O little Town of Bethlehem

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O Little Town of Bethlehem

By Mark Okrant

When most of us think about the name Bethlehem, it is as Jesus’s birthplace. At the same time, a majority of Americans associate this place-name with the eastern Pennsylvania community that produced a considerable amount of American steel until 1982. For New Hampshire residents and visitors alike, Bethlehem is a traditional resort community situated in the White Mountains. Granted by colonial Governor John Wentworth as “Lloyd’s Hills” in 1774, the town was renamed Bethlehem in 1799, its designation having been selected on Christmas Day.

The White Mountains is the state’s second leading travel and tourism region, after the Merrimack Valley, hosting nearly one-fi fth of all overnight occasions and earning approximately eighteen percent of all travel-related expenditures. According to research conducted several years ago by the Institute for New Hampshire Studies, the White Mountains accounts for 19 percent of all overnight summer visitors (June-August), 17 percent of all fall visitors (September-November), 28 percent of all winter visitors (December-February), and 14 percent of all spring (March-May) visitors.

Traveling along Interstate 93 through Franconia Notch, exits 37, 39 and 40 provide access to the community of 2,565 people. For those who are heading north on Route 3, Bethlehem is accessible by driving west on scenic Route 302. Therefore, the linear little town is ideally situated along a circuitous route for travelers to stop, shop, and dine, regardless of where they enter the region.

Bethlehem has an outstanding tradition as a tourism resort community, dating back more than one and onehalf centuries. Many of the earliest visitors were attracted to the area by the 19th century paintings of White Mountain artists such as Thomas Cole and Benjamin Champney. The railroad fi rst came to Bethlehem Junction in 1867, carrying with it summer season visitors from Boston, New York, and elsewhere—most seeking clean air and a temporary escape from urban crowding. Many chose Bethlehem deliberately to avoid respiratory ailments in what was purported to be the low pollen count environment of «the highest town in New Hampshire” (note: some claim that the threat was actually mitigated by clearing away grass and other offending vegetation in advance of arrivals by visitors).

Conveniently located near Mount Washington and other attractions within the White Mountains, seven trains arrived daily, stopping at Bethlehem’s fi ve depots. Soon, the town developed into a Gilded Age resort for the rich and famous, with over 30 hotels—including a number of 100-plus room “grand hotels”— lining Bethlehem›s streets. Patrons included U.S. Presidents Grant, Hayes, Roosevelt, Taft, and Harding. From the railroad stations, each resort sent horse drawn coaches and wagons to carry the arriving guests and their luggage from the stations. This gave rise to the term “carriage trade” to describe affl uent visitors.

During the early years of the 20th century, the combined innovation of automobiles and new roads led to the gradual usurping of railroad travel within the region. With the arrival of middle-class travelers, more affl uent guests sought to escape to alternative destinations such as Florida. By the 1950s, attendance at expensive hotels had dwindled, with many properties closing their doors, while others were lost to fi re or demolition.

Bethlehem already was attracting a new audience before World War I. Beginning about 1916, Jewish families from large eastern cities began arriving in town, some seeking relief from hay fever symptoms. Traditionally, Satmar Hassidim occupy tourism accommodations on the west side of Bethlehem during July and August. The crucial el-

• Bethlehem

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ement, until recently, was the presence of the Arlington Hotel. That lodging provided the essential Kosher food to serve people who occupied the hotel, as well as Orthodox Jewish guests staying at other properties on the west side of town. After decades of serving the Hassidim, the original Arlington was replaced by a 65-room modern lodging, before fi nally closing its Kosher kitchen during the COVID pandemic. Today, many group members stay at Presidential Mountain Resort, situated west of downtown along Route 302.

Bethlehem remains a very attractive destination for travelers. Surrounded by outstanding scenery, it is full of history, has a small-town atmosphere, and provides a great base for exploring the White Mountain region. There are opportunities for outdoor activities, learning about the history of the area, and dining on delicious food.

While there are no major tourism attractions in the immediate area, VacationIdea magazine has identifi ed a number of interesting opportunities for visitors as well as local people:

The Rocks Estate and Christmas Tree Farm encompasses approximately 1,400 acres and offers extensive trails and beautiful views. Also, it is the site of the “New Hampshire Maple Experience.” Visitors at The Rocks Estate fi nd gardens for picnics, a gift shop selling a wide variety of items, the Maple Museum, and several different tours, such as its Maple Tour. The Christmas Tree Farm offers rows of trees surrounded by stonewalls. Each year, as the Christmas season approaches, visitors are invited to select and cut their trees from the estate’s farm. If preferred, fresh-cut trees and wreaths can be purchased at the Rocks. During weekends, carriage rides around the historic farm are offered; and the mountain views are spectacular! For more information, call 603444-6228, or email info@therocks.org.

The Gallery at WREN (Women’s Rural Entrepreneurial Network) was founded in 2001 as a community cultural outlet. It offers a place where people can come for creative expression or simply gather together to enjoy art. WREN hosts workshops, demonstrations, artist talks, and its First Friday Meet the Artist receptions. For more information, telephone 603-869-9736.

The Maplewood Golf Club at 2691 Main Street (603-869-3335), and the Bethlehem Country Club at 1901 Main Street (603-869-5745) are both 18-hole golf courses designed by the legendary golf architect, Donald Ross.

