At-par value in Mount Washington Valley
The inviting, historic inns and exciting outdoor life of New England are so close, but with the loonie worth about 75 cents in the U.S., they can seem out of reach.
Still, we have loyal friends. Here are two irresistible Canadian-at-par deals at fine B&Bs in the Mount Washington Valley, which spans New Hampshire and Maine. Bartlett Inn, N.H: Kids, pets — bring ’em on.
The family-friendly and outdoorsy Bartlett Inn and Cottages domain is at the heart of the Mount Washington Valley, a winter wonderland with crosscountry and downhill skiing, dogsledding, winter hiking, ice climbing and the thrills of a snowcat ride up Mount Washington — the highest, snowiest peak in the east.
This is a great value destination, especially if you factor in the Bartlett’s Canadian-at-par offer and New Hampshire’s tax-free shopping at the outlets around North Conway.
The core of the B&B is a rambling 1885 house. Owners Nick and Miriam Habert-Jaques have
renovated with history in mind — crown mouldings, classic landscape paintings by New Hampshire artists and colourful quilts.
“We’re homespun, like grandma’s house,” Nick said. “And our inn is very personal.
“We both hike and ski, so we give our guests insider tips on the best trails.”
The Bartlett has six rooms in the main lodge, two suites in a remodelled barn, and 10 motelstyle, pet-friendly “cottage rooms” with two beds or kitchenettes that are great for families.
Miriam is in charge of breakfast, which features yummy choices like blueberry or chocolate chip pancakes, or quiche with feta, spinach and tomatoes.
The B&B fronts on Route 302, and backs onto a forest of towering
pines. Guests can hop directly from the cottage rooms onto the cross-country ski trails of Bear Notch Ski Touring, and the family dog can join in.
Also in the neighbourhood are many other Nordic and alpine centres, and guests at Bartlett Inn and Cottages get discounts. Attitash Mountain Resort is four kilometres away; Cranmore and Black Mountain are less than 20 kilometres away. The vast Mount Washington Valley also embraces Wildcat Mountain, Bretton Woods Mountain Resort and the Great Glen Trails, where Bartlett Inn people enjoy free snow tubing.
Après-sports life centres on a wood-burning fireplace in the TV lounge with hot apple cider and cookies, or at the outdoor whirlpool and firepit. During the summer, there is a heated pool and a playground. Dollar deal: US$115-$215 or Canadian funds, including breakfast, hot tub, firepit, afternoon cider, snow tubing. Some rooms are suitable for families of four — the price covers two adults and two children 12 and under. Additional adults pay $39.
The Canadian-at-par offer is valid for certain rooms for a twonight stay, when available, daily through May 31 (except for U.S. holidays and some peak weekends). Admiral Peary Inn, Maine: Strong on romance and dog-friendly to the max, this elegant inn is in the tranquil town of Fryeburg, just across the border from New Hampshire but still part of Mount Washington Valley. So guests enjoy North Conway shopping and White Mountain winter sports, plus skiing in Maine at Shawnee Peak.
The refined B&B offers simple indoor pleasures, too, with a large fireplace and a 50-inch TV in the living room, plus lots of cosy reading corners.
The Admiral Peary is a Victorian period piece, dating back to around 1865, and notable for the marble fireplace in the living room and built-in cabinets. Arctic explorer Robert E. Peary lived there when he was Fryeburg’s justice of the peace and taxidermist.
Proprietor Donna Pearce shares her home and inn with
Maya, a sweet Labrador retriever, and a sociable cat named Sasha; together, they welcome wellbehaved dogs. They even babysit canine guests if their owners go out for dinner.
The B&B has seven elegant guest rooms filled with antiques and mementoes from Pearce’s travels. The Oriental room has Japanese woodblock prints, and the English Garden room sports her photographs of flowers. All of the rooms have high-quality bedding, one has a whirlpool tub and some have gas fireplaces and four-poster beds.
Pearce cooks up tantalizing breakfasts of egg frittatas, crème brûlée French toast or blueberry waffles, and suggests dinner at nearby spots such as Oxford House, the 302 West Smokehouse & Tavern or Ebenezer’s Restaurant and Pub.
There is year-round action, with summertime swimming, canoeing and kayaking in the Saco River; and harvest traditions at the Fryeburg Fair in October. Dollar deal: winter rates, US$119$139 or Canadian funds, including breakfast, Wi-Fi, coffee corner, microwave, library, pool table. Booked by phone, the Canadian-at-par deal is valid daily until April 30, on availability (except for U.S. holiday weeks and some peak periods). Discounts offered for age 55 and over.