North Conway, NH Is Nominated As A “Prettiest Painted Place!”

North Conway, New Hampshire is one of nearly 200 attractive towns and neighborhoods competing in a national contest to find the “Prettiest Painted Places in America”.

Located in the Mt. Washington Valley, North Conway is a quintessential New England village known for varied outdoor activities, especially the nearby skiing opportunities.  The town is full of boutique shops, restaurants and beautiful homes, all colorfully and tastefully painted.

The Prettiest Painted Places competition, which is sponsored by the Paint Quality Institute, a leading source of information on paints and coatings, was last conducted in 2000 when towns such as Cape May, New Jersey, Lake Charles, Louisiana, and Telluride, Colorado won top honors.

“The purpose of Prettiest Painted Places is to identify and recognize those towns and neighborhoods that best demonstrate how exterior paint can enhance the appearance of an entire community,” according to Debbie Zimmer, paint and color expert for the Paint Quality Institute in Spring House, Pa.

“By honoring the most aesthetically-pleasing places, we believe our competition will give everyone an appreciation for the role that exterior paint can play in protecting and enhancing the appearance of any home or building,” she says.

 

Cities, towns, historical districts, and neighborhoods have entered the competition.  In late September, a panel of judges will choose 60 places as finalists, 10 from each of six geographic regions of the U.S.

After further research, a panel of judges from major media outlets will select two places from each region as the 12 Prettiest Painted Places in America.

To see the names and locations of all of the places nominated in the competition, visit the Paint Quality Institute website at blog.paintquality.com.

 

Fundraiser for Ian Meserve Set for this Friday Jan. 6th at Cranmore Mountain

Fundraiser for Ian Meserve Set for this Friday Jan. 6^th at Cranmore Mountain

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NORTH CONWAY, NH – The community is encouraged to show their support for ski coach, golf pro and football coach Ian Meserve by attending a Pasta Dinner, Auction and Fundraiser on Fri. Jan. 6^th at Cranmore Mountain in North Conway, NH. Meserve was diagnosed with Melanoma in October, 2011.

The event will run from 6-9pm at Cranmore’s main base lodge with a $10 requested donation at the door. A pasta dinner featuring penne, garlic bread, salad and dessert will be served from 6:30-8pm.  There will be both a live auction and a Chinese auction taking place with all proceeds going to the benefit the Meserve Family Fund. The auction will run from 6pm – 8pm. Live music has been donated by Hey Yeti.

The local community has been exceedingly generous with donations for the auction, including:

• A day skiing with Olympian Leanne Smith for 3
• Sail for four on Heritage, a 12 meter America’s Cup Sailboat – Newport, RI
• Ham Arena 1 hr. private ice time, up to 50 skaters
• Lift tickets from ski areas including Cranmore, Black, Attitash, Wildcat, Waterville Valley, Loon, Jackson Ski Touring and more
• Golf at North Conway Country Club, Wentworth Country Club, Owl’s Nest, Stow Acres, Hale’s Location and more
• 3-Month Membership to Cranmore Fitness
• Four Red Sox box seats with parking
• 2 Night Stay on Cape Cod, Old Manse Inn
• Bauer Vapor APX Skates
• GS Suit and Ski Parka donated by Olympian Leanne Smith
• Story Land Package for four including early entry, private meeting with Cinderella and more
• Settlers Green Gift Certificates
• Restaurant gift certificates
• Diane Mello Cranmore framed print from Framed Art Super Store
• Met Coffeehouse – 1 lb. of coffee a month for a yearThose wishing to make a tax deductible donation can make checks payable to Vaughn Community Services – Ian Meserve Fund, 2503 White Mountain Highway PO Box 401 North Conway, NH 03860.

Donations for the auction are being accepted through January 5, 2012.  They may be dropped off at the Group Sales office at Cranmore Mountain, 1 Skimobile Road, North Conway, NH 03860.

A “Fundraiser for Ian” Facebook page has been set up to share information on the event. For more information, call 603-356-8561.gift certificates to restaurants in the valley, round of golf for 4, weekend getaway to the Cape and much much more

Photo credit: Bill Lee Photography (photos taken Fri. Dec. 23 at Cranmore Mountain)

Hand-Painted “One-of-a-Kind” skis Still Available!!

North Conway, New Hampshire  – Artists J. P. Goodwin and Joe Keller of the Mt. Washington Valley Arts Association are shown here with some of the last few “one-of-a-kind”, hand painted decorative skis that they and other artist members have tricked out for the Affordable Arts Sale. These unique gifts along with other local works of art are on sale at the “Affordable Art Sale” continuing at the Visual Arts Center at Norcross Place in North Conway Village. You’re invited to come by to see what’s art. Do your Holiday shopping creatively and support the MWVAA. Hours are Monday – Thursday, 9-3, Friday 9-6, Saturday 10-5 and Sunday 10-3. For more information on skis and other art opportunities call 603-356-2787 or go to mwvarts.org

Margarita Grill Achieves Environmental Champion Status

The New Hampshire Department of Environmental Services in partnership with the New Hampshire Lodging and Restaurant Association declare Margarita Grill located in Glen, an “Environmental Champion” under the Sustainable Restaurant Program.

Margarita Grill is the first restaurant in the White Mountain Region to achieve Environmental Champion status, the highest level in the program. The owners and staff have formed a “green team” that meets regularly to discuss ways to continuously reduce the restaurant’s impact on the environment. They have made changes to reduce energy consumption such as lighting upgrades and replacing older equipment with more energy efficient models. Water consumption has been reduced by installing low flow devices and locating rain barrels at the front of the building to catch the water from the roof. The rain barrels serve two purposes: stormwater runoff is reduced and the water captured in the barrels is used to water all of the landscaping. Waste is reduced through recycling, purchasing in bulk, eliminating Styrofoam containers and minimizing the use of plastic containers/wares. They use Green Seal Certified cleaners, non-dioxin bleached paper towels and an environmentally sensitive approach to pest management called “integrated pest management” to reduce the amount of chemicals used by the restaurant.

Margarita Grill sets itself apart from the average restaurant in its commitment to purchasing from local farms. Organic produce, dairy and meat are obtained from local farms when available and seafood is purchased in accordance with sustainable seafood guidelines for the Northeast. Buying from local sources not only supports the local economy, it reduces transportation impacts that contribute to air pollution. The owners of Margarita Grill are also committed to giving back to the community. They will be hosting an event in December featuring art and products from local artisans with proceeds benefiting a local charity.

Being declared an Environmental Champion means that lodging and restaurant facilities have made an extra effort to reduce their impact on the environment by reducing waste, energy and water use. It is the highest level of achievement in the Sustainability Program. Over 30 facilities throughout the state have earned this title. For more information about the program, contact Melissa Zych of the DES Pollution Prevention Program at (603)271-0878 or melissa.zych@des.nh.gov.

Muddy Paw Sled Dog Kennel snow fun!!

Here are some fun Snow photos taken last weekend!

While there wasn’t quite enough snow yet for their traditional winter dogsleds, the rolling dogsleds and canine athletes were out in force.

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We’re accepting reservations for dogsledding daily, year round!

Muddy Paw Sled Dog Kennel & Raft NH

Winter Deals with AMC!

Appalachian Mountain Club Offers 30% Off Winter Savings at White Mountain Lodges

Ski and snowshoe in New Hampshire’s White Mountains this winter and save 30 percent at the Appalachian Mountain Club’s (AMC) two full-service lodges, Highland Lodge at Crawford Notch and Joe Dodge Lodge at Pinkham Notch. Take advantage of this special winter deal with a two-night stay at either AMC lodge, January 2 – March 29, 2012, when visiting Sunday through Thursday. Further savings include the guest’s choice of a free trail lunch or a cross-country ski ticket to Bretton Woods Nordic Center, one of the largest in the East.

Visit AMC’s Winter Guide at http://www.outdoors.org/winterguide to get information about all of AMC’s winter deals and packages—including guided family outdoor adventures, Maine Woods lodge-to-lodge skiing, and “learn-to” skills instruction for winter mountaineering, ice climbing, and more.

The AMC’s Highland Lodge and Joe Dodge Lodge are nestled in the heart of majestic White Mountain settings with doorstep access to many miles of snowshoe and backcountry ski trails. Both lodges are also only a few minutes away from local downhill and cross-country ski areas, including Bretton Woods, Wildcat, and Great Glen Trails. Highland Lodge offers the added convenience of a ski connector trail linking lodge guests with the Nordic network at Bretton Woods, plus Joe Dodge Lodge guests can cross-country ski and tube for free at Great Glen Trails all winter long.

AMC’s winter 30% off mid-week deal additionally includes a four-course, family-style dinner and hot buffet breakfast, along with free guided walk-on activities such as snowshoe walks and naturalist-led ski tours as scheduled.

Rates and reservations:
Save 30% off AMC member and non-member rates with a two-night stay at Highland Lodge or Joe Dodge Lodge and receive a free trail lunch (up to 13.50 value) or cross-country ski ticket to Bretton Woods (up to $19 value). Offer valid January 2 – March 29, 2012 (excluding January 16 and February 19 – 23, 2012), Sunday-Thursday nights. New reservations only; taxes not included. Mention promotion code WMW12 when booking.

With the 30% savings, Highland Lodge nightly rates start as low as $66.50 per person for adult non-members ($55.30 for AMC members). Joe Dodge Lodge nightly rates start at $56 per person for adult non-members ($46.90 for AMC members). Rates are based on bunkroom accommodations with shared bathroom. Private and family rooms with private and shared baths are available at an additional cost. Discounted child and teen rates are also available.

Visit http://www.outdoors.org/winterguide or call (603) 466-2727 for reservations.

Founded in 1876, the Appalachian Mountain Club is America’s oldest conservation and recreation organization. With more than 100,000 members, advocates, and supporters in the Northeast and beyond, the nonprofit AMC promotes the protection, enjoyment, and understanding of the mountains, forests, waters, and trails of the Appalachian region. The AMC supports natural resource conservation while encouraging responsible recreation, based on the philosophy that successful, long-term conservation depends upon first-hand enjoyment of the natural environment.

Early Winter Bed and Breakfast Rates at Joe Dodge Lodge & Highland Center Make AMC’s Joe Dodge Lodge or Highland Center your base camp and enjoy easy access to Bretton Woods, Wildcat, Attitash, and Great Glen Trails!  These special bed and breakfast rates start at just $50 per member, $54 per non-member and includes bunkroom lodging and all-you-can-eat breakfast. Valid December 1-20, 2011.

Winter Ski and Snowshoe at AMC Lodges in New Hampshire–Save 30% Save 30% off member and non-member rates with a two-night stay at Highland Center or Joe Dodge Lodge and receive a free trail lunch (up to 13.50 value) or XC ski ticket to Bretton Woods (up to $19 value).  Valid January 2-March 29, 2012 (excluding January 16 and February 19-23, 2012), Sunday-Thursday, new reservations only.  Must mention promotion code WMW12 when booking.

Early Season Savings at Gorman Chairback – Save 30% Save 30% off member and non-member rates with a three-night stay at Gorman Chairback Lodge & Cabins. Package includes private cabin, dinner, lunch, breakfast, hot showers and sauna.  Valid December 29, 2011 through January 12, 2012.  Please mention promotion code GCCW when booking.

Ski Free at Great Glen Trails At Joe Dodge Lodge you can cross-country ski and tube for free at nearby Great Glen Trails. Nightly lodging rates start at the low price of $65 per night for adult members and $29 per night for child members. Learn more>>

Extended Stay Savings all Winter Long Save 10% on a three-night stay, or 20% on a five-night stay, at our New Hampshire and Maine destinations. This offer is available during the full-service season, Sunday-Friday, at the Highland Center, Joe Dodge, Little Lyford, Gorman Chairback, and Medawisla Wilderness Lodges. Discount is not valid for February 12-26, 2012.

AMC Welcome Weekends–Save 20% Sign up for AMC Welcome Weekends and you’ll save 20% off the regular program price. Perfect for new members who want to learn more about AMC while enjoying the outdoors. View the winter schedule for more information.

New Members Save $25 on AMC Hut or Lodge Stay Book your first getaway at an AMC lodge or hut in NH and ME and save $25 on your stay (2-night min.). Offer valid during the full-service season if made within 90 days of your member sign-up date. Register in the Member Center, select “New Member Offers” and “First Stay Coupon and you will receive your promo code. More member benefits >>

Holiday Tree Festival at Settlers’ Green 12/3

Settlers’ Green Outlet Village invites the community to its Holiday Tree Festival, Saturday, December 3 from 11 am until 3 pm.  It’s a traditional holiday event with something for everyone in the family, including a visit from Santa Claus and a mini-snow tube ride courtesy of Mt. Cranmore Ski Area.

Weather permitting, the ski area will be trucking tons of snow to Settlers’ Green and creating a free tube ride in the gazebo area of the shopping center.  First to ride down the tube will be Santa Claus who officially starts the festival at 11 am after arriving on a horse drawn hay wagon from Illusion Farms.  The tubing park will be supervised by Cranmore Mountain’s famous penguin mascot C’More and kids can ride for free throughout the event!  Pick up free discount coupons and information about all the great winter activities at Mt. Cranmore Ski Area, Tubing Park and Fitness Center.

A big part of this event is the opportunity to view the dozens of Christmas trees decorated for the season.  Each year 90 freshly cut, petite Christmas trees from Weston’s Farm in Fryeburg, Maine are placed around the shopping center and adopted by area businesses, associations, artists, non-profit groups, schools and individuals.  The trees are uniquely decorated with hand- made and unusual ornaments each representing the spirit of the season.  Cash and merchandise prizes are awarded to the best and most unusually decorated trees.  The Holiday Tree Festival has become a great community event that gives everyone a chance to show off their seasonal spirit.  And, you can get great ideas for decorating your own holiday tree!

Da Capo will present a program of traditional holiday caroling during the afternoon and there’s free hot chocolate, candy canes and wagon rides from 11 am until 3 pm.

The Holiday Trees will be on display until January 2.  Settlers’ Green gift certificates are available in the customer service office through-out the holiday shopping season at Settlers’ Green.   For more information about the event or Settlers’ Green Outlet Village, please call 603-356-7031

Are You Flushing Money Down the Toilet!!

Having spent the better part of the last 4 years learning the nuances of the Merchant Services business by reviewing hundreds of accounts both locally and nationally, it is still amazing to me when I find an apparently well informed, successful business owner literally flushing money down the toilet.  Last week I was referred to 3 separate companies that unbeknownst to them were either mistakenly categorized, processing their cards incorrectly, or using the completely wrong pricing structure to benefit from the new federally mandated Durbin Amendment  which, if effectively implemented, can slash debit card fees in half from an average of 1.4% to about 0.6% per transaction.  Each of these easily rectifiable situations was resulting in thousands of dollars being lost by the respective business owners due to nothing more than a lack of information/knowledge.

However, the most concerning thing to me occurred when initially approaching each business owner.  Without exception, every one of them swore to me that they were “getting the best rate” from their current provider when “the rate” had nothing to do with the bad advice (or lack of advice) that they were getting from their rep!!!  One particular business owner was losing close to $4,000.00 a year because of one basic step they were simply not following when processing their credit cards at the point of sale; CRAZY!!  In this tight economy, when small business owners need all the financial help they can get, wouldn’t it make sense to ensure that you are not in the same position as the aforementioned businesses?

On average, only about 40% of the businesses I review are in a decent position and getting a fair deal; 40% are in a situation where they can be helped out substantially by eliminating unnecessary hidden fees and significantly lowering their costs; the other 20% are getting flat out taken advantage of by their processor, it should be ILLEGAL what’s being done to them!!!!

As Avant-Garde Marketing Solutions rapidly gains traction in terms of our national market-share, one of the keys to our successful business strategy is not only our ability to evaluate, but more importantly our constant effort to educate.  If you feel that a more educated view of how your credit cards are processed would benefit your business financially, please feel free to contact me at any time.

All consultation services are free of charge, confidential, and without obligation.

(Phone): 603-986-0655
(Email): jameson.killeen@a-gms.com
(Website): www.jamiekilleen.com

FREE SHIPPING for 4 Days Only at Four Your Paws Only!

FREE SHIPPING for 4 Days Only at Four Your Paws Only!

Shop online with us and get  FREE SHIPPING (within the continental US)  on Black Friday, Small Business Saturday,  Sunday, AND Cyber Monday! FourYourPawsOnly.com   Thank you for your support, we appreciate your business!   Must enter code#BFCMFS upon checkout to receive Free Shipping on your order.   (Offer valid 11/25/2011 – 11/28/2011)

1821 White Mountain Highway, North Conway, New Hampshire 03860 1-800-327-5957 ~

Attitash and Wildcat Opening Dates!!! (UPDATED!!)

Here’s an image of the telltale signs seen from afar of snowmaking underway at the summit of Wildcat Mountain  while natural flurries were also occurring in Pinkham Notch. Though snowmaking has begun at both Wildcat Mountain and Attitash Mountain Resort as of Thursday evening, the more recent warm temps have already interrupted earlier snowmaking plans for Attitash and we’ve adjusted our opening date as a result.

Current scheduled opening dates, weather/conditions permitting, are:

Attitash Mountain Resort – Saturday, December 3

Wildcat Mountain – Friday, December 9

Please note however that we will be operating the Nor’Easter Mountain Coaster at Attitash Mountain Resort Friday, November 25 – Sunday, November 27 from 10 a.m. – 3:30pm weather permitting. Also, the Attitash Mountain Resort season pass office will be open on those same days for all Attitash Mountain and Wildcat Mountain passholders to obtain their season pass over the holiday weekend.

UPDATE!!!!!

Not the first time, nor likely to be the last time, that what I believe to be the operating plan one day is not the plan the next. Today, Attitash Mountain has received 15” of new, natural snow and as a result…

Attitash Mountain Resort will open and spin the Flying Yankee quad on Friday, November 25 to offer skiing and riding.

Open 1 Lift (Flying Yankee located at Attitash Mountain side) to public 9am – 3:30pm (Opening for Friday 11/25)

Open 1 Trail: Moat (Opening for Friday 11/25)

Ticket rate: $15 (all ages for lift-service ticket, no snow guarantee, rentals/lessons not available)

Cans or Cash @ The Tash Rail Session – Opening for Friday 11/25 at the Attitash base area and scheduled to be set-up for Saturday 11/26 too

***Special ticket rate to hike the rail/box set-up only: Donate 3 canned goods or $3 to local food pantry

Attitash Mountain will resume making snow again this evening (and likely to be tonight only) on Moat to support natural snow. Conditions on Moat trail fro Friday will be natural and no grooming. Operations after Friday will be conditions permitting and updates will be made at that time.

Mountain Coaster to open as previously planned for Friday, 11/25 thru Sunday 11/27 10 am – 3:30 pm

Ticket prices will be $12 for one ride, $30 for three rides (w/out season pass) OR $10 for one ride, $25 for three rides (w/ pass).

Full food service in ABL from 10am-3pm

Season Pass office will be open from 9am-3:30pm

Wildcat Mountain, appears to have received a little less total snow accumulation than the lower elevations and at this time, has no scheduled changes to their planned opening date of Friday, December 9. The one thing I’m sure of now is that tomorrow is Thanksgiving, and I wish you a happy holiday!

Holiday Tree Festival at Settlers’ Green

Holiday Tree Festival

Settlers’ Green Outlet Village

Saturday, December 3 from 11 am until 3 pm.

It’s a traditional holiday event with something for everyone in the family, including a visit from Santa Claus and a mini-snow tube ride courtesy of Mt. Cranmore Ski Area.

Weather permitting, the ski area will be trucking tons of snow to Settlers’ Green and creating a free tube ride in the gazebo area of the shopping center.  First to ride down the tube will be Santa Claus who officially starts the festival at 11 am after arriving on a horse drawn hay wagon from Illusion Farms.  The tubing park will be supervised by Cranmore’s famous penguin mascot C’More and kids can ride for free throughout the event!  Pick up free discount coupons and information about all the great winter activities at Mt. Cranmore Ski Area, Tubing Park and Fitness Center.

A big part of this event is the opportunity to view the dozens of Christmas trees decorated for the season.  Each year 90 freshly cut, petite Christmas trees from Weston’s Farm in Fryeburg, Maine are placed around the shopping center and adopted by area businesses, associations, artists, non-profit groups, schools and individuals.  The trees are uniquely decorated with hand- made and unusual ornaments each representing the spirit of the season.  Cash and merchandise prizes are awarded to the best and most unusually decorated trees.  The Holiday Tree Festival has become a great community event that gives everyone a chance to show off their seasonal spirit.  And, you can get great ideas for decorating your own holiday tree!

Da Capo will present a program of traditional holiday caroling during the afternoon and there’s free hot chocolate, candy canes and wagon rides from 11 am until 3 pm.

The Holiday Trees will be on display until January 2.
Settlers’ Green gift certificates are available in the customer service office through-out the holiday shopping season at Settlers’ Green.
For more information about the event or Settlers’ Green Outlet Village, please call 603-356-7031

Festive Holiday Shopping at Settlers’ Green

We are getting very excited for the holiday season!!!  There are so many fantastic places for North Conway, NH Shopping and all around the Mount Washington Valley!!  Settlers’ Green Outlet Village is no exception and they’ve got some specials running through December 24th!