Our First Family Ski Trip: Food in New Hampshire

Our recent travels took us to the snowy slopes and cozy dining spots of New Hampshire, and we found some real culinary gems along the way. Here’s a breakdown of our what we ate—perfect for families!

Gunstock Ski Mountain

The Barrel Bar & Grille This spot is a hit with skiers and snowboarders, so plan ahead. If you’re hoping to grab a table at 11 a.m. when they open, aim to line up by 10:50. By 11:15, the wait can stretch to 30-45 minutes!

We started with the spinach and artichoke dip, served warm with tortilla chips. It was the perfect appetizer for a chilly day—delicious and comforting. We also ordered the pretzel, which was impressively large. Though a bit salty for my taste, the excess salt was easy to brush off.

For our main dish, my husband and I split the chili. It was hearty and packed with meat—perfect for sharing since we had dinner plans elsewhere (stay tuned for that review!). Our younger son loved the pizza from the kids’ menu, giving it high marks for cheesiness, his top criterion for great pizza.

To drink, my husband enjoyed a beer while I opted for an espresso martini. We also tried the seasonal sangria, which was sweet and refreshing.

Other Food at Gunstock Don’t miss the Waffle House! Their $7 waffle was hot, crispy, and caramelized with sugar—a life-changing experience. The cafeteria is a reliable option too; the chocolate croissant and breakfast sandwich were both tasty. In the historic lodge, two bars provide a perfect spot to unwind—a White Claw in the afternoon was just what I needed.

Our older son, who dined during ski school, gave the mac and cheese a “good but not great” rating. He’s got high standards, though!

Overall, the food at Gunstock was solid. It’s not gourmet, but it’s convenient, satisfying, and fairly priced.

Woodstock Inn

We ventured to the Woodstock Inn for a scenic drive (and a nap opportunity for the kids). This massive restaurant rarely has long waits, even during peak season, and offers plenty to look at.

The kids stuck with their favorite—pizza—and gave it two enthusiastic thumbs up. My husband and I shared the blackened fish sandwich and the chicken salad sandwich. Portions here are enormous, and the food was even better than what we had at Gunstock. It made for a fun and tasty outing!

Canoe

The Canoe Chips and a martini!

Our favorite dining experience was at Canoe in Center Harbor. Reservations are recommended, but the large bar with high-top tables is a great alternative.

We adored the appetizers—the Canoe chips (stacked high with melted blue cheese, scallions, and bacon) were incredible, and the calamari was equally delicious. The lobster macaroni and cheese is a must-try, with a massive portion size that’s perfect for sharing. We also enjoyed a wedge salad to add some greens to the mix.

The kids’ meals came with Oreos for dessert, which they loved. They had chicken fingers and had plenty of leftovers to take home.

Canoe’s cocktails are generous, and they also offer a robust non-alcoholic menu. Our older son enjoyed a mocktail while I savored their martini with blue cheese olives.

Vida by the Lake

Our culinary adventure wouldn’t be complete without Mexican food, and Vida by the Lake delivered. The menu is extensive, the guacamole fresh, and the margaritas delightful. Portions were huge—we enjoyed the enchiladas, while our older son tried the taco combo, and our younger son devoured a quesadilla. This spot is definitely worth a return visit!

Final Thoughts

New Hampshire offered us more than just breathtaking views and snowy slopes; it provided a variety of dining experiences that catered to our whole family. From casual ski lodge bites to refined dinners, there’s something for everyone. If you’re planning a trip, be sure to check out these spots for a satisfying culinary journey.

Also not to be missed - the NH Liquor Outlets! We were able to purchase wine at a discount and had a delightful experience in the shop!

And for a snack for the drive… we went to a Buffalo Wild Wings. They also have great options for kids, many locations, and we had a good experience. I think the Bloody Mary is a bit spicy. We would recommend it!

Bon appétit and happy travels from Beyond the Bow Bridge!