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.

NH_Grand_Tall_Timber_Lodge_SnowmobilingWinter 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.

leagueofNHCrafts_edited-1Shop 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.

Santa feeds Prancer!
Santa feeds Prancer!

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 18th 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.

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

 

On the “New Hampshire Made” Trail: Featuring Local Products, Services & Attractions

Like many of you, when we travel we like to dine in unique local restaurants — maybe in a glam establishment, but just as often in a kitschy cafe, stay at historic hotels or cozy inns, meet local shopkeepers who know the story — and oftentimes the artisans — behind the items they sell, visit local attractions, and bring home a piece of local artwork, amazing food, or other memorabilia that will remind us of our vacation or weekend getaway long after it’s over.

As the official visitor information source for the Great North Woods and the Northern White Mountains of New Hampshire, at New Hampshire Grand we have the enviable job of introducing visitors to the diverse range of attractions, lodging, dining, events, and outdoor activities available in Northern New Hampshire.

nhmade-logo-285wide-transAnd, in case you’re not acquainted with New Hampshire Made yet, we’d like to introduce you to this statewide organization that also promotes New Hampshire-made products and services, and familiarize you with some of the northern New Hampshire businesses that are members of both our organizations.

On your next visit to the northern reaches of the Granite State, make it a point to check out these wonderful points of interest. These businesses are well versed in offering the best of “New Hampshire Grand” and “New Hampshire Made.”

COLEBROOK

 

NH_Grand_Best_Of_FiddleheadsAnyone looking for American- and Canadian-made and Fair Trade products will fine a nice assortment of fine arts and crafts and carefully selected gift items at Fiddleheads – A Great North Woods Shoppe. The store has been voted “Best Customer Service” by Colebrook’s Downtown Holiday Shoppers. You’ll also find a small art gallery here, with all of the art created by local artisans.

GORHAM

Auto_Road_vanThe Mt. Washington Auto Road has been welcoming visitors since 1861 when horse-drawn wagons ferried guests to the top of the 6,288-foot peak. Today, you can drive yourself, hop aboard an Auto Road van for a guided tour, or hike to the top. You’ll be awestruck by the road’s spectacular twists and turns and the incredible views. At the summit on a clear day you can see several states, Canada and the Atlantic Ocean! And don’t forget to pick up the coveted bumper sticker that tells the world that you’ve climbed Mt. Washington! Winter adventurers can board the SnowCoach for an exhilarating ride to treeline.

LANCASTER

Fullers2482-2_edited-1There’s nothing like the taste of sweet maple syrup on your pancakes or waffles! Open year round, Fuller’s Sugarhouse, an award-winning, family-owned business, produces over 4,000 gallons of pure maple syrup each year. The store stocks syrup in a variety of sizes, along with maple candy, custom-made gift baskets, and a hand-picked selection of gift items. Fuller’s also ships worldwide, so you’ll never run out!

WHITEFIELD

NH_Grand_Best_Of_Mountain_View_GrandLuxurious accommodations, casual and fine dining, a 6,000-bottle wine cellar, an award-winning spa and panoramic views await guests at the historic Mountain View Grand Resort in Whitefield, where visitors have enjoyed the Grand Hotel’s unique brand of hospitality for over 150 years. This fall, kick back and relax over a glass of wine or a cup of hot chocolate after a day of resort activities, which include everything from visiting the animals at the Mountain View Farm, wine and beer tastings, and cozy campfires to golfing, swimming, tennis, mountain biking, and movies in the resort’s own theater. Hiking trails are nearby, and the Resort is also close to all major attractions.

BRETTON WOODS

MtWashHotelWhether your approach is from the east or the west, your first sighting of the magnificent red-roofed hotel at the Omni Mt. Washington Resort, backed by the majestic Presidential Range of the White Mountains, is a jaw-dropper. The National Historic Landmark was built in 1902 by 250 master craftsmen in the Spanish Renaissance style and has been delighting visitors ever since. Along with the incomparable mountain views, the Resort offers exceptional accommodations in its 200 rooms and guest suites, a full-service spa, and several fine and casual dining options, including two Four Diamond dining rooms. The resort is a outdoor adventurer’s paradise, boasting an 18-hole Donald Ross-designed golf course, year-round canopy tour, Nordic and Alpine skiing, fishing, hiking, mountain biking, sleigh rides and more.

