Trip Picks Karno Trip Picks

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

 

Last Chance to Experience Modernist Photography Exhibition at the Currier

Manchester, NH – A New Vision: Modernist Photography showcases the work of more than 70 photographers and takes museum visitors on a journey from the beginning of the modernist movement in the 1920s to modernism’s influence on contemporary photography.

The exhibition features more than 150 works displayed in three expansive galleries. Visitors will recognize some iconic New York City imagery, like Rudy Burckhardt’s Flat Iron Building, 1948 and photos of the George Washington Bridge and Times Square. Visitors will also see the work of New England photographers Carl Hyatt of Portsmouth, NH and Paul Caponigro of Cushing, ME – both contemporary photographers very much influenced by modernism 

Hyatt’s Portsmouth Harbor Salt Pile Series, S-28 and Caponigro’s San Sebastian, New Mexico are classic modernist images that emphasize dramatic contrasts of light and shade, creating abstract compositions. Like historic modernist photos, form and composition are as important as subject matter in these images.

Historic modernist American photographers such as Edward and Brett Weston, Margaret Bourke-White, Man Ray and Charles Sheeler, as well as European artists including Lotte Jacobi, Helmar Lerski and Imre Kinszki are represented throughout A New Vision. 

From urban cityscapes and rural landscapes to individual portraits and still-life compositions, A New Vision explores the reciprocal influences among all media that shaped the modern art movement.  Artists in the varied media shared a common vision; to illustrate this interconnectedness, paintings by Marsden Hartley, Georgia O’Keeffe, Charles Sheeler and Childe Hassam are paired with photographs in this exhibition.

“This exhibition illustrates the diversity of the modernist movement and its important contribution to the art of the 20^th and 21^st centuries,” said Kurt Sundstrom, curator of the exhibition. Adding, “Modernist photographers expanded the visual vocabulary of art – making everyday objects – from grass, drying laundry, machinery and lumber to details of the human body – subjects worthy of artistic interest.”

This special exhibition is supported by Hitchiner Manufacturing Co., Inc. and by Barbara and Thomas Putnam, with additional support from the Mac Doty Education Fund.

The Currier Museum of Art is located at 150 Ash Street, Manchester, NH. Open every day except Tuesday. Museum admission: adults $10; seniors $9; students $8; children age 17 and under are always admitted free. More information: www.currier.org or call 603.669.6144 x108.

Big Apple Express

Big Apple Express

Saturday, April 28 from 6:30 am-11:30 pm

Spring is here and it’s the perfect time to visit NYC! Relax on the coach, enjoy free Wi-Fi on the way, and arrive in the city to spend the day as you choose. The coach departs from the Catholic Diocese of Manchester (next to the museum at 153 Ash Street) promptly at 6:30 am. Arrive in Manhattan about 11:30 am to spend the day as you choose. Re-board the coach at 7 pm to arrive back to the Diocese about 11:30 pm. To reserve your seat, call 603.669.6144 x108 by March 27. Cost is $75 members, $95 non-members. Price includes transportation only. To request a wheelchair accessible coach, please contact us at least eight weeks prior to the trip and we will make every effort to accommodate. www.currier.org

 

 

Spring, Summer and Fall Skiing and Snowboarding

Waterville Valley, NH, April 11, 2012…Waterville Valley BBTS Snowsports Educational Foundation has completed construction on the east coast’s premier Freestyle and Snowboard aerial jumping site – Phil’s Hill Training Center.  Athletes can now learn new skills and qualify tricks on a state-of-the-art year round venue.

Built by reshaping the WVBBTS property at the base of Snow’s Mountain, this 220’ earthen ramp covered with high tech Neveplast artificial snow surfacing, is the first of its kind in New England. 

As Nick Preston, Freestyle Director says, “Phil’s Hill sets our athletes and BBTS apart by having a safety-first jumping site available all year.” 

Two jumps, to accommodate varying skill levels, send athletes soaring into the air as they perform complex grabs, flips and rotations before landing on the 12 foot high and 50 x 50 foot exceptionally engineered BagJump airbag. 

According to Snowboard Director and former Olympian, Peter Thorndike, “The BagJump gives kids a confidence to explore and improve their skills in the air because the airbag cushions the landing.” 

Completed just in time for the start of the winter season in late November, Phil’s Hill proved its worth again and again during a winter of little natural snow.  The athletes of the BBTS Weekend Club and our 5-month snowsports school, Waterville Valley Academy excelled on the new apparatus and dominated in their sports.

