Haven in Place – The Gallery at WREN

Rejoice in springtime’s burst of energy with the premiere of Haven in Place at the Gallery at WREN, an art exhibition awash in vibrant color and texture featuring watercolorist Debbie Aldrich and textile artist Jane Balshaw.

Despite having lived for extended periods elsewhere, both artists experience intense feelings of belonging and comfort in New Hampshire. This sense of home translates into their respective bodies of work, including landscapes, still lifes, and experiments in abstraction, all on view at WREN in Haven in Place.

Debbie Aldrich has deep roots in the North Country: her ancestors settled in Sugar Hill, NH in 1899. After more than two decades in Texas, Aldrich returned to the North Country in 2005. She now lives in a house her ancestors built, waking up to the same mountain view that has inspired generations of her family. “What does that mean to me as a person and my practice of art?” asks Aldrich. “Quite simply this is my place of safety and refuge, not just the place where I live. The constant changing of the seasons brings about different lights, colors, and moods that are infinitely inspiring to me.”

“When moving to New Hampshire, I had never experienced days so long and days so short, natural changes so dramatic and colors so vivid. It’s the light,” says textile artist Jane Balshaw, who was born in California but moved to New Hampshire in 2003. A quilter before a painter, Balshaw paintings are executed on cloth then stitched to produce a quilted image. “Often embroidered and appliquéd or embellished with collage, my work is intended to be at once pleasing to the eye yet yield surprises when viewed up close. Just like nature.”

Meet the artists and mingle with other art lovers at the opening reception for Haven in Place at WREN on Friday, May 6, 5-7 PM. Enjoy complimentary beverages and light refreshments at this fun and free cultural event!

Haven in Place will be on view at the Gallery at WREN from Friday, May 6 through Sunday, June 26. The Gallery is open during WREN’s regular hours, Monday-Saturday 10 AM – 5 PM and Sunday 10 AM – 4 PM.

The Adair Country Inn & Restaurant is the proud sponsor of the Gallery at WREN.

About WREN

The Women’s Rural Entrepreneurial Network (WREN) is a nationally recognized nonprofit organization in Bethlehem, NH. WREN provides classes, workshops, community workspace, networking and events to support better lives and livelihoods, access to markets, and rural economic development in the North Country. WREN’s programs are funded in part by the NH CDFA CDBG Program, a grant from the New Hampshire Charitable Foundation, and the NH State Council on the Arts Public Value Partnership Grant.

Learn more about the exhibit and WREN at wrenworks.org/gallery/

Tall Timber Lodge & the Rainbow Grille Equal the Perfect Winter Getaway

Considering a winter getaway? The Rainbow Grille & Tavern and Tall Timber Lodge on the north shore of Back Lake in Pittsburg, are a winning combination.

The longtime hunting and fishing lodge offers comfortable accommodations in its cabins and rooms for visitors who come for the excellent snowmobiling and other winter sports in the region, as well as those who just want to kick back and spend time away from home in a relaxing atmosphere.

After a day of play in the snow or curled up in your cabin with a good book, enjoy beautifully prepared game meats such as bison, elk or venison, sushi grade ahi tuna, Maine seafood, and Certified Angus Beef™ in the Rainbow Grille & Tavern’s main dining room, or nosh on more casual fare in the Tavern, like soups, salads, sandwiches and chili.

Tall Timber offers a number of special packages throughout the year to simply your getaway

www.talltimber.com.

How Sweet It Is! Maple Season Gets Underway in Northern New Hampshire

Get ready to sweeten your visit to the northern reaches of New Hampshire in March and early April. During this time of year, warm sunny days and freezing nights signal the sap to flow in our sugar maple trees.

Throughout the region, sap is collected in a run that lasts for about six weeks. In times past, buckets were affixed to taps on trees to collect the sap, but the 21st century method for most producers involves miles of tubing that run through the sugar bush. Once the sap is collected, steam rises from sugarhouses as the sap is boiled down into flavorful maple syrup.

An early spring weekend is a perfect time for a sweet getaway. Visit these sugarhouses to take a walk through a sugarbush, see a tree being tapped, watch maple syrup being made, taste the delicious syrup (always our favorite part!), and linger in the sugarhouse, taking in the sweet maple fragrance as the sap is reduced to syrup. And don’t forget to take home some of that delicious goodness to enliven your pancakes and waffles and other recipes!

Fuller’s Sugarhouse

At Fuller’s Sugarhouse (www.FullersSugarhouse.com), maple syrup has been a family tradition since 1972. When the maple season begins, the family’s sugarhouse at 2021White Mountain Highway (Route 2) in Jefferson welcomes visitors to watch the process and taste some of the sweet syrup.

