Picnic Guide
One of the best parts of being in Waterville Valley is the scenery.
Waterville Valley is tucked away, deep in the White Mountain National Forest. Being here is like being in an alpine forest oasis - the town is completely encompassed by forests and mountains, with over 41,000 acres of National Forest surrounding Waterville Valley. The Valley floor is relatively open and low in elevation, so mountain vistas are visible from almost anywhere in town. When driving around town or wandering through the pedestrian village, you'll discover panoramic views of majestic mountain peaks at every turn and intersection.
With so much astounding scenery at your fingertips, why bother going back inside? Here in the Valley, you don't really have to. Alfresco dining is effortless, and no reservations are necessary when you embark on a spontaneous picnic. Given the sheer amount of stunning alpine vistas, combined with the ease of shopping and dining in one convenient location, the Valley is an ideal spot for an impromptu picnic.
GUIDE TO IMPROMPTU PICNICS IN THE VALLEY
STEP1: FOOD
Nobody wants to be hangry on a picnic. Snack selection may be the most important factor in determining the ultimate success or failure of a picnic. If you take a stroll into Town Square, you'll find plenty of grub options, ranging from light bites to 3-course meals. Charcuterie aficionados can stop by Jugtown to pick up a selection of Boar's Heads meats and cheeses, organic crackers and nuts, plus Jugtown Private Label jellies and jams. For those looking to make the experience authentic, make sure to check out Dreams & Visions- a gift shop next door to Jugtown. At Dreams & Visions, you'll find cheese boards, cheese knives, picnic blankets, charming cutlery sets, and elegant glassware.
If you're looking for your picnic to be more of a full meal, Town Square is home to plenty of local culinary establishments with takeout options. Olde Waterville Pizza Company is a fabulous option for a quick and easy bite. Grab a pizza pie and your picnic is ready to go. Wanting a more leisurely, multi-course meal? La Hacienda serves up 3-course Mexican feasts; their chips & homemade guacamole are especially popular on picnic excursions. For those looking to chow down on a heartier meal, The Valley Pub offers takeout service of their classic American pub fare, serving up plenty of different salads and sandwiches. Plus, the little ones will love their Kids' Menu.
STEP 2: DRINKS
Spice up your picnic with some cold libations. Waterville Valley is an open container town, so you're welcome to responsibly enjoy an adult beverage (or two) during your spontaneous picnic. Peruse the extensive beverage selection of Jugtown Country Store, offering old-fashioned sodas in addition to craft beer, seltzers, wine, and champagne. Or make Olde Waterville Pizza Company your 1-stop-shop for picnic accouterments, with both takeout pizza and to-go 6-packs of craft beer.
STEP 3: LOCATION
Osceola Arbor
Osceola Arbor is the locale for lovers. The location is a prime wedding venue, with a large open field lined with birch trees and an elegant gazebo overlooking Corcoran Pond; all surrounded by sweeping views of the White Mountain Range. With such an intimate and dreamy setting, it's easy to embrace the moment and forget about the worries over everyday life. No matter what time you decide to picnic, the Arbor is always serene (unless there is a wedding going on - check out our 2022 wedding schedule here!). But if you really want to woo someone special, you can turn your picnic into a date night. Watch the sunset over Corcoran Pond while indulging in some fine wine. If it's a clear day, we recommend staying past dusk. The Valley has very little light pollution, making it an excellent site for summer stargazing. You can spend the evening in a state of wonder - staring up at the night sky and marveling at galaxies, planets, and shooting stars.
Packard’s Field
Packard's Field is a fabulous picnic spot for families with young kids. The grassy, open field provides picturesque views of Flat Mountain, Noon Peak, and Mount Tecumseh. You can relax on the picnic tables and snack on some light fare or bring a blanket and kick back among the greenery. Regardless of where you decide to set up, your kids will have the opportunity to blow off some steam. There's something for every child at Packard's Field, with a new playground, a large soccer field with two full-sized nets, and a lively, babbling brook.
Beach of Corcoran Pond
On clear, balmy days, there is nothing better than a pond-side picnic. The Beach at Corcoran Pond is conveniently located adjacent to Town Square, boasting panoramic mountain vistas with an abundance of local fleur and fauna. During warmer months, locals and visitors flock to the revitalizing waters of Corcoran Pond to swim, boat, and fish. Set up camp at the picnic tables overlooking the pond, and enjoy some light fare before paddling around, casting a line, or enjoying a mid-meal dip.
Top of Snow's Mountain
Turn your picnic into an adventure by exploring Snow's Mountain. Snow's Mountain is not just Waterville Valley's oldest ski slope - it now provides access to an 18-hole disc golf course, lift-serviced downhill mountain biking, plus access to hundreds of miles of hiking trails that lead to waterfalls, swimming holes, and scenic viewpoints. The top of Snow's Mountain provides a breathtaking locale for afternoon picnics. Plus, you can reach the top without even breaking a sweat - simply ride up Snow's Mountain Chairlift and enjoy the alpine scenery. After your picnic, you'll have the option of riding the lift back down, playing a round of disc golf or exploring the surrounding hiking trails.