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OUTDOOR RECREATION
If you like the outdoors, you'll love Bethlehem! GolfBethlehem boasts two championship 18-hole golf courses designed by the legendary Donald Ross. Bethlehem Country Club and Maplewood Country Club also team up with numerous local inns for stay-n-play packages. Several other courses are just a short drive away.
State ParksFranconia ~ Franconia Notch State Park, off I-93 Alpine Skiing and SnowboardingFive great ski areas, Cannon Mountain, Bretton Woods, Loon Mountain, Attitash/Bear Peak, and Waterville Valley are all within a 15-45 minute drive of Bethlehem. In its October 2008 issue, SKI Magazine named Cannon Mountain among the Top 20 Resorts in the East. SKI Magazine readers like the "reasonable prices," "down-home atmosphere," and "narrow, twisting trails" of Cannon Mountain. The ski area was highlighted among the elite ski areas in North America by being ranked 6th in both Value and Scenery. Cannon Mountain also scored an unprecedented seven top ten Eastern honors in the survey, five of which were among the top three. This impressive list of honors for Cannon included rankings of:
Cross Country SkiingThere are many options for cross country skiing, from groomed trails to backcountry treks. Several local inns also have trails for their guests. Snowmobiling
Hiking and BackpackingThere are hundreds of miles of trails to explore in the White Mountains. Discover beautiful waterfalls or scale New England's highest peak (Mt. Washington). In addition to the ranger stations, more information is available from the Appalachian Mountain Club, Pinkham Notch (603-466-2721), or any local outfitter.  BikingMany on-road and off-road options exist for cycling enthusiasts. Strike off on your own or join one of the local bike clubs on their weekly rides. Ranger stations and local bike shops have maps and more information. CampingTent and RV camp sites abound in the White Mountains. Some prefer private campgounds with plenty of amenities, while others prefer to "rough it" in the back woods. For campgrounds, see our Camping page. For information on state park or wilderness camping, check with the local ranger stations. Rock ClimbingSeveral locations near Bethlehem provide rock climbing routes for all abilities. Franconia Notch and Crawford Notch each have many routes, and several guidebooks are available for more information. For indoor climbs, try the Pemi Valley Rock Gym in Lincoln. Fishing and HuntingAnglers can wet their lines at any number of streams, rivers, lakes, and ponds in the White Mountains. Fish for brook, brown, or rainbow trout, bass, salmon, northern pike, and other species. Fishing licenses required for age 16 and older. Hunters' quarry includes moose, deer, bear, and game birds. Hunting license required. Water SportsLots of bodies of water mean lots of water sport options. Canoe or kayak on the many area streams, rivers, or lakes. Boaters and water skiers will enjoy Forest Lake State Park in Whitefield or Moore Reservoir in Littleton. Swimmers can get wet anywhere, but may enjoy the beaches at Forest Lake State Park, Echo Lake in Franconia Notch State Park, or Echo Lake State Park in Bartlett. Bird Watching and Wildlife ViewingYou're apt to spot plenty of birds and wildlife on your visit to the White Mountains. Moose, deer, fox, and many species of birds are common sights. Nearby special places include the Pondicherry National Wildlife Refuge in Whitefield, where over 220 varieties of birds have been recorded. An easy, flat walk will take you there, and you may even catch site of the loons that often summer there. SnowshoeingSnowshoeing has become a very popular winter sport. Area hiking trails are an obvious choice for snowshoe destinations, but snowmobile trails, logging roads, golf courses, and cross country ski areas afford additional options. Rentals are available at local outfitters. Ice SkatingBethlehem' Recreation Park on the corner of Main and Agassiz streets provides a great place to lace up your skates. An outdoor lighted rink is available free of charge. No skate rentals are available, so bring your own. TennisBethlehem has two tennis courts available to the public. The courts are free and located just off Main Street. Forest Service Ranger StationsBethlehem ~ Ammonoosuc Ranger Station, Trudeau Rd (603-869-2626)
SHOPPING & FUN THINGS TO DOLocal Works Outdoor MarketplaceRoute 302, 2011 Main Street, Bethlehem, NH Farmers MarketJune 28th to October 11th The Gallery at WREN2013 Main Street Day Camp Series at the White Mountain SchoolStudent ages: end of 6th grade to end of 9th;. Ages 12 - 15
ORGANIZED ACTIVITIESMoviesMovies are a great way to spend a relaxing evening, and there are two movie theaters within easy reach. Bethlehem is home to the longest continually running movie theater in the United States! The historic Colonial Theater shows movies nightly through the summer. In nearby Littleton, the Jax Jr. features two cinemas with shows nightly year 'round.
