5 great restaurants with fireplaces
Whether you’re here on vacation or call the Mount Washington Valley home, nothing beats the cozy comfort of dinner or drinks by the fire at the end of a long day of skiing, hiking or, dare we say it, work. A good fireplace can warm the soul as well as the body, providing a centerpiece for reflection and a welcoming spot to gather. Its glow can light up a whole room. We invite you to get cozy with these five other great places.
stonehurst manor
In the late 1800s, Helen Bigelow Merriman, heir to a 19th-century manufacturing fortune, brought the comforts of an old English manor to North Conway. She renovated her family’s summer home on a hill just north of North Conway Village bringing art and artisans from the Old World to provide an authentic touch. Her dream can still be seen in the Stonehurst Manor, which has been an inn since 1946. Inside, visitors will find the carved oak Library Lounge, the centerpiece of which is a large hand-carved fireplace, surrounded by groups of comfortable lounge chairs. The bar features classic American cocktails and small plates. The Wild Rose Restaurant, named after the carved roses that adorn the woodwork, is open every day and features fresh seafood, wood-fired pizza, salads and grilled entrees.
Stonehurst Manor is located at 3351 White Mountain Highway in North Conway.
Photo Courtesy of Stonehurst Manor
the wentworth
The Wentworth is an old-fashioned grand hotel in the heart of Jackson Village. The Wentworth has been entertaining hotel guests and locals for more than 150 years but, if you haven’t been there in the past year, it might feel new to you.
The lobby and common areas have undergone a major renovation since the hotel came under new owners a year ago, with the addition of the all-new Alpine bar in what was once a three-season recreation room. The 1869 Dining Room features a several-course meal; dressy casual is encouraged in the dining room and reservations are strongly recommended. Grab a drink in the Alpine and sit by the fire while you wait for your table or enjoy lighter fare in the lounge.
The Wentworth is located at 1 Carter Notch Road, in Jackson Village.
Photo Courtesy of The Wentworth
thompson house eatery
Also in Jackson, The Thompson House is a homestead restaurant with chef/owners living right on the property. The restaurant features pellet and wood-burning stoves in the lounge, bar and dining rooms to keep the whole place feeling cozy. The owners, award-winning Chef Jeffrey Fornier and his wife Kate offer two seatings for dinner at 5 and 7 p.m., with creative twists on regional dishes. Reservations are strongly recommended.
The Thompson House Eatery is located at 193 Main Street in Jackson.
Photo Courtesy of Josh Laskin
the glen house
In Pinkham Notch a new boutique hotel at the base of the Mount Washington Auto Road features a beautiful modern lounge and dining room with a bank of large glass windows showcasing one of nature’s great shows, the ever-changing face of Mount Washington.
Opened in 2018, its location makes it a great base for outdoor adventure.
The great room lounge, continuous with the lobby is high-ceilinged and features a gas fireplace with couches and lounge chairs, and dining tables along the windows.
The Notch Grille features locally sourced food, beer and spirits, with a menu that includes burgers, steaks and seafood.
The Glen House is located at 979 Route 16, Gorham.
Photo Courtesy of The Glen House
White mountain cider company
On the opposite side of Mount Washington, heading north on Route 302 not far from North Conway Village, you’ll find the White Mountain Cider Company. The award-winning restaurant offers with fine food in a casual atmosphere with small dining rooms and a wood fireplace in the bar. A must for dessert at the White Mountain Cider Company is warm cider doughnuts with caramel sauce and ice cream.
The White Mountain Cider Company Restaurant is located at 207 US-302 in Glen.
bonus: rosebrook lodge
Dine on top of the world with incomparable panoramic views of the Presidential Range in the Rosebrook Lodge on the summit of Bretton Woods Ski Resort. Owned by the Omni Mount Washington Resort, the Switchback Grille opened in 2020 and has generous portions of burgers and sandwiches, along with sumptuous desserts.
Dress is sporty casual; most winter diners are still wearing their ski boots, some warming their helmets and mittens by the fireplace.
You don’t have to be a skier to get there; the lodge is served by the Bretton Woods gondola.
Bretton Woods is located at 99 Ski Area Road in Bretton Woods.
Photo Courtesy of Bretton Woods
