Category: Blog

Bretton Woods Ski Area is a Winter Wonderland of Outdoor Activities

When the crisp sunny days of late winter, with their impossibly blue skies and fresh deep powder, entice you to come out and play, one of the best places to do that is the Bretton Woods Ski Area, New Hampshire’s largest ski resort and nationally recognized for its superior snow conditions.

Ranked #1 in the East for Snow Quality by Ski Magazine, Bretton Woods offers an expansive 464 acres of skiing and snowboarding on 62 trails and 35 glades across three terrain parks. The mountain is served by 10 lifts, including four high-speed quads. Snowmaking covers 92% of its trails. Ski all day and into the night, as Bretton Woods offers night skiing and riding, too!

In addition to the Hobbit Children’s Ski & Snowboard programs, the ski area’s Kids’ Snowmobile Park, for youngsters ages 4-13, provides kids with the thrill and excitement of trail riding. Other kid-friendly activities include the snow tubing carousel, a mini zip line, playground set and other interactive toys in the nearby Kinderwoods Playground.

Cross country skiers and snowshoers will want to spend the day on the Bretton Woods Nordic Ski Center’s 100 km’s of groomed trails that meander through field and forest, and — with the Mount Washington range and the Omni Mount Washington Hotel as a backdrop — boast stunning scenery! Recognized as one of the largest cross-country ski venues on the East Coast, the Bretton Woods Nordic Center grooms for both classic and skate skiing and has trails for every skill level. Visitors new to cross-country skiing or snowshoeing can rent equipment at the Nordic Center and take a lesson, too!

The three-hour Bretton Woods Canopy Tour will give you an entirely different perspective on winter activities. The tree-top zip lines traverse a series of platforms high in the hemlock forest, a breathtaking experience any time of year, but especially so in winter when the air is crisp and the snow- and ice-covered trees sparkle in the sunlight.

From its unique base lodge and its spectacular mountain-top restaurant to the uncrowded and exceptionally groomed trails, the Bretton Woods Ski Area delivers a special mountain experience.

For Alpine Snow Conditions dial (603) 278-3333; for Nordic Snow Conditions dial (603) 278-4414. To learn more about all of the activities offered at the Bretton Woods Ski Area visit www.brettonwoods.com.

Dog Sledding with Muddy Paw Sled Dog Kennel

If you love dogs like I do, then you have to go dog sledding at Muddy Paw. Hands down, it was one of the most amazing experiences of my life.

With not a cloud in the sky, I pulled up to the Kennel at Muddy Paw Sled Dog Kennel in Jefferson, NH. In the distance I heard a lonely howl of a sled dog and a smile immediately spread across my face. I couldn’t have timed my 3 hour tour better – blue bird day in January with temps in the 20’s. It was perfect.

Dressed in overall Carhartts, my musher Wes greeted me. As we
walked around the corner I saw the most beautiful view of the Presidential Mountains and over 100 sled dogs, eagerly waiting for me to give them kisses and hugs. And that is exactly what I got to do.

After meeting most of the dogs, it was time to set up our 8 dog sled team. “It’s kind of like setting up two friends on a blind date,” said Wes. “You set them up based on their strength, ability and personality.”

As part of the 2 and 3 hour tour at Muddy Paw, the guest gets to help set up the sled team. As soon as the sled was brought out, a sound like no other erupted from the dogs. To say they were excited is an understatement. Wes showed me how to harness one of the dogs on our team and then I got to harness a couple more on my own. As I walked by all the dogs looking for the ones I was to harness, the other dogs looked at me with eyes that said, “Pick me, Pick Me.” As I harnessed Ricky, one of the dogs on our team, and walked him through the other dogs to the sled, he stopped barking, held his head up high and went into work mode. It was an amazing site to witness.

NH_Grand_Winter_Muddy_PawOnce the team was hooked up and I was ready to go in the sled, Wes said to me, “I’ll be right back. Just have to give the lead dogs a little pep talk.” Just like sports players before a big game, the lead dogs need a little boost of confidence before their run. As you can see in the picture, Wes gave them some pets of encouragement. And then we were good to go!

Wes explained that the sled would go about 15 mph from the start. He wasn’t joking when he told me to hang on. As soon as he told them to go, we were off!

Once we were on trail, the dogs got into a consistent gait and we cruised along at about 7-8 mph. With nothing but the Presidentials and furry behinds in front of me, I sat back and relaxed in the sled and learned as much as I could about dog sledding from Wes.

