There are two types of wedding guests.
Some will receive an unexpected wedding invitation in the mail and gasp at the sight of “destination” wedding. And then there’s me, thrilled at any time to pack my luggage to attend a destination wedding in a faraway, exotic location. Okay, well maybe not so far away and exotic this time, but still a fairytale, Hallmark movie setting type of location.
The wedding we attended was held in New Hampshire, known as the “Granite State,” a picturesque postcard amidst lush green landscaping and majestic mountains. We would be spending the weekend in the town of Lincoln, a town that I had never heard about. Lincoln, nestled in the heart of the White Mountains, is an energetic town, situated at the entrance to the popular Kancamagus Highway.
For this destination wedding, I did not have to search for a hotel. It was recommended that wedding guests book a stay at RiverWalk Resort at Loon Mountain.
Location of RiverWalk Resort at Loon Mountain
Riverwalk Resort Loon Mountain in Lincoln, New Hampshire is set amidst the picturesque beauty of the White Mountains, on the banks of Pemigewasset River. As you would expect in New Hampshire, the resort is near a charming historical town just miles away from the Loon Mountain Ski Resort. The resort’s appearance and atmosphere is a cross between a bustling grand resort and a peaceful retreat.
When we arrived at the resort, the spectacular mountain view stole the show. But the outdoor pool area is another showstopper. We appreciated the direct access to the river, where we enjoyed walking down by the waterfront for a bit of calm from the busy wedding festivities. Inside the resort, the décor is beautiful and the ambiance cozy and comfortable with many fireplaces throughout.
Just a short drive from the resort, we found the town’s unique shops, art galleries, entertainment, and restaurants. It was a real treat to see the start of the changing New England foliage transitioning to autumn colors.
Lots of Great Resort Amenities
RiverWalk Resort, surrounded by remote forestry and the White Mountains makes for an ideal destination for year-round adventures. Although we were following a fun but busy wedding weekend itinerary, there was still some time to take advantage of the many resort amenities. In fact, RiverWalk features seasonal activities, two onsite restaurants, a commercial winery with tasting room, full-service spa, large lagoon pools and hot tubs, state of the art fitness center, wellness and fitness classes, and more.
Wedding guests were swarming the resort massages at the spa, enjoying a glass of wine at the winery, swimming in the heated pool, or sneaking pizza at the restaurant. On Friday night, it was such a nice time to bring us all together roasting marshmallows and making s’mores on the back lawn with the warmth of bonfires set under a star-filled sky. The resort offers a year-round activities calendar including backyard games, poolside movies, holiday events, and more.
Resort amenities:
:: Solstice North Day Spa
:: Seven Birches Winery
:: Rhythm Restaurant and Bar
:: La Vista Italian Restaurant
:: Game Room
:: Fitness Center
:: The Backyard
:: Outdoor pools and hot tubs
:: Adventure Concierge
:: Tesla Charging Stations
:: Laundry facilities
:: Shuttle to and from Loon Mountain throughout the winter season
:: Seasonal indoor storage for ski equipment and bicycles
You can swim in heated pools and hot tubs while enjoying the incredible mountain views. In colder months, it would be so cool to sip a hot chocolate, grab your ski’s, and hit the slopes. We had a beautiful Autumn weekend with temps in the high 70’s, so wedding guests were able to enjoy the lovely pool area. Definitely check out the arcade room with an outstanding assortment of fun games for all ages. If you need some pampering, treat yourself to a massage or skin treatment at the Solstice North Day Spa or join the fitness classes like Pilates or yoga.
We Loved the RiverWalk Resort’s Accommodations
If you’re planning a family trip to New England any time of year, RiverWalk Resort at Loon Mountain is a great place to stay. You can select accommodations from spacious suites that include balconies and kitchens. Some suites even have fireplaces.
Suite types:
:: Kitchenette Studio
:: Full Kitchen Studio
:: Studio with Wall Bed
:: 1, 2 and 3 Bedroom Suites
:: Executive Suites
:: Presidential Suites
:: Penthouse Suites
Our Full Kitchen Studio Suite was the perfect size, decorated nicely, beautifully furnished, and immaculately clean. The balcony and mountain view was icing on the cake. The view of the mountains was beautiful at the start of Autumn, and I can only imagine the picturesque snowy view during the winter months.
With two grocery stores near the resort, we were happy to have the opportunity to shop for some groceries to make breakfasts and lunches in our suite’s kitchen.
