Tag: new hampshire

Upper Ammonoosuc River Paddle-Hike

By Karrie Thomas, NFCT Executive Director
PUBLISHED APRIL 12, 2017, Reposted from the Northern Forest Canoe Trail’s Blog

 

I plan on revisiting the Upper Ammonoosuc River this summer and combine a paddle with a hike of the Percy Peaks Loop. Bill Schomburg, a dear NFCT friend who passed away recently, told me about Percy Peaks and the Cohos Trail, which crosses the NFCT on the Upper Ammo, when I first met him in 2014. I think these two intersecting trips will make a great weekend.

Paddle!

I paddled the Upper Ammonoosuc from Gord’s Corner Store in West Milan to the new Stark Access (NFCT Map 7) in the spring 2015. The river in this stretch is quiet and meandering. In June, a canopy of soft spring green bends over the river along the way. I also have driven through the valley in fall and recommend it as an exceptional trip for foliage viewing.

A slow moving ten miles can take half a day with time to stop for lunch and enjoy the scenery. At normal flows wide golden sand bars pop up next to deep swimming holes making lovely picnic spots and good fishing. The river is road-side, but you don’t notice. In the last mile or so houses become visible until the leaves are fully flushed out.

The Stark access is a convenient take out with good parking on river left just above Stark Village. If you enjoy class II rapids as I do, you will want to continue downstream another quarter-mile to the Stark covered bridge to take advantage of some fun whitewater.

Put in at Gord’s Corner Store at the intersection of Routes 110 and 110-A. Here, NFCT constructed stairs lead down to the water, and you can park at the store. Gord also has a deli to supply your lunch, offers a shuttle service and rents canoes, so everything you need is right there!

If you haven’t had enough paddling, the river continues quietly for another five miles to Emerson Road (the way to Percy Peaks) or eight miles beyond that to the Connecticut River in Groveton. The character remains quiet with a few punctuated rapids and a number of dam carries. See the NFCT trip planner tool for details.

Hike!

The Percy Peaks Loop is described in detail on the Hike New England web site and is recommended by the Cohos Trail as one of the Dozen Best Day Hikes. I have scouted these unique twin mountains from the river and roadside. Their broad granite slab-covered tops have captured my imagination every time. This 6.7 mile hike is reported to take a half day.

Where to Stay

  • Camp or take a room at Percy Lodge and Campground.
  • Paddle up and camp at one of the three NFCT campsites along the Upper Ammonoosuc (river access only). NFCT trip planner, NFCT Map 7 and the NFCT Guidebook for information.
  • Rent the Ammo Cabin situated right on the river from Gord’s Corner Store. Drive in or paddle up, this rustic cabin rental is a great place to hang out, fish and play in the river.
  • Stay at the Stark Village Inn for a charming, traditional Bed & Breakfast experience.

The Tillotson Center Presents: Le Bruit Court dans La Ville

Le Bruit Court dans La Ville (The Word Around Town) delights audiences with its blend of traditional Québécois music, as interpreted by musicians Lisa Ornstein, André Marchand
and Normand Miron. Come on out and enjoy this wonderful evening of toe-tapping music!

Mohawk Falls Kicks Off the Summer Season with Dixville Notch Music, Arts & Crafts Festival!

By Eileen Alexander

A brand new event will kick off Memorial Day weekend and the summer season in New Hampshire’s North Country. The setting for the 1st Annual Dixville Notch Music, Arts & Crafts Festival, on May 27 and 28, is the beautiful 40-acre Mohawk Falls estate, situated on the banks of the lovely Mohawk River in Colebrook, NH.

Open each day from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., the Festival will feature live performances, demonstrations, workshops, artisan vendors, and displays. Visitors are invited to stroll around the property and enjoy the idyllic outdoor setting that includes a post and beam Pavilion, Gazebo, waterfall, pond and covered bridge. Admission to the event is free.