Once our tour was over, we petted each dog and told them what a great job they did and brought them back to their kennels. My tour might have officially been over but I didn’t want it to end. So I met the rest of the dogs, fell in love multiple times, said good bye a million times to each dog and almost left with all of them in my car.

NH_Grand_Winter_Muddy_PawBut there was one dog in particular that I fell in love with, sweet Maggie. Her eye contact is what drew me into her and as I approached her, she sat and gave me her paw to say hi. And then immediately rolled over for a belly rub. I knew right away that Maggie was special. I spent a lot of time with her and didn’t want to say goodbye. But that’s the thing – each dog at Muddy Paw is special. Everyone of those dogs (well except for a few who aren’t too sure about humans) greeted me with open paws and as a dog lover it made my heart full.

And did you know that almost all of the dogs at Muddy Paw are rescue dogs and that some are up for adoption? If I didn’t have two rescues of my own already, I would take them all home. 🙂

Do me a favor, while winter is still hanging around, book a tour today at Muddy Paw Sled Dog Kennel. Trust me, you will have the time of your life.

Until my next NH Grand Adventure …

Katelyn

Summer 2017 Events

June 1, 2017
Drive in the ’50s!

Classic cars, hot rods and specialty vehicles will line downtown Berlin’s Main Street from 5-8 p.m. Stop by and check out the fabulous “oldies,” enjoy music throughout the downtown, nosh on a variety of foods as you stroll along, and give a big round of applause for the winners during the vehicle awards ceremony. The free event is rain or shine.   www.androscogginvalleychamber.com

June 24, 2017
18th Annual Gerry Pomerleau ATV Ride

Be part of this 1-day only experience. Climb the Mt. Washington Auto Road with the NH ATV Club during the Gerry Pomerleau Memorial ATV Weekend. Views like you have never seen before…while riding your ATV / SxS to the top of Mt. Washington! Hosted by the NH ATV Club. New this year — this will be a Pre-Sale Only event. Tickets are available online at http://www.nhatv.com/

July 4th Weekend
4th of July Extravaganza in Gorham

Gorham rings in the holiday with New Hampshire’s longest 4th of July celebration, an event that spans four days. The celebration promises hours of fun, food, and merriment, including parades, music, amusements, and a classic car show, topped off with a fabulous fireworks display.   http://www.gorhamnh.org

July 13, 2017
Paddlemania

Paddle the mighty Androscoggin from Nansen Wayside to the Heritage Park in Berlin. Join us in the park for an evening of food, games & a cash bar. Paddling is not mandatory to attend festivities in the park. Fun on land & water!! A Source to the Sea Trek, sponsored by the Androscoggin Watershed Council.   www.androscogginvalleychamber.com

August 4 & 5, 2017
Jericho ATV Festival Is All About The Mudd!

Spectators and ATVers get cranked over the endless opportunities to explore ATVing in every form at the Jericho ATV Festival Presented by Progressive. Mud races, demo rides, live music and delicious food are just some of the highlights of the 8th annual Festival at Jericho State Park in Berlin.

The Park itself has more than 80 miles of ATV trails, which connect with the more than 1,000 miles of interconnected Ride the Wilds OHRV trails throughout northern New Hampshire.

The Jericho ATV Festival is two days of absolute fun, including the infamous mud pit grudge runs, helicopter rides, demos of manufacturers’ new ATvs and SxS’s, a downtown block party, beer tent, torch lit ATV parade, poker run, ATV pulls, concert, lawn games and much, much more.

Festival goers will rock to the music of “Last Kid Picked” at the Heritage Park on Saturday, August 5, from 4-9 p.m.

And don’t forget the Mudd! With the Festival now in its 8th year, organizers have figured out the perfect formula and it’s going to be luscious, it’s going to be oozy, it’s going to be slimy, it’s going to be dirty, it’s going to be better than ever!! http://www.androscogginvalleychamber.com/jericho-atv-festival/

August 15, 2017
Pittsburg Old Home Day

Help Pittsburg celebrate Old Home Day. Events include an old-fashioned parade, with everything from antique cars, tractors, fire trucks and dump trucks to entertaining float designs. Vendors, crafters and food concessions are available throughout the day. Enter one of the contests and you might win a prize: photography, baking and flower arranging. Get your toes tapping with music from one of the bands and give the youngsters a big shout-out at the kids’ fishing derby. http://www.pittsburg-nh.com/living-in-pittsburg/events-activities/old-home-day

