Shovel Handle Pub in Jackson, NH

Name: Shovel Handle Pub
Website: Here
Phone: (603) 383-8916
Address: Route 16, Jackson, NH 03846
Rating: 4 Peaks

The Shovel Handle Pub is a local icon, having been part of the Moody farm purchased by Bill and Betty Whitney back in the 1930s. The Whitneys’ were interested in skiing, and redesigned the ski lift on the farm by using wooden shovel handles as a means of riding the lift to the top of Black Mountain. It was a most ingenious and practical means of ‘travel’ and was in use until it was replaced by the J-Bar in 1949. The name ‘Shovel Handle Pub’ pays tribute to this most unique aspect of local ski history. The barn in which it is located was owned by the Whitney family, and was formerly part of the Black Mountain ski area. Today it is owned by Don and Joyce Bilger, who are local innkeepers as well as friends of ours.

The pub has a truly unique and wonderful ambience. The 3-story post and beam barn has many levels, making it conducive to finding various little hideaways to meet with friends for a drink and some light tavern-style food. The rustic charm adds so much to the experience here. Little white lights adorn the hand hewn beams creating a wonderful effect; and the large stone fireplace, complete with hanging moose head, completes the picture. Expansive views of Black Mountain ski area can be seen from the wall of windows on the north side of the barn; and yes, there ARE wooden shovel handles decorating the downstairs rooms! A full bar serves a wide variety of alcoholic beverages. The pub menu is small but interesting, if a wee bit pricey. Logistically, serving must be a nightmare for the waiters, as the kitchen is in an entirely different building, and orders must be run over to the chef via the outdoors. Food must make its way back to the pub the same way. Clearly, this is more of an inconvenience for the staff than the guests, but the inefficiency results in a bit of a wait for food to get to the table … so don’t be in a rush when you go. Not too much of a selection for a perpetually dieting vegetarian like myself, but hearty meat eaters will find enough to choose from.

Hours are seasonal and change frequently, so call first to see when they will be open. My only complaint was that the live music was so loud the night I was there, that ordinary conversation was difficult at best. Obviously, this is a non-issue when the mic is not open. Otherwise, though, it’s a great little place to steal to away to for a bite to eat and a bit of relaxation! You’ll feel transported from the world’s cares for an hour or so while you tarry in this unique little pub!

Directions

Getting to the Shovel Handle Pub is only a few minute drive away. You make a left out of the Lodge parking lot. Go 100 yards and make a right onto Main Street. Go half a mile, over the stone bridge and make a left onto Route 16B. Take that right to the Whitney Inn – Shovel Handle Pub.
Get a Map Here



Shovel Handle Pub in Jackson, NH Name: Shovel Handle Pub Website: Here Phone: (603) 383-8916 Address: Route 16, Jackson, NH 03846 Rating: 4 Peaks The Shovel Handle Pub is a local icon, having been part of the Moody farm purchased by Bill and Betty Whitney back in the 1930s. The Whitneys’ were interested in skiing, and redesigned the ski lift on the farm by using wooden shovel handles as a means of riding the lift to the top of Black Mountain. It was a most ingenious and practical means of ‘travel’ and was in use until it was replaced by the J-Bar in 1949. The name ‘Shovel Handle Pub’ pays tribute to this most unique aspect of local ski history. The barn in which it is located was owned by the Whitney family, and was formerly part of the Black Mountain ski area. Today it is owned by Don and Joyce Bilger, who are local innkeepers as well as friends of ours. The pub has a truly unique and wonderful ambience. The 3-story post and beam barn has many levels, making it conducive to finding various little hideaways to meet with friends for a drink and some light tavern-style food. The rustic charm adds so much to the experience here. Little white lights adorn the hand hewn beams creating a wonderful effect; and the large stone fireplace, complete with hanging moose head, completes the picture. Expansive views of Black Mountain ski area can be seen from the wall of windows on the north side of the barn; and yes, there ARE wooden shovel handles decorating the downstairs rooms! A full bar serves a wide variety of alcoholic beverages. The pub menu is small but interesting, if a wee bit pricey. Logistically, serving must be a nightmare for the waiters, as the kitchen is in an entirely different building, and orders must be run over to the chef via the outdoors. Food must make its way back to the pub the same way. Clearly, this is more of an inconvenience for the staff than the guests, but the inefficiency results in a bit of a wait for food to get to the table … so don’t be in a rush when you go. Not too much of a selection for a perpetually dieting vegetarian like myself, but hearty meat eaters will find enough to choose from. Hours are seasonal and change frequently, so call first to see when they will be open. My only complaint was that the live music was so loud the night I was there, that ordinary conversation was difficult at best. Obviously, this is a non-issue when the mic is not open. Otherwise, though, it’s a great little place to steal to away to for a bite to eat and a bit of relaxation! You’ll feel transported from the world’s cares for an hour or so while you tarry in this unique little pub! Directions Getting to the Shovel Handle Pub is only a few minute drive away. You make a left out of the Lodge parking lot. Go 100 yards and make a right onto Main Street. Go half a mile, over the stone bridge and make a left onto Route 16B. Take that right to the Whitney Inn – Shovel Handle Pub. Get a Map Here
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