Fuller’s taps more than 26,000 trees and boils half a million gallons of maple sap to produce 11,000 gallons of syrup! During Maple Weekend in mid-March visit the sugarhouse for tours, watch the sap being boiled into syrup, indulge in some sugar-on-snow — a taste treat not to be missed — and enjoy the camaraderie of other like-minded maple aficionados. Don’t miss a visit to their Country Store in Lancaster; you can also order their products online — they ship around the world.

The Rocks Maple Experience

The Maple Experience at The Rocks Estate (www.TheRocks.org) in Bethlehem is a hands-on experience with an array of activities to help visitors understand the history of maple sugaring and how maple syrup is made. Learn how to identify sugar maple trees, take a horse drawn-wagon ride around the beautiful estate, tap a tree yourself to collect the sap, visit the maple museum, and take a tractor-drawn ride to the sugarhouse to watch the process of sap being boiled down into syrup. The maple tastings include fresh donuts! Maple syrup made from sap gathered at The Rocks is available for purchase.

Maple tours are offered on weekends from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. each day from mid-March through the first weekend in April. The cost is $15 for adults and $12 for kids. Reservations are recommended and can be made by calling (603) 444-6228.

The Rocks Estate is the North Country Conservation and Education Center of the Society for the Protection of New Hampshire Forests. www.forestsociety.org

March Signals Spring & Maple Sugaring Month

With signs of spring just around the corner, March is a wonderful time to visit northern New Hampshire. Plan a trip to tour a local sugarhouse during Maple Weekend, each year during mid-March, and experience tapping trees, sugarbush tours, and maple syrup tastings. Take home some of that sweet stuff for future pancake breakfasts!

Spring also brings bluebird days and great skiing temperatures — time to play hooky and break away for a day on the slopes! Strap on your boots and enjoy a leisurely journey along wooded trails – or head out on your fat bike.

However you spend your time, end the day by raising a glass at a local brewery or restaurant. Check out the New Hampshire Grand website for a list of regional activities and lodging and dining recommendations to help your plan a grand March getaway!

How to Hike in the Winter

By: Duncan McKee
GoAllOutdoors.com

How to Hike in the winter

Cold weather can be a huge deterrent to taking a hike in the winter months. This should not be the case, however. Winter offers some of the most spectacular and jaw dropping views that cannot be seen when it is sunny and 75°. When it is cold, however, different precautions are required to make sure you and your group have a safe and enjoyable experience. These are some tips on how to hike in the winter. This is not a comprehensive list, but a set of good practices to get you out to enjoy winter the right way! Before you look at this list, make sure to check our list of essentials for every hiking trip, then you can add these winter tips!

1. Dress in layers

How to Hike in the winter - Dress in layers

This may come as the most obvious one, but dressing warmly is the first step in a successful hiking trip. Your body will eventually start to generate heat while you hike, but being prepared with a well-structured ensemble is essential. Every good winter hiking outfit has 3 essential layers:

Base Layer
Insulator
Shell

The base layer is for moisture wicking and the first layer of defense for your body. The insulator will be the main thing holding in your body heat, often this is a fleece or some other soft shell jacket. The shell is the water proof outer covering of your body. This is going to keep any type of moisture (and ideally wind) from getting on your clothes and making things much colder for you. Another huge benefit for dressing in layers is that if you get too warm, it is easy to shed a layer or two.

Pro Tip: Avoid cotton. Once cotton gets wet it completely loses its ability to insulate and will take a long time to dry on the trail. Synthetic layers will be moisture-wicking and quick drying. Also, make sure that your shell is also wind resistant. Cold weather can feel a lot colder when there is wind chill involved.

2. Eat all day

How to Hike in the winter - Eat All Day

It is important to eat in cold weather. Your body is burning up to twice as many calories trying to keep you warm. Feeding yourself high protein snacks during your entire trip will help keep you warm and safe. Bring simple, easy to digest snacks with little to no prep required. Stopping for long periods of time will cause your muscles to tighten and it will be challenging for you to get moving again. Trail mixes with lots of nuts are the perfect thing to keep with you during your cold adventures.

3. Drink water

How to Hike in the winter - Drink Water

It may not be hot and you may feel like you are not sweating much, but it is still very important to remain hydrated on your hike. It may sound silly, but it is actually easier to experience dehydration in the colder weather due to the dryer air. Dehydration is especially dangerous because when it occurs, it is easier to experience hypothermia and frostbite. Try an insulated water bottle to keep your water from freezing. If you do not have an insulated water bottle and do not want to invest in one, try insulating it yourself with a thick sock or wool hat.

4. Hike during the heat of the day

How to Hike in the winter - Drink Water

Normally when going on a hike, you want to mostly avoid when the sun is at its peak. It can be grueling and dangerous depending on where you are. For winter hiking, however, it is exactly opposite. Hiking in the winter means that you want to plan your time around getting the most time in the sun as possible. This is going to be more comfortable for you, for warmth and for light.