August 25-27, 2017
North Country Moose Festival

The 24th Annual Moose Festival celebrates northern New Hampshire’s largest creature with a family-centered country fair spread out over three days and encompassing the New Hampshire towns of Colebrook and Pittsburg, and its neighbor across the Connecticut River, Canaan, Vermont. A jam-packed schedule of entertainment — Moose Calling Contest, Moose Chili, Moose Cruise-In antique car show, craft fair, Bluegrass music, carriage rides, dog show, maple syrup-tasting contest and many family activities — guarantee fun for everyone. And, who knows? You might even see a moose or two moseying along the side of the road. http://www.chamberofthenorthcountry.com/moose-festival.html

August 31 – September 4, 2017
Bring the Family to the Lancaster Fair, An Old-Fashioned Country Fair!

For almost a century-and-a-half, the Lancaster Fair has been an end-of-summer tradition, with plenty of variety to keep everyone in the family entertained. Along with agricultural activities like horse shows, oxen pulls and sheep dog trials, the Lancaster Fair features a colorful midway with exciting rides, 4-H exhibits, musical entertainment, and exhibition halls filled with quilts, crafts, vegetables and flowers. Add in farm tractor and big rig truck pulls, pie eating contests, tantalizing fair food, and featured entertainment and it’s easy to see why this fair spans five days and dozens and dozens of events.

One low price includes one-day admission, midway rides and concert. There is plenty of parking and camping is available on site. www.lancasterfair.com

Explore the Androscoggin Valley in the Winter

Written by: Glenda and Gordon Globetrotter (aka anonymous!) Hometown: Boston

Bio: We just celebrated our 25th wedding anniversary with a wonderful weekend in the historic Androscoggin Valley. Although we love international travel, there is nothing like returning to one’s roots to rekindle fond memories and discover new adventures.

Glenda spent childhood summers on her grandparents’ farm in Berlin and wanted to take some time reminiscing about those idyllic days roaming the “City that Trees Built,” the moniker given to Berlin during the 1920s when the Brown Corporation’s papermaking complex along the Androscoggin River was the largest in the world. I wanted to break in my new cross-country skis at Great Glen Trails in Gorham, and also experience Mt. Washington, the highest peak in the Northeast, in winter. Here’s our suggested itinerary for a fun weekend in a region surrounded by beautiful mountain peaks and the echoes of an historic past.

Friday evening: Settle into your comfortable room at the Town & Country Inn & Resort in Shelburne, and grab a swim in the indoor pool or hit the health club before dining at the Inn’s restaurant. The T&C is famous for its prime rib, or try one of the daily specials.

Saturday morning: Head to Great Glen Trails early (it’s first come, first serve) to get a seat on the Mt. Washington SnowCoach, a heated coach with special tracks to help it navigate the twists and turns of the mountain during snow season and that delivers you to treeline at about 4,200 feet. Dramatic at any time of year, the sub-Arctic, treeless landscape is especially beautiful in winter with its jaw dropping views that stretch for miles in every direction!

Late morning: After your Mt. Washington adventure, grab a cup of Fair Trade coffee and a home-baked goodie at the White Mountain Café and Bookstore in downtown Gorham, which also carries excellent teas (Glenda’s favorite!) If you’re feeling peckish, dig into one of their sandwich specials or slurp a cup of soup, and check out the Good Karma board (it’s all about thankfulness and paying it forward). A stroll along Main Street will help your digestion, and the unique shops are a feast for the eyes. You’ll find everything from a great hardware store (my kind of shopping!) to ladies’ fashions, artwork, antiques and collectibles, delicious fudge, and a fun selection of moose souvenirs. Bonus: shopping in New Hampshire is tax free!

Afternoon: If you’re a history buff or have roots in the region, like Glenda, make a stop at the Berlin and Coos County Historical Society. The friendly volunteers are exceptionally knowledgeable and can help you locate your ancestors or provide information about all aspects of the city’s paper mill industry or historical information about the region.

Berlin also has a comfortable Main Street with a nice collection of shops and eateries, and it’s worth a meander. Just a few steps up from Main Street is the PSNH Smith Hydro Peninsula Park that gives visitors a glimpse into Berlin’s papermaking past. The mostly flat walking path along the Androscoggin River leads to views of the historic International Paper Mill ruins, river-scoured rocks, the Presidential Mountain Range, Mt. Jasper and Mt. Forist.

