Santa's Train courtesy of Santa's Village

North Conway has come a long way in the past few years as a great vacation place for people managing food allergies and intolerances.  It’s nice to have a place to take the children and know that there are some relatively safe places to eat.  In a previous post (March 2009), I wrote about Rafferty’s Restaurant & Pub and their extensive gluten-free menu.  Since that post, they have started selling pre-packaged gluten-free pastas, lasagnas (meat, cheese or vegetable), rolls and pies (applecrumb or pumpkin) to go. Another great restaurant in the area is Bellini’s Ristorante Italiano. 

They have a separate vegetarian menu (most dishes contain dairy) and a gluten-free menu which features salads, appetizers, entrees, many grilled items and pizza.  They use rice pasta which can be topped with an alfredo sauce or a garlic and oil sauce for those avoiding dairy. They are very receptive in addressing food sensitivities and encourage you to mention your needs upon arrival.  Located inside the Eastern Slope Inn is the Flatbread Pizza Company which offers gluten-free pasta and delicious gluten-free pizza made with an organic, vegan crust.   I’d also like to mention the Cranmore Mountain Lodge.  It is a Bed and Breakfast that offers a full gluten-free breakfast.  French toast, pancakes and english muffins are just a few of the menu choices.  What’s wonderful about this place is that they don’t charge extra for the special breakfast.  Just make sure you mention your needs at the time of reservation and they will do their best to accomodate you and your family.  The Eastman Inn Bed & Breakfast and Peace With-Inn are two more inns that are dedicated to accomodating guests with food allergies and intolerances.

Over in Lincoln you will find Fratello’s Ristorante Italiano which offers gluten-free pizza and pasta.  The pizza crust is made by a local company, Heavenly Fodder, and is free of dairy and soy (contains egg).  You might want to call ahead to be sure it’s in stock.  

It is difficult to eat in Santa’s Village.  They have a food allergy guide for the food sold on the property. It’s helpful only because it takes away the guesswork of what one can and cannot eat (there are very few choices), but the park allows and encourages you to bring a picnic lunch!  If that’s the case, you might want to visit Katrina’s Organic Market & Cafe where you can purchase organic, gluten-free, vegetarian and raw foods to go.

Being trapped in a hotel room eating unappealing food (usually brought from home) while sitting on the edge of an uncomfortable double bed is NOT my idea of a great vacation.  It was to the kids in the past.  They didn’t know any better – until now!