Shopping Specials in North Conway NH! Harvest to Holiday

Women, while your men focus on their football pools and how the Patriots will do, you’ll have the time of your life shopping in tax-free Mt. Washington Valley, NH.

Not only do more than 200 national brand name outlets, boutiques, galleries and craft shops await, but now through Christmas, lodging properties throughout Mt. Washington Valley will celebrate the Harvest to Holidays promotion, offering added savings for shopping sprees.

Fashionable brightly colored purses dubbed Shopping Survival Kits: come complete with dining and shopping coupons, small gifts, energy bars, samples and more and await those who book a Harvest to Holiday getaway at participating lodging properties in Mt. Washington Valley.

This year, plan your getaway to coincide with some of the special shopping events taking place in Mt. Washington Valley during…

HARVEST TO HOLIDAY

North Conway Village- In the Beautiful White Mountains of NH

November 21 & 27-29: Christmas Time at Santa’s Village
Come visit Santa, his elves and the reindeer as they prepare for the busy holiday season at Santa’s Village in Jefferson, NH. Take in the wonderful display of holiday lights, ride the rides (yes they are still open) and see the 3-D show; ‘A Tinkerdoodle Christmas.’ The park opens at 11 a.m. (Open select days in December too).The admission for the 2009 season is $24 per person; children ages 3 and younger are always free. Info: 603-586-4445.

November 27 & 29: Traditionally Yours, Jackson
The classic White Mountain villages of Jackson, Bartlett, Glen and Intervale, NH invite folks to join them as they open their doors once again to share old and new holiday traditions. Come experience crackling fires in fieldstone hearths, the unforgettable scent of freshly baked goods, and the wintertime fun of skiing, skating and sledding.
Santa and his elves arrive at 4:30 p.m. on November 27 at the Jackson Village Gazebo. The Annual Tree Lighting Ceremony begins at 7 p.m. on November 29. The first 25 people to arrive at the tree lighting ceremony will be given a candle, candy cane and Christmas hat. Be sure to purchase your “Jackson Remembers” ornament which will ceremoniously be hung on the tree just prior to lighting it. “Jackson Remembers” ornaments are on sale at participating businesses and the Jackson Chamber of Commerce office for $15 per ornament. Info: 603-383-9356.

November 27-29: “Santa’s Holiday Express” at Conway Scenic Railroad
Enjoy a relaxing “Valley Train” ride from the Conway Scenic Railroad in North Conway, NH, where Santa will be on board carrying a gift in his bag for each child. As a special bonus, the passengers on the November 28-29 trains will have the opportunity to participate in Conway Scenic’s on board drawings with items from local merchants and the Brass Whistle Gift Shop. A special Santa’s Express giveaway will include a special mid-week stay and other prizes for the same weekend. Departure times are: to Bartlett at 11:30 a.m., Conway at 1:30 p.m. with an extra train trip on Saturday at 3 p.m. Ticket prices vary. Reservations can be made by phone or online. Info: 603-356-5251.
November 27-28, December 3-6, 10-13 & 17-21: The Polar Express
The Polar Express is a truly unique journey to the North Pole, in a train full of children and adults alike, all dressed in their pajamas. Departing from the Conway Scenic Railroad in North Conway, New Hampshire, on specified dates throughout November and December, this experience includes a wonderful evening train ride, a sea of elves, and of course, Santa himself! The Polar Express adventure is based on the rendition of the children’s book, The Polar Express©, written by Chris Van Allsburg and published by the Houghton Mifflin Company. The Polar Express event is one of the major fundraisers for the “Believe in Books” Literacy Foundation. Tickets can only be purchased by lottery or through lodging packages. The 2009 lottery date for North Conway is October 22. Be sure to check out our Polar Express lodging packages found under ‘The Holidays’ in the packages section. Info: 603-356-9980.
November 28: Great Glen Craft Fair
Over 30 crafters will be displaying their unique products under one roof at the Great Glen Trails Outdoor Center in Pinkham Notch, NH. The fair takes place from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. and includes demonstrations by the crafters as well as a raffle and bake sale to benefit the Androscoggin Valley Jr. Skiers. Come start your holiday shopping. Info: 603-466-2333.

Discover Shopping in Mt. Washington Valley! North Conway NH

Best Chili in Mt. Washington Valley! Come to North Conway NH

7th Annual Chilly Chili Cook-Off

North Conway NH

‘Heated’ Competition to Mt. Washington Valley

North Conway Nh Chili Cook Off

This Mt. Washington Valley tradition on Saturday, February 20, 2010 at Flatbread Company in the Eastern Slope Inn Resort from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., combines tough competition, top secret recipes and family fun as the public can sample their way through this belly filling event to determine their favorite chili. This year’s cook-off will also feature a live band and karaoke with Sound-FX, for a fun day sure to keep the chill out of your bones.