Evening: We’d heard a lot of good things about Libby’s Bistro, located in an old bank on Gorham’s Main Street, and we weren’t disappointed. Chef Liz Jackson studied with Julia Child and is known for her menu creativity using seasonal, locally sourced ingredients. The Bistro has a casual French countryside vibe that complements the great food. For simpler fare, try the SAaLT pub.

Sunday: I got to try out my new cross-country skis at Great Glen Trails, which has 45km of classic and skate-groomed trails right at the base of Mt. Washington. After a couple of hours of fantastic skiing we grabbed a bite to eat in the Glen View Café before heading home.

We’re not going to wait another 25 years before returning to the Androscoggin Valley, and are already making plans to visit during the summer for hiking, ATVing and moose watching!

Snowmobiling, Ice Fishing, Dining and More!

Snowmobiling, Ice Fishing, Dining and more!

Written by: Gaston Gray Jay

Bio: I love to meet visitors to the Grand North, especially when they stop for lunch trailside and share their sandwiches and snacks with me. I’m rather chatty, but I have good manners and will eat right from your hand if you’ll let me.

Winter is the perfect season to visit Pittsburg, New England’s largest township, with a Main Street that is 23 miles long! From my high-flying vantage point, I can tell you that the local snowmobile club, the Pittsburg Ridge Runners, keeps the more than 200 miles of snow-covered trails perfectly groomed, so you can zoom along for hours through lush forests and around sparkling ice-covered lakes and ponds (and don’t forget to take a break from riding — I love treats!).

First Evening: Settle into one of comfy and cozy cabins at The Cabins at Lopstick, overlooking First Connecticut Lake and the mountains. After dark, step onto your porch and look up. With no light pollution here, the Milky Way stretches across the sky and thousands of stars twinkle so brightly you’ll easily be able to spy the Big Dipper and many other familiar constellations.

Morning: If you didn’t arrive with your own machines, The Cabins at Lopstick rents snowmobiles, so you can get right out on the trails. Be sure to pick up a map. The Pittsburg trail system is vast and well-marked, connecting you to trails in Canada, Vermont, Maine and points south in New Hampshire. The Pittsburg Ridge Runners boast that you can ride a different trail every day for a week and still find more to ride. As a frequent flier, I couldn’t agree more!

Lunch: Young’s General Store on Main Street stocks everything you need to pack a picnic lunch, from deli meats and subs to salads and pizzas. You can also gas up here and even register your snowmobile.

Evening: After a day on the trails, you’ll want to kick back and relax over good food and spirits. Head to the award-winning Rainbow Grille & Tavern at Tall Timber Lodge on Beach Road. Enjoy casual dining in the Tavern or opt for gourmet fare in the Grille, along with a full-service bar.

Day Two: For a change of pace, pack your fishing rod and try your hand at ice-fishing. There are plenty of fantastic spots, including the First, Second and Third Connecticut Lakes, Lake Francis and Big Diamond Pond. Expect to find lake trout in all the lakes and ponds, and cusk in First and Second Lake. Cusk, a freshwater fish that is a cousin to the eel, cooks up into a mighty fine chowder. A word of caution: taking salmon through the ice is not permitted.

Fish are sneaky creatures, so you’ll have to be patient. Hint! Hint! Bring your lunch or a couple of snacks to keep up your strength. If I’m in the area, I may pay you a visit.

Annual NH SnoDeo

March 3rd & 4th, 2017

Be the first to see 2018 machines from Arctic Cat, Polaris, Ski-Doo and Yamaha at the 25th Annual NH SnoDeo. You’ll also find many dealers and vendors providing great season close-out sales on clothing, accessories, sleds, trailers, and other items. Visit the Antique Tent and see how far the sport has gone in its short history. Meet state legislators, law enforcement, and the NH Trails Bureau and let them answer your questions. See how your trails are managed. And as always, lots of great food and fun! Held at the Swift Diamond Riders Snowmobile Warming Hut property, 978 Diamond Pond Road, just south of Coleman State, Stewartstown. Friday, March 3rd (9 a.m.-4 p.m.) and Saturday, March 4th (8 a.m.-3 p.m.)! www.nhsnodeo.com

A Grand Month for Ice Fishing!

A Grand Month for Ice Fishing!

During February, the frozen lakes and ponds of northern New Hampshire are an invitation to try your hand at one of the season’s most enjoyable sports – ice fishing. Tramp across the ice on a sunny winter’s day with a sled full of supplies and set up camp. Drill some holes in the ice and get ready to catch several of the wily fish that glide by unseen just under your feet.

