New Hampshire's Quaint Village In The White Mountains Is An Idyllic Retirement Spot Full Of Arts And Festivals

There are many reasons that vacationers flock to the state of New Hampshire, but chief among them is the area's natural beauty. From spring blooms to sunny summer lake days, fall foliage, and the beauty of snow-capped mountains, the Granite State has a lot to offer those from out of town. This includes the fact that this pretty East Coast state is known to be the safest in America for a stress-free vacation. That being said, New Hampshire also has 1.4 million residents who call it home, and many of its small hamlets are known for being prime retirement spots. One such place is the quaint village of Bethlehem.

You'll find this lesser-known gem in Grafton County, bordered by Littleton, Sugar Hill, Franconia, and Lincoln, and just 10 miles down the road from Carroll, a quiet mountain town filled with trails, peaks, and wild beauty. Bethlehem is beloved by its 2,500 residents, the site Niche even ranked it as the number one place to retire in New Hampshire, and it's no wonder, given all of the charming local events. A quick look at the town calendar reveals book club meetings at the local yarn shop, a Sunday summer concert series, trivia nights, and local theater. An annual Summerfest boasts an all-day extravaganza for all ages, with live music, a parade, and the fine art and craft vendors of the Bethlehem ArtWalk.

Whether you favor seasonal festivals, the stunning views of Mount Washington right from Main Street, or the fact that Bethlehem is a certified bike-friendly community, there are endless things to love about this off-the-beaten-path New Hampshire destination.

There are many ways to pass the time in Bethlehem, New Hampshire, and they range from recreational to cultural and community-based, as shown by the local town calendar of events. Those interested in outdoor adventure will find ample opportunities to experience the natural beauty of the area in every season, from hiking and biking in the spring, summer, and fall, to skiing and snowmobiling in the winter.

Areas to day hike in Bethlehem include Bretzfelder Memorial Park, Profile Recreational Rail Trail, and Bethlehem Town Forest. Those looking to traverse the beautiful White Mountain National Forest will find the trailhead for Middle and North Sugarloaf Mountains in neighboring Carroll. Bikers can check out the collaborative community network of trails called Bike the North Country, which includes both road and gravel riding, as well as winter fat-tire riding on groomed trails. When it comes to skiing, you'll find Cannon Mountain and Bretton Woods under 20 minutes away  and with a bit of extra time in the car, you can reach another four ski areas, all of which clock in at under an hour drive: Attitash Mountain, Loon Mountain, Waterville Valley, and Wildcat Mountain. Finally, the Profile Recreational Rail Trail and the Ammonoosuc Rail Trail provide perfect spots for snowmobiling.

For those who want to stay in town, shopping on Main Street is a lovely way to pass the time. Here you'll find Lonesome Woods Vintage and Antiques, Legacy Used Books for the bibliophiles, and Brown Paper Packages, a retail shop specializing in locally curated gift boxes. Those with a sweet tooth won't want to miss Doogan's gift and fudge shop, and anyone crafty should make time for LYS Love Yarn Shop.

Road trippers will have a wide variety of options in the surrounding area when it comes to lodging, and hidden within the peaks of New Hampshire's White Mountains is the elegant, family-owned White Mountain Hotel and Resort. That being said, the perfect place to lay your head may be located right on Main Street in Bethlehem itself. The Wayside Inn and Restaurant is a charming bed and breakfast situated right against the Ammonoosuc River, and it is ranked by TripAdvisor as one of the best values in town. It offers a tasty seasonal menu for dining with a water view, and is a favorite for all occasions, from ski trips to romantic getaways and long weekends away. For those traveling with their furry friends, this is a pet-friendly property.

If you're seeking a more contemporary experience at a boutique hotel, The Chandler at White Mountains is right in town as well, located on Arlington Street. While they don't have an on-site restaurant, their suggestions for dining locally include The Cold Mountain Cafe American bistro, a microbrewery and pub called the Rek-Lis Brewing Company, the Rosa Flamingo Restaurant for classic Italian food, and The Maia Papaya Vegetarian Restaurant.

The Presidential Mountain Resort offers a modern option in the setting of a significant site. This resort sits where the historical Baker Book Cabins once did and aims to deliver a nod to the classic White Mountain experience. Finally, those who prefer to sleep outdoors can enjoy everything the White Mountains has to offer when it comes to campsites by setting up shop at the Apple Hill Campground on Lewis Hill Road.