Pro Tip: Make sure to know when sunset is. If you start a 5 hour hike at noon, it is possible you will be arriving back to your car at dark. This is also important for any winter backpackers. Planning your days according to the sunrise and sunset will be very important.

5. Understand the signs of hypothermia

How to Hike in the winter - Hypothermia

Hypothermia is a real threat in any cold situation. It can sneak up on you if you are not careful. Hypothermia occurs when the core body temperature becomes lower enough that it begins to interfere with normal muscle and brain function. It can affect your ability to get to safety and think clearly.

Some things that lead to hypothermia include:

Inadequate clothing for cooler weather
Wetness
Fatigue and exhaustion.

Some signs of hypothermia are:

Uncontrollable shaking and shivering
Slurred speech
Lethargy

If you think you are someone else may be experiencing hypothermia, do everything you can to make them warm and find help as soon as possible. Read more about hypothermia here.

Optional, But Suggested Tips

Here are a few good ideas to adhere to that will definitely improve your experience. While not necessarily required, these tips will improve your safety and enjoyment on any good winter escapade. Consider them as you pack for your trip.

Crampons or Micro Spikes

Crampons and Micro Spikes are tools that can drastically change your adventure from slippery icy danger to an attainable trail. Both tools are used to improve your traction in icy environments. However, they cannot be used lightly. Crampons especially can be very dangerous if used incorrectly. Typically, if you are going on a more moderate trail, high-traction hiking boots may be enough. Micro Spikes are added for additional traction if you know your trail will be especially icy. Crampons are usually for more serious ice inclines or mountaineering. If you think you will need additional traction, learn more about these two options and pick what is best for you.

Bring a warm drink

Nothing can help warm the body like a little hot tea or cocoa. Bringing a well-insulated bottle full of a warm drink can really help you warm up if things start to get especially cold. It also is a tasty addition to any gear load out. This should go without saying – but leave the alcohol at home. Alcohol can cause arteries and veins to expand, releasing more heat, and can lead to hypothermia more quickly. There will be plenty of time for a celebratory drink once you are safe and sound in a warm building.

Hand/Toe Warmers

There are hand and toe warmers that resemble tea bags that can be bought at many major retailers. These small packs, once exposed to open air, will begin to heat up and can be really nice for hands and toes. I hesitate to suggest these only because you CANNOT rely on them. While they will improve your comfort temporarily, these cannot be one of your main sources of warmth. They run out. Make sure to dress warmly enough that if you did not have the hand warmers, you would still have a fun and comfortable journey. These are just nice little additions to your pack.

Wrap Up the Year in Style

During December plan a visit to Northern New Hampshire, where our shops are brimming with gifts for everyone on your list, outdoor recreational opportunities abound — we have our fingers crossed for lots of snow! — and the pace of life is a bit more relaxed during this hectic season.

Bring the kids for a visit with Santa and Mrs. Claus at Santa’s Village, curl up by the fire with a cup of cocoa or opt for some snowmobiling at Tall Timber Lodge, and browse the beautiful handcrafts at the League of New Hampshire Craftsmen Littleton Fine Craft Gallery. We’ve also put together a selection of Holiday Shopping ideas to help you find the perfect gift for all your family and friends.

Winter Is Better at Pittsburg’s Tall Timber Lodge

Generations of guests have made themselves right at home at Tall Timber Lodge, a “Northwoods Tradition” since 1946. Be part of that tradition this winter. Come for the snowmobiling and some backcountry skiing and snowshoeing, or just to kick back and relax. Settle in with comfortable lodging, along with exceptional dining in the award-winning Rainbow Grille & Tavern while you explore the region’s many activities.

Eight cozy lodge rooms await guests, or choose from one of the handsomely furnished one- to four-bedroom cottages overlooking Back Lake, some with gas fireplaces and two-person Jacuzzis. Porches and decks afford incomparable views.

With its extensive trail system Pittsburg rightly claims its place as New England’s Snowmobile Capital. Guests are encouraged to bring their sleds or rent one at Tall Timber. Those looking for a quieter pace can choose to explore the beautiful backcountry region on cross-country skis or snowshoes. Snowshoes are available for Tall Timber guests at no charge and OHRV registrations are available onsite for snowmobiles.

Shop the League of NH Craftsmen Gallery in Littleton for Unique Gift Items

Begin or continue a cherished tradition and gift yourself or someone special with the League of New Hampshire Craftsmen’s annual Christmas ornament. The expansive gallery highlights the state’s finest craftsmen working in jewelry, clay, glass, fibers, wood, metal, photography, baskets, printmaking and mixed media. Browse the gallery’s well-curated selection of items to find the perfect gift for everyone on your list in every price range. Or give a gift certificate to the Littleton Studio School, which offers a variety of art and craft classes in clay, jewelry, metals, mixed media, painting, basketry and more, including classes for kids.

