The Mount Washington Hotel is a massive European-style resort built in 1902 which sits in a picturesque valley surrounded by mountains. In days gone by it was the site for some 50 train arrivals a day. In 1944, the Mount Washington hosted the World Monetary Fund Conference, which established the American dollar as the cornerstone for exchange.
Today guests can take advantage of the golf course (9 and 18 holes), tennis, hiking and biking trails during summer months, while snowshoeing, cross country skiing and enjoying sleigh rides in winter. There’s downhill skiing nearby at Bretton Woods Mountain Resort.
To really see it all, ride the Mount Washington Cog Railway on Rte 302. It’s a steam-powered train that takes a three-hour round trip to the top of the Northeast’s highest peak. There’s a museum, gift shop and historic photos at the top ($49 adults, $35 kids. Trains run hourly from 9 a.m. until 3 p.m. through Oct. 21 and at 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. from Oct. 22-28.) The railway is open year-round, offering one-hour trips in winter.
For less expensive accommodations, try the Above the Notch Motor Inn ($68-$83, 603-846-5156) or the Lodge at Bretton Woods ($99-$219, 603-278-4000). The Mount Washington is steep, with rooms starting at $189 and going up over $1,000 a night.
The Mount Washington has a slew of dining options, from lounges to fine dining, all with great views. Or try Fabyan’s Station near the access road to the cog railway. It’s a restored train station serving lunch and dinner year-round.
Check out Bretton Woods this fall and for sure you’ll be ready to go back by the time ski season arrives.