Robert Frost Farmland, White Mountain Vistas and Points in Between | The Industrial Revolution is Alive and Well Robert Frost Farmland, White Mountain Vistas and Points in Between The famous poet Robert Frost wrote about “the road less taken,” and sometimes that road is the one that leads you to a vacation memory that lasts forever. You can follow Frost's roads, along some of New Hampshire's “Scenic Byways” through the western New Hampshire countryside where he lived. Some of these roads lead through towns such as Enfield, Hillsborough, and Claremont that are part of the National Trust's “Main Street” program. Others are paths that lead to hidden treasures in the state's historical societies, museums and public spaces. The highlight is a day at the Robert Frost Farm Historic Site in Derry (also a Main Street community) to see the modest clapboard farmhouse that was Frost's home in the early 1900's and the place that inspired such poems as “Mending Wall.” Start in Concord, New Hampshire's state capital and home to the New Hampshire Historical Society's Tuck Library. Then pick up Route 9 to Loudon, where you will see the turn for the Canterbury Scenic Byway that leads to Canterbury Shaker Village. Wander through the all-organic flower, herb and vegetable gardens, and then enjoy a lunch of their bounty at the Shaker Table Restaurant. From Canterbury Shaker Village head northwest on I-89 to the Route 11/103 exit through Claremont where you can join a Claremont historical walking tour. If you prefer, follow the Connecticut River Scenic Byway for a leisurely afternoon of kayaking. As you head north along the river, you will pass many of our preserved covered bridges. Continue on to Hanover, home to Dartmouth College and many lodging options, including the famed Hanover Inn. In the morning, if you have arranged in advance, you can visit The Rauner Special Collections Library at Dartmouth to see Frost's papers, then cruise along Route 4 through nearby Enfield, continuing east to pick up I-93 which leads directly to Frost's farm. You will pass the 19th century mills of Manchester along the Amoskeag River, once the largest textile mills in the world. They are now home to artisans' studios, hi-tech companies and the Amoskeag Fishways. Approaching Derry, look for Route 102 east and then State Route 28 leading to the Robert Frost Farm. The house tour includes a brief film and a half-mile walking trail through the woods. There are 23 markers along the way pointing out familiar spots from Frost's poems. End the day in Bedford with dinner and accommodations at an historic inn. The members of the 19th century White Mountains School of Art escaped from city heat by summering among the hazy warm farm fields and lavender sunsets of the White Mountains, now preserved for all to enjoy as the 800,000-acre White Mountains National Forest. To shadow the painters of the White Mountain School, head to North Conway from Franconia, traveling along the famed Kancamagus Trail. Perhaps the most famous of New Hampshire's Scenic Byways, this route traverses majestic mountains, past tranquil ponds and cool green vistas. Likewise, Conway's status as a popular year round resort means there are plenty of boutiques and outlet shops for tax-free shopping aficionados, and more than enough restaurants in town to suit every taste. Still, the steam locomotive train rides that depart from the c.1874 train station on the town green are reminders that this part of New Hampshire has been polishing its hospitality skills for centuries. Not far away, the White Mountains' Victorian grand hotels offer an attractive palette of programs along with 21st century services, from golf and horseback riding, to spas (and even a painting lesson or two).