A Magical Time of Year to Visit Santa’s Village

You don’t have to travel to the North Pole to visit Santa and his elves this Christmas season, because the jolly old elf always takes time out of his busy schedule on December weekends to travel to Santa’s Village in Jefferson to meet all the boys and girls and listen to their heart’s desires.

The elves have been busy, and the park glimmers and glows with over 500,000 colorful lights and glittering holiday decorations.

Snuggle in for a ride on the Skyway Sleigh Monorail or the Merry Christmas Ferris Wheel, take a spin on the SS Peppermint Twist or the Christmas Carousel, or experience the thrill of the Chimney Drop. Up to 18 rides will be operating (weather permitting).

Need a break from a whirlwind of rides? Settle down for a jolly good time at “A Tinkerdoodle Christmas,” a 3-D show that will leave the whole family laughing at the antics of L. Fastidious Tinkerdoodle as he prepares Santa for his yearly journey on Christmas Eve.

Warm up with some wassail, grab some grub at the heated seating areas, do some holiday shopping, be amazed by the choreographed lighting shows, visit Santa’s reindeer, and stroll around the winter wonderland that is Santa’s Village. You’ll take home memories that you and your children will never forget.

Santa’s Village also celebrates New Year’s Eve in style with a huge Partybration bash from 4 to 9 p.m. on December 31, when the clocks are turned ahead so youngsters can celebrate ringing out the old year and ringing in the new. Admission includes food, soft drinks and all of the wonderful rides and displays throughout the park, capped off with a blazing fireworks display. Reservations must be made online.

Shop Northern New Hampshire for Gifts for Everyone on Your List

Frosty air and snowy mountain peaks are all part of the magic of Christmas in northern New Hampshire, where local businesses are ready to welcome you for an amazing holiday shopping experience. Shop here for friendly storekeepers, outstanding merchandise and exceptional customer service. Parking is free in most towns, or easily accessible public parking is available. And, remember, in New Hampshire you shop tax free!

Following is a small selection of the fine shops and businesses located throughout the region. During your travels you’ll no doubt discover more!

Fine Craft & Art

Littleton’s colorful and eclectic League of NH Craftsmen Gallery showcases some of New Hampshire’s finest craftsmen working in jewelry, clay, glass, fibers, wood, metal, photography, baskets, printmaking and mixed media. Or give a gift certificate to the gallery’s Studio School where the recipient can choose from a hands-on workshop in pottery, jewelry making, basketry, painting, and more.

An original piece of art is a wonderful expression of love. The William Rugh Gallery in Lancaster represents abstract modern realism artist Ed Widmayer and award-winning photographer Fletcher Manley. The gallery also features a selection of handcrafted furniture, granite benches and unique fine crafts.

Visit the Local Works Marketplace in Bethlehem for wonderful handcrafted products such as jewelry, pottery, soaps, lotions, candles, textiles, baskets, photography, fine art, home décor, and gourmet foods — the work of over 120 local artists.

Jewelry, Home Décor & Gift Items

Greetings Jewelers in Berlin features the latest trends in jewelry and gifts, including rings, necklaces, watches and home décor. Or have the on-site jeweler create a custom piece for you. The shop also carries a complete line of Hallmark cards and Hallmark holiday collectible ornaments.

Fiddleheads, on Colebrook’s Main Street, features American- and Canadian-made and Fair Trade products, along with a nice assortment of fine art and crafts and gift items.

Bookstores

The bookstore at the White Mountain Café & Bookstore in Gorham specializes in titles of local interest, maps and hiking guides. You’ll also discover best sellers, a very nice selection of children’s books and toys, greeting cards and an assortment of gift items. And, you can sip a cup of Fair Trade coffee from the Café while you browse!

Many families make it a tradition to gift books at the holidays. You’ll find just what you need at Littleton’s Little Village Toy & Book Shop, which is stocked with a wide selection of kids’ books and inspiring and educational toys, complemented by a good variety of adult fiction, non-fiction and local reads.

The Great Outdoors

Drummond’s Mountain Shop, located just west of the Bretton Woods Ski Area on Route 302, carries everything you can think of to make your outdoor experience more enjoyable — from ski equipment and hiking gear, to clothing, footwear, and accessories. The full-service ski shop sells and services all major brands of Alpine and Nordic skis, as well as Redfeather and Tubbs snowshoes.

Nordic ski equipment and accessories are the specialty at Great Glen Outfitters in Gorham, where you’ll find the most up-to-date winter clothing and equipment for every terrain. Once the Christmas gifts are opened, come back and ski the trails at Great Glen Trails Outdoor Center.

Bretton Woods features the ultimate in outdoor experiences: Alpine and Nordic skiing on beautifully groomed trails; exhilarating canopy tours; romantic sleigh rides; skating across glistening ice; slick snow tubing; exciting snowmobiling; and expertly guided backcountry adventures. Gift a loved one with a season’s pass or treat them to a day or weekend of outdoor adventure!

