This is a part of New Hampshire guaranteed to take your breath away—even before you scale the impressive heights of Mount Washington, the highest point in the Northeast. Here, there are peaks piled upon peaks, creating both stunning views and an irresistible magnet for rock climbers and day hikers eager to bag the summits of the White Mountains. At the same time, those eager to instead bag great shopping deals revel in the nearby retail utopia that is North Conway, famed for miles of premium outlet stores.

With wilderness in every direction, you’d hardly expect something as banal as national politics to rear its head. And yet New Hampshire’s North Country holds the distinction of being home to Dixville Notch, which casts the first votes for president every election and thus sees the candidates making the rounds earlier (and with far more fanfare) than nearly anywhere else.

Meanwhile, historical distinction can also be found in the spectacular resort hotels that hover in these hills, harkening back to the days when the wealthy came here to escape civilization (though not, of course, civility).

The Best of the White Mountains

• The Flume Gorge
• Cannon Aerial Tramway
• Kancamagus Highway
• Mount Washington Auto Road
• Mount Washington Cog Railway
• Tuckerman Ravine