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Popular Attractions Ready to Open for the Season in the White Mountains

NORTH WOODSTOCK, NH - As the Memorial Day weekend approaches, attractions in New Hampshire's White Mountains are ready to welcome the first wave of summer visitors who will head north after work on Friday.

"With a milder than usual winter, I think people have been ready to get away for a few weeks now," said Jayne O'Connor, president of White Mountains Attractions in North Woodstock, which handles marketing for the area and its association of 16 tourism venues. 

Several natural attractions, including the Flume Gorge in Franconia Notch, Lost River Gorge and Boulder Caves in Kinsman Notch and Polar Caves in Rumney, were able to open earlier than usual, O'Connor said. The Mount Washington Cog Railway also got a headstart on its season and the Mount Washington Auto Road opened to the top last weekend. The Conway Scenic Railroad was also able to resume operations before the April school vacation weeks.

Scheduled to open for Memorial Day are Cannon Mountain Aerial Tramway, on Friday, Attitash in Bartlett; the Hobo Railroad in Lincoln; Santa's Village and Six Gun City, both in Jefferson; Story Land in Glen; Clark's Trading Post in Lincoln and Wildcat Mountain in Pinkham Notch, all on Saturday, and operating weekends only through June 10.

Lincoln-based attractions Loon Mountain will open on June 23rd and the Whale's Tale Water Park opens daily on June 6th.

O'Connor said the attractions are expecting another strong summer, as the economy improves and gas prices are expected to stabilize or drop a bit as the season begins.

"Not only are the White Mountains within just a few hours' drive of millions of people, but we have found, especially through our Facebook and social media sites, is that the region really provides comfort in our fast-paced world," she said. "Many people come here because it's a tradition, while others come here because of the views and trails - places where they can count on the scenery and a sense of peace not changing."

 White Mountains Attractions, founded in 1958, is the marketing association for the White Mountains region and its 16 attractions, including Attitash Mountain Resort, Cannon Mountain, Clark’s Trading Post, the Conway Scenic Railroad, Flume Gorge, the Hobo Railroad, Loon Mountain, Lost River Gorge & Boulder Caves, Mount Washington Auto Road, Mount Washington Cog Railway, Polar Caves, Santa’s Village, Six Gun City, Story Land, Whale’s Tale Water Park and Wildcat Mountain.

For information about the White Mountains, the visitors’ center is located off exit 32 on Interstate 93 in North Woodstock; visit www.visitwhitemountains.com or call 800-FIND MTS.

 

Waterville Valley Resort Expands Summer Offering with Zipline, Renaissance Fair, and Zombies

Waterville Valley, NH- What do zip line adventures, wandering minstrels, and brain eating zombies all have common? They, and many others, will all be at Waterville Valley this summer and fall!  Be sure to be one of the first to check out these new events.

This summer, Waterville Valley is partnering with Alpine Adventures, based in Lincoln, to offer guests the opportunity for a zip line tour. The package is set to include exciting, off road transportation from the Waterville Valley to Alpine Adventures. From there, guests will be able to experience canopy zip line tours.  A thrilling off-road ride brings you up Barron Mountain to the Ziplines and the start of your aerial adventure. On this special tour guests will experience the most exciting Ziplines on two of Alpine Adventures’ three award winning courses. Prices start at $99, per person. 

Waterville Valley will be hosting their first Renaissance Faire this August 18-19 and 25-26, 2012, running from 11 am to 5 pm on both weekends.  With the live music from The Minstrel and The Harper, various foods and goods from different vendors, and exciting combat in battle armor, guests are sure to be transported back in time. For more information, visit http://www.watervillevalleyrenfaire.com.

The weekend of October 13-14, 2012 is going to be spooky as the Zombie Zone Survival Challenge and Haunted Half-Marathon invade Waterville Valley.  The Zombie Zone Survival is a zombie-infested 5k where the participants must complete different challenges in order to gain Antidote Amulets. The next day is the Haunted Half Marathon, a scenic 13.1-mile run through Waterville Valley and the White Mountain National Forest.  Both events are concluded with the Dead Man’s Party, a festival including live music, food, and beer.  For more information, visit: www.biglakehalf.com

 Make this the year you hit par by checking out Waterville Valley’s historic 9-hole golf course.  Take advantage of their $5 golfing clinics on Friday and Saturday mornings and improve your stroke and putting skills.

From September 14-15, 2012 the Waterville Valley Resort and White Mountain Conference Center are partnering with the Pemigewasset Chapter of Trout Unlimited to Sponsor the Wild and Scenic Film Festival.

