Shopping in the White Mountains

One of the best kept secrets in the White Mountains may be the shopping found in towns like Littleton, Bethlehem, Franconia and Sugar Hill. Littleton's downtown shopping area is known for its eclectic collection of unique shops offering gifts, sportswear and sports equipment, books, health food, furniture and much much more. Bethlehem is a favorite with antique lovers, while Franconia and Sugar Hill have small shops that reflect their unique mountain flavor.

There are over 200 shops and stores located throughout the Mt. Washington Valley. Name brand factory outlets and nationally known stores are the rule here. While many of the stores are grouped along Route 16, be sure to explore the villages of North Conway, Conway and Jackson on foot.

Lincoln (where the Nordic Inn is located) is also perfect for a leisurely stroll from shop to shop or you can make one of the shopping centers your destination. As you might expect in an area so known for its varied recreation, there are a host of excellent sports shops as well as some fascinating gift, book and clothing stores, just to name a few. Also take a stroll at some interesting one-of-a-kind shops.

Farther south, in Waterville Valley, Town Square is the center of shopping, dining and entertainment. Many of these shops are so unusual and offer such good values that they're visited by people from all over the White Mountains.

If your White Mountains tour takes you south to the Lakes Region, plan to allow extra time for shopping. Check out the Tanger Outlet in Tilton, plus shops in Laconia, Meredith, Center Harbor, Wolfeboro and Moultonborough.