Overnight stop recommendations please!

Question

We arrive in Boston late and would like to get on or way up the 93N towards North Conway but need to stay overnight en route. Bearing in mind it will be in October and it gets dark by 6pm, we want to stay somewhere just before it gets scenic, so we don't miss out! Where would be the best location please! Thanks!

Answer

For your overnight stop en route to North Conway from Boston, you'll want to choose a place that is comfortable for a late arrival and convenient for getting back on the road early the next day. Since you’re traveling in October and want to enjoy the scenery, it's a good idea to pick a location just before the more scenic stretches of Route 93 North. Below are a few suggestions for towns that are close to the scenic routes but will provide a good place for an overnight stay.

1. Concord, NH
Concord is about an hour's drive from Boston and offers a great mix of charm and convenience. It’s a historic town with beautiful architecture and several good hotels. Staying in Concord would position you well to begin your scenic drive up Route 93 towards the White Mountains and North Conway the next morning. You can stay at places like the Best Western Concord Inn & Suites or the Fairfield Inn. Concord also has several dining options for a quick meal before heading to bed. The town is not too far from the highway, making it an easy place to get back on the road.

2. Hooksett, NH
Located just a little north of Manchester, Hooksett is a convenient stop with a few hotel options like the Holiday Inn Express or Quality Inn. It’s about an hour and a half from Boston and offers a good place to rest while being just a short drive from the more scenic areas that you’ll be driving through on Route 93. The location also allows you to bypass the bigger cities and head directly into the beautiful New Hampshire landscape in the morning.

3. Tilton, NH
If you’d like to get a bit closer to the scenic regions without venturing too far into the wilderness, Tilton is a solid choice. It’s a small town situated near Lake Winnisquam and is located on the way to the White Mountains. You’ll find a few nice, budget-friendly options like the Comfort Inn or Days Inn. Tilton is also home to the Tanger Outlets, in case you want to stop for some shopping. It’s about 1.5 hours from Boston, so you’ll be able to make good time before settling in for the night.

4. Meredith, NH
Meredith is located just a bit further north from Tilton, along the beautiful Lake Winnipesaukee. It’s a charming New England town with lovely inns and boutique hotels. The Mill Falls at the Lake or Church Landing offer cozy accommodations with stunning lake views. Meredith is perfect if you want a more scenic stop before you head into the mountains. You can spend the evening by the lake and enjoy the beautiful fall foliage in the morning before continuing north. Meredith is about 2 hours from Boston, so it might be a bit of a stretch for a late-night stop but could be a perfect destination if you're willing to drive a bit longer.

Concord, NH: Historic town with convenient access to Route 93.
Hooksett, NH: Close to the highway with affordable hotel options.
Tilton, NH: Small town with budget-friendly stays and close to scenic Lake Winnisquam.
Meredith, NH: A charming lakeside town with scenic views, though a bit further north.

Whichever location you choose, these towns offer convenience and comfort, while allowing you to easily pick up the scenic drive toward North Conway the next morning. Enjoy your trip and the beautiful New Hampshire fall foliage!