You have to love a town capable of building an entire festival around Jello. Sure, Lincoln-Loon also host the Highland Games and the popular Bluegrass & Barbecue festivals, but that Jello celebration is cool. So is this colorful New England town and adjacent ski mountain, known for its skiing but an equally attractive draw in summer. Lincoln is located on the western side of the White Mountains and can be easily reached from Interstate 93 or Route 112, otherwise known as the Kancamagus Highway.

It's only minutes away from Franconia Notch State Park, more than 6,400 acres of untouched natural beauty nestled between the peaks of the Franconia and Kinsman mountain ranges. Lincoln is home to Loon Mountain Resort, which keeps 'em coming back long after the snow has melted. Summer activities include hiking, cross-country biking, scenic gondola rides, horseback touring, and climbing walls, to name just a few.

You can shop if so inclined, in any of the smaller shops or outlet stores in town. The Inn Season Resorts Village Shops, a remodeled turn-of-the-century mill building, holds several speciality stores, services, and restaurants, as well as a movie theater, supermarket, bank, and post office. The Inn Season Resorts Village Shops are on Main Street and are open seven days a week.

Adjacent to Lincoln are the small towns of Woodstock and North Woodstock and they, too, offer a variety of specialty shops, restaurants, and lodging options. Antiquing is big in these parts and if you enjoy prowling small stories in search of big treasures, you're in the right part of the country.

Lincoln-Loon and Woodstock are popular destinations for families visiting the area due to their many attractions. Spend some time at Lost River Reservation, Loon Mountain Park, Whale's Tale Waterpark, Hobo Railroad, the famous Clark's Trading Post, and many other great family entertainment centers.