Highlighted events include internationally applauded singer-songwriter Kyle Carey performing her Gaelic Americana music from 1 to 3 p.m. on Sunday, chainsaw carving demonstrations all weekend long by Baker River Chainsaw Sculpture, and an outstanding exhibit by the artists of Connecticut River Artisan Group.

Several dozen vendors, a mix of talented artisans, crafters and food producers from New Hampshire, Vermont, Maine and Massachusetts, will display their wares.

Mohawk Falls is located directly off Route 26 in Colebrook, NH. Look for roadside signage near Dixville Notch. Parking is free and available on site. Pets are not allowed.

Additional information can be found on the Mohawk Falls website: www.mohawkfalls.com, or contact Britni White, Mohawk Falls Event Coordinator, at (603) 237-1898 or [email protected].

Festival Schedule

Saturday, May 27

  • 9-11 a.m. –  Art Workshop with artist Michele Johnsen. Still life drawing & painting workshop. $10 per person. Pre-register online.
  • 10 a.m.-noon –  Live music by “Old Gold.” Rocks, blues & folk music from the ‘50s to today.
  • 11:45 a.m.-12:15 p.m. –  Garden Flavors Culinary Demo by the Ecovillage Institute. Taste and learn about herbs.
  • 1:45-2:30 p.m. –  The Graceful Piano Stylings of Sharon Pearson.
  • 4-5 p.m. –  Open Jam Session led by Bobie Bunnel of Roberta’s Studio. Festival-goers are invited to bring their instruments.

Sunday, May 28

  • 9-10 a.m. –  WhiteWolf & Friends, Playing the Blues. Featuring Ed Schoenly’s blues harp.
  • 10:15-11:15 a.m. –  Live Music by 3 Rivers. An eclectic mix of music by a local three-man band.
  • 10:15 a.m.-12:15 p.m. –  Basket Weaving Workshop by Deeda’s Baskets of Vermont. Make a basket to take home. $20 per person. Pre-register online.
  • 12:30-1 p.m. –  Teen/Adult Jazz & Hip Hop by Step by Step School of Dance. Kick up your heels and learn to dance.
  • 1-3 p.m. –  Gaelic Americana Concert with singer-songwriter Kyle Carey.
  • 3:30-4:30 p.m. –  Music from the ‘60s to today with Mario Marquis.
  • 3:15-4 p.m. –  Pottery Demo by local potter Linda Tase.
  • 4:15-5 p.m. –  “Golden Hour” Photography Workshop with Fran Bigney. A fun workshop to learn this art form by walking around the property. $10 per person. Pre-register online.

Experience A “Northwoods Tradition” at Tall Timber Lodge & Rainbow Grille Tavern

By Eileen Alexander

Situated on the north shore of Back Lake in Pittsburg, Tall Timber Lodge has been welcoming guests since 1949. Today, the Lodge and Rainbow Grille Tavern appeal to guests who come for the excellent hunting and fishing the region offers, and also to those who arrive for a vacation or a weekend getaway seeking a home base with comfortable lodging and exceptional dining while they explore the area’s many activities, such as ATVing, bird watching, hiking, biking, snowmobiling, snowshoeing and more.

Guests may choose from eight cozy lodge rooms or a variety of comfortably furnished accommodations — from one- to four-bedroom lakeshore log cabins to luxury cottages. Features range from cathedral ceilings and gas fireplaces to two-person Jacuzzi’s and kitchens with dishwashers. Private porches and decks beckon guests to enjoy the views or take in the sparkling night sky. Check availability and rates!

Tall Timber offers innumerable amenities, such as boat rentals, fly fishing and bird hunting guides, a gift shop, and spa services. Kayaks, canoes, paddle boats, mountain bikes, row boats and snowshoes are available to guests at no charge, or they may rent one of the 14-foot fiberglass boats with 6 HP 4-stroke motors or a pontoon boat.

