Pine Valley Cabins, Thornton New Hampshire

What are Small Cabin Motels like in New Hampshire

You may have asked yourself, “What are the small cabins like that we see in along the back roads in New Hampshire?” Well. here is at least one answer.

How many times have we driven by those little cottages for rent up in the White Mountains and wondered what they are like to stay in? They look like little storybook villages or, let’s be honest, some of these places are a bit run down and look perfect for a horror movie set.

So, last fall, I decided it was time to give it a try. Jeff and I had driven past the Pine Valley Cabins before, so I found them online and made the reservations. I wasn’t so sure what I was getting us into, but they are in a good location on Route 3 halfway between two exits off I-93. There are other locations on this stretch of Route 3, but in the end, I was glad we chose this spot. Don’t get stuck in the traffic! I-93 is nearby and on Columbus Day Weekend it was a parking lot. Route 3, not so much.

It’s quiet and peaceful. There was little traffic on this part of the road, and we were given some tips for places to check out, like Mirror Lake which is so close by, as seen in this link!

Addendum: This is an article that I think is very important. So I’m including a link to my fall foliage primer. It may provide answers to your queries, but if it doesn’t, feel free to leave a comment at the end of the article.

I thought of camp when I walked in, with paneled walls, and linoleum floors. But there was a touch of nostalgia in the pine wood, the old leather couch, and the quilts on the bed. We had chosen the one-bedroom option, so we had a sitting room with a TV. There was lots of room for the two of us to relax. It was comfortable, and we turned on the heat which kept us toasty at night.

bedroom at pine Valley Cabins — Kitchen at pine Valley Cabins

The kitchenette, with all dishes and utensils, is a great plus. We had the option of eating out or picking something up and eating in. The only complaint I would have was the closet-sized bathroom, but hey, how long do you need to spend in there?

I recommend staying there. We didn’t get a chance to check out the fire pit, but I think next time some s’mores would be in order. You can order a S’mores Kit from my Amazon store. It includes “real” Hershey’s chocolate bars, graham crackers, and marshmallows. I did get a chance to stop and look up at the stars and it was spectacular.

Where to eat around Thornton New Hampshire

We really didn’t realize until we were leaving the area that right down Route 3 a little way was the Covered Bridge Farm Table Restaurant in Campton, so we didn’t eat there this trip. But here is an article Jeff did talking about our experience there and we’ve been pleased with the food and the view outside the wall of windows featuring the Blair Bridge.

We did stop in for a bite at Plain Jane’s Diner on Route 25 in Rumney. This spot is a blast from the past and great American Diner food. We had breakfast there and it was delish!

And there was no way we were going to leave until we stopped at Benton’s Sugar Shack on Route 175 in Thornton. It’s a little tricky to get around Thornton. The main roads are Route 3 on one side of the Pemigewasset River and 175 on the other, but finding Benton’s is well worth the effort. Try the Maple Milk Shakes, they will make it worthwhile!

You can drive a loop around going up Route 3, crossing the river, and then back down Route 175. You might find some interesting things along the way and a couple of covered bridges in the area!

Jeff Foliage Folger

Autumn is a state of mind more than a time of year – Jeff Foliage

Visit my Amazon affiliate store for items that Lisa and I have curated for you. These items are either New England-made or things we think will make your fall foliage trip more successful.