Happy Tuesday everyone! For this week's blog, I'm going to take you on a journey through time on our very first Virtual Visit.
I'll show you some of my favorite photos of the resort throughout the seasons and walk you through why we are so lucky to be considered a home away from home by so many.
We hope these photos bring you joy, positivity and a healthy dose of nostalgia.
Now, let's time travel through the seasons and take a Virtual Visit to your home away from home, in the heart of the White Mountains of New Hampshire.
INDIAN HEAD RESORT
One of the first things visitors to the resort notice is how neatly nestled we are right in the White Mountains. You can see that we are in our own little valley, surrounded by almost untouched nature and mountain ranges. Guests who frequent the resort often revel in the fact that they are in their own little world, even if only for a short time.
The next thing you'll notice is, of course, the famous Indian Head Profile - or "the Chief" for short.
Although the profile is thought to have been formed thousands of years ago, it wasn't discovered until much later. When the first settlers to this area realized it resembled a Native American Chief, they promptly named this property the Indian Head Estate.
Ever since then, visitors from around the world have come to view the natural wonder that is the Indian Head Profile.
You can read more about the history of Indian Head here.
When looking at the Chief, turn your head to the right and you'll notice our Teepee and Totem Pole. Head over and take your photo at one of the most popular Indian Head Photo-Op spots!
Fun fact: Our Totem Pole is one of a kind and hand made. Each symbol has its own meaning and was picked for the resort. This past fall a big wind storm knocked it down, so we have a brand new one in the making!
Now turn around and look up. The next thing you'll see is our Lookout Tower. When locals and guests alike think about the Indian Head, the tower is one of the first things that comes to mind.
Buy a token in the Gift Shop and ascend the 100 foot tower for 360 degree views of the surrounding White Mountains.
Avert your gaze to the north and take in the beauty of the Franconia Notch, to the south to view the town of Lincoln, the east to see our Shadow Lake and to the west for an even better view of the Indian Head Profile.
As you make your way inside and enter our lobby, you are greeted with a warm, White Mountains welcome by our Front Desk staff.
Many of our staff members have been working with us for years. One thing our visitors love is coming for their annual vacation and seeing the same faces, many of whom they have come to view as good friends.
EAT
Making our way through the lobby we end up in our Profile Room and Thunderbird Lounge. This is where our guests have enjoyed food, drinks, live entertainment and most importantly, each other, for generations. We are truly lucky to have seen old friends making new friends and lasting relationships being created right here.
Enjoy breakfast, lunch and dinner in the Profile Room, while taking in the sweeping views of the White Mountains right outside your window.
Then, join us in the Thunderbird Lounge for a signature treat, such as our Indian Paintbrush cocktail or Indian Pudding dessert.
If you prefer to eat and drink in the great outdoors, head outside, you'll love our brand new outdoor seating area:
Wherever you want to enjoy your meal, we've got you covered. Our staff is here to assist you every step of the way.
PLAY
When you enter our lobby, you'll notice our Gift Shop to the left. In here you will find some of the best NH souvenirs, clothing, authentic Native American craft works, toys, jewelry and so much more.
It seems that no matter how long you spend in there, or how many times you go in, something new and unique always appears.
When you've finished shopping, head downstairs to find our Indoor and Outdoor Heated Pools and Hot Tubs.
One of our main attractions is most definitely our year-round Outdoor Heated Pool and Hot Tub. We don't know what it is, but there's just something about rolling around in the snow and then immediately jumping into the hot tub that really gets people going.
If you're one of our frequent guests who makes their annual trip every summer, consider a winter getaway next year - we know it's cold, but you won't regret it! The hot tub will keep you warm.
But for the days when you just don't feel like braving a New England winter in your bathing suit, our Indoor Heated Pool and Hot Tub are here for you.
Now let's take a virtual walk down to our private Shadow Lake and explore our backyard.
Hop in a pedal boat, peddle around the lake and spend your day just watching the clouds go by. Or bring your fishing pole along and you might get lucky by catching one of the fish we've tagged, which will win you a cash prize!
If you catch a fish and you just can't help but think "If only there were some way I could skin, cook, and eat this for dinner tonight..." we've got you covered. Bring your catch upstairs and our kitchen will do all the work! We'll even serve it to you in our dining room with a starch and a vegetable on the side.
Fun fact: That little island in the middle of the pond actually has a name. Back in the early 1900s the first owner of the resort affectionately named it "Sun Bathe Isle". But, that name had somehow gotten lost over time, so nowadays many of us just refer to it simply as "The Island."
Continue following the path around Shadow Lake and you'll end up at another one of our most defining features, the Waterwheel:
Sit in the grass next to this gentle giant or continue your walk, but make sure you take in the beauty along the way. This area near the waterwheel is the perfect spot for another Indian Head Photo-Op.
Fun Fact: Drawing water from the Pemigewasset river nearby, the waterwheel actually used to power the entire resort back in the early 1900s. The resort was of course much smaller back then, but this wheel had its work cut out for it. When electricity and power lines became more accessible throughout town, the waterwheel was no longer needed.
Now making our way over to our Notchview Property, you will find our tennis courts. Once you've had enough hiking for one trip, our courts are perfect for some light, outdoor fun.
Don't worry about bringing your own equipment, our Front Desk has all of the rackets and balls you'll need for a great game.
If you stay in one of our Bungalows or in our Notchview building, you'll be right next to the courts. Get out there and start a game yourself, or just watch from your balcony.
Finally, one of the best things about the Indian Head Resort is that if you don't want to drive anywhere, you literally don't have to. We have food, entertainment, outdoor activities, and access to hiking/walking trails right on the property.
This view is from the top of the Indian Head Profile, which just so happens to have a trail that connects from behind our West Village Cottages.
This hike is really nice and only takes about 2.5 hours round trip. It's perfect for the entire family, even with young ones.
STAY
When you've had enough of the outdoors for one day, settle into your room, cabin, bungalow or house - whichever you prefer - for a night of relaxation.
First let's explore one of our most popular room types - the Lakeview Premium Room.
These rooms are located on the main resort side and have the most direct view of Shadow Lake and the White Mountains. Visit in the summer to take in the views on your private balcony, or cozy up by the electric fireplace with a visit in the winter.
Or if you're interested in staying a little closer to nature, one of our cabins or bungalows might be exactly what you're looking for.
These stand-alone units were actually built back in the 1930s, during the resort's first expansion. A few renovations later, the original frames still stand, preserving the cabins rustic charm and drawing generations of guests back every year.
And finally for those of you who enjoy a little more space and privacy, you might appreciate one of our Rustic Houses.
We have three unique units that each sleep around 6-12 people, feature a full kitchen/dining area, private porch and living area. So if you're looking for a place to fit the whole family or just want some extra space of your own, this is the accommodation for you.
When you're ready to book your next visit, take a look at our lodging options and pick your favorite!
We're looking forward to opening up again soon, and can't wait to reunite with old friends, make some new friends, and create lots of memories along the way.
And that concludes our Virtual Visit to the Indian Head Resort! I sincerely hope these photos helped to lift your spirits and got you thinking about the great times you have had and will have in the future. There is always so much to look forward to.
See you soon!