Welcome to Thornton!
We hope you arrived safely and had no trouble finding our property. Please make yourself at home right way. We know how important accommodations are, especially on vacation, which is why we want your stay to be as comfortable as possible. We too, have stayed at many vacation rentals around the globe which is why it’s so important for us to be great hosts – and valuing your stay is our top priority. We ask all guests to walk through the property and report any dissatisfaction/issues within the first 24 hours. That way, we can do our best to ensure you have everything you need to make your stay as enjoyable as possible.
The Town of Thornton, NH is located in the White Mountains (which are part of the Appalachians). It’s an hour and a half to Portsmouth, NH and an 11 minute drive to Waterville Valley ski resort! Loon mountain is also only 25 minutes away, and located on the iconic Kancamagus highway. I-93 runs through the town allowing easy access to southern parts of NH and quick access to Massachusetts. The Pemigewasset river runs right through the heart of the town. Located just under 2 hours from Boston, Thornton is perfect for a mountain getaway!
Thanks, have a great time and we hope you visit again in the future!
- The Summit Vacation Rentals Team
Local Contacts
Summit VACATION RENTALS TEAM
Chris, Sean, Marie, Jizabel, AJ, Jenette, Sarah, Bella
info@seacoastvacationrentals.co, 603-255-3532
NEAREST HOSPITALS
Speare Memorial Hospital, (603) 536-1120, 16 Hospital Rd., Plymouth, NH
Concord Hospital - Laconia, 80 Highland St., Laconia, NH
THORNTON FIRE DEPARTMENT
(603) 726-3300, 186 NH-49, Campton, NH
THORNTON POLICE AND TOWN OFFICE DEPARTMENT
(603) 726-4232, 16 Merrill Access Rd., Thornton, NH
Top Day Trips
NORTH CONWAY, NH - 61.4 miles
Nestled in the White Mountains, North Conway offers plenty of outdoor adventures and charming local culture. Take in the stunning views of the Kancamagus Highway as you make your journey across the White Mountains. Hike picturesque trails in the Mt. Washington Valley, climb the challenging granite cliffs at Cathedral Ledge, or tube down Cranmore Mountain in the winter. After working up an appetite, stop into Moat Mountain Smokehouse & Brewing Co. for BBQ and local craft beers or go downtown to get breakfast at the Stairway Cafe which overlooks the Conway Scenic Railway and the mountains. At night, catch a show at the quaint Eastern Slope Inn and get some dinner at Flatbread Pizza Co. With tax-free shopping outlets, scenic railroad rides, and stunning mountain scenery, North Conway is the perfect basecamp to experience New Hampshire's natural splendor while enjoying local restaurants, cafes, and family-friendly attractions.
LINCOLN, NH - 20.7 miles
Nestled in the White Mountains, Lincoln offers both outdoor adventures and local charm. Hike to the waterfall at Flume Gorge, ride the gondola up Loon Mountain, or zip line over treetops during the day. Grab a breakfast sandwich at White Mountain Bagel Co. before you start your day. At night, enjoy a hearty meal at Woodstock Inn Brewery or Black Mountain Burger Company before catching a show at the Papermill Theater. For family fun, visit Clark’s Bears to see trained bears and ride a steam train. With scenic drives, unique shops, and plenty of activities, Lincoln lets you experience the best of New Hampshire's natural beauty and small town culture.
WATERVILLE VALLEY - 7.2 miles
First opened in 1966, Waterville Valley Resort is a year-round destination nestled in the White Mountains of New Hampshire. With 265 skiable acres, it offers outdoor enthusiasts downhill skiing and snowboarding in the winter months along with snowshoeing, ice skating, and more. In the summer and fall, take the Snow Mountain Chairlift ride up to the summit and enjoy hiking and biking the extensive trail network while taking in the spectacular mountain views. Other warm weather activities include golfing, tennis, swimming in the Town Square's indoor and outdoor pools, and paddleboarding on Corcoran Pond. With extensive amenities and a charming pedestrian village, Waterville Valley Resort lets you experience the natural beauty of the White Mountains while enjoying restaurants, shops, and a variety of activities.