Stop in at one of the stores that sells bait, equipment and fishing licenses and get the lowdown on the owner’s preferred pond, or check out the New Hampshire Fish and Game website for additional information.

Some favorite ice fishing spots include, Burns Pond, Whitefield; Martin Meadow Pond, Lancaster; First, Second and Third Connecticut Lakes, Lake Francis and Big Diamond Pond, Pittsburg; Pontook Reservoir, Dummer; and Cedar Pond, Milan.

NH Grand Launches Taste of the New Hampshire’s Grand North Recipe Book

Savor the Flavors of New Hampshire’s Grand North

There may be no better way to get to know a region than through its foods. Visitors dining in northern New Hampshire’s restaurants have long appreciated the variety of regional foods that are rooted in the area’s history, like Native Americans’ use of maple sap, and the focus on local game, fish and wild greens to prepare the tastiest of dishes. Now, home cooks can sample a “Taste of New Hampshire’s Grand North” https://www.nhgrand.com/flavor-recipe-book/ in a free, downloadable recipe book.

Produced by New Hampshire Grand, the cookbook is a compilation of 22 recipes contributed by the region’s dining establishments, attractions and activities that feature delicious, easy-to-prepare recipes that highlight the Grand North’s tastes and traditions.

“We wanted to share some of the special foods that reflect this extraordinary region of towering mountains, crystalline lakes, abundant wildlife, myriad activities, and traditions that stretch across generations,” says NH Grand Marketing Manager Katelyn White. “We are grateful to our partner businesses and organizations which have contributed a sampling of their favorite recipes. All are easily replicated in home kitchens. So, download a copy today, get cooking, and savor the wonderful flavors of the region!”

The cookbook is organized into categories for beverages, appetizers, entrees, and desserts for easy use. The variety of recipes will satisfy hearty appetites, those who have a sweet tooth, snackers, and cooks looking for family-pleasing meals. The full-color recipe book also includes a participant’s map and links to their websites.

A sampling of the recipes:

Contributors include Appalachian Mountain Club, Bear Rock Adventures, Lopstick, Carlson’s Lodge, Colebrook Country Club, Fuller’s Sugarhouse, Gorham Moose Tours, Jericho ATV Festival, Lancaster Historical Society, Mount Washington Auto Road & Great Glen Trails, Mount Washington Cog Railway, Mountain View Grand Resort and Spa, North Country Chamber of Commerce, Omni Mount Washington Resort, Rainbow Grille and Tavern, Ride the Wilds, RiverFire, The Rock’s Estate, Santa’s Village, Tall Timber Lodge, Team O’Neil Rally School and Wingzilla.

Jump-Start Your Winter Activities at AMC’s Highland Center

The Appalachian Mountain Club Highland Center, an outdoor education center and four-season lodge, is headquarters for a wide variety of outdoor activities and programs for adults and children, including Daily Outdoor Exploration programs, Guided Adventures, and evening programs. Cross-country ski from the lodge to the Bretton Woods Nordic Trails or drive five minutes to the Bretton Woods Ski Area for downhill skiing. Kids will enjoy the Highland Center Playscape, an outdoor mountain playground.

Nestled into the dramatic landscape at the head of Crawford Notch in Bretton Woods, the Highland Center’s lodging options include private rooms with private baths to lodge bunkrooms with shared baths. The Highland Center serves breakfast, lunch and dinner for lodge guests, through hikers, outdoor recreationalists and members of the public.

Outstanding Winter Fun at Great Glen Trails & Mt. Washington SnowCoach

Plenty of snow, varied terrain and an outstanding array of winter activities make the Great Glen Trails Outdoor Center a favorite destination for cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, snow-tubing and fat biking. Or take a tour up the Mt. Washington Auto Road in the SnowCoach for a one-of-a-kind adventure.

Nestled at the base of 6,288-foot Mt. Washington, the outdoor center couples magnificent scenery with plenty of fun activities. Take a morning ski lesson with an Olympian or spend the afternoon schussing along the 45 kilometers of classic and skate-groomed trails. Bring the kids for some old-fashioned fun on the snow-tube hill. Rent a fat bike and try out the latest craze in winter sports. Need a break? Hop aboard the heated SnowCoach for an amazing trip up the Mt. Washington Auto Road to tree line at about 4,200 feet. The views are breathtaking!