BETHLEHEM

RocksMapleThe Rocks Estate is a great destination any time of year, but it’s especially fun to visit the Christmas tree farm during the holiday season when you can choose and cut your own Christmas tree or select one from the retail lot. Fragrant wreaths and garlands, made on site, are also available.  Spring visitors are invited to take part in the New Hampshire Maple Experience, when the property’s maple trees are tapped and the sap is boiled down into sweet maple syrup. The Rocks is the North Country Conservation & Education Center for the Society for the Protection of New Hampshire Forests, and is open year-round.

NH_Grand_Best_Of_WREN“Think Local, Buy Local” is a favorite slogan of the Local Works Marketplace and Gallery operated by WREN, the Women’s Rural Entrepreneurial Network. The Marketplace features the work of over 120 local artists who produce a wide variety of unique hand-crafted and high quality products. Pay the Local Works Marketplace a visit when you are looking for a special gift or something out of the ordinary for yourself. The store stocks an every-rotating display of jewelry, pottery, bath and body products, candles, textiles, baskets, photography, fine art, home décor, toys, and specialty food and wine items. Or visit the Local Works store in the lobby of the Omni Mt. Washington Hotel in Bretton Woods. The adjacent Gallery presents a new show every other month featuring the work of local artists, who have been selected by a juried committee.

 

Family Summer Road Trip: ATVing and White Water Rafting in NH’s Grand North

Every summer we take a family vacation but the challenge is trying to find a place to go with two active boys ages 19 and 20 who want high adrenaline pumping activities.  This summer, we decided to go up to Northern New Hampshire. Here is a recap of our days adventuring in Northern NH.

ATVing with NorthEast ATV Rentals in Gorham, NH

My boys were in the single ATV’s while my wife and I paired up into a double with me driving of course.  This was the highlight of the trip for my boys.  We had two hours of fun ripping through miles of trails in the park.  It’s was a great family activity as we sped through mud and puddles, down step trails, pits and the best part is we did not have to go with a guide.  We were on our own tearing it up out there.  A definite must do on your next adventure trip.

ATVing in Gorham NH
ATVing in Gorham NH

That night we headed to Sunday River Resort – our home for the next three days with gorgeous views of the mountains. One of the best parts of staying at Sunday River was the breakfast that was included and Chef Frank was fantastic especially with his made-to-order omelets.

White Water Rafting with Raft NH in Errol, NH

We got up early Friday to drive about 50 minutes to Errol, NH to Raft NH for our trip down the Rapid River for our white water rafting excursion.  Another highlight of the trip going down the Rapid River – a couple mile stretch of Class IV rapids and the beauty of the wilderness the surrounded us.

We saw a couple of bald eagles during the trip and a deer along the water’s edge.  The Rapid River only runs several times each summer because it is dam released which is one of the reasons why we choose it.  Another unique feature about the trip is that there is no take out at the end of the river because it feeds into a lake.  At the end of our trip, the owner Neil met us with the pontoon boat and took us on a nice 20 minute cruise across the lake.  When we got back to the base we had a great catered lunch of sausage and peppers, baked beans, pasta salad and cookies.  The staff was awesome and so was our guide Andy who did a great job providing us with great thrills and memories of our trip down the Rapid River.

When got back to our hotel we had dinner and decided to go to a movie at the Gem Theater in Bethel, ME.  This is a great little theater that should be stop on your trip if you are in Bethel.

RapPelling Down Cloudland Falls, Franconia Notch NH with north ridge mountain guides

We got up Saturday to begin our hour drive Franconia Notch to hike up Mt. Lafayette in the White Mountain National Forest to rappel down Cloudland Falls.  We met our guide Jamie in the parking lot and hiked about a mile and half passing smaller falls along the way.  Once we reached our destination Jamie set up the ropes and gave us a demonstration and instructions.  We all rappelled twice down the falls and it was something I will never forget.

Repelling down a waterfall in Franconia Notch area
Rappelling down a waterfall in Franconia Notch area

The rush of rappelling down a waterfall oftentimes with many hikers stopping to watch was a once in a lifetime experience. Surrounded by the beauty of the falls and the forest around us, my adrenaline was pumping so much I hardly noticed how chilly the water was until I reached the bottom of the falls.  This is something I would highly recommend for the adventurer out there.

