07-03-2025
Multi-gen magic: Why Lincoln, N.H., is perfect for family getaways
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On a recent winter multi-generational vacation, we stayed in a three-bedroom executive suite, with a full kitchen, and separate living and dining areas; there was plenty of room for our gang of six adults and three kids. A multi-gen trip is always tricky, trying to please varying ages and interests. Lincoln turned out to be a great choice. Here's what we did. (Heading to Lincoln in the summer? Just substitute your favorite warm-weather activities.)
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RiverWalk Resort at Loon Mountain is a luxury resort with lots of amenities, including hot tubs and outdoor pool, day spa, pub, Italian restaurant, scheduled events, and a free shuttle to nearby Loon Mountain Resort.
RiverWalk Resort
Friday afternoon/evening
Lincoln is only about a two-hour drive from Boston, but we decided to stop along the Kancamagus Highway and stretch our legs with a short hike on the Lincoln Woods Trail. The 2.9-mile trail was snow-covered, well-traveled, and mostly flat, following the route of the old East Branch and Lincoln Railroad. A short spur trail led us to icy Franconia Falls.
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After checking in at RiverWalk, the kids headed to the pool (with an adult supervisor), while the rest of us headed to Seven Birches Winery & Tasting Room for a tasting that included five samples of its handcrafted New Hampshire wine ($20 a person).
No one felt like cooking, so we shared wood-fired pizzas and pasta at
In summer:
Do the same.
Seven Birches Winery & Tasting Room offers tours and tastings of its handcrafted New Hampshire wine.
RiverWalk Resort
Saturday morning/afternoon
Most of us bundled up in ski gear and rode the free shuttle to
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Kids love skiing at Loon Mountain Resort.
Pamela Wright
The non-skiers in our group had coffee and pastries at
Before the lifts closed, everyone met at the White Mountain Express Gondola for a scenic ride to the top. It was a great way for the non-skiers in our bunch to take in the sweeping views from the 2,733-foot summit.
Saturday evening
The overwhelming vote for dinner was the
Visitors walk beneath hanging icicles in a blue-illuminated cavern at the Ice Castles attraction in North Woodstock, N.H.
Erin Clark/Globe Staff
It was dark by the time we finished dinner. Perfect. Top on our winter getaway to-do list was a visit to the extraordinary
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In summer:
Head to Loon Mountain Resort for warm-weather fun; activities include biking, disc golf, a Ninja Wild course, hiking and zip lining. The White Mountain Express Gondola is open with access to Herbert's Observation Tower. After climbing the three-story tower, walk the wooden boardwalk and nature path that surrounds Loon Peak. Instead of Ice Castles, in the summer you have performing bears! Visit nearby
Alpine Adventures offers off-road excursions on a 6x6 Swiss Army transit vehicle called a Pinzgauer.
Courtesy/Alpine Adventures
Sunday morning/afternoon
Our crew leaned toward an action-packed itinerary, determined to squeeze in as much fun as we could during the short weekend. Some headed back to the slopes, others decided to take a guided snowmobile tour through the White Mountains with
We gathered back together for our final activity, a one-of-a-kind mountain safari excursion with
In summer:
Alpine Adventures offers zip line and off-road excursions year-round. Also, hike the trails off
Diane Bair and Pamela Wright can be reached at
