Dropping sharply away to the south of 2,032-foot Pinkham Notch is the Ellis River, along whose banks sits the northern gateway to the Mt. Washington valley, resort-dominated Jackson (pop. 678). Given the number of lodgings among the attractive century-old clapboard homes, it seems the principal village occupation is innkeeper. The quantity of porches, gables, and chimneys hint at standard country B&B charms: lazy breakfasts in summer, nooks and crannies brimming with cabbage roses, and crackling fires in your room at night. A covered bridge beside Route 16, taverns filled with antiques, and winter sleigh rides complete the postcard image of Merry Olde New England.
The Jackson area is not only pretty, but also has a couple of northern New Hampshire’s best places to eat, drink, and sleep. Just outside the southern edge of Pinkham Notch, at the junction of Route 16 and Route 16B, the Shannon Door Pub (603/383-4211) is usually just the right side of crowded—full of skiers, hikers, and other hungry folks enjoying hearty food, good beers, and frequent live folksy, bluesy music in a jovial setting. The grand hotel in Jackson is the stately Wentworth ($80 and up; 603/383-9700) at the heart of the village, welcoming travelers since it was established back in 1880.
