Stories from the Great Outdoors

Beach Camping Area Holiday Recipes!

Wed, 22 Nov 2023 16:27:40 GMT

Below are some ideas for dishes to cook, share, and eat this Thanksgiving!

Side Dish: Cranberry Jalapeno Dip!
Always willing to go out on a limb, this cranberry sauce is reminiscent of the Beach Camping Area's salsa and sauces you can find in our office. Plus, the heat of the jalapeno is a great way to cut through the savory-ness of the meal!
Appetizer: Pigs in a Blanket Wreath!
Forget how cute the wreath part is, this appetizer recipe is reminiscent of roasting hot dogs around the fire; and who can hate on a hot dog...at a party, or ever?! Plus - if there's an errant hot dog, Teak is sure to find it!
Side Dish: Old Fashioned Scallop Corn!
Pete is a sucker for anything nostalgic, and this casserole is a real throwback to the "good-ole-days!"
Leftovers: Turkey Chili!
Ingredients: Turkey carcass, 1 can chickpeas, black beans, and kidney beans, 1 15 oz can fire-roasted diced tomatoes, 2 tablespoons tomato paste, 1 onion, 3 carrots, 2 1/2 tablespoons chili powder, 2 tablespoons ground cumin, 2 tablespoons granulated sugar, 1 tablespoon garlic powder, leftover stuffing, olive oil.
Instructions: First, make your stock. quickly sautee onions, carrots, and celery in a med. hot pan and 2 tablespoons of oil. Once softened, place leftover turkey carcass in the a pot and cover with water. Let boil for up to 4 hours.
Remove turkey from water, and pick off any remaining meat. Reserve 1 1/2 cups of stock. Freeze the rest.
In a separate pan over med. heat, sauté onion and carrots for five minutes. Add the spices, and stir together.
Add the broth, diced tomatoes (with their juice), drained beans, and tomato sauce. Add in the meat from the turkey. Stir well.
Bring the liquid to a low boil. Then, reduce the heat (low to medium-low) to gently simmer the chili, uncovered, for 20-25 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Remove the pot from the heat. Let the chili rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. While the chili is cooling, tale a second pan and heat it over med. high heat. Take your left over stuffing, and form 4 small patties - about the size of your palm. Once the oil is hot, sear your stuffing patties until golden brown on each side. Use them to dip into your chili!

Shopping around North Conway

Thu, 25 May 2023 12:32:38 GMT

Endless Shopping Options: Outlets, art walks, and more

It's easy to spend an entire day shopping in North Conway, NH! It’s home to Settlers Green , a 60-plus brand name outlet village. Make your way to stores such as Banana Republic, Coach, Adidas, and more - all offering factory prices, tax-free.

Settlers Green also has a public art walk featuring thirteen pieces of art. Walk by them all, and then end for a beer at Barley and Salt! This restaurant on the Settlers Green campus is pouring thirty beers on tap and offering a menu of street food favorites!

Other shopping options include the White Mountain Independents - a twenty-plus store of locally owned shops. You’ll find everything from home goods, high-end fashion, candle and kitchen ware shops, bath and body and more.

For other shopping options in the area, click this link for a list of gear outfitters, galleries, boutiques, and more!

Mountain Biking near North Conway, NH

Thu, 25 May 2023 12:20:54 GMT

Our favorite mountain biking trails for beginners and riding enthusiasts!

Mountain biking in North Conway, NH and beyond offers a range of experiences. Newly seasoned bikers and experienced ones will find options on lands with public access, maintained by local non-profits. Bike rentals are available at local outfitters, found here.

Marshall Conservation is a trail network made up of 16 trails. Trails are of easy to moderate difficulty and maintained by White Mountains NEMBA.
Redstone Preserve is a multi-use parcel of land that serves bikers, hikers, neighborhood dog-walkers and snowmobilers. It’s preserved by USVLT, and accessed from Hemlock Lane, just behind the Wal-Mart in downtown North Conway, NH.
The Green Hills Preserve is protected land located on Thompson Road in North Conway. Its trails take you up to Middle and Peaked Mountains, as well as trails that connect to the top of Hurricane Mountain Road. Moany trails in this preserve are maintained by White Mountains NEMBA.
The Tin Mountain Timberlands, also known by the name "East Bear Paw," is a trail network made up of old logging roads and single-tracked trails maintained by Tin Mountain Conservation Center. Located off of Route 302 by the Conway, NH/Fryeburg, ME state lines. Motorized vehicles and e-bikes are not allowed on the path.

