Hotel at a Glance: Merrill Farm Inn 

Like many New England properties, Merrill Farm Inn has a history that predates the American Revolution. The plot of land was purchased in 1766 by Thomas Merrill, a lieutenant in the French and Indian War, and the inn was built in 1885. Stroll among the historic halls to the game parlor, where you can play dozens of board games and puzzles.

• Free food: Wake up with a continental breakfast of cereal, fruit, and homemade muffins with maple butter. In the afternoon, grab a homemade cookie and beverage before dinner.
• Recently renovated rooms come with mini fridges and complimentary WiFi.
• Go canoeing along the Saco River in a rental canoe during warmer months.
• Go skiing at the Attitash Mountain Resort in nearby White Mountain National Forest.

North Conway, New Hampshire: Historic New England Town amid the White Mountains

Nestled in the foothills of the White Mountains, North Conway is an idyllic New Hampshire town that dates back to 1765. It’s home to the region’s highest peak, Mount Washington, which tops out at 6,288 feet. Climb aboard the Conway Scenic Railroad to see the surrounding countryside and rolling White Mountains. It’s worth paying a visit to the carefully preserved North Conway train station, a National Historic Landmark that opened in 1874.

This swath of New England is perhaps best known for its downhill skiing. Just 5 miles from the inn lies Cranmore Mountain Resort, where skiers glide down 57 trails and snowboarders catch air in numerous terrain parks. At the base of Cranmore Mountain, there’s a tubing park with 10 lanes and a tow lift, so you don’t have to trudge up the mountain with your inner tube. For a bigger adrenaline rush, try the Mountain Coaster, which clips along at speeds of up to 25 miles per hour.

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