The Bethlehem Heritage Society invites everyone to the center to learn about Bethlehem’s history. Visitors can see photographs as well as many artifacts that were originally housed inside the grand resort buildings. The society also features stories about the town’s fi rst settlers, the hotel era glory days, and the ever-changing history of the town. For more information, visit www.bethlehemheritagenh.org.

The historic Colonial Theatre opened its doors in Bethlehem in 1915, during the town’s Grand Hotel era. It is one of the country’s oldest movie theaters that is in continuous operation. It shows world and independent cinema, and hosts family entertainment and “Grammy award-winning” performing artists from May to October. For more information about events, call 603-8693422, or email gotoshow@bethlehemcolonial.org.

The 42 Maple Contemporary Art Center is a community art studio space, events center, and art gallery located within a former historic church. It is open to the general public, wherein artist receptions are hosted on the fi rst Friday of every month. The center curates several exhibitions along with special workshops and events. Call 603-5759077.

Cold Mountain Cafe is situated in the middle of the scenic White Mountains of New Hampshire, serving farm-to-table cuisine in Bethlehem that celebrates both the local farms and small businesses of northern New England. Call 603-869-2500.

Visitors will fi nd a range of food and lodging accommodations available within the community. One can select from campgrounds, cabins, motels, elegant b&bs, inns and condominiums. A partial list of lodgings includes:

Adair Country Inn and Restaurant on 80 Guilder Lane, 603-444-2600, website www.adairinn.com

Presidential Mountain Resort on 1108 Main Street, 603-253-2222, website www.presidentialmountainresort. com

The Wayside Inn at 3738 Main Street, 603-869-3364, website www.thewaysideinn.com

The Chandler at White Mountains at 30 Arlington Street, 603-869-7777, website www.chandlernh.com

The Mulburn Inn at 2370 Main Street, 800-457-9440, website www. mulburninn.com

Angel of the Mountains, 2007 Main Street, 603-869-6473.

For more information about things to do and places to stay or dine, contact the Bethlehem Chamber of Commerce by telephoning 603-869-3409, or emailing www.bethlehemwhitemtns.com.

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The Lakes Region Art Association & Gallery features an exemplary member artist each month through short social media videos posted to the Facebook and Instagram platforms. November’s Friday Featured Artist is Sanbornton, NH local Sally Hibberd. Sally grew up on a farm in England, working with draft horses and farm animals throughout her youth. The memories of this time in her life, as well as the more recent travels with her husband, are the inspiration for many of her paintings. Sally also does pet commissions upon request. Being pretty much selftaught in her craft, she has worked in several mediums but prefers painting with acrylics. Sally has several framed, original paintings on exhibit and available for purchase in the Lakes Region Art Gallery (LRAA), in the Tanger Outlets, 120 Laconia Rd, Suite 300 in Tilton, New Hampshire.

The gallery’s new extended hours are from 10:00 AM to 8:00 PM, Thursday through Saturday, 10:00 AM to 7:00 PM Sunday. Along with Sally Hibberd’s art, the LRAA Gallery features original art and prints from over twenty-five local artists in graphite, pen & ink, watercolor, acrylic, oils, pastels, photography, and digital and mixed media art.

Friday Featured Artist is a weekly program posting a short video each Friday with highlights of an artist from the Lakes Region Art Gallery. Each Friday, for four consecutive weeks each month, a new video is published on Facebook and Instagram and our YouTube Channel (Link below). Subscribe to our Facebook and Instagram channels to receive these videos and more in your social media feeds. Past videos are also available on our YouTube channel, https://www.youtube. com/@lakesregionartgallery While on the LRAA YouTube Channel, hit the “Subscribe” button

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First Day Hikes

For outdoor enthusiasts, there’s no better way to kick off the new year than with a brisk hike. New Hampshire State Parks will once again host the First Day Hikes, the increasingly popular New Year’s Day hiking event at select State Parks.

This year, hikers can traverse seven State Park locations hosting First Day Hikes: Greenfield State Park, White Lake State Park, Milan Hill State Park, Pisgah State Park, Monadnock State Park, Odiorne Point State Park, and new to the lineup, Frost Farm Historic Site.

Participants can embark on self-guided tours through historic sites, spot and identify native wildlife, or discover and experience nature. Hot cocoa and snacks will be served at the end of each hike. Pets are welcomed at most locations but must be leashed at all times (see registration page for pet-friendly locations).

Registration is required, but sameday registration is not allowed. For more information about each park and registration links, visit https://www. nhstateparks.org/news-events/firstday-hike

“We are thrilled to be part of this national celebration of state parks and getting people outdoors,” said Brian Wilson, Director of New Hampshire Division of Parks & Recreation. ” While any day is a good day to take a hike at a New Hampshire State Park, starting out the new year with the collective energy of First Day hikers is really special.”

This is the 12th year New Hampshire and State Parks have participated in the First Day Hikes program. The program is part of a nationwide initiative led by America’s State Parks to encourage people to get outdoors.

Here are a few helpful tips to keep in mind for participants:

All hikes will be rain, snow or shine.

Please remember to check the weather prior to the event.

Please dress in layers appropriate for the winter weather and wear appropriate footwear. For more information regarding recommended clothing and gear, visitHikeSafe.com.

Traction devices such as micro spikes or Yaktrax are highly recommended (trails may be icy and slippery).

Be sure to pack water and a snack for during the hike. The Park will provide a warm drink and healthy snack at the completion of the hike.

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