Outside of Germany, is there any place better than the foliage-rich, crisp autumn setting of Northern New England for a great Oktoberfest celebration?
One of my favorites has to be the annual Oktoberfest at Attitash Mountain Resort (https://www.attitash.com/) in Bartlett, New Hampshire. I’ve attended with beer- and oom-pah-pah loving friends for nearly all the 30-plus years it’s been held.
Scheduled for Oct. 10 this year, Attitash offers all the fun you expect at an Oktoberfest. There’s the setting: tucked into the base of Attitash, looking out over the colorful Presidential Range and up on the tree-lined ski trails. There’s the music: band after band keep the music going all day long.
There’s the “Kinderplatz,” a fun-filled kids area offering activities like pretzel necklace making and face painting, along with themed activities like “paint a snowcat” and pumpkin bowling.
For adults there are events like the keg toss and stein-holding competitions.
There’s plenty of food – from classic German fare to food truck choices.
And yes, there’s plenty of beer (and wine and cider and more). This year the Biergarten menu features more than 20 beer and beverage selections
It’s worth it on its own, but the icing on the cake is the location: right in the heart of one of America’s most beloved mountain communities. Mount Washington Valley does its part to up the ante on the event, offering hiking trails, other fall-themed dining choices, golf and abundant beauty.
Here are my tips to round out your Oktoberfest experience by embracing the region.
Where to stay: Lodging is at a premium this time of year, but space is still available. I had to wait to pull the trigger this year and despite my late planning, I was able to land a convenient two-bedroom unit at Attitash Mountain Village (https://attitashvillage.com).
Located across the street from the base area, it’s like a little neighborhood tucked into the trees. Down the road at the Bear Peak base you can find rooms at the Attitash Grand Summit (https://www.grandsummitattitash.com/) where regular shuttles take you to the fun and back.
Across the region there’s every kind of lodging choice. And since Attitash has lots of parking and a great shuttle system, you need not worry about driving there.
Consider the new Hotel Indigo (https://www.ihg.com/hotelindigo/hotels/us/en/north-conway/pwmnc/hoteldetail), a beautiful property with a stunning view looking directly into the belly of Mount Washington itself.
What else to do: Take a hike, but choose one of the countless trails that attract less traffic. The region’s website has a great list of suggestions here: https://www.visitmwv.com/go-hiking-this-fall/. We like to hike the morning before and the morning after the event. Fresh air and a workout equals more food and beer, right?
Take a ride up to beautiful Jackson Falls and just spend some time listening to and watching the waters flow down over the huge, smooth rocks. It’s a beautiful spot that should not be missed.
Shop away – it’s a great time of year to find bargains and you’ll want to grab some local syrup.
And if you have the time, take the Cog Railway (https://www.thecog.com/) or the Mount Washington Auto road up that great peak. You’ll see foliage for hundreds of miles and maybe even a little snow. You might even spot a moose.
What else to eat: Do stop in at the White Mountain Cider Company (https://ciderconh.com/) – just a few miles up the road from Attitash – where you can savor fresh, hot cider doughnuts and other seasonal treats. Another great bakery to visit where you’re sure to find fall-themed goodies is Leavitt’s (https://www.leavittsbakery.com/), worth the short drive to the south end of North Conway. As for lunch or dinner, head straight to the new Norcross building in the heart of North Conway where you can rooftop dine and look out at the quaint center and surrounding mountains. Sap House Meadery (https://www.saphousemeadery.com/noco/) is one of the choices there, and offers a chance to learn about and fall in love with locally made mead.
Be Prepared: Other than booking your lodging, purchase your Oktoberfest tickets online ahead of time (the event has sold out before), and to save time that day, purchase your drink tokens online ahead of time as well. You can do all that at https://www.attitash.com/explore-the-resort/activities-and-events/oktoberfest.aspx.
The huge and open space at Attitash’s Oktoberfest keeps it feeling uncrowded. Moira McCarthy
Jackson Falls is a must-visit. Moira McCarthy
Moose spotting is common — keep your eyes peeled when you take a scenic Mount Washington Valley drive. Moira McCarthy
Dining and Cooking