Can you say mush! Bundle up the family and head to Muddy Paw Sled Dog Kennel in Jefferson, where you’ll receive a resounding bark of welcome and the awesome experience of a sled dog ride through field and forest. A great family gift idea.

Visit The Rocks Estate in Bethlehem to choose and cut your own tree and pick out a decorated wreath for the front door. Consider sending a fragrant tree or wreath to a friend or family member who lives far away and misses the smells of home.

Specialty Foods

There’s nothing like the taste of sweet maple syrup on your pancakes or waffles on Christmas morning! Fuller’s Sugarhouse, an award-winning, family-owned business in Lancaster, produces over 8,000 gallons of pure maple syrup each year. The store stocks syrup in a variety of sizes, along with maple candy — a great stocking stuffer — and a hand-picked selection of gift items. Have Fuller’s fill a Gift Basket for you and ship it to the lucky recipient!

Anyone with a sweet tooth (and don’t we all have one!) will love a gift from Chutters, the home of the Guinness Book of World Record’s Longest Candy Counter, where you can select from over 500 sweet treats. The store also stocks fudge and chocolates, along with gift items ranging from Christmas stockings to collectibles to specialty food products

Specialty food producer White Mountain Canning is a Littleton-based family business producing a variety of high-quality products, everything from a mouth-watering chili mix to jams, jellies, mustards, dips, pickles, salsas and much more. All the items make great stocking stuffers!

Antiques & Collectibles

Once upon a time the 7,500 square foot Potato Barn Antiques in Groveton was a potato storage barn. Today, visitors can choose from an extensive collection of glassware, beautiful vintage clothing and accessories, a wide assortment of tools, quilts and textiles, books, furniture, prints and pictures, vintage lighting and much more. Holiday collectibles are always popular.

Theatre Tickets Make Great Stocking Stuffers

Season’s tickets to one of the North Country’s cultural icons are always a welcome find under the Christmas tree.

The Weathervane Theatre in Whitefield produces seven main-stage productions over eight weeks in an alternating repertory style. The big red barn theatre has been bringing the best of Broadway and beyond to North Country summer audiences since 1966.

St. Kieran Community Center for the Arts, located in a former church in Berlin, is a unique setting for an outstanding roster that includes Celtic fiddlers, retro bands, comedians, jazz bands, and Franco-American performers.

The Medallion Opera House in the historic Gorham Town Hall maintains a lively, year-round performance schedule with acts appealing to a wide range of tastes.

Colebrook’s Tillotson Center presents a full playbill of activities, year-round, with concerts and other performances staged in its 171-seat theater.

The Live! At The Colonial summer series brings world-class artists to the concert stage at The Colonial Theatre in Bethlehem, one of the oldest continuously operating movie theatres in the United States.

The Great North Woods Center for the Arts in Columbia features indoor and outdoor performance spaces for concerts, plays, art shows, arts and crafts activities and a variety of community gatherings, as well as overnight accommodations for visiting artists and performers.

Recharge at Our Restaurants

We don’t want you to shop until you drop, so do yourself a favor and take some time to fuel up with a hearty breakfast, enjoy a leisurely lunch, take a tea break, or plan an intimate dining experience to cap off your day. Gift certificates for family and friends who enjoy dining out are also a great holiday gifting option.

Gorham

The White Mt. Café & Bookstore features Fair Trade coffee and fine teas, along with breakfast sandwiches, bagels, panini sandwiches, quiches and soups. All of the baked goods are homemade.

Enjoy fine dining at Libby’s Bistro with its fresh and innovative menu using locally grown ingredients. More casual fare is available in the SAALT pub.

Bretton Woods

Rustic American fare and family-style service are a winning combination in the dining room at the Appalachian Mountain Club’s Highland Center at Crawford Notch. Breakfast, lunch and dinner are available for lodge guests, through hikers, outdoor recreationalists and members of the public. The beautiful mountain views are free!

At the Omni Mount Washington Resort, guests have several dining options, from meals served in the elegant main dining room with sweeping views of Mt. Washington and the Presidential Range, to more casual fare in Stickney’s pub or the Cave, a Prohibition-era speakeasy. Or opt for a refreshing afternoon beverage in the Rosebrook Lounge or Princess Room.

Colebrook

Find made-from-scratch, freshly baked muffins and cinnamon rolls at Mostly Muffins.

After a day of shopping, unwind in the Colebrook Country Club cocktail lounge for drinks, bar snacks and a game of billiards or darts.

Pittsburg

The Rainbow Grille & Tavern on the shores of beautiful Back Lake offers gourmet fare in its dining room, and more casual choices in the Tavern. Yankee Magazine’s Travel Issue awarded it an “Editor’s Choice.”

Perfectly prepared steaks rub shoulders with dozens of other items on the menu at Murphy’s Steakhouse. Casual, comfortable atmosphere.

