The Rocks Estate Archives

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

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.

And, 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

Anyone 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

The 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

There’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

Luxurious 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

Whether 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

The 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.

“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.

CANCELLED – Annual Maple Season Dinner at The Rocks

THE ANNUAL MAPLE DINNER HAS BEEN CANCELLED DUE TO THE CORONAVIRUS.

The Rocks will once again celebrate the transition from a long winter to a welcome spring with its annual Maple Dinner on March 27 at 5:30 p.m. This year’s dinner will be held at Chef Joe’s in Franconia following the loss to fire of the program center at The Rocks. Proceeds from the dinner will benefit The Rocks. Programs at The Rocks offer opportunities to learn about maple sugaring, growing Christmas trees and sustainably managing forests and wildlife habitat. The 1,400-acre property has trails open to the public that wind through fields and forest with stunning views of the Presidential Range. For more information please visit www.therocks.org.

CANCELLED — NH Maple Experience at The Rocks

THE NH MAPLE EXPERIENCE AT THE ROCKS HAS BEEN CANCELLED DUE TO THE CORONA VIRUS.

Steam billows from the sugarhouse, silver-gray buckets hang from sugar maple trees, and the clop-clop of horses’ hooves serves as a soundtrack during maple sugaring season at The Rocks. As the days warm and lengthen toward springtime, the sweet traditions of sugaring are celebrated here.

“We created the New Hampshire Maple Experience to share both the history and the continuing practice of maple sugaring in New England,” said Nigel Manley, longtime manager at The Rocks, which serves as the North Country Conservation and Education Center for the Society for the Protection of New Hampshire Forests.

“This is a hands-on experience, and we encourage participants to learn about the process of turning sap into maple syrup, from identifying sugar maple trees to tapping a tree to collect sap.”

Maple tours will be offered at The Rocks March 14, 21-22, 28-29, and April 4. Participants will enjoy a horse-drawn wagon ride through the historic estate, learning to identify different types of trees along the way. They’ll be invited to tap a sugar maple and take a tractor-drawn wagon ride to The Rocks’ own sugarhouse. There, fourth-generation sugar maker Brad Presby will demonstrate the process of boiling gathered sap into syrup. Adjacent to the sugarhouse is an interactive maple museum, where visitors can see how sugaring has evolved over many years. No maple tour would be complete, of course, without a maple syrup tasting, which includes fresh donuts. Maple tours run from 10 – 4. All activities are included in the cost of $15 ($12 for children). Reservations are recommended and may be made by calling (603) 444-6228 or emailing [email protected].

Porcupine Facts and Myths at Bretzfelder Park

Join Nigel Manley, director of The Rocks, to learn about all things porcupines, including fun facts about their quills and why they have a knack for eating wood structures. You will learn about the species of porcupines that inhabit the world as well as the ones here in North America. Manley has tracked porcupines for several years at The Rocks, learning where they den and what they eat during winter months.

The program takes place at Bretzfelder Park in Bethlehem. Learn more at www.therocks.org.

Wildlife Tracking Snowshoe with Susan Morse at The Rocks

Join renowned New England wildlife tracker and educator Susan Morse for a rare, guided snowshoe hike at The Rocks. Late February is peak breeding season for forest fur bearers: ermine, mink, fisher, fox, coyote, bobcat, and their rodent-prey species. Sue will share track identification skills and the habits and habitats of these winter-active wild mammals. Pre-registration required. Cost: $25. Limited to 20 people maximum.

To register, visit [email protected] or call Registrar Tina Ripley at the Forest Society 224-9945.

Maple Dinner to Benefit The Rocks Estate

Celebrate the transition from a long winter to a welcome spring with The Rocks’ annual Maple Dinner. This year’s dinner will be held at The Maplewood in Bethlehem, following the loss to fire of the program center at The Rocks. Proceeds from the dinner will benefit The Rocks Fire Fund, which will be used for operating and capital costs in support of the post -fire transition to restore operations at The Rocks.

Returning to wow diners is Chef Joe Peterson of Sugar Hill. Highlights of the evening’s buffet dinner include: Ginger butternut squash bisque, grilled vegetable salad, macaroni and cheese with baby spinach and fire-roasted tomatoes, wood-roasted barbecue chicken, Bali barbecue ribs, and wood-roasted beef brisket.

Dennis Cote of Sugar Hill will provide musical entertainment during the evening.

Cost: $50 per person (cash bar). Pre-registration required. RSVP online or call Maria Stewart at 603-224-9945 x 346. Deadline is March 28th.

(Note: Unfortunately, the Maplewood is not wheelchair accessible.)

RSVP: forestsociety.org/mapledinner

The Rocks Maple Experience

Join us for guided tours of our sugaring operation including horse drawn and tractor drawn rides, tap a maple tree with the group, tree ID, the history of mapling, the NH Maple Museum and sample maple syrup, pickles and donuts. Cost, including both rides, horse drawn and tractor drawn, is $15 for adults and $12 for children.