Waterville Valley was designed and planned specifically as a self-contained, four seasons resort. Today in addition to its award-winning tennis courts, Waterville Valley Resort has its world-class ski area, golf, hiking, biking, lodging, cultural activities and summer theater, an indoor ice rink, boating, a skate park, and a host of outdoor activities. Dining options include traditional favorites and elegant dining. For more information, call 1-800-GO-VALLEY or visit www.visitwatervillevalley.com.

Rock, Roll & Remember Dinner Cruise aboard the M/S Mount Washington salute service personnel

Rock, Roll & Remember Dinner Cruise aboard the M/S Mount Washington salute service personnel.

NH police, Fire Fighters, EMTs and US Military & Veterans can enjoy a dinner cruise on Lake Winnipesaukee aboard the M/S Mount Washington for only $29. This offer is extended to guest as well. Saturday, May 26. The cruise departs Weirs Beach at 7 PM.

Cruise is open to all at the regular price of $49.

For more information call 603-366-5531 or go to: www.cruisenh.com

 

Memorial Day Weekend Specials aboard the M/S Mount Washington

Memorial Day Weekend Specials aboard the M/S Mount Washington

May 26, 27 & 28

Kids cruise free aboard the M/S Mount Washington during Memorial Day weekend. This is you chance to show your kids one of NH's natural wonders. Take them on a cruise on beautiful Lake Winnipesaukee for free this weekend. The offer is good on all daytime cruises from all ports. (Limit 2 kids per adult) See the schedule on line: www.cruiseNH.com

Celebrate Mother's Day Weekend at the Currier Museum Artfest

Manchester, NH – Visit the Currier Museum of Art Mother’s Day weekend for a two-day Spring ArtFest. Create original artwork during family art workshops, meet Museum Shop featured artists, get great deals on art books from the Currier Library book sale and enjoy Mother’s Day brunch in the Winter Garden Café. There are also special Mother’s Day and garden-themed tours to enjoy, as well as the last chance to experience A New Vision: Modernist Photography.

Throughout the weekend, buy jewelry from local artists and see demonstrations from jewelry-makers Sandra McCaw, Lauren Pollaro and Joy Raskin. Textile artist Becky O, potter Rachel Montroy and glassmaker Aaron Slater will also be at the museum to meet visitors and sell their latest creations. Visitors will also have the opportunity to use a community loom to create an original piece of woven art.

Family Saturday: Mother’s Day Gifts

Saturday, May 12 from 10 am-1 pm

Participate in a fun, hands-on art activity, go on a guided family gallery tour (11:30 am), visit the Discovery Gallery or use a family gallery guide to explore the museum on your own. Museum admission is free from 10 am to noon. (Children 17 and under always enjoy free admission.)

Mother’s Day Brunch

Sunday, May 13 from 11 am-2 pm

Make Mother’s Day extra special with brunch and jazz entertainment provided by John Choinard and a special appearance by the Ukeladies. Menu includes a continental station with fresh baked sweet breads, pastries and fresh fruit; a scrambled “Messy Egg” station with your choice of mix-ins, a carving station, sides of maple sausage, apple wood bacon, house potatoes and quinoa pancakes. $25 for adults; $12 for kids 12 and under; $8 for continental station only. Please call 603.629.9383 to make brunch reservations.  

After brunch, at 2pm John Chouinard and his music students will perform their spring recital in the auditorium. The event is FREE and open to the public. 

Mother’s Day Focus Tour: A Rose by Any Other Name Would Still be Art - The Flower Tour

Sunday, May 13 at 11:30 am

Focus on flowers in art and treat yourself, your mother or your favorite gardener to a beautiful exploration of all the museum has to offer. Free with museum admission.

Zimmerman House Focus Tour

Landscaping a Usonian: The Zimmerman House Garden Tour

Sunday, May 13 at 3:30 pm

For Frank Lloyd Wright, the natural setting for a house was just as important as the structure he designed for it.  Learn about the Zimmerman House’s Wright-designed gardens, the carefully planned vistas and the many ways the architect succeeded in integrating the indoors and the outdoors. This 90-minute tour includes a general introduction to the Zimmerman House. Tour begins and ends in the museum’s lobby. Reservations required. $20 for Adults; $19 for Seniors; $16 for Students; $8 for Children 7-17; Free for members.  Make your reservations at CURRIER.ORG or call 603.669.6144 x108.

The Currier Museum of Art is located at 150 Ash Street in Manchester, NH and is wheelchair accessible. Free parking. Regular museum hours are: Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and Sunday, 11am-5pm; Saturday, 10am-5pm. Closed Tuesday. More information: www.currier.org or call 603.669.6144 x108.

 

Mother's Day Cruise Kicks off M/S Mount Washington's 140th Cruise Season

WEIRS BEACH, NH (April 30th)-Upholding a long tradition, the M/S Mount Washington completed her Shakedown Cruise today.