The Mt. Washington Valley Chamber of Commerce invites all restaurant / professional chefs to participate in the 7th Annual Chilly Chili Cook-Off. Participants will compete for cash prizes and trophies, along with the opportunity to feature their winning chilly recipes at an upcoming Chamber After-Hours and on the Mt. Washington Valley Chamber of Commerce’s homepage. $100 will be awarded to the 1st place winners for best chili in both the judges and people’s choice categories. Awards will be given to the 2nd place winner of the people’s choice category, and the winner of ‘Best Presentation.’
The chili can be of any variety; red or green, vegetarian or beef, spicy or mild; the Mt. Washington Valley Chamber of Commerce is looking for it all, to determine the best of the Valley! The chili, in addition to being judged by the public for the people’s choice vote, will be judged by local celebrities based on the following criteria: aroma, consistency, color, aftertaste and overall flavor.

The entry fee for participating in the Chilly Chili Cook-Off is $25, and participants must provide at least 5 gallons of chili for tasting by the judges and the public. Each participant registered for the event will be provided with one uncovered 6 x 2.5 foot table and service ware including spoons, 4 oz cups and napkins. Power can be provided if needed to keep the chili warm during the competition. All chili entries should be prepared ahead of time and brought ready to serve during the competition.  If a business or individual chef would like to participate but is unable to staff their table, the Chamber will work to provide a server for them.

Restaurant participants can take advantage of the opportunity to bring their menus, decorate their tables with information about their dining establishments and offer coupons or value added incentives for the visiting public.
New to this year’s competition is the “The Corn Bread Cook-Off Extravaganza,” where participants can show off their baking skills and enter their best corn bread recipe. All corn bread entries must be ready to serve during the competition for a chance to win a prize. In addition to the chili and corn bread entries, this year’s competition is getting a little funky and fun with the “Crazy Hat Contest.” A prize will be awarded for the most unique headpiece, so participants are encouraged to dig through their closets and attics for a funky hat revival, or make their own unique or outrageous headpiece.
For more information about the 7th Annual Chilly Chili Cook-Off or to register, contact Mary Seavey at 603-356-5701 ext. 305 or email mary@mtwashingtonvalley.org. Visit www.mtwashingtonvalley.org for other great Mt. Washington Valley events, accommodations, dining and attractions.

The Shades of Ireland Tour- Mt. Washington Valley Chamber

The MWV Chamber of Commerce presents a vibrant tour across the Emerald Isle!

This 10 day trip to Ireland guided by Gary Sullivan, owner of the White Mountain Hotel departs November 2 of 2010 and is being offered through Travel Agents International.

Interested travelers get all the details at a special travel night Thursday November 10th at the White Mountain Hotel at Hales Location.  After the free presentation stay for a Traditional Irish Dinner in Ledges Dining Room for just $19.00 plus tax and gratuity.

Menu includes your choice of Irish Vegetable Soup or Garden Salad, your choice of Traditional Sheppard’s Pie, Jameson Roasted Salmon or Irish Roast Pork all served with Roasted Root Vegetable and Irish Colcannon.  Enjoy Bailey’s Irish Cream Cheesecake for dessert.

To learn more about The Shades of Ireland Tour visit www.collettevacations.com. For reservations for the Travel Information night contact Laura Moorman at Travel Agents International at 603.356.5400.

Fall Foliage Hikes

Fall, glorious Fall! It’s my favorite season here in the Mt. Washington Valley, right next to Winter, or is it Spring?!  Either way, there’s so much to see and do right now with the Fryeburg Fair, hiking and trips up the Mount Washington Cog Railway and the Mount Washington  Auto Road and lots of events happening this weekend, and leaf peeping,  pumpkin people viewing, many hiking options and so much more.  (If you’re planning to stay more than a day, though, CALL AHEAD to reserve a room or visit mt. washingtonvalley.org.  Fall is a favorite time to visit the Mt. Washington Valley for many and rooms to fill up.

Here are a few photos from a short hike from Echo Lake State Park to White Horse Ledge that my husband and I took last week. I thought the colors were beautiful then, and they’re even better now.

Silhouette from Echo Lake

Top of White Horse Ledge

To view photos from other years and seasons I’ve taken in the Mt. Washington Valley, visit here.

World Championship Tricycle Grand Prix at Cranmore Mountain

What happens when you mix thrill-seeking locals, tricycles, costumes and an intense mountainside race course… you get the First Annual World Championship Tricycle Grand Prix.  Presented by the Red Parka Steakhouse & Pub, this first annual event at Cranmore Mountain Resort in North Conway, NH was one of the most entertaining events I have attended in a long time!

