Building A FreakOut: On the Road to Lincoln

Business first, last week I mentioned Sport Thoma had bike rentals. I couldn’t find prices on their site so I called and was told $40. We went north last weekend and stopped in at Sport Thoma, sportthoma.com. The price for a half day bike rental last year was $45.00 and the person was not sure if it would increase for the 2023 season. It’s still a great deal, the bike rental includes, shuttle to the top of the Franconia Notch Bike Path, Helmet and a lock. Many businesses close for a 3 or 4 week break at the end of the ski season and don’t post summer pricing until they reopen.

If you are driving south from the Flume Gorge on route 3 you will see the Indian Head Resort on your left. It’s worth a stop. Once you park, look across the street for a view of Mt. Pemigewasset and Indian Head. The Indian Head Resort has a fire tower you can climb for a fee but the view from the parking lot is great too. The resort has a restaurant, and gift store as well.

It seems where ever you travel you’ll find a Christmas themed gift shop. Not far from the Indian Head Resort on route 3 you will find The Christmas Loft, christmasloft.com on your right.

If you enjoy browsing through multiple rooms packed with Christmas ornaments, collectables and themed trees you will enjoy the Christmas Loft.

Further along route 3 you will briefly go into North Woodstock. At the light where route 112 intersects route 3, if you turn right, you will head toward Lost River Gorge & Boulder Caves.

You never know what you will find while fishing, the first documented exploration of Lost River Gorge & Boulder Caves was in 1852 by the Jackman brothers, Royal and Lyman, while they were fishing along the stream. If you remember from last week, it was “Aunt” Jess Guernsey who discovered Flume Gorge also while fishing. Fortunately, Aunt Jess at age 93 didn’t fall through a hole and land 15 feet below for her discovery as Lyman did. Luis and I drove by Lost River Gorge & Boulder Caves last weekend but it was locked up tight. They even take the sign down for the winter.

If you decide to visit Lost River Gorge & Boulder Caves, watch out for the Lemon Squeeze! One time Luis scratched his glasses squeezing through and he still complains. 🙂  You can enjoy Lost River without attempting the Lemon Squeeze.

June 8^th – June 30^th – Admissions 9am-3pm, main building and grounds open 9am-4pm

The ride into Kinsman Notch and Lost River was pretty; even without leaves on the trees. I recommend the drive if you have the time and want to explore another notch.

Returning to the intersection of route 3 and route112, you’ll continue on route 112, straight through the light toward Lincoln. The town of Lincoln is at the southern end of Franconia Notch and the western end of the Kancamagus. Lincoln is very much a tourist driven town. Fall foliage, winter skiing, spring and summer, Biking, hiking, swimming and multiple car events will have a stop in Lincoln. Two of our FreakOut drives go through Lincoln.

The first stop I suggest is at Kancamagus Collectibles (603) 745-0915 owned by Arlene and Bob Miller. Located just outside of Lincoln but you’re already on the Kancamagus. Kancamagus Collectables has a gift shop in the front, antique car museum in the back, something for everyone! The gift shop is filled with Kancamagus, bear, moose and NH collectibles. Arlene knows the inventory well, don’t hesitate to ask questions.

There aren’t any Italian cars yet but they have a few Fords 1910-1934, Hupmobile, Maxwell, Nash, Packard, Cadillac, Austen, 1927 Fire engine… and it’s FREE! Bob is usually there and happy to tell you about his collection.

Turn right out of Kancamagus Collectables and your back on route 112 and the Kancamagus Highway.

Stop in at the White Mountains Visitor Center, visitwhitemountains.com while you are in Lincoln. They have a friendly staff eager to help with your plans and a large display of brochures. There is an interesting relief map of the area and a museum. I like the big stuffed bear and moose.  (Not taxidermy, just big stuffed animals.)

Lincoln hosts many restaurants from McDonalds and Subway to the local pizza shops like El Greco’s www.egpizza.com and Enzo’s 603-745-8817. You will also find, The Gypsy Café, with reasonably priced food from around the world gypsycaferestaurant.com, Nachos Mexican Grill www.nachosmgm.com, El Charro elcharro-nh.com, Black Mountain Burger Co. blackmtnburger.com, and The Black Diamon Pub www.mtnclub.com/dining, all open for lunch.  The Seven Birches Winery and Brewery sevenbirches.com is also located in Lincoln. They have a tasting room and wine bar, food and tours.

Although Loon Mountain in Lincoln is most famous for winter skiing, they do have summer activities. We stopped in last weekend; they were still open for a few diehard skiers in shorts and t-shirts enjoying the last weekend of the season. I asked for literature on what would be open in early June. No surprise they didn’t have any yet. But I was told the gondola that boasts to be NH’s longest scenic skyride and the restaurant at the top would be open in early June. If you haven’t had your fill of gondola rides or beautiful mountain views, here’s one more opportunity. Visit LoonMtn.com for updated information in May.

Lincoln is also your last chance for fuel before crossing the Kancamagus. Fill up before you head out across the Kancamagus on your return to Bartlett.

We are looking forward to seeing everyone in Bartlett. Just 46 DAYS to go!!!

Please feel free to contact us with any FreakOut questions at fiatclubnne.com