Ironically the one reason we decided to stay at Sunday River was because of the mountain biking there, but because we had to leave fairly early Sunday to catch our ferry we ran out of days to go mountain biking.  Oh well I guess we will put that on the list for next year!  We had an amazing action packed week long adventure vacation!

Kick Back, Relax & Enjoy Summer at Along the River Campground, Cabins & Ice Cream

Along the River Campground & Cabins (plus Ice Cream) on Route 302 in Twin Mountain, ticks off all the boxes for visitors looking for a close-to-nature experience with terrific amenities. Whether you are tenting, looking forward to sleeping in a cabin, or bringing your own RV, you’ll appreciate the friendly staff, fresh mountain air, beautiful views, and the campground’s location on the Ammonoosuc River.

Come for the night, enjoy a weekend away, relax during your vacation, or book a site for the season. The campground is open May-November. Choose from six cabins, tent sites with or without amenities, and RV sites with water, sewer and electricity (30 amp or 50 amp). The small family campground features both wooded and grassy campsites, some located at high and dry spots along the river. All sites have a picnic table and fire ring.

In addition to its central location, close to all of the popular White Mountain attractions — the Mt. Washington Cog Railway, Omni Mt. Washington Resort, Bretton Woods Adventure Center, Santa’s Village, Franconia Notch, Storyland and outlet shopping in North Conway, and outstanding hiking, biking and fishing opportunities — the campground boasts clean restrooms, FREE hot showers, and FREE campground-wide Wi-Fi.

Kids will enjoy the playground and the whole family can cool off in the pool or gather round for board games, pool or foosball in the Rec Hall or a rousing game of basketball, volleyball or horseshoes outdoors.

The campground is pet-friendly, so bring along your favorite pooch to enjoy the camping experience with you. Fifteen flavors of delicious creamy ice cream are served up at the on-site Ice Cream Shack, and it’s open to the public, too. The campground store is stocked with everything you need to make your visit enjoyable, from firewood to toiletries to snacks, along with maps and brochures. Just across the street, the 302 Grille a tasty selection of breakfast, lunch and dinner favorites.

Camping is one of life’s simple pleasures. So the next time you want a chance to fall asleep in a tent under a canopy of sparkling stars, sit around a roaring campfire singing songs or telling scary stories, toast marshmallows on a stick, awaken to bird song, watch a moose walk through your campsite, and cook your meals over an open fire, book your spot at Along the River Campground & Cabins. Best of all, enjoy your time away from the hustle and bustle and stresses of daily life in the company of treasured family and friends.

Northern New Hampshire: Where the Arts & Outdoor Attractions Meet

The region’s beautiful mountain views and pastoral vistas first drew artists to the White Mountains and the northern reaches of the state in the early years of the 19th century, drawn here by a dramatic landscape of towering peaks, rushing rivers and stately forests, and capturing them forever on canvas. These 19th century artists gave rise to both the iconic Hudson River School and White Mountain School styles of painting.

Some artists, like Frank Shapleigh, had an affiliation with one or more of the Grand Hotels of the time. Visitors to Shapleigh’s studio at the Crawford House could observe him at work and purchase a painting to take home as a souvenir of their time in the mountains. These early artists were instrumental in promoting the region to visitors, with their gorgeous paintings serving much the same purpose as today’s brochures and websites for inspiring people to travel to northern New Hampshire to experience its natural splendors and other attractions.

Architecturally grand buildings, artful offerings, and musical and stage performances highlight the many cultural activities to be found today in New Hampshire’s Grand North. Round out your visit to the northern reaches of the Granite State with an arts-based itinerary combined with one or more of our exceptional recreational opportunities and featured attractions for an outstanding vacation experience.

Looking for lodging and dining opportunities while touring the countryside? The New Hampshire Grand website has a complete listing.

BRETTON WOODS

Artist Frank Shapleigh’s home and studio is now guest lodging at the AMC Highland Center. Continuing the tradition of using the arts to interpret the environment, the Highland Center hosts an impressive display of the mountain photography of explorer, mountaineer, and pioneering aerial photographer Brad Washburn. And the AMC’s series of Free Evening Programs introduce visitors to a variety of subjects, from musical evenings and visiting authors to tales of mountaineering in far away places and identifying the stars overhead.

If you’re traveling with the kids, let them loose on the AMC’s Big Mountain Playscape, with plenty of features like ladders, logs, rocks and a rope bridge to help them explore the outdoors.