Summer TheatreThere are two great summer theatres that operate within a short drive from Bethlehem. The Weathervane Theatre in Whitefield offers multiple shows in a rotating repertory throughout July and August. Call 603-837-9322 for details. The Papermill Theatre in Lincoln (603-745-2141) is part of the North Country Center for the Arts. Children's TheatreEach of the summer theatres above provide special productions for children. The Weathervane Theatre's Patchwork Players performs Fridays at 1:00. The North Country Center for the Arts' Childrens Theatre performs in Lincoln and Littleton on Wednesdays, and tours six other locations throughout the week. Anchored on alternate Wednesdays at 11 AM by the Weathervane Theatre's Patchwork Players, the Colonial's Summer Children’s Series provides a weekly dose of live music, theater, story-telling, magic and more in July and August. Free Summer Concert Series From May to September, enjoy a free outdoor concert every Sunday night from 6:00 - 8:00 pm in Bethlehem. The old fashioned Gazebo on the Town Common (corner of Main and Prospect St.) is the location. Bring a blanket and picnic, and enjoy a wide range of musical artists. Refreshments available. See the Events Calendar for performers. Music in the White MountainsThe North Country Chamber Players Annual Summer Festival is held every Friday and Saturday at 8:00 PM. Performances will be in Bethlehem, Sugar Hill, and Lincoln, and will feature selections from Beethhoven, Schubert, Bach, Mozart, and more. Call 603-444-0309 for details or see the Events Calendar. Cut-Your-Own Christmas TreeIt's somehow fitting that Bethlehem sports not one, but two Christmas tree farms. Start a wonderful family tradition of selecting and harvesting your own Christmas tree at either Finnegan's Fine Firs or The Rocks Estate.
Learn about NatureWhile in the White Mountains, take a break from the beautiful scenery to learn a little about the region's flora, fauna, geological history, and many other interesting topics. Throughout the year, local experts conduct free or low cost presentations on many diverse subjects. Good places to start are The Rocks Estate in Bethlehem and Weeks State Park in Lancaster. These two organizations frequently have lectures of interest to nature lovers. Wagon Rides
Any time of year is a great time for an old-fashioned wagon ride. Your innkeeper can help you with arrangements.
Bethlehem Walking TourTake a self-guided walking tour through Bethlehem's past. Free map available at the Visitors Center. Find out about FishVisit the Fish & Wildlife Center on Rt. 3 in Twin Mountain (603-846-5108) Art Galleries
MuseumsNew England Ski Museum -- See videos, films, and exhibits dedicated to the history of skiing (at the base of Cannon Mt. 603-823-7177) www.skimuseum.org
Maple Syrup SeasonEach spring, area maple syrup producers open their doors to show how maple syrup is made. Enjoy the stories, descriptions, and free taste tests! In Bethlehem, visit The Rocks Estate for their maple program (603-444-6228). Fun Run/WalkSupport a great cause by participating in one of the area's Fun Run/Walks. Try the Ammonoosuc Amble (April), the Dalton Mud Run (April), or other local events. Check the Events page for dates. For other fun ideas, try White Mountain Attractions
For more information, please contact the Chamber Visitors Center at 1-888-845-1957 or info@bethlehemwhitemtns.com
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Bethlehem Country Club
You'll find miles and miles of easily accessible, groomed trails that connect with New Hampshire's "Corridor" and "Primary" trail system. You'll also find that Bethlehem is very "snowmobile friendly". Trail maps are available at the Visitors Center and most area lodgings. Local snowmobile rentals are also available. Bethlehem's local snowmobile trail association, 
