Katelyn Michaud
Veterans Day is quickly approaching. The White Mountains are rich in Veterans history from the non-military Civilian Conservation Corps to the thousands of men and women who have served in the military since the Revolutionary War. Discover and honor our deep history while enjoying the beauty of the White Mountains before the snow starts to fly.
This blog post is part of "The Guide to Fall Activities in The White Mountains" blog series.
Veterans History in the White Mountains
Soldiers Park
Located just off Daniel Webster Highway in the small mountain town of North Woodstock, lies a small grassy park dedicated to our veterans. Soldiers Park contains a lovely wooden gazebo and several memorials in honor of all our veterans who have fought in our nation’s wars. Each memorial contains the names of local North Woodstock residents who have fought for our country with some names dating back to the Revolutionary War and the War of 1812.
Civilian Conservation Corps
The Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) was a public work relief program initiated by President Franklin D. Roosevelt from 1933 to 1942 for young unemployed, unmarried men aged 18-25. Many of the CCC members went on to serve in World War II. During the CCC’s tenure, many of their projects included helping reforest America with three billion trees, constructed trails and lodges within many state parks, and build networks of service buildings and public roadways in remote areas.
You’ll find numerous CCC projects throughout the White Mountains. Moose Brook State Park near Gorham, New Hampshire, was built by the CCC and was open to the public in 1936. Using natural materials found in the White Mountains, the CCC built cabins, bridges, trails, and more throughout the park. Other projects the CCC helped build include Attitash Mountain Resort in Bartlett, Cannon Mountain Ski Area in Franconia, and the road through Evan’s Notch. While the CCC men were not all veterans, they deserve our respect and honor for the work they did during the Great Depression.
What to Do on Veterans Day Weekend
This year, Veteran’s Day falls on a Monday, which means for many, it’s a three-day weekend! While the snow guns haven’t started yet, there is still a lot to do in the western White Mountains. Book a long weekend away and enjoy the peace and quiet before the chaos of the holidays begins in a few short weekends. Lincoln is just an easy two-hour drive from Boston and Portland, Maine. Base yourself at the RiverWalk Resort where you can enjoy all the modern amenities in your own suite. Each suite has a gourmet kitchen, fireplace, and a luxury bed. You may not even want to leave your room!
Wake up early on Saturday and enjoy a brisk hike on one of the many nearby hiking trails. The JE Henry trail just a five-minute walk from the RiverWalk Resort is a beautiful flat trail that runs along the banks of the Pemigewasset River. Many of the area’s higher peaks offer incredible views of the surrounding mountains. Just be prepared that there could be snow at the higher elevations.
After warming up with a hot shower in your suite, spend the afternoon wine tasting locally made wine at Seven Birches Winery located in the heart of the RiverWalk Resort. The “Meet the Winemakers” winery tour is a great way to learn how wine is made from the grape to the bottle. Check out the new Atrium Wine Bar at the Lincoln Village Shops just across the parking lot from the RiverWalk Resort.
On Sunday, treat yourself to a spa day. Solstice North Day Spa is a full-service day spa with treatments that will pamper you from head to toes. Start your day with a relaxing full-body massage to loosen your sore muscle from hiking on Saturday. Finish with a foot soak, pedicure, and manicure. Heading to lots of holiday parties soon? Book a lash lift and tint!
If the weather is looking a little frightful outside, there are tons to do indoors in the area. Create your own brewery tour and taste some of the delicious local brews from One Love Brewery, Woodstock Station Inn & Brewery, or head a little north to Schilling Beer Company. Catch the latest Hollywood blockbuster at Barn Z’s Cinema or paint your own pottery at Fired on the Mountain.
Before hitting the road on Monday, get your sweat on at a fitness class at Live a Little Fitness. Offering a variety of yoga, barre, and spin classes, you’ll burn plenty of calories and leave feeling strong and hungry. Head to Sugar Hill and indulge at one of the White Mountain’s legendary breakfast spots, Polly’s Pancake Parlor, where your server makes your pancakes!
This blog post is part of "The Guide to Fall Activities in The White Mountains" blog series.
Whatever you choose to do over Veterans Day weekend, make it a fun and relaxing one in the White Mountains. If you can't make it up Veteran's Day Weekend, don’t forget to check out our Special Offers at RiverWalk that run through the end of November!
