The Lupines of Sugar Hill, New Hampshire

Each June in the White Mountains of New Hampshire, Sugar Hill comes alive with fields turned into a sea of purple and pink flowers. Lupines, a perennial, 3-6 ft tall flower bloom for a short period of time but put on quite a show. The town is so well known for it’s fields of lupines that they have a Lupine Festival every summer. This year (and last) the festival was cancelled due to Covid-19

It is not uncommon to see cars stopped on the side of the road, with people immersed in the field of flowers. You’ll see people getting portraits taken, teens taking photos with their phone tripods, and seasoned nature photographers.

I’ve wanted to come see this phenomenon in person for a few years now, and finally got the chance this week. The lupines are not in bloom for long, so it was satisfying to finally see them, no matter the snails pace traffic involved on my drive up.

I first went to St. Matthew’s Church, as there are so many beautiful photos of the church as a backdrop to the purple bursts of color. However when I got there, I was a little disappointed. Not a ton of flowers, so you had to go kind of deep into the field to get a decent photo. But afterwards, I went to a field I had driven by just a minute down the road from the church, and that field was in full bloom :) I’ll have to return next year and spend more time there rather than just an hour(!), and explore more lupine fields.

All images subject to copyright

I spent just a few hours here, but if you’re looking for a longer stay, there is plenty to do! Read on for some places to stay, eat, and do!

STAY

Sugar Hill Inn | This quaint, mountain inn is the perfect place to escape to. Built in 1789, the inn is a restored farmhouse that boasts luxury rooms, five-star dining, a spa, and the beautiful White Mountains as its backdrop and playground.

Sunset Hill House | The Sunset Hill House is perfect for a family stay where you can relax and play. A pool, golf course, and 70 acres of explorable property allow for endless entertainment. Modern, comfortable rooms await you after a long day of exploring (or of relaxing by the pool). Oh- and did I mention it’s pet friendly :)

Thayers Inn | If you’re looking for something more in the hustle and bustle of it all- this Inn in Littleton is your spot. Located in downtown Littleton, the shops, restaurants, and farmers market are right on your doorstep.

EAT

Polly’s Pancake Parlor | Polly’s Pancake Parlor is an icon- and you can’t go to Sugar Hill without sitting down for some grub. Stacks of pancakes with true maple syrup and decadent French toast await you.

Schilling’s Beer Co | Up the road in Littleton, Schillings has a restaurant and tasting room overlooking the Ammonoosuc River. Craft beer and wood-fired pizzas are enjoyed by many here. Oh, and you have to get their house-made pretzel twist.

PLAY

Lupines! | Duh! (Only in June though)

Cannon Mountain Aerial Tramway | Want to get some kickass views without huffing and puffing up the mountain? Cannon Mountain’s Aerial Tramway is a great activity solo, for couples, or the fam! You can explore the trails on top of the mountain and check out the observation deck for optimal views.

Littleton Farmer’s Market | On the other side of the river from Schilling’s, the Littleton Farmer’s Market every Sunday, June-October, 10am-1pm! There are a few craft stalls, you can stock up on fresh meat and produce, listen to live music and enjoy some ready-to-go food!

Downtown Littleton | Downtown Littleton is filled with restaurants and a wide variety of shops. They even have the world’s longest candy counter at Chutters.