LAKES REGION, NH - 30 to 40 miles
Nestled against Lake Winnipesaukee, New Hampshire's largest lake, the towns of Gilford and Meredith offer quintessential Lakes Region experiences. In Meredith, begin your day browsing the pedestrian-friendly Main Street, full of shops, restaurants, and galleries. Then, head to the shore to swim at Hesky Park Beach or embark on a scenic cruise on the historic ship MV Sophie C. In the evening, catch a concert at the Bank of New Hampshire Pavilion, which hosts major touring acts in an intimate outdoor amphitheater. In Gilford, explore the quaint villages before paddling the calm waters with views of the Belknap Mountains. End your day with dinner at Patrick's Pub & Eatery, located walking distance to the Bank of New Hampshire Pavilion. Other area highlights include hiking Mount Major, ziplining at Gunstock Mountain Resort, and sampling the Lakes Region's many microbrews. With stunning natural scenery and endless opportunities for relaxation and adventure, the Gilford and Meredith area encapsulates the beauty of central New Hampshire's Lakes Region.
PLYMOUTH, NH - 11.7 miles
Tucked in the picturesque Pemigewasset Valley, Plymouth offers a mix of outdoor adventures and cultural experiences. Hike or bike the extensive trail network in Plymouth's natural areas before visiting the popular Polar Caves Park to tour the fascinating granite caves. Afterward, stop by The Flying Monkey for dinner and a show featuring live music and theater performances. For more dining options, Main Street offers locally-owned spots like the Yama Greek Eatery and Six Burner Bistro. To learn about Plymouth's past, visit the Museum of the White Mountains. Nearby day trips include exploring Squam Lake on a boat tour and taking in mountain views from Rattlesnake Mountain. With its college-town vibe, rich history, and stunning natural surroundings, Plymouth lets you experience the best of central New Hampshire's culture, cuisine, and outdoor offerings.
BOSTON, MA – 122 MILES
Settled in 1630, Boston is the capital of Massachusetts and the most populous city in New England. It is home to 50-some colleges and esteemed institutions like Symphony Hall, the Museum of Fine Arts and Faneuil Hall still anchor the city’s hold on music, art and history. Check out the nation’s oldest public park, the 50-acre Boston Common, enjoy Italian dining in Boston’s North End, and stroll down Newbury Street for great shopping and head into the heart of Back Bay.
Top Local Attractions
WATERVILLE VALLEY SKI RESORT
In winter, Thornton transforms into a snowy wonderland perfect for skiing and snowboarding. Waterville Valley Resort offers 265 acres of skiable terrain across all ability levels. Its extensive trail network winds through the alpine area and spruce-fir forests. Après ski, unwind at Coyote Grill by the resort's Town Square for drinks, snacks, and live entertainment.
COVERED BRIDGE FARM TABLE
Located in the town of Campton lies the unique Covered Bridge Farm Table restaurant. Originally built as a horse barn in the 1860s, the renovated farm-to-table eatery overlooks the Blair Covered Bridge over the Pemigewasset River. Diners can enjoy fresh, locally-sourced New Hampshire cuisine in the rustic dining room or outside on the patio with serene river views. Just steps from the bridge, the surrounding countryside beckons visitors to explore. Walk along the river on scenic walking paths after dinner. With its charming setting, delicious farm-fresh meals, and wealth of nearby outdoor recreation, the Covered Bridge Farm Table offers a quintessential New Hampshire dining experience paired with plenty of opportunities to discover the beauty of Campton and the surrounding White Mountains region.
FRANCONIA NOTCH STATE PARK
Franconia Notch State Park is a natural wonderland in the heart of the White Mountains. Its most iconic attraction is the Flume Gorge, where visitors can walk through a spectacular granite gorge with walls rising up to 90 feet on either side. For outstanding views, ride the tramway up Cannon Mountain and climb the observation tower to see the peaks of the Franconia Range and beyond. Franconia Notch is also home to many hiking trails past waterfalls, lakes, and streams, including popular routes like Lonesome Lake and Artists Bluff. Be sure to stop by the lively Franconia Coffee House for a hearty breakfast or lunch after a morning spent exploring the park’s scenic trails. With its pristine wilderness, wealth of outdoor activities, and iconic New Hampshire scenery, Franconia Notch State Park is a must-visit destination.