Succinctly stated by CEO Peter Stokloza, “We thank our supporters and are proud to honor Phil and Sandy Holmes with this site - a potent example of our motto ‘Pioneering Snowsports and Cultivating Tomorrow’s Leaders.’”

Now, as we move into the warmer weather, Phil’s Hill is being prepped for spring, summer and fall programming.  No snow, no problem as the only year-round training facility in New England announces summer camps, April vacation camps, a weekend training program and a full-time training program.  These offerings, in concert with the Burdenko Method workouts under the direction of Athletic Director Tom Barbeau and trampoline training at Freestyle America Training Center under Nick Preston create a complete first-rate training experience.

Visit our website for more information and to see videos of the site in use at www.wvbbts.org

Marathon? That Ain't Nothing....The Toughest 5K Race You'll Ever Run Come To Gunstock Mountain Resort

GILFORD, NH (April 16, 2012) – Maddog Fitness Challenge is a fitness obstacle race for mud-loving athletes who want a real challenge. On Saturday, June 2nd, 2012, 1,500 runners will head to Gunstock Mountain Resort to take on 11 challenging obstacles over 3.1 miles of extreme vertical terrain. After victoriously finishing the race, participants celebrate with friends and family during an all day party with live music, festivities, food and post-workout beer (Red Sox Fans welcome).

Fitness obstacle races have become incredibly popular and the Maddog Fitness Challenge brings the excitement to New Hampshire and offers an alternative to the traditional 5k road races.

The Maddog Fitness Challenge is also supporting a worthy cause that gives back to New Hampshire. A portion of every participant’s entry fee will be donated to Womenade of Concord.

For some families, one unexpected medical bill or emergency car repair is a big setback. Even back-to-school shopping can hurt those already close to poverty. For these families, sometimes a few hundred dollars is enough to avert a financial crisis, which is where Womenade of Concord helps.

The Maddog Fitness Challenge will test your all around strength, stamina, and mental toughness. The course is set up on the grueling uphill terrain of Gunstock’s ski slopes, with eleven challenging fitness obstacles sprinkled throughout the course. 

The “Maddog Party” area will be the scene of greater celebrations with more food, drinks and post-race activities.

Maddog Fitness Challenge is an event that competitors and spectators will never forget and the combination of the scenic Gunstock Mountain terrain, mud, sweat and beer will make for a day participants and spectators will never forget.

To learn more about the Maddog Fitness Challenge visit www.MaddogFitness Challenge.com, or contact Brian Silfies at (603)-738-5579.

 

 

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. 

Waterville Valley Offers FREE Golf

WATERVILLE VALLEY, NH, APRIL 11, 2012 – Waterville Valley Golf Course is opening its course to all players for a free round of golf from June 4-6 and June 11-13, 2012.  The golf course will make all tee times available starting at 9:30 a.m. until they have been reserved.

Waterville Valley Golf Course general manager, Jim Wall, said, “There’s no catch or gimmick or special coupon needed.  We just want golfers to try our beautiful course.  This is a great opportunity for local golfers to dust off their clubs and get a good start on the season.”  

The historic Waterville Valley Golf Course – one of the oldest in New Hampshire – opened for the 114^th season on May 19.  Visitors to Waterville Valley started playing golf in 1898, designing the first holes themselves by clearing rocks away by hand from the front lawn of the old hotel.  The course was renovated in 2005 and now offers a 9-hole, pay 30 layout with three par-4 holes providing a challenging golf experience for players of all abilities.   

The course has a fully-stocked pro shop and offers golf club and cart rentals.  Memberships are available, including a new midweek Monday-through-Thursday-after-3 p.m. membership for just $199.  New this summer, Waterville Valley Golf Course is pleased to welcome golf professional and well-known teaching and tournament player, Joe Clark, Jr., who will be offering clinics on Friday and Saturday mornings from 9-10 a.m. and 10:30-11 a.m. beginning June 22. Joe Clark, Jr. clinics will be just $5 and are open to the public and all ability levels. 

Waterville Valley Golf Course hosts three fun weekly leagues.  The popular Friday night Twilight Scramble tees off at 5:30 p.m.   The cost is just $5 per member and $15 for non-members.  Ladies League players tee off Tuesday mornings at 9 a.m. from June 26 through August 14. The fun and relaxed league plays 9 holes all on the valley floor, skipping the challenging 3^rd, 4^th and 5^th holes.  The cost is $99 for the eight weeks and includes coffee, muffin, and a Joe Clark, Jr. clinic every Tuesday morning just for Ladies League participants.  A new Employee League tees off on Monday evenings.  The cost is $85 for eight weeks and a special cart rate of $10 for two people. 

