ROUTE 16 FREE Along
Sleigh Rides at Nestlenook Farm
By Lee Caldwell
Photo courtesy of Nestlenook Farm
Nestlenook Farm in Jackson offers sleigh/carriage rides on a 1.5-mile decorated trail of lights and lanterns every day (except Thanksgiving and Christmas) until mid-March. Ride times vary from day to day. All rides are approximately 25 to 30 minutes long. Participants should arrive 15 minutes early for their scheduled sleigh ride.
The trail runs through the forest of the farm and along the Ellis River, with stops for the guide to narrate the history of the property. The custom-built sleighs have wheels underneath, should they be needed when snow is scarce.
Post-sleigh ride, participants can warm up next to a bonfire, purchase a s’mores kit, and enjoy a complimentary cup of hot chocolate.
Nestlenook Farm manager (and sometimes coachman) Seth was interviewed by phone as he was opening the gates to lead some of the herd of 14 Belgian draft horses used for the sleigh rides (each horse consuming a bale of hay a day, plus grain) to the outside. The horses range in age from 5-yearsold to 18-years-old. A background to the sound of Seth opening the gates was the soothing sound of the clopping of heavy horses’ hooves.
He is enthusiastic about the ride: “There are mountain views and a trip along the Ellis River. Everything is decorated, and lanterns are lit. The decorations are beautiful. People love the lights and decorations.”
Group rides use custom-built Austrian sleighs that can hold up to fifteen people. Tickets are sold per person and there is no reserved seating. In the event there is not enough snow, wheels will be used instead. This is not a private ride; there will be other people on the sleigh.
Private sleighs accommodate small groups, with a maximum of eight people. This ride reserves an entire sleigh for yourselves and includes a complimentary drink choice of champagne or hot cider. While the group cannot exceed eight people, children who are two and under are free and do not count toward the maximum number. Again, if there is not sufficient snow, the ride will proceed on wheels.
An option for large groups with as many as twelve people is a larger sleigh that can hold parties of nine or more.
This includes a complimentary drink choice of champagne or hot cider. Children two and under are free and do not count toward the twelve-person maximum. Again, if there is not sufficient snow, the ride will proceed on wheels.
A cozy option for couples is the semi-private winter romance seat at the back of the Austrian group sleigh. It is not fully private, as there can be as many as eight people in the front seats. There is a complementary choice of champagne or hot cider, and if there is insufficient snow, the ride will proceed on wheels.
The one-horse open sleigh is a private ride for two, three, or four people, and it is especially romantic for couples. Complimentary champagne or hot cider will be offered. If there is insufficient snow, the ride will proceed on wheels.
Nestled in the winter wonderland of the White Mountains, Nestlenook Farm offers other opportunities for winter fun with ice skating and snowshoeing in a picture-perfect Currier and Ives setting. Introduced for the first time this year for Halloween was a Trail of Terror, a combination sleigh ride and haunted hike that manager Seth stated was “a lot of fun.” Look for it to return next year.
Nestlenook Farm is located at 70 Dinsmore Road in Jackson. Sleigh ride times are Monday through Thursday from 4 to 6 p.m., Friday from 3 to 8 p.m., Saturday from noon to 9 p.m., and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. There are extended hours on holiday weeks and weekends.
Reservations may be made online or call directly for same-day reservations at 603-383-7101.
The Great Christmas Debate: Real or Artificial Trees?
Baking cookies, watching movies, singing carols . . . the holiday season is celebrated in a variety of ways and each family has its own traditions. For those families that put up a Christmas tree every year, there is a debate that they’ve all had at least once: Artificial or the real deal? The debate around the better tree has continued for years, with some arguing for the convenience of fake trees and others staunch proponents of the tradition and visceral sensation of having a real evergreen. In the end, most points come down to personal preference, but one consideration that could sway the vote is the environmental impact. Does one come out ahead of the other in the sustainability category? Let’s break down how you can be sustainable with your tree this season while also partaking in your favorite holiday traditions.
Adventure to the attic for your artificial tree: People who like the hassle-free tradition of taking the tree down from the attic can point to the environmental benefit of reusing their trees over many years. By using the same tree over and over again, you can prevent waste and help limit the overconsumption of products during the holidays.
However, artificial trees are made from plastic and metal materials and cannot be recycled. While a thrifty family could find creative ways to re-purpose it after it’s outlived its use as the family tree, eventually the tree or its components will end up in a landfill.
