New Hampshire's Cozy Resort Town Has Waterfalls, Mountain Charm, And Fairytale Vibes

New Hampshire's most romantic mountain region, the White Mountains, is speckled with tiny towns where travelers can see charming Colonial homes surrounded by green forests, and lively ski resorts set against a backdrop of vast mountains. Few towns encapsulate this better than Bartlett. Tucked along the edge of the Maine border, there's plenty to do there if you like outdoor activities and snug accommodations.

Bartlett is about an hour and 40 minutes away by car from the closest airport offering commercial flights, Portland International Jetport in Maine. With nearby waterfalls, rustic trails, and a fairytale theme park that will delight wide-eyed kids, the journey is certainly worth it. This mountain hideaway is brimming with Alpine character; you might pass signage for the Swiss Chalet Village Inn, the Moose Cabin, and the neighboring village of Eidelweiss. In the winter season, snow-capped peaks glint above, beckoning skiers to ascend.

If a ski resort is on your agenda, Attitash shares that the early season typically runs from December to mid-January. Meanwhile, the busy season spans mid-January until closing, which OnTheSnow predicts to be April. Minimum January temperatures are around 6 degrees Fahrenheit, so pack your warm layers. Even non-skiers who prefer to keep their toes warm can enjoy Bartlett, since visitors on Tripadvisor say the waterfalls are particularly captivating in autumn if you like leaf-peeping. However, New Hampshire does get a lot of showers, so come prepared for drizzle.

Nothing can rain on your parade in this natural wonderland, where stunning scenery is all around. Attitash Mountain Village notes that Bartlett has many waterfalls to discover, including Arethusa Falls, Sabbaday Falls, and Ripley Falls, but one of the most popular is 8.2 miles from town. Diana's Baths are hidden in the White Mountain National Forest, and were once known to indigenous Abenaki peoples as the "water fairies' spring," according to NewEngland.com. Take the short, easy hike to the 75-foot cascade and marvel at misty views, swimmable pools, and serene soundscapes of rushing water that drown out your troubles. At the time of this writing, it's open from 6 a.m. until 10 p.m. daily (with seasonal adjustments), and parking is $5. Crowds gather early, so go first thing, and wear sturdy shoes if you plan to venture further than the falls.

Adventurers can meander pathways like the U.N.H. Trail, which is thought to be one of the best moderate hikes nearby on AllTrails. The 4.4-mile loop starts near the Kancamagus Highway and ends atop Hedgehog Mountain, and the Appalachian Trail Conservancy says the best hiking weather is in summer, with average temperatures reaching around 66 degrees Fahrenheit in July. Casual trekkers looking for an easier out-and-back may enjoy the Saco River Trail, which is a less strenuous 3-mile walk, or they can simply gaze from afar at the highest mountain in northeastern North America, Mount Washington. Standing at 6,288 feet, you might spot it from some of the many scenic overlooks near Bartlett.

Few things feel better than escaping the chilly weather and warming your hands hearthside, and a stay at the family-owned White Mountain Hotel & Resort, less than 10 miles from town, promises a crackling fire for cozy conversations. Lots of local hotels and B&Bs offer budget rooms from as little as $60 per night (at the time of writing), but one standout place to rest your head per Google reviewers is the Attitash Mountain Village, one of the biggest ski resorts in New Hampshire. At the time of writing, rooms are around $109 per night, depending on the season, and visitors can try all kinds of winter sports, from snowboarding to snowshoeing. If you would rather relax in the resort's family-friendly lodging, there are also indoor and outdoor pools, hot tubs, tennis courts, and local trails.

While in town, try a tipple at the Alpine Garden Winery tasting room, and don't miss wandering around one of Bartlett's most beloved stores: the seasonal Covered Bridge Shoppe. Built in 1850 from one of New Hampshire's iconic covered bridges, the store holds home décor, art, pottery, souvenirs, and jewelry. Tripadvisor reviewers stress that it's not to be missed if you're in the area when it's open from Memorial Day Weekend through October or the second weekend of December.

Less than a 10-minute drive from town lies one of the area's true gems. Story Land is a fun, storybook-themed adventure park that's considered New Hampshire's best amusement park for kids. With nostalgic rides catering to the whole family, no matter how young, this wholesome park has been a point of local pride since 1954. It remains one of the top things to do near Bartlett on Tripadvisor, with topsy-turvy castles, themed events, and whimsical characters like Humpty Dumpty and Peter Rabbit.