Seven Birches Winery and Onsite Restaurants
It was a real treat for wedding guests to discover the Seven Birches Winery right on the resort’s property. The winery offered a diverse selection of wines and ciders along with interactive tasting experiences, snack pairings, and special event programming. It is a cool feature to have the option to see the actual wine making room. Be sure to visit the winery to sample or buy wine and cider to take home. You can hang around at the winery’s large bar or tables and buy a variety of cheese and cracker types to pair with your wine or cider selections.
We were pleased to have had the time to enjoy dinner at the onsite Italian restaurant, La Vista. There you’ll discover a full menu of Italian cuisine and wood-fired pizzas. You can sit indoors or outdoors under a covered deck, with beautiful views of the mountains. The outdoor restaurant seating overlooks the Seven Birches Winery vineyard and the beautiful pool area. You will love the freshly baked bread and pizza crusts, along with the most delicious desserts. In addition to wood fired pizzas, there are many great chef-inspired appetizers and entrees.
We also enjoyed a meal at the resort’s Rhythm Tap & Grille casual American-style restaurant. Whether you’re there to eat or have a drink, you can appreciate the breathtaking view of the Pemigewasset River that overlooks the White Mountains. Menu favorites include steaks, seafood, smashburgers, and more. The meal was delicious. Even better, the bartenders and drinks were amazing. The indoor bar and outdoor bar with deck features impressive draft selections (more than 15 types!) of locally crafted beers in addition to Rhythm Ciders made onsite.
Most Recommended Activities Around Lincoln, New Hampshire
Nearby RiverWalk Resort at Loon Mountain, you’ll have the opportunity to go hiking, climbing, mountain biking, and experience other outdoor activities and special events year-round. Hike the White Mountains among dozens of mountain peaks (4000 feet high!) and numerous smaller peaks. There are also plenty of shorter, easier hikes within a short drive from the RiverWalk Resort. Most trails also offer panoramic views of the White Mountains and surrounding areas.
Here are a few must-see attractions in the area:
:: Granite State Railway
Hop on classic train cars for a one-hour journey to explore the landscapes of Lincoln, New Hampshire … over parts of the Pemigewasset River … and along the western slopes of the White Mountains. It’s the most relaxing hour, when you can sit still and simply gaze out the window at the breathtaking beauty of nature. Reservations are recommended so purchase your tickets in advance to secure your spot. It costs $29.99 for an adult ticket.
:: Jean’s Playhouse
The award-winning Jean’s Playhouse is right next door to the RiverWalk Resort. You’ll want to get tickets for the Broadway-style plays and musicals, along with other great performance shows being offered when you visit. Enjoy live music, comedy, and seasonal events hosted throughout the year.
:: BarnZ’s Lincoln Cinema
BarnZ’s Lincoln Cinema is just a short walk across the RiverWalk Resort parking lot and a great way to wind down from outdoor activities by watching movies. It’s a bit of a throwback to classic movie theaters, not large, not high tech, but an old-fashioned theater to enjoy movies and popcorn.
:: Flume Gorge State Park
The Flume is a natural granite gorge extending 800 feet long at the base of Mount Liberty. It’s a self-guided walk, a 2-mile, one-way loop that takes approximately 2-1/2 hours. The trail is mostly packed gravel with some boardwalk sections, and there are some uphill walking and stairs within the gorge. You’ll have a bird’s eye view of the towering moss-covered granite walls, cascading waterfalls, historic covered bridges, glacial pools and boulders, and more. Appropriate footwear is highly recommended. Cost is $20 per person.
During the winter, you can take advantage of the world-class New Hampshire ski resorts, snowmobile trails, ice castles, and more snowy adventures right outside of the RiverWalk Resort.
I Said “Yes” to a Destination Wedding and Found an Unexpected Destination Favorite
After spending a weekend at RiverWalk Resort in Lincoln, New Hampshire, the only word I can say is, “wow!” This is a top resort in my book, and the weekend was as close to perfection as possible. From the amazing studio suite accommodations to the amazing resort staff, luxury amenities, food, beverages, entertainment, and activities, I have only good things to say. And the wedding festivities were spectacular!
The New Hampshire town of Lincoln, ideally located in the heart of the surrounding White Mountains, made for a memorable getaway. It was a great location with resort access for river walks every morning. We enjoyed the two on-site restaurants, and the winery was an added bonus.
New Hampshire is like a picturesque postcard depicting the splendor of New England life. You can spend your days hiking to waterfalls, walking along Main Street, or simply appreciating the beautiful mountain views. Pack your bags and head to the Granite State. You might just fall in love with the area just like I did.