Aside from difficulties with the disposal of artificial trees, their production can contribute to an increase in greenhouse gas emissions and waste in the way they are manufactured, packaged and shipped. It’s estimated that 80% of artificial trees worldwide are manufactured in China, according to the National Christmas Tree Association. Imagine all the emissions it takes just to ship your tree across the ocean. Are evergreens really THAT green? If fake trees aren’t ideal for production or disposal, that must mean that real trees are better… right? Unfortunately, the answer is more complex than
a simple yes or no. Having a real tree for the holidays means that trees must be cut down every year. Luckily, most trees come from Christmas tree farms and are planted with the sole intent of eventually being harvested. Plus, more trees being planted contributes to more trees releasing oxygen and absorbing greenhouse gases.
Real trees obviously have the upper hand over artificial ones when it comes to reducing emissions. Even though these trees are being cut down to adorn your homes, there are plenty of tree farms that use sustainable methods with the understanding that trees are cut down and new ones grow to
replace them, which helps conserve resources. The National Christmas Tree Association says that, for every one tree harvested, three more trees are planted to ensure a constant supply. So, when looking for a real tree consider purchasing from a local tree farm; to extend the environmental benefit even further, look for the overlooked, less appealing trees that might be wasted otherwise.
Real trees also have a better disposal method since they are both biodegradable and compostable. There are many services that allow consumers to recycle their real trees for lumber, mulch, compost or other purposes. Some people even feed their trees to goats. According to the National Christmas Tree Association, there are over 4,000 local holiday tree recycling programs throughout the U.S. Check with your town to see if there are any Christmas Tree recycling programs nearby. What’s the consensus? So, when push comes to shove, which is more sustainable – artificial or real trees? With the benefits of reducing emissions and waste, real holiday trees are the more sustainable option overall. Regardless of your holiday traditions and what kind of tree you decide to put up, you can learn ways to get the most out of your tree and reduce the effects of waste disposal and overconsumption during the holiday season. -A publication of the New Hampshire Department of Environmental Services, Concord, NH
Dec.-March, Mount Washington Snowcoach Tours, take a ride to the tree line on the Mt. Washington Auto Road, at approximately 4,200 feet, into a sub-arctic world tour narrated by expert guides, info/tickets: www.greatglentrails.com
Through Dec. 22, A Christmas Carol, Rochester Opera House, 31 Wakefield St., Rochester, tickets: 603-335-1992, www.rochesteroperahouse.com
Dec. 13, Friday Night Jazz, 7 p.m., musicians TBA, Majestic Café, 34 Main St., Conway, 603-447-4737, mountaintopmusic.org.
Dec. 13 & 14, Stone Mountain LIVE for Christmas, 8 p.m., Stone Mountain Arts Center, 695 Dugway Rd., Brownfield, Maine, 207-935-7292, www.stonemountainartscenter.com
Dec. 13-22, A Christmas Carol, Rochester Opera House, 31 Wakefield St., Rochester, tickets: 603-335-1992, www.rochesteroperahouse.com
Dec. 14 & 15, Inn to Inn Cookie Tour, 11 a.m. – 3 p.m., self-guided tour, hand-baked treats from Tamworth to N. Conway to Jackson, www.countryinnsinthewhitemountains.com
Dec. 16, 23 & 30, Contemporary Dance Techniques, 4 – 5 p.m., Tamworth Town House, 27 Cleveland Hill Rd., Tamworth, class for teens and pre-teens, lesson fee charged, info/reservations: jomarterry@yahoo.com. Arts Council of Tamworth program.
Dec. 17, Holiday Music Sing-along, 1- 2 p.m., favorite tunes with Becky Riley on piano, Cook Memorial Library, 93 Main St., Tamworth, 603-323-8510, www.tamworthlibrary.org.
Dec. 17, Special Once Upon a Story Hour, 4:30 – 6 p.m., Christmas-themed visit from Jovie, the elf, discover different ways people celebrate the holidays, Conway Public Library, 15 Greenwood Avenue, Conway, 603-447-5552, www. conwaypubliclibrary.org.
Dec. 18, Comedian Bob Marley, 8 p.m., Stone Mountain Arts Center, 695 Dugway Rd., Brownfield, Maine, 207-935-7292, www.stonemountainartscenter.com
Dec. 18, Strafford Wind Symphony, 7 p.m., White Christmas, variety of traditional and newer arrangements to celebrate Christmas, Hannukah, and the New Year, Rochester Opera House, 31 Wakefield St., Rochester, 603-335-1992, www.rochesteroperahouse.com.
Dec. 19, Pedro & Piper, 7 p.m., Majestic Café, 34 Main St., Conway, 603-4474737, mountaintopmusic.org.
Dec. 19-21 & 23-24, Santa’s Hut, visiting hours, free, Cate Park, South Main St., Wolfeboro, 603-569-2200, www.wolfeborochamber.com
Dec. 19-22, A Christmas Carol, 7:30 – 9:30 p.m., M&D Playhouse, 2760 White Mt. Highway, N. Conway, 603-733-5275, www.mdplayhouse.com.
