From Maine we headed for our Airbnb in Lincoln, nestled in the heart of the White Mountains of New Hampshire, which cover approximately a quarter of the state. Like the rest of its New England cousins, New Hampshire’s scenery is like something out of a picturebook, with a different vista to admire around every corner. From Lincoln we did a loop drive up to Littleton, back east to Conway through the forest and along the beautiful Kancamagus Scenic Byway back to Lincoln.
Our drive took us first to the home and museum of American poet Robert Frost. Although the museum has closed for the winter, the property and porch of the house is open for visitors all year round. When we arrived Maudelle, the museum’s executive director, and her dog Auggie, were there closing up the house and they welcomed us with open arms to give us a tour and walk through the house.
We have been humbled by the generosity and warmth of the people we have met on our travels through the States and Maudelle’s hospitality again reinforced this for us. Learning that we are on a 50-state tour of America, she so willingly took the time out of her day to allow us to see inside the house and where Robert Frost and his family lived and summer vacationed for many years.
On our way from the The Frost Place to Littleton, we discovered a little bit of New Hampshire history. In the town of Franconia on the banks of the Gale River stands an octagonal stone formation, the only remains of an iron furnace dating back to 1805. Once one of many iron furnaces in New England, it was abandoned in 1870 after the Civil War led to iron furnaces opening in Pennsylvania, closer to where they were needed.
A stop in Littleton brought us to the birthplace of Eleanor H Porter, author of Pollyanna, and the home of Chutters, proffering the world’s longest candy counter.
We wound our way through little towns filled with charming churches, chalets and hotels waiting for their winter skiing guests and reminders that Halloween is just around the corner.
The drive back to Lincoln included the Kancamagus Scenic Byway along NH-112, a national scenic byway. The surrounding mountains and the Swift River running parallel to the road make for a stunning 34.5mi/55.5km drive. And while we are clearly at the end of the fall foliage season in New Hampshire, the few remaining bursts of color we came across offer a brilliant contrast to their stark backdrop.
Thank you New Hampshire ☺️ Off to Vermont now!
S&P