Holiday in the hills

The Grand Dame of The Mountains for Christmas

The Mount Washington Resort at Bretton Woods is better than ever

Looking from the wrap-around deck of The Mount Washington Resort at Bretton Woods after the first snowfall this week with the top of the Presidential Range under the clouds. The line stripe in center is the Cog Railway. Click on this image and others to see details. 

By Walter & Patricia Brooks

If you need to find a spot for the whole family this Yuletide, no place could be better than the newly restored Mount Washington Resort at Bretton Woods NH.

The Conservatory as seen from the dining room on a snowy night. Click these photos to see larger.

Yes, there is a family in the outdoor swimming pool

Rockers await you even in winter. Click to enlarge.

The breakfast omelets by Karen Barret may be the best this side of Port Antonio. In fact, the entire United Nations waitstaff is first class. Click the pan.

The Bretton Woods Chamber players offer countless free concerts in the Conservatory.

Take a horse-drawn carriage through the Snow

This is the "Deer Alert" we stuck on our bumper.

A century ago this grand masterpiece of Spanish Renaissance architecture was a two-year labor of love for 250 master craftsmen brought to this country from Europe. Conceived by industrialist Joseph Stickney, this National Historic Landmark opened in 1902 and immediately became a favorite summer haunt for poets, presidents and princes.

As the most luxurious hotel of its era, The Mount Washington catered to wealthy guests from Boston, New York and Philadelphia. As many as fifty trains a day stopped at Bretton Woods' three railroad stations. One of these stations, Fabyan's, is now one of the Resort's dining establishments. Today is has been restored to its original beauty with all the 21st. century amenities today's travelers require.

Dining at New England's best

As the bright New England day turns to evening, the opulent 4-Diamond Dining Room opens for dinner. Every detail, from the serenading orchestra to the menu, reminds you that this is a place unlike any other. You will delight in a four-course meal of the finest European and American cuisine.

I've stayed in every Grand Hotel in America, as well as 5 star properties all over the world including just last week in Angkor Wat and Saigon, but the at Mount Washington food is absolutely superb, with highly innovative treatments of many of our favorite dishes. The Miso Broiled Cod on a bed of Green Tea Rice was only one example of the menu's choices, and the New England Pot Roast turned this plebeian repast into a gourmet delight.

Room rates range from $145 to $525 and are per person, per night, based on double occupancy and include Dinner and Breakfast  (Modified American Plan).

The resort offer many specials this time of year. For instance you may stay this November and December from only $199 per couple, Sunday-Thursday or from $249 Friday-Saturday, including full breakfast.

Historic in the highest sense

In 1944, The Mount Washington hosted the Bretton Woods International Monetary Conference. Delegates from 44 nations convened, establishing the World Bank and International Monetary Fund, setting the gold standard at $35.00 an ounce and designating the United States dollar as the backbone of international exchange. The signing of the formal documents took place in the Gold Room, located off the Hotel Lobby and now preserved as an historic site.

Many of the room doors have small brass plates with the delegates names, titles and countries. On this visit we had Manuel Noriega Morales of Guatemala's room. The previous visit we stayed in the George Bush suite.

In 1986, the United States Department of the Interior recognized the historical and architectural significance of The Mount Washington Hotel with a National Historic Landmark designation.

Lots to do indoors and out

You may find it unnecessary to leave this charming grand hotel on a winter's day, what with roaring fireplaces in rooms like the Conservatory with its panoramic views of the snow-capped mountains and the many demonstrations and live concerts, all included in the basic room rate.

The resort is famous for its skiing, both Alpine and Nordic. The Bretton Woods ski area on Mount Rosebrook is across the street and has the current skiing conditions always online here. The cross-country trails start at the hotel, and the heated outdoor swimming pool is available year round.

The white stripe in the photo above is the Mount Washington Cog Railroad which is owned by the resort. It offers spectacular views of the Presidential Ranges as it "cogs" its way to the top of New England's harshest peak and the site of America's highest recorded wind speed, over 200 m.p.h.

The Mount Washington Resort is set in the midst of the White Mountain National Forest with its natural and man-made attractions.

It may well be the most unique vacation experience in all New England.

Deer today, gone tomorrow, I wonder if 20,000 Hertz hurts

I was sent a "Deer Alert" devise shortly before I took this 275 mile drive into New Hampshire. It comprised of two simple tiny whistle gizmos which I stuck on both sides of my front bumper shown in the lighted photo on the right.

I can honestly report that during this four day, 600 mile jaunt through the White Mountains that I didn't hit a single derer or moose.

According to the company's P.R. release "Each year, 300 people die in 1.5 million car-deer collisions which cost motorists and insurance companies over 1 billion dollars (insurance industry-funded report, Nov 04, 2003).

"In the December 2001 issue of Car and Travel, a AAA publication, it was reported that the deer population has swollen from 10 million in the 1980's to about 35 million today! The estimated cost of repair after a deer collision: $2,400. An investment of under $25. can help reduce your chances of being involved in a deer collision! "

I must admit I didn't pay the money because the company sent me one to try out. The brochure informed me "As the vehicle reaches a speed above 30 mph, air rushing through the cylinder emits an ultrasonic signal (between 16,000 and 20,000 Hertz), up to a quarter mile away (the length of 4 football fields), literally stopping animals in their tracks.  The sound emitted by the SAV-A-LIFE Deer-Alert® cannot be detected by passengers in the vehicle and not perceptible to people on the roadside."

I have driven these roads in the past when I have encountered dozens of deer and moose. I can honestly report that on this trip I didn't see a single one.

I just hope the 20,000 Hertz didn't cause any hurts.