Waterville Valley Golf Course is located at 3 Lost Pass Road, 11 relaxing miles from Exit 28 at I-93.  Call 603-236-4805 or email wvgolf@wvnh.comto book a tee time or a group outing. Learn more online at wvnh.com/golf.

Waterville Valley Golf Course Opens for 114th Season

WATERVILLE VALLEY, NH, APRIL 11, 2012 – Waterville Valley Golf Course opens for the 114^th season on May 19, 2012.  The historic 9-hole public golf course is one of the oldest in New Hampshire.  Visitors to Waterville Valley started playing golf in 1898, designing the first holes themselves by clearing rocks away by hand from the front lawn of the old hotel.

A Waterville Valley Golf Club membership is a great value.  The club is offering a new midweek Monday-through-Thursday-after-3 p.m. membership for just $199.  Regular memberships start at $250. The benefits of being a club member include discounted cart fees ($15 for 9 holes, $25 for 18 holes), unlimited play, the right to reserve tee times up to a month in advance, a block of tee times set aside for members only from 8:30-9:30 a.m., 15% discount off regular price merchandise (excluding food & beverage), discounted green fees for guests, and special seasonal cart fees. Download a membership application online at wvnh.com/golf or call 603-236-4805. 

New this summer, Waterville Valley Golf Course is pleased to welcome golf professional and well-known teaching and tournament player, Joe Clark, Jr., who will be offering clinics on Friday and Saturday mornings from 9-10 a.m. and 10:30-11 a.m. beginning June 22. Joe Clark, Jr. clinics will be just $5 and are open to the public and all ability levels.  

The popular Friday night Twilight Scramble will start up on May 25 and run through August 31. Tee off is at 5:30 p.m. on Friday evenings.  The cost is just $5 per member and $15 for non-members. 

Ladies League will meet on Tuesday mornings at 9 a.m. from June 26 through August 14 to play 9 holes all on the valley floor.  That’s right, this fun and relaxed league will skip the challenging 3^rd, 4^th and 5^th holes and play all 9 holes on the valley floor.  The cost is $99 for the eight weeks and includes coffee, muffin, and a Joe Clark, Jr. clinic every Tuesday morning just for Ladies League participants.  

A new Employee League will kick off this summer on Monday evenings.  The cost is $85 for eight weeks and a special cart rate of $10 for two people. 

Annual Opening Party

Help celebrate the 114^th season of golf at the annual opening celebration on Saturday, May 26, from 5-7 p.m. at the clubhouse. The party, sponsored by Waterville Valley Realty, is open to all.

Waterville Valley Golf Course is located at 3 Lost Pass Road, 11 relaxing miles from Exit 28 at I-93. The course is open to the public and offers 9 holes of family-friendly golf, a fully-stocked pro shop, snack bar, and rental clubs & carts.  Call 603-236-4805 or email wvgolf@wvnh.comto book a tee time or a group outing.

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.

Mark Your Calendars - Coming this Summer: 4th Annual Living History Event in Hillsborough

Hillsborough, NH- Discover Hillsborough’s beautiful, historic hidden gems at the 2012 Living History Event from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday, August 18 and 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Sunday, August 19. The Hillsborough Historical Society and the Living History Event Committee will host this two-day event.

One ticket for a low price gets you admission for both days and four action packed sites – Hillsborough Downtown, the President Franklin Pierce Homestead, Jones Road, and historic Hillsborough Center. Tickets may be purchased online for a discount until August 12, and will also be available at all locations the day of the event.

Exciting guests this year include renowned Ben Franklin re-enactor Dean Bennett, and back by popular demand, Mr. Bayly the 18^th Century Magician and the 2^nd S. Carolina String Band. Nancy Cowan from the NH School of Falconry will be there again this year with falcon demonstrations.

Visitors will have the opportunity to view French and Indian battle re-enactments, pan for gold with Prospector Pete, or attend Mme. Dobrowolski’s School of Deportment for Young Ladies and Gentlemen. Participants can go on a walking tour of historic downtown Hillsborough, attend the stone arch bridge tour by trolley, or visit the Open Air Farmer’s Market and Artisan’s Fair. These activities and more will be at Hillsborough 4^th Annual Living History Event this summer.

For more information and to view the complete list of activities, visit http://livinghistoryeventnh.com, email livinghistoryevent@gmail.com or call (603) 478-0809.