Lancaster

Warm up with a cup of coffee or tea and a delicious pastry, like a chocolate-filled brioche or sticky bun at Polish Princess Bakery . And don’t leave without a loaf of freshly baked bread. Lunch specials include quiche, spinach and feta turnovers, gourmet pizza, ham and cheese brioche and soups.

Jefferson

You’ll have a hard time choosing from the delicious variety of freshly prepared items on the extensive breakfast menu at the Waterwheel Breakfast & Gift House, where breakfast is served all day and the giant pancakes are a particular favorite. The restaurant also serves lunch.

Whitefield

Enjoy farm-to-table fare in the Harvest Room at the historic Mountain View Grand Resort & Spa for a casual breakfast, lunch or dinner culinary experience. Book a seat in the 6,000-bottle 1865 Wine Cellar for a special treat.

Hearty portions and an extensive menu have patrons returning again and again to Grandma’s Kitchen. Serving breakfast, lunch and dinner, with daily specials in a diner atmosphere.

Littleton

Enjoy Classic American tavern fare at the Beal House, which features locally raised meats and greens on its carefully curated menu. Weekly specials include craft draft beer and burger nights, along with a Fish & Chips Sunday special, and Modelo Mondays.

Quaff a small batch brew and nosh on a Neapolitan-style, wood-fired pizza at Schilling Beer Company, an 18^th century gristmill on the Ammonoosuc River.

Stop by the Littleton Food Co-op for great gift ideas, like cheeses and wines, or enjoy freshly prepared salads, sandwiches and soups in the new cafeteria.

Chang Thai’s amazing variety of familiar Thai dishes, prepared with fresh herbs and other ingredients, will delight any diner. Open for lunch and dinner.

Sip locally roasted Fair Trade coffees or your favorite organic loose-leaf tea at the Ink Well Coffee and Teahouse while you peruse a menu of baked goods and light fare with locally sourced ingredients. Gluten-free and vegan options available.

Bethlehem

Small batch beers are the specialty at Rek’-Lis Brewing Company. The owners have a great sense of humor, too, producing the “Up in Smoke Series,” beers named after hotels in town that have burned down; the “License Plate Series,” acronyms of funny real or fake New Hampshire plates; and a “Friends Series,” named, of course, for some special friends.

The classic Italian comfort food at Rosa Flamingos is creatively prepared and served nightly. Locals give high-fives to the restaurant’s pizza, wings and desserts.

The eclectic lunch and dinner menu, along with the full bar, make Cold Mountain Café a favorite North Country dining destination. Begin with the Dates Stuffed with Local Chevre, followed by the restaurant’s signature Black Bean Cake for a mouth-watering experience. Daily soup and sandwich specials, nightly specials and especially decadent desserts!

Situated on the banks of the beautiful Ammonoosuc River, the Wayside Inn restaurant is open for dinner Thursday through Monday, with a menu featuring favorites like homemade Mac ‘N Cheese, Chicken Parmesan and Fish ‘N Chips.

Holiday Events

Magical Christmas Memories Begin at Santa’s Village

Santa’s Village pulls out all the stops during the holiday season when thousands and thousands of glittery lights add to the magic of a visit with Santa and Mrs. Claus, and create memories to last a lifetime. The family park features 18 Christmas-themed rides, visits with Santa’s reindeer and elves, a 3-D “A Tinderdoodle Christmas” show, and shops brimming with gift ideas. Be sure to dress warmly. Check the website for Christmastime hours.

Cut Your Own Christmas Tree at The Rocks Estate

Choose the perfect Christmas tree at The Rocks Estate this season. Add a festively decorated wreath for the front door. Relax during a horse-drawn carriage ride through frosted fields overlooking the magnificent Presidential mountain range. Roast some marshmallows at the fire pit. Generally open from early November through Christmas Eve. Select a tree from the farm’s retail lot or wander the fields to Cut-Your-Own Christmas tree.

Kick Off the Season at Littleton’s Holiday Parade

Everyone loves a parade and Littleton’s Annual Holiday Parade down Main Street is one of the best, featuring floats, bands, kids, animals — and, of course, jolly Old St. Nick himself. Kick off the holiday season in style during this event, beginning at noon on the Friday after Thanksgiving, and then explore the town’s excellent shopping and restaurants for a fun-filled day.

Olde Tyme Christmas is a Lancaster Tradition

Lancaster’s downtown sparkles and shines with festive decorations during Olde Tyme Christmas, a night to stroll the streets and get into the spirit of the season. For a jolly good evening, begin your holiday shopping by browsing the crafters and vendors at the Town Hall and Colonel Town Rec Center, try your hand at cookie decorating, take a horse-drawn carriage ride, enjoy plenty of food and, of course, plan a visit with Santa at the Town Hall.