Hiking the White Mountains is a wonderful summer or fall experiences, with many trails in close proximity to the Highland Center. Shuttle service is available from the AMC to nearby trailheads.

Don’t miss an opportunity to visit the magnificent Omni Mt. Washington Hotel, a National Historic Landmark. First opened in 1902, the hotel was built by 250 master craftsmen in the Spanish Renaissance style. Enjoy a glass of wine on the wide veranda with its sweeping views of the Mount Washington range, or cozy up in one of the elegant public rooms with a pot of tea and a selection of baked goods.

Delegates from around the world converged at the hotel in 1944 for the Bretton Woods Monetary Conference, which established the World Bank, set the gold standard and selected the American dollar as the foundation of international exchange following World War II. The handsome room in which the final documents were signed is just off the lobby, and includes an informational display outlining the importance of the conference in stabilizing the post-war economy.

Just across the road at the Resort’s Adventure Center, fly through the treetops on an exciting Canopy Tour for amazing views of Mount Washington and the Presidential Range of the White Mountains, or try one of the other resort activities like river tubing, golf, and mountain biking.

The Mt. Washington Cog Railway is the world’s oldest mountain-climbing cog railway and has been ferrying passengers to the summit of Mt. Washington since 1869. Ride in an old-fashioned steam train or one of the newer bio-diesel models and spend time on the summit exploring the Weather Discovery Center, visiting the stone Tip Top House, and drinking in the amazing views. On especially clear days you can see the Atlantic Ocean!

Drummond’s Mountain Shop is locally famous for its ski and snowboarding sales and service, but during the summer months, bike rentals are available and make a great way to explore the region at a leisurely pace.

WHITEFIELD

Professional summer theatre in the North Country can trace its roots to 1934, when New York Times music critic Will Chase opened the Chase Barn Playhouse in Whitefield, the predecessor of today’s Weathervane Theatre. The summer playbill includes seven shows, both classic and contemporary, in alternating repertory. Families travelling with kids will enjoy the timeless tales and musical stories staged throughout the season by the Weathervane’s Patchwork Players.

No visit to Whitefield is complete without a stop at the Mountain View Grand Resort & Spa, which has catered to guests since the end of the Civil War. Sweeping mountain views and a variety of resort activities will appeal to every member of the family. Of special interest is the resort’s Mountain View Farm, where fiber collected from the farm’s flock of sheep is spun into Mountain View Farm Blend yarn. Take a needle felting class at the fiber studio, using fibers from the farm’s animals, which also includes goats, alpacas, llamas and Angora rabbits, and take home a wonderful souvenir of your visit.

The Pondicherry Wildlife Refuge  in Whitefield and Jefferson, a noted bird-watching destination, is easily accessed by a 1.5 mile, almost flat walking trail leading to a viewing platform at Cherry Pond with magnificent views of the Presidential Range. The Little Cherry Pond hiking trail along the western edge of the pond also has a viewing platform.

LANCASTER & JEFFERSON

Weeks State Park  is the legacy of Congressman John Wingate Weeks, a Lancaster native who, in 1911, sponsored historic legislation known as the Weeks Act, which led to the creation of the White Mountain National Forest. The Weeks State Park Association hosts free Thursday evening programs throughout the summer at Weeks’s handsome stucco Summit Lodge atop Mount Prospect, on topics as diverse as railroading, butterflies, wildflowers, and birds of prey, along with a musical evening or two to get your toes tapping. The drive to the top of the mountain along the rustic carriage road boasts outstanding scenery, and the stone fire tower next to the Lodge is worth a climb for its 360-degree views.

Drop by the William Rugh Gallery  in downtown Lancaster to view the paintings of artist/painter Ed Widmayer (1923-2010) and award-winning photographer Fletcher Manley. Manley’s photography has taken him around the world, including photographing four Winter Olympics Games. Widmayer is known for his abstract expressionist works. The gallery also carries a line of locally made fine furniture and a selection of work by local artisans.

Lancaster is notable for its independent movie house, the Rialto Theatre, whose distinctive marquee advertises first-run movies, a free summer family film series, and a growing schedule of concerts and other community events. While improvements have been made over the years, the 1930s-era theatre still retains an old-timey feel, with a box office fronted by a brass rail, comfortable seats (with lots of leg room!) and dark red tapestries on the walls.

