yellow and black sign wasn’t easy to spot (it is!), your head will automatically turn to the elevated obstacle course, Thrillsville Aerial Park. It’s up in the trees (literally) on the grounds behind reception and is something like a grown-up’s playground on steroids. There are ziplines, suspension bridges, cargo net climbs, free falls and more – all secured by a “smart belay system” guaranteed to keep you safe. It’s a hoot, and kids of a certain age/height/weight are welcome. You can also tour the mountains, safari-style, in the company’s Pinzgauers – 5 speed, 6-wheel-drive Swiss army vehicles. Also, two of Alpine Adventures’ three long off-site ziplines (SkyRider and Super SkyRider) are open all winter. Giving you the length and height might stop your heart – just sign up and do it! Visit alpinezipline.com or phone 745-9911 to get all the scoop and pre-book. (next page »)