Mt. Washington, here we come!

[MedicMcLovin]

Doin my first real trip with my 4runner. Bought her in May, lifted, tires and wheels, and finally, the girl and I are taking a trip. Thursday we're headed north to Mt. Washington for a two night stay. Friday we're headed into Portland Maine for some brewery hopping and shopping.

Anyone have any suggestions where else to check out? We're planning on driving to the top of the Mt as well!

 

[barryhiram]

Mt. Washington Auto Road is a must do! If weather holds out you can view over 300 miles, but it's a mountain, could be 80 degrees at base and 34 degrees at summit. Mount Washington Observatory (MWOBS) – Current Summit Conditions

Mount Washington Cog Railway - Climb to the Top of Mount Washington on the world's first mountain-climbing Cog Railway trains! (don't feel like driving to the summit, take the train)

Castle in the Clouds - Moultonborough, New Hampshire (beautiful view of Lake Winnipesaukee, not to mention a castle!)

Town of Conway New Hampshire (lots of shopping)

New Hampshire Resorts | Omni Mount Washington Resort (beautifully restored resort with views of Mount Washington)

Portland Tours - Sightseeing tour of Portland, Maine with Downeast Duck Adventures on an amphibious duck vessel. A land adventure and boat tour in one!

Just some of the things to do.......................

 

[MedicMcLovin]

Mt. Washington Auto Road is a must do! If weather holds out you can view over 300 miles, but it's a mountain, could be 80 degrees at base and 34 degrees at summit. Mount Washington Observatory (MWOBS) – Current Summit Conditions

Mount Washington Cog Railway - Climb to the Top of Mount Washington on the world's first mountain-climbing Cog Railway trains! (don't feel like driving to the summit, take the train)

Castle in the Clouds - Moultonborough, New Hampshire (beautiful view of Lake Winnipesaukee, not to mention a castle!)

Town of Conway New Hampshire (lots of shopping)

New Hampshire Resorts | Omni Mount Washington Resort (beautifully restored resort with views of Mount Washington)

Portland Tours - Sightseeing tour of Portland, Maine with Downeast Duck Adventures on an amphibious duck vessel. A land adventure and boat tour in one!

Just some of the things to do.......................

We're actually staying at that resort lol!

Definitely gonna look into the castle!!!

 

[gm350reratliff]

Awesome! I would love to explore that mountain someday.

 

[MadeInMaine]

I just hiked Mt Washington last weekend up my 10 month old Rhodesian Ridgeback pups. Its a beautiful area.

As for Portland, just head to the waterfront. It is a great city, with lots of great spots to eat/drink/enjoy.

Safe travels.

 

[Go JayBee]

Enjoy the trip man....

 

[Qjake]

Mt Washington is a great place to visit, but as stated above, it can get very cold at the summit even on the hottest of summer days. When my daughter and I visited last year the temps were in the high eighties at the base, but at the summit it was high thirties so bring some warm clothes. If you're staying in the area for a few days I'd suggest that if the summit is clouded in that you hold off a day or two in hopes of it clearing. Though clear days on the summit are somewhat rare it's worth it to wait it out as you'll be able to see for hundreds of miles and the views are amazing.

The Cog Railroad is a great way to see the mountain as is the shuttle vans that you can ride on the Auto road, but IMO the best way is to drive the Mt Washington Auto Road. Beware the road is steep and narrow and barely wide enough for two cars to pass, maybe a little less than barely, with sheer drop offs of hundreds of feet and no guard rails. It's not for the faint of heart or those with a fear of heights. I found the trip down a little more sketchy than going up but found that using 4lo and 2nd or 3rd gear kept my foot off the brakes and the brakes cool in case I really needed them.

You'll definitely want to head down to North Conway NH, it's about half an hour or so from the Mt Washington Resort. Lots of little shops, outlet stores, resturaunts, pubs and activities.

I've never been to Portland so I can't comment on it's Brewery hopping or shopping. I would however suggest either Freeport or Kittery instead. Freeport has the LL Bean flagship store which is definitely worth the trip and in Kittery you have the Kittery Trading Post, also worth the trip and in both towns they have lots of shops, outlets and restaurants.

Have fun and enjoy your trip!

 

[barryhiram]

We're actually staying at that resort lol!

Definitely gonna look into the castle!!!

Cool, you'll love it and have a great trip!

A couple of years ago, surprised the wife with a birthday getaway (mid October), plan was for her to have a day of beauty in the spar, and a quick 18 holes for me. Well, it snowed 4" overnight, so much for the golf :dammit:, headed down Rte. 302 to N. Conway and found a store that had tons of micro brews (just can't remember the name). Wife had proper attitude adjustment, I had lots of new brews to try...........all was good!

 

[barryhiram]

The Cog Railroad is a great way to see the mountain as is the shuttle vans that you can ride on the Auto road, but IMO the best way is to drive the Mt Washington Auto Road.

I beg to differ Qjake, best way is on a ATV:drivinglol)!!!! Once a year New Hampshire ATV Club hoists a benefit ride on the auto road Mount Washington Weekend 2014, this years ride will be held 9/21.

We did the ride in 2010, 80 degrees at base, 34 degrees summit with light rain, zero visibility at 5,000' with 70 mph sustained winds. Thought we were going to be blown off the mountain a couple of times...........OMG, what a rush! Hope this year will be clear so we can enjoy the views.

 

[Qjake]

I beg to differ Qjake, best way is on a ATV:drivinglol)!!!! Once a year New Hampshire ATV Club hoists a benefit ride on the auto road Mount Washington Weekend 2014, this years ride will be held 9/21.

We did the ride in 2010, 80 degrees at base, 34 degrees summit with light rain, zero visibility at 5,000' with 70 mph sustained winds. Thought we were going to be blown off the mountain a couple of times...........OMG, what a rush! Hope this year will be clear so we can enjoy the views.

I stand corrected! :bounce: