Bring A Friend Shopping Event in North Conway, NH!

Get a head start on the holidays this season by joining in on the “Bring A Friend” shopping event in North Conway. Hosted by Settlers Green, “Bring A Friend” is the perfect girls getaway weekend, with shopping and dining at Settlers Green, strolling through quaint North Conway Village, and staying at one of dozens of nearby accommodations, all in the valley’s beautiful mountain setting.

Events in North Conway go above and beyond and “Bring a Friend” is no exception! With how well-rounded this shopping event is, one could argue that it needs its own space carved out on the holiday calendar. This event is the perfect outlet to get you ready for holiday celebrating. Enjoy spending a weekend with your best friends as you shop for great deals on hostess gifts for all of the holiday parties you might attend this season, Christmas gifts at great prices and something special for yourself as well!

Happening November 1st through November 11th, with a headlining weekend of November 8th through November 11th, this event will be buzzing with energy. During the week of November 1st through the 11th, shoppers can enjoy savings and special deals. As soon as the weekend hits, November 8th through the 11th, the event ramps up with giveaways, lodging and dining specials, special events and more.

You’ll need a wristband to access the special deals at Settlers Green and participating stores throughout the Valley. These can be purchased in one of two ways:

1. Win a Standard Shopping Bag.
   The standard bag giveaway begins at 8 a.m. on Saturday, November 9. There are 1500 available, given away for free! One bag includes a $500 shopping spree. Polypropylene tote bag includes a standard raffle ticket, free gift, and samples. All shoppers in line for a standard bag are also guaranteed a Bring A Friend Wristband, which unlocks deals at participating stores, restaurants and services at Settlers Green and participating partners around North Conway.
2.  

   If you don’t plan to be at Settlers Green for the free bag giveaway, you can still get a wristband, November 1-11 during the Bring A Friend Sales promotions. Wristbands are free and available at Customer Service.

   (Premium Shopping Bags are sold out.)

Three raffles will be going on as well, including the Premium Raffle Ticket, where you could win a Two-Night Stay for Four at the Residence Inn by Marriott for Bring A Friend 2020; the Standard Raffle Ticket with a prize of a $500 shopping spree at the REI Co-op; and the Traditional Free Raffle, where prizes range from gift cards to store product.

Special events happening throughout Settlers Green and participating businesses throughout the valley during the November 8 through 11th weekend include a scavenger hunt, Sip and Paint, caricature drawings, chocolate sampling, and more!

For a complete list of events and breakdown of the event, click here!

Settlers Green in North Conway, NH outdoes itself every year for the “Bring a Friend” Shopping event. This year is no exception! This event is the perfect way to spend time with your dear friends before the craze of the holiday season takes over. Spend this weekend enjoying special deals, delicious food, fun activities and creating treasured memories.

For a complete listing of North Conway events and Mt. Washington Valley happenings, click here.

What Sets East Coast Skiing Apart? New England Ski Museum Answers.

A common saying about East Coast skiing is “you can ski the East, you can ski anything.”

The East Coast throws extreme weather at us during the winter and therefore some of the most extreme skiing conditions. We see it all, skiing in North Conway, NH. On this side of the hemisphere we experience powder to ice to bluebird days to a month straight of 25 degrees below zero. And we ski in every bit of it. After all, Mother Nature gives us close to six months of ski season, she’s probably just trying to keep us entertained.

The variety of conditions that we not only ski in; but wake up to, shovel off our cars in, and drive through, just to get to the mountain to ski in creates a sense of pride. East Coast skiing and particularly Northern New Hampshire skiing is the birth place of skiing. With the forefathers and foremothers of skiing making their way to the White Mountains to partake in original backcountry skiing adventures.

The history that is steeped in the White Mountain National Forest and the six cross-country and seven alpine ski resorts is what makes being an East Coast skier so unique. It’s a history to hold onto, one to share and one to be proud to represent.

Which is why having the Eastern Branch of the New England Ski Museum in North Conway, NH is such an honor.

Photo c/o New England Ski Museum

The Eastern Branch of the New England Ski Museum is an extension of the flagship New England Ski Museum located in Franconia, NH. The Eastern Branch is a satellite station that features exhibit space, equipment and archives storage, a museum store, offices and small group meeting spaces.

You’ll find it in the heart of North Conway Village, situated next to Schouler Park the Conway Scenic Railroad – an 1880 Victorian train station, village shops, eateries. The Eastern Slope Branch of the New England Ski Museum is highly visible and accessible and it wants YOU to come in for a visit!

Photo c/o New England Ski Museum

If you’re a ski family an individual ski enthusiast or someone who wants to learn more about what sets the East Coast apart from other destinations, then the New England Ski Museum in North Conway, NH is a must-stop in your North Conway, NH vacation. It’s a great option for a rainy day activity, a way to walk off a great lunch you had in town, or a perfect pairing to a half-day ski ticket.

The collections provide insight into the early years of skiing, hidden ski gems in the White Mountains, a history on ski equipment and more. The Eastern Branch of the New England Ski Museum is dedicated to a sport that enriches the White Mountains and enriches the lives of everyone who partakes in it.

Art as a Destination: Jackson Art Studio and Gallery.

Eight miles outside of North Conway Village, as you drive toward the majestic view of Mount Washington sits Jackson Village. This small town embodies so much of what makes New England charming: narrow, winding roads, scenic views, eclectic businesses, beautiful homes and small cafes. It’s the perfect hide-away to reconnect with all the things that matter the most to you. 

Only a fifteen minute drive from the heart of North Conway Village you’ll find a whimsical floral studio, bakery and cafe that has been featured in “Martha Stewart Living” more than once, a boutique salon, an Irish pub that boasts some of the best Buffalo Chicken Wings in the valley and more! Among these thriving businesses you’ll find Jackson Art Studio & Gallery, nestled at the top of Ridge Road. 

Jackson Art Studio & Gallery is a hybrid of an art gallery and working studio that offers group classes and more intimate, advanced curriculum as well. It’s a port for international artists to bring their craft to the small town of Jackson; bringing a taste of the world to this corner of New England. It’s an education center for fledgling artists; a place for expression for children and teens; an institute for seasoned artists looking to sharpen their already fine-tuned skills; and a hub to connect those that love art and those looking to add more of it to their lives.

The studio and gallery is led by bright colors; juried artists who can also be found working in the studio; large-scale, abstract paintings; photography; blown glass and more; all with a bright orange couch punctuating the shop’s decor. The space is inviting and luminous and offers a modern take on art that can be hard to find the further away from a city you travel. It’s a taste of metropolitan culture in a small, mountain town. Guests can shop for one-of-a-kind pieces, take a class or plan a more extensive, art-based vacation at Jackson Art Studio and Gallery.

Highlights of its upcoming 2019 calendar include a Palette Knife Technique class with award winning artist, Cynthia Rosen where the class focuses on intent, composition, use of color and technique. Students can also participate in the Introduction to Abstract Painting: Brushwork & Color with Rebecca Klementovich. Artists will create a successful abstract painting in acrylics by exploring innovative mark-making techniques, larger brushes, and color theory. 

Of course, Jackson Art Studio and Gallery’s Sip and Paint events color the studio’s event calendar with a fun and light-hearted evening where anyone can feel confident as an artist. Sip and Paints are relaxed and casual where the group works toward creating the featured painting of the evening. 

Art based vacations are quickly evolving into a main reason to visit the Mt. Washington Valley. Providing the basis for culture, relaxation, shopping, movement and excitement all at once, art as a destination is becoming Jackson Art Studio and Gallery’s focus. 

• You’ll find art retreats that couple together yoga, cuisine, wine tastings and workshops on the studio’s calendar and those are sure to fill up quickly.
• Regular art shows featuring new pieces, wine reception and a chance to meet the artist(s) are an excellent way to fill your vacation calendar too.
• Plein Air Series where students leave the four walls of the studio and paint in the great outdoors.
• All of these events and classes present the opportunity to mingle with locals and travelers who are all connected by their love of art.

And at its very essence, isn’t that what art is supposed to do: connect us all? We come to the Mt. Washington Valley to unplug and reconnect; with friends and family, nature, or with ourselves. The corners of Mt. Washington Valley, including Jackson Village, have amazing opportunities to discover a new way to vacation in the valley through art. For a complete list of galleries and one-of-a-kind shopping, click here. To view Jackson Art Studio and Gallery’s event and class calendar, click here.

 

There’s nothing better than a good friend, except a good friend with chocolate!

By Isaac Rader
for the Mt. Washington Valley Chamber of Commerce

The Bavarian Chocolate Haus is impossible to ignore when you first see it. There’s the jaunty European music it pipes out, the almost fairytale look of the building they have occupied for 20 years, and the wall-to-wall chocolate inside.

We talked with their staff, and they greeted us like old friends and this friendliness is reflected in all the chocolates they sell.

Owners Scott Ferrari and David Hallett make the majority of chocolates they sell right in their shop. They consider themselves a traditional chocolate shop and use the freshest ingredients and avoid adding anything unnecessary to their chocolate.

Their vast selection of dark, milk and white chocolate treats includes fudge, hot fudge, specialty food items, holiday items and gift boxes. We had to try something, of course! Our personal pick on this visit was a truffle with dark chocolate and blueberry, and something with dark chocolate, sea salt, and caramel!

Bavarian Chocolate Haus has an online store and offers a newsletter to keep you notified of specials. They’ll even offer some bits of chocolate or German trivia. They also have a second location in Bridgton. Make sure to stop in and say hello when you are in town.

Still Skiing in Mt. Washington Valley

By Kathy Bennett
for the Mt. Washington Valley Chamber of Commerce

While the ground is brown south of here, the snow base is still deep and white at the ski areas in and around North Conway. The end of March usually sees some ski areas call it quits – due to a lack of skiers, not a lack of snow.

But there is still plenty of skiing left here into April.

Yesterday I skied the popular Ellis River Trail Loop at Jackson Ski Touring. As you can see from the photos, the snow is still deep. The rivers and streams were flowing but the trail was groomed with coverage edge to edge.  JSTF former Executive Director Thom Perkins confirmed that their mid-November open date is among their earliest and manager Deb Deschenes said it was a great season right up until the end, which takes place on March 31.

Those wishing to continue xc skiing can continue fun on skinny skis at Bear Notch Ski Touring. They have not published a closing date yet, but the Garlands usually keep the groomers going as long as they can. Last year on Easter Sunday I enjoyed skiing there, taking advantage of their higher elevations and shaded trails which keep their snow longer than most.

Sunday brought me to Wildcat. The fog and forecast of rain scared off most folks, which left the deep, soft-turning snow for those of us who were more intrepid. The warm air was a treat and I skied without googles. The fog was not an impediment as visibility was reasonable and the fog was off and on skiing down through the elevations. What was consistent was the snow quality, with only a few areas showing more variable/spring conditions. They will easily make it to Easter, when they have fun events scheduled on April 21.

Cranmore ends daily operations today but will reopen April 6-7.  Wildcat has not published an estimated close date on their website. Bretton Woods has posted an April 15 close date. 

Check here for the most recent listing of closings and end of season events.

Closing dates are subject to change so visit each resort website for the latest and greatest. But don’t put those skis away just yet!

Conway Area Humane Society opens Re-Tails Resale Shop

The Conway Area Humane Society (CAHS) recently held a ribbon cutting to celebrate the opening of their new ReTails Resale Shop located at the far end of the Conway Area Humane Society Shelter building in Conway. The shop is open Monday – Saturday with many items for sale including furniture, clothing, sporting goods, bedding, collectibles and more!

Volunteer opportunities are available. For more information email Katy at kbailey@conwayshelter.org or visit conwayshelter.org.

Pictured from left Valerie Horn, Board Director, Payton Cressey, Board Director, Katy Bailey, Volunteer Manager, Virginia Moore, Executive Director, Nate Marles, Board Chair, Cheryl Mitchell, Volunteer, and Suzie Laskin, Board Director.

For more information visit Conway Area Humane Society.

2018 Employer of the Year – Badger Realty

The Employer of the Year Award is given each year to a business that demonstrates respect for employees and other business partners and excellence in creating a safe and inviting workplace. The Employer of the Year is also a business offering solid pay/benefits and the opportunity for training and advancement.

This year the Employer of the Year Award goes to Badger Realty. Since 1965, Badger Realty has been a staple of the Mount Washington Valley and a leader of community projects, volunteerism, and advancement. Dick Badger & Brenda Leavitt have created a family-oriented culture within an industry that had not historically been recognized through teamwork. They believe in the power of continuing education and encourage their employees to continue their professional development through education and training whenever possible.

Dick Badger is pictured with Janice Crawford, Executive Director, MWV Chamber of Commerce

Since 1995, Badger Realty has hosted an annual holiday party that included travel, lodging and meals for their employees and significant others. These annual trips have rewarded and brought happy employees (and spouses) to such destinations as Bermuda (5 times), Aruba, Captiva, the Bahamas, Walt Disney World, and Quebec.

A sign of a healthy company is their dedication to the community, which is why local non-profit organizations are crowded with Badger Realty’s agents and support staff. Some of the organizations served by Badger employees include Jen’s Friends, End 68 Hours of Hunger, Habitat for Humanity, Starting Point, Arts Jubilee, the Miranda Leavitt Diabetes Fund and the Mt. Washington Valley Trails Association.

Since longevity is an indication of a positive workplace, it’s notable that 18 employees with 10 or more years of service at Badger Realty, and eleven of those have more than 20 years.

2018 Entrepreneur of the Year – Coldwell Banker Wright Realty

Entrepreneur of the Year is awarded each year to a business in existence for seven or more years which fills a need within the community and demonstrates creativity, innovation and community involvement. Additionally, the business must be people-and-principle oriented as well as profitable.

This year the Entrepreneur of the Year Award goes to the team at Coldwell Banker Wright Realty. Owners Antonella Bliss, Lindsey Maihos and Rose Robinson took over leadership at Coldwell Banker Wright Realty during the same year as the economic crisis, and though the company has experienced ups and downs, 11 years later it has more than doubled its sales volume. In addition, they now have 19 agents and 4 support staff with future plans to expand their office space in Conway.