Dec. 20, A Charlie Brown Christmas with Heather Pierson Trio Holiday Show, 7:30 p.m., Medallion Opera House, 20 Park St., Gorham, 603-466-3322, www.medallionoperahouse.org.
Dec. 20, Friday Night Jazz, 7 p.m., musicians TBA, Majestic Café, 34 Main St., Conway, 603-447-4737, mountaintopmusic.org.
Dec. 21, Adam Ezra Group, 8 p.m., Stone Mountain Arts Center, 695 Dugway Rd., Brownfield, Maine, 207-935-7292, www.stonemountainartscenter.com
Dec. 21, DellaValla Bluegrass Trio, 7 p.m., Majestic Café, 34 Main St., Conway, 603-447-4737, mountaintopmusic.org.
Dec. 21, Holiday Open House, 11 a.m. – 1 p.m., music, crafts, snacks, Cook Memorial Library, 93 Main St., Tamworth, 603-323-8510, www.tamworthlibrary.org.
Dec. 21, Intro to 3D Printing, 2 – 6 p.m., Makers Mill, 23 Bay St., Wolfeboro, 603-569-1500, www.makersmill.org.
Dec. 21, Tamworth Crafts Fair – Tamworth Village Hand Crafters, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m., Tamworth Town House, 27 Cleveland Hill Rd., Tamworth, 603-3238085. (Other dates scheduled as well.)
Dec. 21 & 22, Jingle Bell Chocolate Tour, 11 a.m., sleigh ride to area businesses for chocolate, Jackson Area Chamber of Commerce, 603-383-9356, www. jacksonnh.com.
Dec. 22, Sunday Afternoon Christmas Special with Andriana Gnap & Katie Dobbins, 3 p.m., Majestic Café, 34 Main St., Conway, 603-447-4737, mountaintopmusic.org.
Dec. 26, Home for the Holidays Concert, 7 – 8 p.m., Medallion Opera House, 20 Park St., Gorham, local talent welcome for performance, 603-466-3322, www.medallionoperahouse.org.
Dec. 26, 30 & 31, Comedian Bob Marley, Rochester Opera House, 31 Wakefield St., Rochester, tickets: 603-335-1992, www.rochesteroperahouse.com
Dec. 27, Dar Williams, 8 p.m., Stone Mountain Arts Center, 695 Dugway Rd., Brownfield, Maine, 207-935-7292, www.stonemountainartscenter.com
Dec. 27, Live Music in Koessler’s Pub, 4 – 7 p.m., music with Colin Hart, Cranmore Mountain Resort, 239 Skimobile Rd., N. Conway, 1 800-786-6754.
Dec. 29, Live Music in Koessler’s Pub, 4 – 7 p.m., music with Mike & Becca of Rek-lis, Cranmore Mountain Resort, 239 Skimobile Rd., N. Conway, 1 800786-6754.
Dec. 28, Intro to Leatherwork: Personalized Coasters & Trays, 10 a.m.noon, Makers Mill, 23 Bay St., Wolfeboro, 603-569-1500, www.makersmill.org.
Dec. 28 & 29, Recycled Percussion, Rochester Opera House, 31 Wakefield St., Rochester, tickets: 603-335-1992, www.rochesteroperahouse.com
Dec. 29, Live Music in Koessler’s Pub, music with Rek-lis, 4 – 7 p.m., Cranmore Mountain Resort, 239 Skimobile Rd., N. Conway, 1 800-786-6754.
Dec. 30, Live Music in Koessler’s Pub, 4 – 7 p.m., music with Dan Parkhurst, Cranmore Mountain Resort, 239 Skimobile Rd., N. Conway, 1 800-786-6754.
Dec. 31, Live Music in Koessler’s Pub, 4 – 7 p.m., music with Kyle Poirier, Cranmore Mountain Resort, 239 Skimobile Rd., N. Conway, 1 800-786-6754.
Dec. 31, NYE Cranaalooza, 4 – 8 p.m., celebrate New Year’s Eve with NYE themed Glo Party and fireworks at 6:30 p.m., Cranmore Mountain Resort, 239 Skimobile Rd., N. Conway, 1 800-786-6754.
Dec. 31 New Year’s Eve at Santa’s Village, 4 – 9 p.m., 528 Presidential Highway, Jefferson, 603-586-4445, info@santasvillage.com.
Dec. 31, New Year’s Eve Fireworks in Schouler’s Park, 9:30 p.m., 176 Main St., North Conway, 603-901-1139.
