There’s a reason that guests come back to this unassuming motel in the heart of the White Mountains year after year. While décor is a bit dated (some call it “retro”), rooms are spotless and cleaned daily, with innkeepers Kevin and Vicki going out of their way to make sure guests are comfortable. Unlike some roadside motels, the Mt. Coolidge is also very quiet, located off the highway in the White Mountain National Forest, and backing up on the Pemigewasset River. So-called “deluxe” rooms are identical to standard rooms, but feature the sound of the river out the window to lull guests to sleep.

The motel also has a large, 20×40 foot outdoor pool, a wraparound front porch with wicker lounge chairs, and a secluded gazebo on the grounds. Of course, kids can also take off their shoes and explore the shallow river. The property is also walking distance to a water park complete with 11 waterslides, a wave pool, and a lazy river; and a short drive to Clark’s Trading Post and Franconia Notch.