Shop Local on Small Business Saturday

Small Business Saturday, each year in late November, is a nationally designated day that encourages consumers to support small, local businesses. Shopping locally at small businesses throughout the northern New Hampshire region on Small Business Saturday and throughout the year helps to keep the dollars you spend right here in the North Country community. Check with your favorite shops and restaurants — many merchants offer special deals and promotions on Small Business Saturday.

Kick Back in November!

November is an excellent month to treat yourself to a romantic getaway or a family excursion before the holiday craziness has you in its grip. This month, choose and cut your own Christmas tree at The Rocks Estate, tune up your ski and snowboard gear at Drummond’s Mountain Shop, and relax and unwind at the comfortable Town & Country Inn and Resort.

The Town & Country Inn and Resort:

A Favorite Destination For Over 60 Years

The beautiful Androscoggin Valley in northern New Hampshire beckons visitors throughout the year, and many make The Town & Country Inn and Resort in Shelburne their home base while they explore the region’s many attractions.

Owned by the Labnon family since 1956, the 160-room inn is famous for its unique brand of hospitality known as TLC, “Tender Labnon Care.” From first time visitors to repeat guests, TLC is lavished on everyone who stays at the Town & Country, whether they come for the night, for the weekend or a longer vacation.

Along with the comfortable accommodations, the Resort boasts a dining room that seats 180 guests, four banquet rooms, a lounge with live entertainment on weekends, an indoor heated pool, sauna, steam room, Jacuzzi and a full health club facility. All rooms have free high-speed Internet, connecting rooms are available, and the Resort is pet friendly.

The Town & Country serves breakfast and dinner daily and lunch on Sundays, and is famous for serving “the best prime rib ever.” Check out the Resort’s website for a peek at the Thanksgiving menu. Enjoy a fabulous meal without all the hassle!

And, depending on the time of year, the Town & Country offers multiple packages to make your visit more enjoyable.

Learn more … www.townandcountryinn.com

Holiday Magic is in the Air at The Rocks Estate!

Delight in choosing the perfect Christmas tree at The Rocks Estate this season. Add a festively decorated wreath for the front door. Relax during a horse-drawn carriage ride through frosted fields overlooking the magnificent Presidential mountain range. Roast some marshmallows at the fire pit. Browse for gift items in The Marketplace.

Holiday memories for you and your family are just waiting to be made at The Rocks. Dress warmly for a leisurely walk through rolling fields of Christmas trees to choose and cut one for your home, or select a freshly cut tree from the retail lot at the farm, where willing helpers will wrap and load your tree onto your vehicle for you (tree selection is available November 18 through Christmas Eve). Then browse the array of classic and whimsically decorated handmade wreaths, garland, ornaments, and Christmas tree accessories that will complement your tree.

Learn more … www.therocks.org

Drummond’s Mountain Shop Can Outfit You for Ski & Snowboard Season

With ski and snowboard season fast approaching, Drummond’s Mountain Shop in Bretton Woods is the one-stop place to shop for ski equipment, hiking gear, clothing, footwear, and every accessory you can think of to make your outdoor experience more enjoyable.

Drummond’s is a full-service, year round ski shop selling and servicing all major brands of Alpine and Nordic skis, including Atomic, Fischer, K2, Nordica, Rossignol, Salomon, Tecnica and Volkl. Snowboard lines include Burton, K2, and Rossignol, and snowshoe brands are Redfeather and Tubbs.

Located just west of the entrance to the Bretton Woods Ski Area, Drummond’s prides itself on exceptional service, a full line of high performance demos and recreational equipment rentals, and ski tuning and sales year round.

The handsome lodge-like store is brimming with everything you’ll need to hit the slopes, hike a trail, snowshoe woods and fields, or enjoy another outdoor activity. Whether you need gloves for skiing or socks to keep your feet warm and dry — or are shopping for new skis as a Christmas present for someone special — Drummond’s is sure to stock it.

Learn More … www.drummondsmountainshop.com

Fall in Northern NH: Color, Color Everywhere!

A day or more spent visiting northern New Hampshire during its magnificent foliage season is a day to be savored and remembered.

People come from all over the world to view the colorful reds, oranges, yellows, magentas and russets of our fall foliage.

Peak foliage, which is the point at which the color of the leaves is the brightest, generally happens between the third and fourth weeks of September and into the first week or two of October. The trees begin changing color from north to south, that is from Pittsburg and the Canadian border southward through the White Mountains.

These drives will help you see the best and brightest colors northern New Hampshire will be showing off.

Around the Connecticut Lakes

The reflection of the foliage and blue sky is breathtaking in Pittsburg, the northernmost town in New Hampshire. Begin your journey in Pittsburg and head north on Route 3, which will take you past Lake Francis and the three Connecticut Lakes. Heavily forested, the colorful maple trees contrast beautifully with the evergreens.