You can also bike at Mountain Bike parks at Cranmore Mountain Resort and Bretton Woods . Both parks offer rentals, and allow you to bike on closed loop trails.

Cranmore Mountain Bike Park is lift operated and 11 trails and over 6 miles of downhill terrain for all ability levels. Bike lessons are available.

Bretton Woods mountain bike trails are surrounded by the Presidential Mountain Range. Guided Mountain Bike Tours are an option and take you on a two hour ride, 6-10 miles round trip. These rides are geared toward enjoying the scenery and riding at a pace and on trails that are appropriate for your skill and fitness level.
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Fishing on the Saco River & Mt. Washington Area

Thu, 25 May 2023 12:10:53 GMT

Discover Fly Fishing in Mt. Washington Valley

You can fish right from Beach Camping Area! A fishing license is required, but once you have that you’ll find the Mt. Washington Valley is a dense hot-spot for fishing! Fly-fishing on the Saco River is specifically offered only from First Bridge to Mill Brook, or 3 miles from the First Bridge launch in North Conway.

You can also hire a fly-fishing guide in Mt. Washington Valley with experienced fly-fishers who cannot wait to share their passion for New Hampshire fishing!

Swift River Ghillie offers half-day and full-day Wade and Drift trips, and has special licensing to take you into parts of the White Mountain National Forest untouched by everyday life.
North Country Angler is a retail shop and guiding service. An independent angler shop boasting the largest selections of flies in New Hampshire, with over 700 patterns. It also offers guiding services with a range of local guides who partner with the shop, and have extensive experience fishing the waters of Mt. Washington Valley.

Hiking Trails Near White Mountain NH

Thu, 25 May 2023 12:06:26 GMT

Hiking White Mountain National Forest, Mount Washington Valley, and Surrounding Areas

Enjoy access to hundreds of hiking trails in the White Mountain National Forest and Mt. Washington Valley! Many trails are a stone's throw from Beach Camping Area and the friendly staff in the office is always happy to help you plan your hike in the White Mountains.

A few of our favorite hiking trails near North Conway:

Black Cap Mountain in North Conway : 2.3 mile looped trail with 610 feet of elevation. Appropriate for young kids and beginner hikers.
Peaked Mountain - A bit more moderate of a hike, 3.6 miles with 1,117 feet of elevation. There is an option to connect this trail to Black Cap for a much longer hike.
Tuckerman Ravine - This is for experienced hikers only. 7.4 miles with 4,242 feet of elevation gain. This trail can lead hikers to the basin of the ravine or further, up to Mount Washington. Both are challenging destinations where weather can change quickly. You must be prepared with proper gear to attempt this hike.

Before you embark on any hike, be sure to sign the MWV Pledge , a ten-point responsibility code on respecting natural resources, and recreating responsibly..

Favorite Breweries Around North Conway

Thu, 25 May 2023 12:02:53 GMT

Top-Rated Breweries Near Beach Camping Area

Mt. Washington Valley is a craft brewing mecca with six local breweries. All are pouring beer that pairs well with outdoor adventure! Some offer live music, some serve food, but all brew some really great beer.

Tuckerman Brewery Company ! Just a few miles south of Beach Camping Area. Enjoy outdoor entertainment every Friday, Saturday, Sunday, corn hole, and pizza and snacks.
Moat Mountain Brewery ! You’ll find great food and great beer here! Stop in for lunch or dinner with a menu that has a southwestern and Asian flair. Definitely order the cajun fries when asked and always go for a flight of their handcrafted beer!
Saco River Brewery , located in Fryeburg, Maine, this brewery features ax throwing on a monthly basis, live music and food trucks!
Ledge Brewing is where you’ll find the hikers and bikers after a day of outdoor activity. The folks at Ledge are brewing beer that pairs well with adventure. Open Mic, and live music are regularly playing at the brewery, with great outdoor seating options.

