Christa Peoples
This blog post is part of “The Guide to Summer Activities In The White Mountains” blog series.
Break out the red, white, and blue in the White Mountains this summer!
The 4th of July is an important holiday to celebrate the birth of our country, with its amber waves of grain and purple mountain majesties. Nestled in the White Mountains, Lincoln is the perfect place to celebrate with your family! With a multitude of hiking trails with beautiful mountain views and swimming holes in streams and rivers, there’s so much family-friendly activities you can do. And at night, you can relax, enjoy a refreshing beverage and have dinner while surrounded by the natural beauty of the White Mountains.
We’ve put together another itinerary of fun things to do on 4th of July weekend. These are just ideas to get you started… there are plenty more natural wonders and family-friendly things to do in the White Mountains than those listed below! Take a gander at our list and think about jumping in the car to take part in some of the many things to do in New Hampshire for the holiday. True enjoyment of our country’s natural wonders- the mountains, the rivers, the lakes, streams, and lush green countryside- with friends and family is very patriotic, after all!
Monday
Take a Morning Walk
Not all hikes have to be up a mountain or deep in the woods. In fact, one of the most comfortable scenic walks is right in downtown Lincoln. The J.E. Henry trail starts from a dirt parking area right across the South Mountain bridge. (Take a right out of the RiverWalk Resort parking lot and follow the road past Rivergreen Resort and across the bridge.) This mostly flat walking path follows the East Branch of the Pemigewasset River for a little over three miles to Loon Mountain.
The J.E. Henry trail is great for all ages and abilities- and if it’s hot, walkers can dip their toes in the river to cool off. The trail is dog-friendly but remember to keep Fido on the leash and watch out for the mountain bikers who frequent the trail as well.
Have Lunch Atop a Mountain
is open for trips to the summit every day from 10 am to 6 pm. Purchase a Gondola Skyride. Bring a blanket and enjoy a picnic followed by a walk along the nature walk through the glacial caves. Take in the amazing views from the observation tower at the summit. Bring your own lunch or purchase one from the Summit Café, which has a Caribbean-inspired menu as well as more traditional fare.
After the excitement of the morning and afternoon, you can choose to walk the JE Henry trail back to your car or arrange ahead of time with the RiverWalk concierge for a shuttle!
Swimming and Kayaking at Echo Lake Beach
Echo Lake Beach is located off Exit 34C from I-93, right at the base of Cannon Mountain in Franconia Notch. Echo Lake is a small-but-beautiful mountain lake with views of the notch where the Franconia Ridge and the Kinsman Ridge of the White Mountains meet. There is a Day Use fee of $4 per adult and $2 per child. Canoes, kayaks and paddleboats can be rented for $20 per hour. Boat rentals are available until 5 pm, and while the beach is open to the public until dusk, a lifeguard is on duty daily from 9 am to 6 pm. There is also a General Store on site if you forget your sunscreen or bug spray!
Tuesday
Local Parade on Main Street
Celebrate Independence Day with the locals and plan to watch the annual town parade at 2:00 pm through the Main Streets of North Woodstock and Lincoln! Hundreds of local residents and businesses go ALL OUT in competition for awards such as…
- Best Use of Theme
- Most Humorous
- Most Patriotic
The annual Lincoln-Woodstock 4th of July Parade starts at Alpine Village in North Woodstock and travels to the Lincoln Town Hall.
Wine Tasting at RiverWalk Resort
Leave the Budweiser at home and enjoy the New Hampshire-made wine at Seven Birches Winery. Enjoy a glass of their red, white, or blue (yes, blueberry!) wine on the back deck overlooking the winery’s new vineyard planted vines next to the RiverWalk’s outdoor swimming pools.
Enjoy the Fireworks on the veranda
The annual fireworks display starts at dusk – usually around 9 pm. Enjoy the display among the backdrop of the Pemigewasset River and South Peak of Loon Mountain from the RiverWalk’s veranda or backyard.
Wednesday
Entertain the kids with morning Children’s Theatre
Jean’s Playhouse produces IMPACT Children’s Theatre every Wednesday and Saturday mornings at 10:00 am throughout the summer. These 45-minute musicals are based on beloved folk and fairy tales from different cultures around the world.
The performers come out into the lobby after each performance to meet with the children and sign programs. With just a dash of tongue-in-cheek humor, there is something in each Children’s Theatre show even for the adults in the audience. And the kids love the catchy original songs and wacky characters!
Lunch and Brewery Tour at Woodstock Station
The Woodstock Inn, Station & Brewery is a long-time “Best of New Hampshire” winner and local favorite. Housed in an old train depot, the Woodstock Station serves an extensive menu for breakfast, lunch and dinner. The microbrewery crafts more than a dozen year-round and seasonal brews, with new beers coming out every few months. Craft beer enthusiasts will enjoy the daily brewery tour at 12:00 pm. These educational tours are given by a craft brewer and include five samples and a pint glass. The cost is $9 per person and reservations should be made ahead of time.
Say Goodbye
Depending on your plans, at some point you will have to once again pack up the car and say goodbye. We hope you enjoy the chance to visit our neck of the woods up in the White Mountains of New Hampshire to celebrate the red, white and blue with us! Happy 4th of July!
This blog post is part of “The Guide to Summer Activities In The White Mountains” blog series.
