So, Fourth of July weekend and we had absolutely no plans. Well, except for one thing – avoiding the beach like the plague because everyone will be there!
I was thinking maybe we could hit up Grafton Notch State Park.
While driving on Rt 35 heading north, we stumbled upon Bear Pond in Waterford. It was the perfect pit stop for our doggo to stretch his legs. This hidden gem featured a beautiful lake and a small open area where we could play fetch with our furry friend. And naturally, Neptune couldn’t resist taking a refreshing dip in the water.
After a short stop, back on the road to Grafton Notch State Park. We were hoping it would not be too crowded but we were disappointed. Screw Auger Falls, a favorite swimming hole, was already busy, with two buses showing up as we were trying to find a parking spot. We decided it would be best to move on.
We stopped at Mother Walker Falls for a short hike before exploring north. It was about this time, Miles suggested that we go to North Conway. I am not the type that likes to turn around and I assumed that we were almost in New Hampshire, which was correct. Even though we did not have cell service or GPS, I was 99% sure that we could just loop down to North Conway shortly after crossing the border. Which also technically was correct.
We arrived in Errol. Just as we arrive, we realize there’s a parade about to kick off. Exciting, right? Well, not so much for our furry friend. Turns out, our dog is not a fan of loud noises. Bummer!
Undeterred by the pup’s preferences, we decide to continue on our journey. Our mission? Finding signs pointing south. But wouldn’t you know it – all we could spot were signs pointing north! Talk about a directional dilemma.
But hey, nothing can stop us from exploring new horizons. So off we go, venturing into the unknown with our trusty sense of direction…North Conway or bust!
I had never ventured north of Mount Washington before, so you can imagine my excitement. It was an absolute treat! As we made our way through Dixfield, we stumbled upon a Wildlife Viewing Area. But hold your horses – no dogs allowed! So, we decided to continue our journey in search of more breathtaking sights. And boy, did we find them! The mountain cliffs in that area were simply mind-blowing. I couldn’t help but stand in awe of their grandeur. Trust me, it was a sight that will forever be etched in my memory.
We finally made it to Colebrook, New Hampshire and boy, were we craving some Dunkin Donuts! Nothing like a good cup of joe to add some kick to our adventure. But here’s the thing – once we got cell service back, we realized just how far off the beaten path we had gone. Talk about being in the middle of nowhere! But hey, no worries at all. We’ve got the whole day ahead of us to explore.
We decided to hit the road and head south on Rt 3. Our first pit stop? Bloomfield, Vermont. Why? Well, Miles had never been to Vermont before and we couldn’t let him miss out! As we crossed the bridge in North Stratford, our stomachs started growling, so we made a beeline for Debanville’s General Store & Cafe for some much-needed lunch. This hidden gem not only has an incredibly warm and welcoming vibe, but they also offer a wide range of mouthwatering local foods and beautifully crafted items.
So, we took Rt 3 and cruised down until we hit Rt 110. From there, we made our way eastward. When we reached Berlin, guess what? We spotted Rt 16 – the road we totally missed when passing through Errol.
So, we headed south and finally reached Mount Washington. We decided to take a quick break and stretch our legs. Unfortunately, we didn’t have enough time to fully explore the area, but boy, it’s definitely a fantastic spot to spend the whole day! We’ve been up the Auto Road multiple times, and let me tell you, each adventure is entirely unique. The weather changes up there can be crazy – one minute it’s sunny, and the next minute you’re in the middle of a blizzard! It’s an absolute rollercoaster ride that never fails to amaze us.
Our first stop in North Conway: the Bavarian Chocolate Haus, where chocolate dreams come true! Prepare your taste buds for a mouthwatering adventure as you dive into the delicious world of peanut butter cups, fudge, and even chocolate covered gummy bears.
Then off to Four Your Paws Only. They’re not just your average pet store – it’s a pet bakery extravaganza and a toy wonderland all rolled into one!
Finally, our last stop before heading home: White Mountain Cupcakery, where we take cupcakes to new heights (literally, they’re mountain-themed). If you’re looking for a sweet treat that will make your taste buds do a happy dance, then you’ve got to give them a try! From classic favorites like chocolate and vanilla to unique creations like Green Mint Mountain and delectable Carrot Cake cupcakes, they’ve got something for everyone.
The day was so fun! We had a blast exploring and you never know where the adventure will lead you!
Travel Turtles 