The Shakedown Cruise is an official state inspection of the M/S Mount Washington that gives state and local officials, members of New Hampshire’s tourism industry, and the media the opportunity to climb aboard and observe the ship as she moves through her annual operating maneuvers on Lake Winnipesaukee. 

The Mount offers its first public cruises on Mother’s Day, Sunday, May 13th. The Mother's Day Champagne Brunch Cruise marks the opening of the 2012 season. The Mother’s Day cruise includes a two and a half hour scenic cruise, a complete champagne brunch buffet and live entertainment. This special brunch is offered at two different times: 10 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. Fares are $39 for adults and $19 for children 5-12. Children under 5 are free.

This also marks the 120^th season of the U.S. Mail Boat Sophie C. The Motor Vessel Sophie C. on is the oldest floating post office in the United States. Each season she provides mail service on Lake Winnipesaukee, NH, a tradition dating back to 1892. Both of Sophie's daily mail runs take her to five islands where her staff delivers mail to the island residents and summer camps. In addition to being a full-service post office where residents may purchase postal supplies and stamps, Sophie also offers ice cream novelty treats and snacks for sale. A daily ice cream bar or Popsicle has become quite a summer tradition for her island friends.

The M/V Doris E has been re-powered with modern new engines. This is another step made by the Winnipesaukee Flagship Corporation in preserving the air and water of Lake Winnipesaukee for generations to come. Help us continue our greening process efforts by cruising with us in 2012 season.

The M/S Mount Washington’s official season runs from late May to late October. Daily cruises depart from Weirs Beach and service the ports of Meredith, Wolfeboro, Center Harbor and Alton Bay. With a capacity of 1,250 passengers, the Mount Washington serves as the largest restaurant in the state and a popular gathering point for school proms, college reunions, large corporate celebrations and weddings.

The 140-year history of the popular cruise ship began with the Mount Washington I, which plied the water of the big lake until 1939.  Today’s vessel, the motor-ship Mount Washington, started her career on Vermont’s Lake Champlain under the name “Chateauguay.” Purchased by the Winnipesaukee Steamship Company in 1940, she was transported in twenty sections via rail, reassembled, re-outfitted, and christened the Mount Washington II. Last year she was overhauled to get new engines, and public rooms were upgraded. Today, in addition to operating the ‘Mount,' the Winnipesaukee Flagship Corporation also owns and operates the 74’ U.S. Mail Boat Sophie C., and 68’ Doris E.  Both vessels offer scenic lake cruises in July and August from Weirs Beach.

Once a summer attraction, the Mount Washington now operates May through October, offering daytime scenic, evening dinner and dance, and special themed cruises. To contact the ticket office, please call 603-366-5531.  To learn more about Mount Washington Cruises please call toll-free (888) 843-6686 or visit their Web site for discounted advance cruise tickets and information at www.cruisenh.com

 

Waterville Valley Resort Combines Fishing and Chowder this Memorial Day

Waterville Valley, NH- Memorial Day weekend signals the opening of the waterfront in Waterville Valley, with paddle boats, kayaks, and canoe rentals, a youth fishing derby, outdoor concert, and annual chowderfest. 

Mother's Day Cruise Kicks off M/S Mount Washington's 2012 Cruise Season

WEIRS BEACH, NH– Upholding a long tradition, the first public cruise of the M/S Mount Washington will be on Mother’s Day, Sunday, May 13^th, kicking off the 140^th season of the famed boat.

Cookies & Snow and Story Time

Waterville Valley Resort, NH- Winter comes early to Waterville Valley Resort in New Hampshire’s White Mountains with the Cookies & Snow Celebration on Saturday December 10^th.

Cookies baked fresh by local restaurants are distributed throughout the businesses in Town Square.  Guests can stroll through the decorated shops and sample one of each cookie creation with their purchase of a “Cookie Coupon Book”. 

A Taste of the Holidays at Waterville Valley Resort

Waterville Valley Resort has a number of festive events planned to welcome the holiday season.

Waterville Valley , NH – Waterville Valley Resort has a number of festive events planned to welcome the holiday season.

Saturday, Nov. 26, 2011 marks the 21st annual "Santa Arrives by Dog Team." Santa and his elves are pulled into Waterville Valley's Town Square courtyard by a team of Alaskan sled dogs. Santa and his elves will spend the afternoon visiting with kids, offering each child a small gift, candy, and photo opportunities. At 7 p.m. Santa will light the holiday tree in Town Square's courtyard signaling the start of the annual fireworks display over Corcoran's Pond. Shops and restaurants in the Town Square will be open during the event.