Santa’s Village is a premiere New England attraction with many kudos to its name, including being named as one of the nation’s outstanding amusement parks. Visit Santa at his summer home in Jefferson, feed his reindeer, enjoy unlimited rides on dozens of attractions, cool off at the Ho Ho H2O Water Park, watch live performances and much more at this top-rated park.

Can you say mush? At Muddy Paw Sled Dog Kennel, visitors can experience an exhilarating sled dog ride across the snow-covered landscape during the winter months and rolling sled dog rides in the summer. Muddy Paw also runs Raft NH, and many visitors opt for the Paws & Paddle package, a combo adventure that includes whitewater rafting and a rolling dog sled ride.

COLEBROOK, STEWARTSTOWN & PITTSBURG

Colebrook has embraced a lively arts scene centered on the Tillotson Center for the Arts, which includes a 175-seat performance and movie theatre, a community heritage museum and an art gallery. Formerly the Carriage Barn for The Balsams hotel stagecoach, and subsequently a Grange Hall with a theater and dance floor, the Center is now a magnet for cultural activities in the northernmost region of the state.

The Great North Woods Center for the Arts promotes musical, cultural and performing arts in northern New Hampshire in its indoor and outdoor performance spaces.

Quality hand-crafted items, including jewelry, pottery, home and garden, and wood products, can be found at Fiddleheads. The Colebrook shop specializes in U. S.- and Canadian-made products, along with Fair Trade items. The on-site art gallery promotes the talents of the more than 50 artists of the Connecticut River Artisan Group, whose members hail from New Hampshire, Vermont, Maine and Canada.

The Poore Farm Historic Homestead and Museum is the last remaining, original 100-acre farm settlement of its kind in northern New Hampshire. The Stewartstown museum portrays one family’s life from the 1830s to the 1980s, including the house, barns and outbuildings, all in authentic condition. Displays include clothing, artifacts, newspapers, magazines, diaries and letters, hand tools, horse drawn wagons, farm implements, and a large collection of everyday items common to the period. The Museum and grounds host a variety of cultural events, demonstrations, field trips, concerts and social gatherings.

More than 1,000 miles of riding await ATVers on northern New Hampshire interconnected trail system that spans the northern region of the state. Bring your own machine or rent one from Bear Rock Adventures in Pittsburg, with its diverse fleet of 2-, 4- and 6-seat side-by-sides and ATVs. Take a self-guided tour or let an experienced tour guide lead the way.

Check into Tall Timber Lodge or the Cabins at Lopstick for a relaxing vacation or use the Pittsburg resorts as the base for your hunting or fishing adventures. Tall Timber Lodge has experienced fly fishing and bird hunting guides and hosts fly fishing schools each year. Lopstick is an ORVIS-endorsed outfitter and offers fly fishing guide service, casting lessons and upland hunting service.

BERLIN

The 500-seat St. Kieran Community Center for the Arts, is notable both for its architecture and its terrific performing arts series. Located in a former church, St. Kieran’s is on the New Hampshire State Register of Historic Places. Built in 1895 in the baroque architectural style, it includes a central portal with a rose window and two elaborate stained glass accents. The Hook and Hastings pipe organ, donated in 1898, remains in excellent condition. The performing arts series takes place throughout the year, featuring local, regional and national acts.

Overlooking the city is the oft-photographed Holy Resurrection Orthodox Church at 20 Petrograd Street, with its six cross-topped domes and distinctive blue and white exterior. The interior includes Byzantine-style Icons, early 20th century oil paintings, framed imported prints and faux marble wainscoting.

History buffs will want to spend some time at the Berlin and Coos County Historical Society’s  Moffett House & Genealogy Center. The Center contains the largest library of genealogical material north of Manchester, N.H.

Another bit of Berlin history can be found in the Berlin Murals, adorning a wall of the former Brown Company Research Building on Main Street, just south of the Service Credit Union Heritage Park. Twenty-four windows are covered with paintings created by students from the Plymouth State University art department. The images depict scenes from Berlin’s history including the city’s paper industry, logging, ski jumping and hockey.

ELC Outdoors in nearby Errol offers single or multi-day recreational packages to get your adrenaline pumping. Choose from whitewater rafting trips, high ropes aerial adventures, wildlife tours and a raft and float plane combo trip.

