At the village of Jackson, New Hampshire, glide from inn to inn for sweets doled out by innkeepers.
The soothing clip-clop , clop , clop of horse hooves echo through the snowy settlement of Jackson , New Hampshire , where horse - reap Austrian sleigh ride and handmade drinking chocolate delights expect . It ’s all part of the one-year Jingle Bell Chocolate Tour , a snug inn - to - inn sledge drive where local innkeepers dole out time of year ’s greetings and super festive burnt umber .
The settlement ’s nostalgic glide path to the holiday season is a tranquil end - of - twelvemonth salve , and there ’s no ignominy in slather yourself in its Hallmark vacation moving-picture show vibes . After entering Jackson Village through a covered bridge ( painted a barn - bolshie hue , apparently ) , expect to be greet with an honest-to-god - timey general storage , Flossie ’s , andRavenwood Curio Shop , a funky little place meet with gifts , glassware , and more .
TheJingle Bell Chocolate Touris useable on weekends through December 17 , and only guests of participating hostel may participate . The $ 45 sleigh drive begins atThe Snowflake Inn , and — for the next hour — you’ll slide through the charming hamlet like an OG from day of yore as 1,800 - punt knight haul the red sleighs through the snow - white aspect .
via Getty Image
Everyone shakes their jingle bells , and host issue forth out with baskets of chocolate delicacy — from luxe truffles fromThe Inn at Thorn Hill & Spato the luscious chocolate bark atThe Wentworth Inn . The big finale is a effete rum - top umber hair gel as you warm up yourself by the outdoor firepit back at The Snowflake Inn .
Drive time:
3 hours from Boston
Eat, drink and sleep
More things to do in Jackson:
Get wholly swept up in the nostalgic snowfall globe aliveness of Jackson by visitingNestlenook Farm , a wintery paradise all its own with dazzle holiday lights , ice skating , and more sledge rides . Cross - country skiing and snowshoe withJackson XCoffers approach to 60 hearty miles of trails and gallant views of Mount Washington . Plus Jackson is just 15 minute from downhill skiing and snowboarding atWildcat Mountainand 35 minutes from theWinter train on Mt. Washington .
Best restaurants and bars in Jackson:
The Jackson XC trails conveniently legislate trail - side dining likeThe Thompson House Eatery , a farm - to - table spot helmed by award - bring home the bacon chef , Jeff Fournier , antecedently of 51 Lincoln in Newton , Massachusetts . bask signature tune dishes like the Fried Property Duck Egg , Chef ’s Famous Fusilli Bolognese , and Bench Risen Beignets .
When it come to where the locals go , school principal toJ - Town Deli & Country Storefor breakfast and lunch to enjoin up some stocky baseball swing bacon , sandwich , salad , and daily specials . Along with general grocery point and jewellery , mittens , and other gifts made by local artisans , take - out catering is also usable .
localise the sailing to maximize your clip on road 153 North , where softly curving roads wind through countless ponds , lakes , and river hemmed in by snow bank and frost - tilted evergreen plant . wad a mini cold - weather charcuterie snack because just 20 minutes from Jackson , theSwift River Bridgeusually has piece of cake tables out . you’re able to delight your high mallow and steamy mulled wine under the wooden canopy of the covered bridge overlook the river . nearer still , in North Conway , stock up for your wintertime getaway atCathedral Ledge Distillery .
Where to stay in Jackson:
The iconic auberge , The Wentworth , offer breakfast with their Jingle Bell Chocolate Tour package . If you ’ve get a Nordic - root on Cardigan Welsh corgi with elbow patches , pack it because The Wentworth has a cozy yet graceful lodge aesthetic , include a come - hither cocktail lounge and intimate nook nook with cast atomic number 26 stove , wool blankets , and oodles of game .
The menu in itsAlpinelounge offer insouciant après - style bites like burgers and Warm Bavarian Soft Pretzel Bites . Within the1869 Room , however , you ’ll obtain the most celestial Maple Cider Butternut Bisque in the Northeast and an inspired locally source dining experience . Plus , it ’s across the street from Jackson ’s many restaurant and the Jackson XC trails .
The Jackson Village Bridge|Photo credit: Melanie Carden