Lindsey Maihos, Antonella Bliss, and Rose Robinson, Owners, Coldwell Banker Wright Realty.The company has been recognized as the Premier Bronze Office by Coldwell Banker.

Their commitment toward the industry pushed them to host a real estate course in Conway. In the past young professionals interested in a real estate career had to travel outside the area to take the course and obtain a real estate license. Now, they can do that right here in the Valley. This program was instrumental in helping THRIVE recipient Theo Charles successfully become a licensed REALTOR®.

As a business team, they give back to the community through time and donations, encouraging others within the company to also give back to the community.

Ragged Mountain Equipment Launches Factory Tours

If you thought American manufacturing had all gone to Mexico or China, then a pleasant surprise awaits you right here in the Mt Washington Valley. Ragged Mountain Equipment on Route 16 in Intervale has been quietly producing specialized outdoor clothing and gear since Ronald Reagan was in the White House. Starting this month, they are offering factory tours almost daily so you can see the entire fascinating process from start to finish. If you’ve been a regular at local farmers’ markets because you want to know where your food comes from, doesn’t it make sense to apply that same standard to the clothing you wear, and the gear you use?

You’ve driven by the Ragged Mountain Equipment factory countless times and probably stopped to grab a few items from their shop. But you may never have realized that skilled local designers and stitchers are hard at work right out back, producing those jackets, vests, gaiters and dog packs you see everywhere around you. And this isn’t one of those high-tech start-ups where robots follow a computer program to produce some mysterious widget; this is actual people handling actual fabrics and hardware, producing items you actually use. And, they’ve been doing it non-stop since 1985.

The Ragged Mountain Equipment factory tours run every Monday through Thursday, beginning at 10:00am. The guided tours only take about twenty to thirty minutes, and you’ll be able to witness the entire manufacturing process. Tours begin with fabric cutting, then progress through the kitting process and right on to the actual stitching. You’ll see products being  inspected and prepared for stocking in the retail department or boxed up to ship to other vendors or special order customers. Those customers include local non-profits, international retailers, and the US military. And finally, you’ll visit the design room and pattern library to see new products in the midst of the design process, with prototypes being tested and features being refined.

You’ll recognize a lot of the Ragged Mountain products–from Powerstretch Tights to TuckerMitts to Tuff Duffels–and wonder why you always assumed they were made somewhere abroad. There are ample opportunities to ask questions and chat with the craftspeople as they go about their work, and you’ll leave the tour with discount coupons for the products, some free samples, and the knowledge that American manufacturing is alive and well in Mt Washington Valley.

For more information on these new factory tours, call Ragged Mountain Equipment at 603-356-3042, visit their website at www.raggedmountain.com, or swing by their business at 279 NH-16 in Intervale.

Ribbon Cutting Celebrates Business Name Change

The T. Murray Wellness Center, Inc. was founded by Dr. Trish Murray over 12 years ago and has been the place to go in Mt. Washington Valley to alleviate pain. Over the past 6 years, Dr. Murray has trained and become certified in another specialty, functional medicine which is root cause medicine, focusing on finding the underlying cause of chronic diseases or conditions. “This is a multi-systems approach to medicine”, said Dr. Murray. “We look at all systems to find the reason for the condition and help people learn what changes they can make to help improve their health.”

Pictured from left: Elaine Swett, Loretta Hawes, Pamela Beaupre, Jude Trotter, APRN, Patricia Murray, D.O, Rita Corbitt, Cherie Jewell.

Now known as Discover Health Functional Medicine Center the practice and clinic has grown to include a new provider and expanded clinic and services.

On Friday, June 22 they celebrated with a ribbon cutting and open house at their clinic at 24 Pleasant Street, Conway. Guests toured the facility, received information on services and learned how Discover Health Functional Medicine Center can help restore and optimize your health. For more information visit them online or call the office at 603-447-3112.

Valley Pride Day 2018

We’d like to thank everyone who participated in the 18th Annual  Valley Pride day! We live in a beautiful place, and it’s a shame when it’s defaced with litter so we especially appreciate the many volunteers who helped clean up our roadways and make the Valley even more beautiful. They absolutely deserved the party afterward. Kudos to the organizers for keeping this fantastic event going for 18 years. The Valley thanks you!

Mountain Film on Tour

What a treat to see Mountainfilm on Tour at the Fryeburg PAC. Films almost too fantastical to be real – but too gripping to be anything but. We viewed striking visions of Alaska, a skier rushes through icy crevices and tunnels and a crippled man climbing a rock formation.

Mountainfilm on Tour travels year-round and worldwide with a selection of short documentary films from the most recent, annual festival in Telluride. See this tour, if you can.