SUGAR HILL LUPINES
Each June, the small town of Sugar Hill in the White Mountains region of New Hampshire celebrates the peak bloom of the beautiful lupine flower with its annual Lupine Festival. Centered around the iconic Sugar Hill Meeting House, the one-day festival features local artisans selling crafts, live music performances, delicious food vendors, and family-friendly activities. Visitors can take tractor-drawn wagon rides into the fields bursting with purple, pink, and white lupines standing tall on their stalks. The festival offers gorgeous photo opportunities amidst the lupines, which blanket the countryside with color for a few short weeks each year. With its picturesque setting surrounded by peaks like Cannon Mountain, the Franconia Sugar Hill Lupine Festival provides a unique way to experience the natural beauty of the Granite State each spring.
CANNON MOUNTAIN
First used as a ski area in 1938, Cannon Mountain has a long history of winter sports in Franconia Notch State Park. Skiers can still take the original tramway to the 4,080-foot summit for access to an extensive network of downhill trails ranging from beginner to expert. In summer, visitors can hike mountain trails, climb the rocky ledges of the Franconia Range, or just take the tram up for breathtaking views of the White Mountains. The base lodge has a cafeteria so skiers can refuel right on the mountain. Before hitting the slopes head over to Polly’s Pancake Parlor to fuel up for the day. With its iconic aerial tramway and diverse recreational offerings across all seasons, Cannon Mountain provides boundless opportunities for outdoor fun in the heart of the Whites.
Top Local Restaurants, Bars & Cafes
COVERED BRIDGE FARM TABLE
The Covered Bridge Farm Table offers a unique farm-to-table dining experience in Campton. Originally a horse barn built in the 1860s, the restaurant overlooks the scenic Blair Covered Bridge over the Pemigewasset River. Diners can savor delicious meals featuring fresh, local ingredients either in the rustic but elegant dining room or outdoors on the patio with views of the bridge. Steps away, visitors can take relaxing strolls along the river and explore charming covered bridges dotted throughout the countryside. With its idyllic setting and flavorful New Hampshire cuisine, the Covered Bridge Farm Table encapsulates the natural beauty and local charm of the White Mountains region.
CAFE LAFAYETTE DINNER TRAIN
The Cafe Lafayette Dinner Train in Woodstock offers a unique dining experience aboard vintage railroad dining cars. On scenic train rides along the Pemigewasset River, guests can enjoy delicious four-course meals prepared on board by skilled chefs. Musicians provide live entertainment as diners take in views of the White Mountains from the train's glass-domed cars. Departing from the Hobo Railroad in Lincoln, the dinner train runs special event trips like murder mysteries along with regular Saturday night meals. Blending gourmet cuisine with train travel through beautiful countryside, the Cafe Lafayette Dinner Train brings memorable and romantic evenings to New Hampshire's White Mountains.
BENTON’S SUGAR SHACK
Benton's Sugar Shack offers a taste of New Hampshire maple sugaring tradition. Located on a family farm in Thornton, the sugar shack produces pure maple syrup by boiling sap collected from local sugar maples. Visitors can tour the working sugar woods to learn how sap gets from the trees to your breakfast table. After working up an appetite, indulge in maple treats like maple cream, maple candy, or maple whoopie pies fresh from the farm's kitchen. For a sweet experience steeped in the unique local culture of maple sugaring, Benton's Sugar Shack is a must-visit destination in the heart of New Hampshire's maple country.
TOP BREAKFAST SPOTS
The Main Street Station, 105 Main Street, Plymouth, NH
Annie’s Overflow, 138 NH-175A, Holderness, NH
Flapjack’s Pancake House, 149 Main St., Lincoln, NH
The Moon Cafe and Bakery, 28 S Mountain Rd, Lincoln, NH
TOP LUNCH SPOTS
Mad River Tavern, 377 NH-49, Campton, NH
Coyote Grill, 98 Valley Rd, Waterville Valley, NH
JL Sullivan’s Irish Pub, 891 NH-49, Thornton, NH
Tartaglia’s Pizza, 250 NH-49, Campton, NH 03223
Want to own your own home in Thornton?
Sean Bakhtiari is a licensed Realtor in New Hampshire and Massachusetts with Compass Real Estate. He specializes in New Hampshire’s Seacoast, Southern NH, Greater Newburyport, North Shore Massachusetts and the Greater Boston area.
Contact Sean today if you’d like to discuss buying, selling or investing in real estate.