A strolling
overview of Jackson Village.
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About Us
Jackson is
well-known throughout the northeastern United States and beyond
for it's natural beauty and four season recreation opportunities,
as well as for the fine lodging, dining and shopping experiences
that are also available. The village of Jackson is looking
forward to your visit!
For nearly 200
years Jackson and the Mt. Washington Valley region of New
Hampshire has held a special attraction for visitors from around
the globe. The area's landscape, complete with covered bridges,
white steepled church, high mountains and rolling farmland, has
been deemed "sublime" by artists of international
renown as well as both downhill and cross country skiers.
The grand hotels
and comfortable, authentic "New England" inns have long
been known for their warm hospitality. Jackson is home to some of
the Mount Washington Valley's finest restaurants, shops and
galleries.
A wonderful way to
take in the sights of Jackson, while enjoying the fresh New
Hampshire air and getting some exercise, is to walk around the
one mile "Village Loop" on Main Street/Rt. 16 A and
Rt.16. For over a century visitors have been "Strolling the
Mile". From the Jackson X-C Touring Center, stroll past the
white steeple of the Jackson Community Church and the Jackson
Town Library. Directly across the road from the church is Rt. 16B
that leads to the Eagle Mountain House and Jackson XC's international race
course venue. This venue has served for the 1990 World Disabled
Nordic Championships as well as several NCAA
National Collegiate Cross Country Ski Championships. It is United State's
newest FIS certified competition center one of only 3 at this time. On the corner is the
Wentworth Resort Hotel. As you continue your stroll, pause on the
stone bridge spanning the Wildcat River. The Wildcat is a
federally designated Wild and Scenic River, and a gaze upstream
will provide a view of Jackson Falls.
After crossing the
bridge, you will pass the junction of Rt. 16A and Rt. 16B, also
known as 5 Mile Circuit Road. 5 Mile Circuit (actually 5 miles
around State Route 16B) goes past Christmas Farm Inn, Whitney's
and Black Mountain Ski Area and is the back (long) way to the
Eagle Mountain House. The Jackson Grammar School is located at
this junction. Next to the Grammar School is the Jackson Falls
Market Place, home of the Jackson Post Office, As You Like It
Deli, the State of the Art Gallery, and the Jackson Chamber of
Commerce. Across 5 Mile Circuit Road from the Post Office is the
old Jackson Town Hall (1897). Just past the school is the Badger Real
Estate office, and adjacent to the office is Yesterday's
Restaurant (reasonable hearty breakfasts and lunches), a regular
stop for skiers before and between ski outings.
Across the street
from Yesterday's is the Snowflake Inn. Within the building is the Jack Frost Shop, specializing in gift
items, ski apparel and alpine equipment. Formerly this was the site of Jackson Ski Touring
before it moved to its present location in December 1998. In the
center of the village, just 1/2 mile from the Touring Center, is
the Wildcat Tavern, with excellent food for dinner and eclectic
night life. Down the road from the tavern on the left is Thorn Hill Road with
Inn at Thorn Hill and The Inn At Jackson overlooking the village. To your
right you will enjoy the views to the northwest looking back across the Town
Park and pond (stocked for fishing for children under the age of 10 during the
summer months!) towards the church and the southern ridgelines of the
Presidential Range. Next on the left is Ravenwood Curio Shop and the Jackson Fire
Department.
As your walk
continues, you will pass the Peter Kelly Municipal Building.
This building is located on the site of Gray's Inn, one of the
grand hotels that served many visitors to the area until it was
destroyed by fire in 1983. On the opposite side of the street is
the Village House B&B and just up the road adjacent to the
covered bridge is Myke Morton's Art Gallery and Flossie's gift shop. At this point you
can enjoy a great view of Jackson's 125-year-old wooden covered
bridge. As you cross the bridge, stop to look down over the Ellis
River, which is a favorite among fly-fishing enthusiasts during
the warmer months.
Turn to the right after you walk
through the covered bridge. Your stroll will
now lead you along Rt. 16 , which bisects the Wentworth Resort
Course, boasting excellent ski trails for novices during the
winter months and a championship golf course in the summer. The
surrounding mountains turning counter-clockwise starting from the
south are - Thorn, Middle , Tin (where Martha Rockwell trained in the 1960's for
her Olympic and international cross country ski races), South and North Doublehead, Black, Carter Dome,
Wildcat, Spruce, Eagle, Washington, Popple, Maple, and Iron
Mountains. Take note of the arched covered bridge through which
skiers pass on their way to the Ellis River Trail, Jackson X-C's
favorite trail for those skiers looking for a gentle ski through
the forests bordering the banks of the Ellis River. As you bear
right back onto Rt. 16A, you will pass the Jackson Historical Society gallery. Across Rte 16 from the village loop is the Lodge
at Jackson Village, the Wildcat Service Station, the Inn at Ellis River, the
most Irish Shannon Door Pub (marvelous night life with an honest Celtic flavor). Walking back along
Rt. 16A, you will pass Thompson House Eatery (known locally as
THE) which serves both lunch and dinner. Down the road is the
J-Town Deli. These two restaurants are
all easy access to the ski trails and great options for hearty,
energizing lunches! At this point you will find yourself back at
the Touring Center, where you can come in out of the weather,
relax by the stone fireplace and pick up any additional
information you may need for the rest of your visit in the area.
We look forward to
welcoming you to our "spot of gold" in the heart of the
White Mountain National Forest!
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