Fishing and bird hunting guide services are available, and during fishing season a large selection of flies, lures and other trout-teasing tackle is available in the Gift Shop. Fishing and hunting licenses and OHRV registrations for snowmobiles and ATVs are available onsite.

Relax after a day of outdoor activities in the Rainbow Grille & Tavern with its varied menu of high quality meats, fresh seafood, organic poultry, game meats (bison, elk and venison) and vegetarian options. Field & Stream rated the Rainbow Grille as “a truly excellent restaurant,” and The Boston Sunday Globe has called it “ The area’s standout dining.” Yankee Magazine’s Travel Issue gave it an “Editor’s Choice” award.

The Tavern’s more casual menu features appetizers, salads, sandwiches, ribs, meatloaf and hearth-baked pizzas, a great selection of micro-brewed draft beer and specialty craft beer, affordable wines, and specialty jumbo martinis.

Tall Timbers’ all-inclusive Getaway Packages — such as the Fly Fishing School Package, the Senior Midweek Package, and the Rainbow Grille Escape Package — include meals with the accommodations.

Both the Grille and the Tavern are open to the public. Check out their menu at www.rainbowgrille.com. Reservations can be made by calling (603) 538-9556.

To learn more about Tall Timber Lodge and to reserve your home away from home, please visit www.talltimber.com.

Exciting Rides & A Visit With Santa Make Wonderful Family Memories at Santa’s Village!

By Eileen Alexander

This summer, bring the family to visit Santa and his elves and reindeer at the jolly old elf’s vacation home in Jefferson, NH, and enjoy a fun-filled day of unlimited rides, shows, live professional performances, and outstanding attractions at Santa’s Village.

The Christmas-themed Santa’s Village is a premiere New England attraction and one of the nation’s outstanding amusement parks, recognized by Trip Advisor as one of the Top 25 Amusement Parks in the U. S., and the only one in New England. Trekaroo.com named Santa’s Village as one of the Top Ten Amusement Parks for Young Kids in the U.S.A.

Admission to Santa’s Village is your ticket to a “full day of joy and excitement.” The warm sunny days of summer are especially conducive to exploring all of the attractions the park has to offer, with hours and hours of fun for every member of the family, from toddlers, tweens and teens to their parents and grandparents.

Visiting with Santa and his reindeer in their summer home is complemented by dozens of additional attractions. Step aboard the Skyway Sleigh monorail for an overview of the park, take the exciting Yule Log Flume water ride, experience the thrilling Chimney Drop, ride the entrancing Reindeer Carousel, and get your thrills on Rudy’s Rapid Transit Rollercoaster. Cool off at the Ho, Ho, H2O water park with plenty of places to splish, splash, slide and climb, and prepare to get drenched by the giant bucket of water that fills and then spills every few minutes! Check out the rides here!

Kids will get a kick out of playing the Elfabet Game, searching out the elves in the park, and visiting the blacksmith shop to receive a special ring.

Lunch and ice cream are available at the Elfs Lodge all day, and other goodies to search out include pizza made to order at Nick’s Pizza Emporium, fresh fudge, mini Doe-Nuts made right before your eyes, and fresh-baked gingerbread cookies. Check out the places to eat here!

Before you leave, don’t forget to check out all the special Santa’s Village souvenirs in the gift shop, including a personalized letter from Santa, which will be delivered in December.

The daily admission rate in 2017 is $32 per person, and ages one, two, and three enter for free.

Receive $5 off the regular ticket price during Guest Appreciation Days: May 27 and 28, and June 3, 4, 10 and 11.

Santa’s Village is open every day from Father’s Day weekend (June 17 and 18) through Labor Day on September 4. It’s also open during fall weekends, and will be specially decorated for Halloween, Christmas and New Year’s celebrations.

Santa’s Village is located at 528 Presidential Highway (Route 2) in Jefferson. Visit the Santa’s Village website to learn more: www.santasvillage.com

AMC Presents: The Eastern Coyote in New England

Christine Schadler, the New Hampshire and Vermont representative for Project Coyote, will present a program on the Eastern Coyote in New England.

