Escape to This Charming Mountain Town in New Hampshire Before Fall Ends

Only In New Hampshire recently asked readers what they enjoy most about the Granite State, and followers mentioned that they love that New Hampshire offers a little bit of everything. As a former resident and current frequent tourist, I wholeheartedly agree with this answer. From small coastal towns to vibrant cities and everything in between, New Hampshire really does have it all.

While I love to visit all areas of the state, there is one charming mountain town that I find myself drawn to again and again, and that is the quaint town of Lincoln. I just returned from yet another trip to this White Mountains retreat and can’t wait to tell you all about my favorite local spots.

What to Do

Lost River Gorge & Boulder Caves

During my family’s most recent trip to Lincoln, we decided to explore the Lost River Gorge & Boulder Caves. The stunning gorge formed by glaciers is quite a sight to behold. The one-mile boardwalk hike took us past flowing waterfalls, peculiar rock formations, and an adorable covered bridge. But the caves were the most memorable part of the adventure. There are 11 caves that visitors can crawl through and explore, and believe me when I tell you that some of these are a tight fit! I attempted ten of these (the extremely narrow Lemon Squeezer was a little too scary for my taste) and lived to tell the tale. Even if you bypass the caves and just take the hike, the gorge is a fantastic place to view beautiful fall foliage.

Loon Mountain Resort

Most people travel to Loon Mountain for the skiing, but the resort is also a great place to visit in the fall. On one of my favorite Lincoln trips, we took a scenic gondola ride up to the top of the mountain. The views along the way were spectacular, and when we arrived at the summit, we discovered that there was even more to do. We spent a leisurely lunch at the Summit Café and then explored the mountaintop trails and caves. The kids later had a blast rock-climbing and ziplining at Loon's Adventure Center.

Where to Eat

Fired On The Mountain

There are so many great diners and breakfast places in the Lincoln area, but nothing beats the baked goods and morning beverages at Fired on The Mountain. We stumbled across this place several years ago, and it became a fast favorite. The iced coffee here is among the best that I have ever tasted (they even use coffee ice cubes). But Fired On the Mountain isn’t just a bakery; it is also a pottery studio where you can decorate your own mugs, bowls, and figurines. I haven’t painted any masterpieces yet, but I hope to do so during my next visit.

Woodstock Inn Brewery

You can experience a great meal any time of day at the Woodstock Inn Brewery. Although not technically in Lincoln, the restaurant is located just minutes away in the nearby town of Woodstock. The Woodstock Inn Brewery features a variety of local dishes, specials (the butternut ravioli is delicious), and outstanding beers. Tours of the brewery are also available at select times.

Where to Stay

The Lil' Red Caboose 

One of my favorite stays of all time was an overnight in a caboose in Lincoln. The Lil' Red Caboose Airbnb was surprisingly comfortable and had so many unique features. For a more traditional stay, I suggest visiting the previously mentioned Woodstock Inn Brewery or the Indian Head Resort.

Have you visited Lincoln? If so, what was your favorite attraction or restaurant to visit? Find out more about this charming mountain town at the White Mountain Visitors Center website and the White Mountains New Hampshire Facebook page. You can also use the Only In Your State's itinerary planner to map out your own New Hampshire autumn adventure.