Watching adults, mostly men and a few brave women, barrel down a rocky, bumpy and down right scary mountainside race course on tricycles at speeds that would make a grown man cry…was a sight to see! Congratulations to Mikey Burkett who was named the winner and first ever World Tricycle Grand Prix Champion. The proceeds form the event went to benefit the Red Parka Scholarship Fund and The MWV Bike Path Project.

Watch the video to get just a sample of the fun! For more information about the race visit www.redparkapub.com.

P.S. sorry about my lackluster video taping skills.

Fall Fog Fun

What a cool evening last night! Not much time to play on the way home as we were already late for dinner, yet the invitation to come dance for just a moment was irresistibly strong as a mystical-looking fog floated in and across Hussey Field overlooking Mount Washington. And though we resist the urge to play in this lovely place most everyday as we drive-by, today we could not. And we were better for it.

Letterboxing

LETTERBOXING is an intriguing pastime combining navigational skills and rubber stamp artistry in a charming “treasure hunt” style outdoor quest…and the Mt. Washington Valley Chamber of Commerce has joined in the fun! Go to www.letterboxing.org to find the directions to our treasure.

Happy Hunting!

Valley Ski Marathon!

Last Sunday, March 22nd, my friend Dan and I completed a ski marathon….4 mountains in 1 day! It was an awesome sample of the Valley, and the ski conditions were incredible.  We started off the day at 8:30 a.m. for some fresh tracks on Wildcat Mountain and continued the tour by skiing Black and Cranmore Mountain before ending the day at King Pine.  With 7 alpine ski areas and 6 nordic centers in the Mt. Washington Valley, this was just a taste of what the Valley has to offer.  The spring skiing was great, and i hope to expand the tour next year. I hope you enjoy the footage!

- Siiri

Princess Fantasy

Wanted to let everyone know what a wonderful weekend we had in North Conway, the weekend of the Fantasy Princess.  We have 2 daughters 4 and 5 and let me say they were in their glory.  They truly were treated like princess’s.  From getting their hair and nails done at the Cut Off Salon. (thank you so much for the generosity my girls are still talking about their up-dos!)  To the walk down the runway (my 5 year olds favorite part) to the puppet show, to pictures and flowers.  I know alot goes into something like this and it truly was exceptional.  We will be back again next year.  To those companies that sponsered the weekend, thank you, thank you, thank you.  We tried to make it to all the business’s that contributed.  Our gift bag was a great way to go around to all the people that made this weekend so special.  Thank you again for such a memorable weekend.

The Roche family

Winter Vacation

Vacationing in the Mount Washington Valley provides so much opportunity… even for locals vacationing in their backyard. This year, my daughter and I spent our February vacation locally instead of traveling to Florida, and we had a blast! My husband didn’t have the week off from work but joined us on his days off.

We usually ski around to all the local mountains, but this time Wildcat Mountain

Taking a Break From it All!

was a hub of activity for us as we down-hill skied one day, and back country skied the back side of the mountain another the 16 miles on trails all the way to Jackson X-C  Ski Touring Center another.

The snow was perfect, and terrain varied and breath-taking with the intermittent blue skies and snow draped trees. It was at times exhausting and exhilarating at the same time, but don’t try the backcountry trip alone unless you have proper equipment and a map in hand – you can get your map from Jackson Ski Touring Foundation where you buy your trail pass and Wildcat single lift ticket. You’ll want your back pack filled with a first aid kit which includes moleskin, lunch, snacks, and warm water in a thermos or insulated container, dry socks, gloves, extra clothing and more.

While we were on the trail, we ran into a tour group guided by staff of the Appalachian Mountain Club. They and other local guides are a great resource if you prefer not to venture out the first time with just you and another inexperienced friend. (Going alone is not recommended!)

A non-outdoors highlight of our vacation week was at the Mount Washington Observatory’s event at Attitash Grand Summit Hotel and Conference Center which highlighted the mountain photography of Jose Azel which was recently featured in National Geographic. It was fun to see local friends and meet visitors. I even won an official Mount Washington Observatory engraved thermos (and sadly, lost it on the Wildcat backcountry trek! Easy come, easy go.) Maybe I’ll retrieve it in the future or buy a new one at The Weather Store (Note to self – make sure my water/thermos bottles are tied on or inside pack!)

Other memory-makers:

• Staying at Royalty Inn Resort after skiing at Wildcat. My daughter commented: “It feels just like home here!” Of course, she LOVED the pool too. What a great resource for visitors and locals alike.
• Ski racing the Mountain Dew Vertical Challenge at Cranmore Mountain Resort with friends.
• Sledding in our backyard.
• Watching movies, reading books, drinking lots of hot chocolate.

And there was so much more to do here in our backyard, we just ran short on time. Well, there’s always next vacation. Mt Washington Valley, where Anything is Possible!