North Conway Attractions

Wed, 24 May 2023 03:30:50 GMT

Some of our favorite activities and attractions

Families flock to Mt Washington Valley throughout the summer for all the fantastic attractions! Plan a camping trip to Beach Camping Area, and fill your days going from water park to adventure park to theme park, and everything in between! Below are a few local favorite attractions in the valley.

Mt Washington Auto Road lets you drive your car or ride in one of their passenger vans with a local guide up the 7.6 mile scenic road to the top of the highest peak in the Northeast, Mount Washington.
Story Land offers kid friendly amusement park features with over 30 attractions , and entertainment to thousands of families with young children.

Conway Scenic Railroad lets you take in the scenery of Mt. Washington Valley by vintage train. Conway Scenic Railroad offers rides through Conway and Crawford Notch, and offers foliage train rides in the fall.
It’s Christmas every day at Santa’s Village . Santa’s elves and reindeer will take you to a holiday themed water and theme park with rides, entertainment and a visit to Santa’s home!

Restaurants Near North Conway

Wed, 24 May 2023 03:30:50 GMT

Some of the best dining options near North Conway

You’ll never be hungry with the restaurants in Mt. Washington Valley! Which is great seeing as you’ll work up an appetite after a day of adventure. Here are a few local favorites for a great meal, and cold drink!

A great option for friends and family, Black Cap Grille serves up delicious American fare and some of the best fries and margaritas in the valley! With an outdoor patio that is pet friendly, Black Cap Grille is a must-stop while on vacation. It’s conveniently located just a few miles north of Saco Canoe Rental Company’s headquarters as well!
Barley and Salt , Black Cap’s sister restaurant, Barley and Salt, is located in Settlers Streetside and has beer menu made up of over 30 pours and a street food inspired menu!
Delaney’s Hole in the Wall is a favorite of locals and visitors alike for 30+ years, Delaney’s is known for “Big Time Food! Big Time Drinks! Big Time Fun!” It’s serving up award-winning wings, homemade soups, ribs with homemade sauce, sandwiches, entrees, even sushi, and more! Serving lunch and dinner.
Moat Mountain Smokehouse and Brewery ' s menu is always popping, and surprising you with great flavors from homemade sauces, and scratch-made entrees! It does nachos the right way - on a sheet pan, not piled high on a small plate, and its beer has been perfected over years and years of craft brewing.
Tuckerman’s Tavern is a Valley favorite, and has something for everyone - including some of the best buffalo chicken tenders, burgers and Caesar Salad! High quality steak cuts are also a point of pride on Tuckerman’s menu! It offers outdoor and indoor dining.
Veno’s Specialty Food and Meats
For all the campers, grillers, and vacation rental visitors this place is for you! Its retail market offers high quality beef, pork, and chicken, including a wide selection of marinated steak tips, steaks, burgers, marinated chicken, stuffed chicken breasts, pork chops and Charcuterie. Veno’s also offers Gourmet To Go, ready made meals made by Chef Kendra Veno and her dedicated crew!

Scenic Drives around White Mountain National Park

Wed, 24 May 2023 03:30:50 GMT

A few of our favorite scenic drives

Drive through the White Mountain National Forest! There are many scenic byways you can drive through to create an all day trip enjoying scenery, mountain views, waterfalls, and more!

Most Popular Drive: "The Kanc"

One of the most well-known drives in the area is along the Kancamagus Highway - known by locals as “The Kanc!” It's a 34.5 mile winding road with no stops for gas along the way. Enjoy how remote this drive is, seeing landmarks of old roadside inns and antique warehouses of days gone by.

Driving north the Kanc spits you out in Lincoln - another great mountain town that makes a great stop for lunch! Stop and take photos at various scenic overlooks! The start of The Kanc is only three miles from Beach Camping Area. You’ll pass by waterfalls, swimming holes, scenic overlooks, and many hiking trails. Learn more and plan your drive .

Other Scenic Drives Around White Mountain

Crawford Notch: https://www.visitmwv.com/posts/crawford-notch-scenic-drive
Pinkham Notch: https://www.visitmwv.com/posts/pinkham-notch-scenic-drive
Seven shorter scenic drives: https://www.visitmwv.com/posts/scenic-drives .