Jefferson, NH: A Complete Community Profile of Jefferson, NH, by UpStateNH.com

Jefferson, NH: A Complete Community Profile of Jefferson, NH.

Jefferson, NH

Located high in the mountains on Route 2 between Randolph and Lancaster. Jefferson offers great views, theme parks, and a history that includes an eccentric inventor, and maybe a witch.

The town of Jefferson was once so remote, that many who owned land never went to see it. It was home to grand hotels like the Waumbek, a hotel for 300 guests with its own railroad station, and non-stop trains to New York and Boston. Unfortunately, the Waumbek was destroyed by fire in 1928.

If you don't know the name Thaddeus S. C. Lowe, you should. A Jefferson resident, Lowe invented dirigibles, the ice-making machine and the process that allowed gas lights to illuminate city streets. He worked with President Lincoln, organizing a "balloon corps" during the Civil War, to spy on Confederate encampments. This league of balloon flyers was a great advancement in military strategy.

The yuletide feeling continues all through the year at Santa's Village on Route in Jefferson. Not only can children enjoy Christmas-themed rides, they can visit Santa in his home, and experience a "reindeer rendezvous" with live animals. While open all summer, the park also offers special events and activities for Halloween, New Year's and of course, Christmas on specific dates.

A former family farm was transformed by James and Eleanor Brady into a western frontier village in 1957. Today, the park offers variety of rides and activities with an old west theme. Food options include a restaurant or an onsite picnic area. While the waterpark is open seasonally, the park holds a special Halloween event. Dads are admitted free on Father's Day, as are grandparents on grandparent's day in early September.

The Waterwheel Restaurant, 1955 Presidential Highway, offers a cozy fire, huge breakfasts and tons of atmosphere. Locals will tell you this place offers some of the most flavorful and large breakfasts in the area.

Jefferson Notch Motel and Cabins, 1322 U.S. Route 2, offers clean, comfortable rooms at modest rates. The Lantern Resort Motel and Campground, Route 2, offers campsites and motel rooms, a pool and free Wi-Fi. Bed and breakfasts include the Jefferson Inn, 6 Renaissance Lane& Route 2, which offers air conditioned rooms in a sprawling Victorian. The Applebrook Inn, 10 Meadows Road, was originally the home a female "doctor," of sorts, Deborah Vicker, who some accused of witchcraft.

Jefferson is certainly "touristy," however there are reasons why. With its combination of Mountain peaks and things to do and see, Jefferson is well worth the trip.

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