A nature-lover ’ s retreat that stimulates the senses from the drive to hiking ( and the well-deserved meal afterwards ).
BY EDELINDA BAPTISTA
T ime away from the creative capital is necessary every now and then . Subbing the city ’ s bustling environment for New Hampshire ’ s serene setting allows visitors to recharge for just a night or a whole weekend away .
FRIDAY MORNING : Our first stop in North Woodstock is the Lost River Gorge and Boulder Caves ( lostrivergorge . com ), where we climb up and down the wooden stairs and squeeze in and out of the eleven dark , compact caves — claustrophobia be damned . We peer out over the glistening cliffs and waterfalls in between cave exploring . We then drive to the White Mountains Visitor Center ( visitwhite mountains . com ) for maps featuring our future hikes and other ideas for activities . Our rumbling stomachs lead us to Black Mtn . Burger Co . ( blackmtnburger . com ), where my fiance , Bruno , gets the Bison Burger and I order a Smitty Burger , a burger made with grilled cheese sandwiches subbing in for the bun .
FRIDAY AFTERNOON : We arrive at Loon Mountain Resort for a Gondola Skyride ( loonmtn . com ), where we witness breathtaking views of endless mountains . At the peak , we walk to the patio of Summit Cafe overlooking Loon Pond , climb the observation tower , check out the amphitheater and shimmy through more glacial caves before our gondola ride back .
FRIDAY EVENING : We check into Woodstock Inn Brewery ( wood stockinnbrewery . com ) and stay in the Lupine Suite , equipped with the inn ’ s own toiletries , including beer soap and hops-infused hand and body lotion . After dinner at the renowned brewery ( margherita flatbread for me , fish and chips for him ), we walk down Main Street before heading back to the suite .
SATURDAY MORNING : We check out of the inn before taking advantage of the extensive menu once again for breakfast . We order
70 RHODE ISLAND MONTHLY l OCTOBER 2022