Pinkham Notch evening programs are free and open to the public. Call to find out more or to be added to the monthly email list: (603) 466-2721 or outdoors.org/pinkhamhappenings.

AMC Presents: Adventures with a Wildlife Camera

Join Allison Bell, author of Field Guide to the New England Alpine Summits, as she shares her photography expertise in this engaging evening program. Learn basics of wildlife camera operation, explore strategies for set-up and locations, and discover possibilities for natural history observations.

Highland Happenings Featured Evening Programs are FREE and OPEN to the public. For more information, please call (603) 278-4453.

Mt. Washington Golf Course Opens

Starting May 6, nine holes will be available for play on the Mt. Washington Course, and the Mt. Washington Resort will roll out additional holes as conditions allow. TreeTop Golf will be open too with the latest in golf apparel, equipment and accessories.

Mt. Washington Auto Road Opens to Treeline

The Mt. Washington Auto Road will begin its 156th season on Saturday, April 29 for guests to drive their own vehicles to treeline at 4,200 feet.

Operating hours will be 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m., weather permitting. The 4.5 mile drive to treeline provides stunning vistas of the northern Presidentials and Great Gulf Wilderness offering a true taste of the Mount Washington experience!

A reduced rate of just $29 per vehicle to Drive Yourself includes: the famous bumper sticker and an audio tour on CD.

Safety considerations dictate that some vehicles cannot be permitted on the Auto Road please view our vehicle restrictions page before you visit.

A Complete Guide to Must-Visit Coffee Spots in New Hampshire’s Grand North

Contributed by Jess Walter

On a chilly New Hampshire morning, there’s nothing like a cup of hot coffee to get you feeling toasty. From the Great North Woods to the White Mountains, New Hampshire’s majestic Grand North boasts plenty of local coffee spots where guests can find fine food, artisanal brews, and friendly service. Start your day with a delicious cup of joe at one of these top Grand North hotspots.

Moose Muck Coffee House

This rustic coffee house is located in Colebrook, and serves coffee that’s delicious either hot or cold.  In the winter, sit by the fire and warm up with an espresso, or sit outside and cool down in the summer with an iced mocha. If you or your friends aren’t big fans of coffee, Moose Muck also serves fresh smoothies, tea, and hot cocoa along with a wide variety of breakfast and brunch foods.

Le Rendez Vous Bakery

This little cafe in Colebrook serves up authentic French recipes that come to you straight from the bakeries of Paris. Certified Bakers Marc Ounis and Verlaine Daeron serve up delicious French bread, pastries, and other delicacies in the Colebrook-based hotspot. Customers can sit, relax, and enjoy a strong cup of hot coffee with their sweet treat.

Mostly Muffins

While the main attraction at this Colebrook shop is most certainly their delicious muffins, you can also enjoy a cup of freshly brewed coffee as you eat. You can get your coffee and your muffins to go from the shop’s convenient drive-thru, or you can soak up a little sun in their outdoor seating area. Guests are also able to enjoy breakfast sandwiches, fresh fruit cups, cinnamon buns, and more breakfast treats.

 

Water Wheel Breakfast and Gift House

This quaint breakfast spot in Jefferson offers friendly service and home cooking that’s bound to satisfy any appetite. You can enjoy French toast, Belgian waffles, fresh fruit and more as you sip your coffee. If you’re a visitor to New Hampshire, you can even pick up a souvenir or memento at the Water Wheel gift shop, which sells everything from locally sourced cosmetics to the owner Tricia’s famous fudge.

White Mountain Cafe & Book Store

Curl up with a cup of joe and your favorite book at this cozy coffee spot, located in Gorham. You can enjoy delicious organic brews, and if you’re feeling hungry, try a fresh sandwich, a hearty soup, or a homemade dessert. The coffee shop’s bookstore features works from New Hampshire authors, and a rotating art gallery celebrates local artists.