There are picnic tables at First and Second Lakes. This time of year, be on the lookout for moose. This is the mating season, so expect to find bulls in search of cows. The section is known as Moose Alley, so take care while driving.

The end of the road comes when you reach the Canadian border. Here, you will find the only double monuments along the entire northern border, placed there just 18 inches apart when surveyors from the two countries, back in the 1800s, met there and could not agree on the exact spot where the border should be!

The Foliage Loop

This is an ambitious road trip, which will take you from Groveton, up to Milan and Errol, across Dixville Notch, into Colebrook and back through Stratford to Groveton.

Begin your excursion in Groveton on Route 110, following it east from the village to Stark. You may recognize the view in Stark even if you’ve never been here. The pretty New England tableau of the white clapboard church and the covered bridge over the Upper Ammonoosuc River has appeared for years on bank calendars, notecards and mementos.

From Stark, the road winds through the colorful countryside and into the city of Berlin. In Berlin, connect with Route 16 and head north.

Route 16 hugs the Androscoggin River, which once powered Berlin’s paper mills, giving rise to the city’s nickname: the “City that Trees Built.” Follow the meandering highway through the beautiful 13 Mile Woods (be on the lookout for moose) and the tiny, picturesque town of Milan. When you reach Errol, stretch your legs at L.L. Cote’s in the center of town and say hello to the white moose inside.

From Errol, head west on Route 26 through the starkly beautiful Dixville Notch, with its rocky ramparts that reach into the sky.

At the western base of the notch is the site of the former Balsams Grand Resort, which is currently closed and undergoing a rebirth. Stop for a couple of minutes to take in the beautiful scenery of Lake Gloriette

Continue on Route 26, which passes through pretty farmland, and into Colebrook. This is a lively and bustling northern community, with restaurants and inviting shops worth taking some time to visit.

For the last leg of the journey, head south on US Route 3, which follows the beautiful Connecticut River and brings you back to where you started in Groveton.

Route 2 and The Presidentials

Perhaps there is no more breathtaking sight than majestic mountains towering over an autumn landscape.

This journey takes you from Lancaster to Gorham, along Route 2. Both towns have delightful Main Streets dotted with interesting shops, so if you are looking for unique mementos to bring home, plan some time to shop, dine and explore.

From Lancaster, head east on Route 2. Although this is a major transportation corridor, it winds through some of the most beautiful scenery, with sweeping vistas of both the Kilkenny’s and the Presidential Range of the White Mountains, so named for the peaks named after presidents, including Washington, Adams, Madison, and Jefferson, as well as other notables in history.

The first mountains you will see are just a few miles outside of downtown Lancaster, where the Kilkenny range reaches out from the rich farmland of Lancaster and Jefferson. Pull into the convenient parking area, and take a few moments to enjoy the view.

The road continues east into Jefferson with several areas where you can pull off and take in the views, the sunshine and the gorgeous colors.

When you reach Gorham, you can elect to take a side trip to the top of Mount Washington, which, at 6,288 feet, is the highest mountain peak in the entire northeast.

The Mount Washington Auto Road is an 8-mile drive you can take yourself or opt for a guided tour to the summit and leave the driving to someone else! Check out the Extreme Mount Washington museum at the top and learn all about the world’s worst weather. Tip: Be sure to wear sturdy footwear and warm clothing, as the temps on the summit will likely be much colder than in the valley.

Littleton to Crawford Notch

In just over 20 miles Route 302 connects the southern hub of Littleton to Crawford Notch, but it boasts some of the most outstanding foliage views, especially of Mount Washington at Bretton Woods.

The bustling town of Littleton, with its shops, restaurants and breweries is a good jumping off point for this foliage jaunt.

Head east on Route 302 to Bethlehem, which has been attracting visitors since the mid-1800s with its charming Main Street. Back then and well into the 20^th century visitors arrived by train from Boston, New York and points beyond to savor the views and the crisp, clear air.

The mountains of the Presidential Range beckon as you continue east on Route 302 through the bustling community of Twin Mountain and on to Bretton Woods. For an incomparable fall foliage experience, consider a stop at the Bretton Woods Adventure Center for the Canopy Tour and soar through the treetops, or book a ride on The Mount Washington Cog Railway and travel in style to the summit of Mount Washington. Trains run to the summit through October 15. Tip: Sturdy footwear and warm clothing will make your time on the summit comfortable; the weather there is almost always cooler — and sometimes downright cold and blustery — than at The Cog’s Base Station.

There is no more exhilarating sight than that of the snow-covered peaks of the mountain range towering over the brilliant foliage below seen from the wide verandah at the Omni Mount Washington Hotel and Resort.

After oohing and aahing over the splendid views and perhaps a cocktail or warm drink at the hotel, make your way east to the Appalachian Mountain Club’s Highland Center, just at the head of Crawford Notch. The Highland Center is perfectly positioned for dramatic views of the landscape and is also a welcoming spot for a refreshment break.