After diving 30 TikToks deep, saving 12 Instagram posts, and making 10 Google searches to find the best fall escape from NYC—just so you wouldn’t have to—I finally found the answer.
Mountain View Grand Spa & Resort is the ultimate autumn getaway, not only offering mountainscapes covered in every leafy hue, but unique experiences you can’t find anywhere else, from llama golfing to apple cider making.
Set against the backdrop of the White Mountains, the resort was founded by farmers William and Mary Jane Dodge, who decided to open up access to their beautiful property after hosting weary travelers looking for shelter one stormy spring in 1865.
Suddenly, the word spread and the property continued to expand. Presidents such as Theodore Roosevelt, Grover Cleveland, Warren G. Harding, Calvin Coolidge, Dwight D. Eisenhower, and Richard Nixon have all spent time at the resort, in addition to famous celebrities, writers and athletes like Betty Grable, Robert Frost, Babe Ruth, and John D. Rockefeller.
Here’s everything you’ll need to do when you plan your visit!
Treat yourself to spa bliss
Although the car ride boasts stunning views along the way, nothing compares to melting into a massage after all those hours behind the wheel. Mountain View Grand offers a variety of high-end services at its Tower Spa, from massages, to facials and even spray tans and manicures.
I was treated to a balancing massage that involved aromatherapy to enhance relaxation. Now let me tell you, my shoulders are tighter than a packed rush-hour subway car, but boy did the wonderful masseuse work her way to unravel my tension.
The entire treatment lasted 50 minutes, and normally during a massage I find myself counting down, already dreading the end before we’ve even hit the five-minute mark—but this time, I was completely at peace. The soothing aroma and perfectly balanced pressure kept me so relaxed that I enjoyed every moment, never once fearfully counting down the clock.
Tee off with Llamas
Maybe the most unique part of my stay at Mountain View Grand was the Llama Tee Time Trek. Now, I’m no golfer, but hell I’ll give anything a try with an adorable llama by my side. Although maybe a more vocal caddy would have helped my follow through, they sure were cute!
During the experience, a pair of llamas will join you for three holes, carrying your clubs so you don’t have to. Of course, the llamas won’t be your responsibility—experienced animal handlers from the farm will be there to take care of them. But yes, they do let you walk them if you wish!
Sip & savor: make a reservation at 1865 Wine Cellar
No visit to Mountain View Grand would be complete without dining at their 1865 Wine Cellar. The fine dining spot is located in an actual wine cellar that is kept around 55°F to 60°F at all times. The cozy lighting and wood-covered walls make for the perfect intimate dinner.
Plus, it’s one of only 21 restaurants in New Hampshire to be selected as an Award of Excellence winner since 2009 by the prestigious Wine Spectator magazine.
Not sure what to get? We highly recommend the scallops—we’re still craving them even after getting back to the city.
Get to know the farmer
What makes these 1,700 acres truly special is the on-site working farm, where guests can pet the variety of animals, explore the grounds, and chat with the farmers who keep everything running smoothly.
Craft your own apple cider
My favorite part of the stay—and of fall itself—is sipping hot apple cider, and here, you actually get to make it from scratch. Warning: it’s much harder than you’d think.
The farmers pulled out an archaic wooden machine and demonstrated all the wheels to spin and levers to twist, and now I’ll never forget just how much effort goes into making the cider I sip so casually every autumn. That’s all to say, it was worth all of the effort for the fragrant, steaming cup we were handed afterwards.
How to get to Mountain View Grand
🚗 ~6 hour drive
📍101 Mountain View Rd, Whitefield, NH
🛑 Stops along the way include Scott Farm Orchard, The Vermont Country Deli, Presidential Rail Trail in Whitefield, NH
