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‘Grand’ views, spooks at resort |
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Photo courtesy of Mountain View Grand Resort & Spa
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Oct. 3, 2011
By Katelyn Gendron
Assistant Managing Editor
WHITEFIELD, N.H. — For more than a century, the Mountain View Grand Resort & Spa has been welcoming guests to its luxurious property nestled in the White Mountains. What this AAA Four Diamond Award-winning property doesn’t advertise in the brochures, however, is the file documenting ghost sightings, which is tucked under the lobby’s front desk.
I’d known nothing of this stunningly plush, family-friendly property until attending a wedding there in August. My curiosity about its history was piqued when I saw the state’s oldest elevator — one that must be operated by hotel personnel at all times — in the lobby upon arrival. I became increasingly inquisitive when my cousins began hearing peculiar noises in their room during the night and, according to the file, a woman staying in that room many years ago had met an untimely death. I began to wonder if maybe she’d never left.
Suffice to say, the month made famous for All Hallow’s Eve may be just the right time to see if you can catch a glimpse of some of the Mountain View Grand’s more “permanent” guests. If ghost hunting isn’t your style, this resort and spa is known for its spectacular seasonal offerings for couples and families, including access to panoramic views of fall foliage, skiing and snowshoeing.
Last month, AAA named the Mountain View Grand one of the “10 Top Places to Enjoy Fall Colors in North America,” which includes views of the White Mountains right off the front porch of the hotel. I encourage visitors to take the time to sit in one of the many wooden rocking chairs on the veranda and take in the views with a fresh cup of coffee or apple cider served at the hotel’s scrumptious breakfast buffet.
Hikers who’d enjoy learning about the fall foliage and the surrounding property can take advantage of the hotel’s hiking trails or venture off for tours of the Pondicherry Wildlife Refuge, which touts 234 different bird species.
Staying on the property is definitely a great experience for kids curious about farm animals as the Mountain View Grand’s barn allows them hands on interaction with llamas, an alpaca, bunnies, sheep, horses, baby chicks and more. Novice and experienced riders can also take the opportunity to see the views on horseback.
Halloween weekend has a calendar full of activities during the hotel’s “Spooktacular” events. There will be ghost stories, s’mores and sing-alongs for those who’d like to cozy up around the firepit in the front of the property, adjacent to the nine-hole golf course, lawn chess, beach volleyball pit and axe-throwing station. Activities also include the “Horrible Halloween” costume parade, autumn scavenger hunts, pumpkin carving, “Witch Wiffle Ball” and “Scary Soccer” games.
Traveling up to the Mountain View Grand can also be a welcomed getaway for couples and parents who’d like to take advantage of the resort’s spa, indoor pool or romantic dinners in the main dining room. I ate four different breakfasts and dinners there and I had yet to find a dish I didn’t enjoy thoroughly, from the buttermilk pancakes and fresh fruit to the filet mignon.
Other seasonal activities include the Thanksgiving Day Grand Buffet Feast in November, rides on the Polar Express with Santa Claus, sled dog adventures, horse-drawn sleigh rides and holiday winter craft activities for the kids in December.
No matter what the season or your particular preference for hiking, skiing or spa treatment adventures, I highly encourage you to fill up your gas tank and take a trip up to the Mountain View Grand. Those who do, won’t be sorry, especially once they climb into the embrace of each bed’s down comforters or the refreshing sanctuary of the Tower Spa. I know I was comforted and refreshed.
To learn more about the Mountain View Grand Resort & Spa, 101 Mountain View Road, or its seasonal packages, visit www.mountainviewgrand.com.
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