GORHAM

The beautifully restored Medallion Opera House (in the same building as the Town Hall) is the heart of the town’s cultural activities, with a year-round schedule of performing arts.

Grab a cup of coffee and check out the rotating art exhibits at the White Mountain Cafe & Bookstore . The bookstore carries a nice selection of books by local and regional authors, White Mountains maps and guides, and children’s books and toys.

Drive yourself or take a guided tour in a comfortable van up the Mt. Washington Auto Road to the top of Mt. Washington, the Northeast’s highest peak. Be prepared for jaw-dropping vistas, have your photograph taken on the craggy summit (6,288 feet), tour the historic stone Tip Top house, and visit the Mount Washington Observatory’s interactive Extreme Mt. Washington Museum.

Once you’ve conquered the summit, consider extending your stay and taking a guided tour of the paddling variety at Great Glen Trails, at the base of the Mt. Washington Auto Road. Enjoy a guided kayak trip along the scenic lakes and rivers of northern New Hampshire. Or rent a bike at Great Glen Trails and peddle along well-marked carriage trails through beautiful meadows and along scenic rivers, with dramatic mountain views at every turn.

It’s always exciting to spot a moose or two along the roadway. Let a knowledgeable guide take you on a tour to some favorite moose spots in the Androscoggin Valley by booking a seat on the Gorham Moose Tours. Along with moose, you might also spot deer, eagles, osprey, bears and raccoons.

The Gorham to Whitefield Presidential Rail Trail follows an abandoned Boston and Maine Rail Line and is chock full of beautiful mountain views and wildlife. The 18-mile, mostly flat trail, is open for biking and hiking (in winter, cross-country skiing, snowmobiling, snowshoeing and mushing).

Guided tours, group rides and ATV rentals are available at White Mt. ATV Rental, located at the southeast entrance to Jericho Mountain State Park, with access to over 1,000 miles of ATV trails in the Ride the Wilds trail system.

Sunday on the Steinway with William Ögmundson

William Ögmundson is an award-winning and EMMY-nominated composer and lyricist, and a classically-trained solo pianist with nine albums to his credit and over 40,000 monthly listeners on Spotify.

Admission $10/$5 students.

8th Annual Zombie Poker Run

Join in on all the zombie fun…dress up like a Zombie and decorate your ATV! Prizes will be awarded for the BEST hand and the WORST hand. Be the BEST Zombie and decorated ATV and win that contest too! The poker run fun starts early enough in the day that you still make it to the RiverFire Event in time to join in all the festivities. What a way to start your day! So much fun collecting all your cards…invite all your friends for a scenic and adventurous ride to RiverFire.

SCHEDULE

9AM – 11AM: Registration at SERVICE CREDIT UNION HERITAGE PARK, 942 MAIN STREET, BERLIN, NH

11AM: LAST ZOMBIE OUT

2PM: LAST ZOMBIE IN

End at the RiverFire Festival: Service Credit Union Heritage Park, 942 Main Street with parking for ATVs in the R & D Buildings’ parking lots.

Light Up the Night at RiverFire!

Just as the nights are getting colder in New England, the City of Berlin will be warming things up with one of the best fall festivals around—RiverFire! Come to “the city that trees built” to catch a full day of fun, ending with some dramatic fires on the river.

RiverFire burns bigger and brighter every year, and this year there are some fun new activities for everyone. The gates of the Service Credit Union Heritage Park (942 Main Street, Berlin, NH) will open to activities and vendors for visitors of ALL ages. Admission to the park is FREE.

RiverFire features fun, family-oriented activities such as:

  • Pumpkins on the bridge
  • Hay rides
  • Helicopter rides
  • The “Not So Scary” Halloween Party
  • A costume parade
  • Live Music
  • Mouth watering food
  • Spectacular fires on the water 

    At dusk, the Androscoggin River will be lit up with fires that appear to be floating on the water! The blazes will actually burn on the historic boom piers that dot the river. These piers were used during the height of the logging era, when they separated and guided the many trees that were sent down the river to the mills of Berlin. For RiverFire, these old piers will be stacked with skids, which when set aflame create a dynamic contrast of light over the dark waters. Take a walk along the bridge and admire the wonderful glowing carved pumpkins on the bridge.

    RiverFire is the hottest event of the season.  It is a spectacle you won’t want to miss!

  • For more information, call 603-752-6060 or find RiverFire Berlin, NH on Facebook.