Roadtrip Edition: Great Northern (U.S. 2)
Jefferson, NH
This roadtrip runs the top border of the U.S. from Bangor, Maine to Seattle, Washington. There is a segment that crosses over into Canada: Ontario and Quebec. However, since this series focuses on American roadtrips, we skip that portion. You can do a part of this roadtrip (which is still substantial), or fly between the Canadian segments, or take a long detour around the lakes, or drive all of it by visiting beautiful cities in Canada.
Jefferson is known for:
- Population: 1043
- Santa’s Village
- White Mountain National Park
- Mount Washington Cog Railway
- Weird law/lore: In White Mountain National Forest, it is illegal for a person to pick up trash, build a bench, or otherwise “maintain the national forest without a permit.”
WHAT TO DO?
Elfabet Scavenger Hunt at Santa’s Village.
We don’t often write about theme parks as activities because, well, we are from Orlando. Plus they usually aren’t terribly active other than the walking to stand in line. However, this is a unique attraction to the area. So here is a fun game while you are going through the park.
“It’s a complimentary park-wide scavenger hunt featuring Elves from A to Z. Right after entering the park, go to Elf University located near the entrance, just after the North Bowl. There, you will receive an Elfabet Card with all the letters of the Elfabet on it… find all (or most) of the 26 Elves located throughout the park. Simply slide the card into the gift that each Elf is holding, and press down the lever. Each Elf cancels one letter. There will be a special prize for those who pass in their cards—along with a diploma!”
WHAT TO EAT?
New England Clam Chowder and Maple Roasted Pear Salad At Harvest Tavern in the Mountain View Grand Resort & Spa.
If you are there in the warmer months, dine al fresco on the terrace for beautiful views of the mountains. Try the clam chowder along with the maple roasted pear salad for a touch of New England. 
Clam Chowder
“Atlantic clams, potatoes, cream, celery, and onions.”
Maple Roasted Pear Salad
“Half roasted Bosc pear glazed with local Fuller’s maple syrup over hydroponic Bibb lettuce with gandied pecans, gorgonzola cheese crumbles, dried cherries, and sherry vinaigrette.”
https://www.mountainviewgrand.com/mountain-view-tavern…
REBOOT! RECIPE: New England Clam Chowder
As yummy as it is, some of the deterrents on New England Clam Chowder are the cream, butter, and bacon. However, you can easily lighten this up and still get a tasty dish. (New England chowder can have more than 700 calories per serving!)
Clams provide a lean source of protein, vitamin B12, iron, and selenium.
This lightened up recipe below uses 2% milk and vegetable broth instead of heavy cream.
Sources: Bill Wakely, skinnytaste, tripadvisor, Harvest Tavern