Farm by the River Inn & Stables, White Mts., North Conway, NH

I found this incredible inn by accident a few years ago, while doing a search for a sleigh ride getaway.  Hoping to find a destination close to home, but realizing inns with horse-drawn sleigh rides were few in our region, I yielded to the North where such places abound, especially in the White Mountains. Up popped a beautiful inn, built in 1771, and owned within the same family line for seven generations. The 70-acre place was home to twenty horses and numerous wagons, carriages, and sleighs. In typical-New England-style architecture, the barn was attached to the house. That did it. Being a horse-crazed sort of gal, I booked a five-night stay. My husband, weary from a tour in Afghanistan, did not protest. We flew into Portland, Maine, and rented a car. After a 62-mile drive, we arrived at a large, white-washed Cape Cod with a sprawling porch, surrounded by an even whiter, snow laden landscape. Our hosts, Rick and Charlene, were most gracious and we immediately relaxed. The roaring fireplaces in our room and in the common area only added to a complete feeling of “Ahhhhh, we’ve arrived!”  The next several days were spent sleigh riding, hiking the farm, reading by the fire, horseback riding, downhill skiing, and, of course, enjoying the excellent dining and shopping establishments of North Conway. A bountiful breakfast was served every morning. I’d never enjoyed French toast or baked oatmeal more than when prepared “a’ la Charlene style.” A full staff of wranglers hitched and drove the horses for several hours of sleighing. Gentle breeds of black and gray Percherons and russet-colored Belgians pulled the wagons with ease. With the bells singing to every stride of the team and the White Mountains always in view, we were cozy for about two hours in that Victorian sleigh. The Saco river gurgled close by.  My dream had more than come true.  If this is a possibility for your bucket list, then call Charlene at (603) 356-2694 to reserve one of the nine rooms that Farm by the River offers. Rates begin at $125 per night for a two-person, queen room. Many rooms have jacuzzis and fireplaces. A Valentine “Sleigh Ride and Stay” package is available and includes a sleigh ride for two, champagne or cider, box of chocolates, fireside breakfast, and a snowshoeing outing. Visit their website at www.farmbytheriver.com. Sleigh pulled by black Percherons at Farm by the River, Bed and Breakfast. Photo by Jeff Akerson