Dec. 31, Soggy Po’ Boys, 8 p.m., Stone Mountain Arts Center, 695 Dugway Rd., Brownfield, Maine, 207-935-7292, www.stonemountainartscenter.com
JANUARY
Jan. 2, Monthly Poetry Group, 4 – 5:30 p.m., write and read your poetry, mini workshop, monthly theme (Jan. theme: Renewal), Conway Public Library, 15 Greenwood Avenue, Conway, 603-447-5552, www.conwaypubliclibrary.org.
Jan. 3, First Friday Reception, 5 - 7 p.m., refreshments, conversation & art, ArtWorks Gallery & Fine Crafts, 603-323-8041, 132 Rte. 16, Chocorua, www. chocoruaartworks.com
Jan. 4, Electronics – How to Use a Mulimeter, 9 - 11 a.m., Makers Mill, 23 Bay St., Wolfeboro, 603-569-1500, www.makersmill.org.
Jan. 4, Live Music in Koessler’s Pub, 4 – 7 p.m., music with Joe Winslow, Cranmore Mountain Resort, 239 Skimobile Rd., N. Conway, 1 800-786-6754.
Jan. 4, Team Jigsaw Puzzle Tournament, 1 – 3 p.m., Pope Memorial Library, 2719 Main St., North Conway, 603-356-2961, www.popelibrarynh.org.
Jan. 8, Kevin Dolan & Simon Crawford, 7 p.m., Majestic Café, 34 Main St., Conway, 603-447-4737, mountaintopmusic.org.
Jan. 8, Live Music in Koessler’s Pub, 4 – 7 p.m., music with Ryan St. Onge, Cranmore Mountain Resort, 239 Skimobile Rd., N. Conway, 1 800-786-6754.
Jan. 9, Heather Pierson & The Potboilers, 7 p.m., Majestic Café, 34 Main St., Conway, 603-447-4737, mountaintopmusic.org.
Jan. 11, Frost & Flame, 4 – 7 p.m., ice carvings, fire dancing and more, family fun event, Cranmore Mountain Resort, 239 Skimobile Rd., N. Conway, 1 800786-6754.
Jan. 11, Paint Your Pet, 2 – 5 p.m., Makers Mill, 23 Bay St., Wolfeboro, 603569-1500, www.makersmill.org.
Jan. 11, Upcycled Fashion Workshop & Clothing Swap, 10 a.m. - noon, Makers Mill, 23 Bay St., Wolfeboro, 603-569-1500, www.makersmill.org
Jan. 12, Alcohol Inks – Easygoing Cousin of Watercolors, 10 – 11:30 am, Makers Mill, 23 Bay St., Wolfeboro, 603-569-1500, www.makersmill.org.
Jan. 15, Kevin Dolan & Simon Crawford, 7 p.m., Majestic Café, 34 Main St.,
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Jan. 15, Live Music in Koessler’s Pub, 4 – 7 p.m., music with Steven Flaherty, Cranmore Mountain Resort, 239 Skimobile Rd., N. Conway, 1 800-786-6754.
Jan. 16, Lighthouse Louie, vocal trio, 7 p.m., Majestic Café, 34 Main St., Conway, 603-447-4737, mountaintopmusic.org.
Jan. 19, Live Music in Koessler’s Pub, 4 – 7 p.m., music with Rek-Lis, Cranmore Mountain Resort, 239 Skimobile Rd., N. Conway, 1 800-786-6754.
Jan. 22, Kevin Dolan & Simon Crawford, 7 p.m., Majestic Café, 34 Main St., Conway, 603-447-4737, mountaintopmusic.org.
Jan. 22, Live Music in Koessler’s Pub, 4 – 7 p.m., music with Greg Walsh, Cranmore Mountain Resort, 239 Skimobile Rd., N. Conway, 1 800-786-6754.
ONGOING
ArtWorks Gallery & Fine Crafts/CCAC, art, workshops and events, open year-round with seasonal hours, 603-323-8041, 132 Rte. 16, Chocorua, www. chocoruaartworks.com.
Believe in Books Literacy Foundation/Theatre in the Wood, Intervale, programs for children, 603-356-9980, www.believeinbooks.org.
Breakfast Buffet, 7 a.m. - 11 a.m., Wolfeboro Masonic Lodge, 35 Trotting Track Rd, Wolfeboro. Pancakes, French toast, scrambled eggs, home fries, bacon, sausage, omelets made-to-order, Eggs Benedict, biscuit and gravy, juice, and coffee. Served the second Sunday of every month. 603-569-4637.
Castle in the Clouds, Rte. 171, Moultonborough, 603-476-5900, www.castleintheclouds.org.
Chapman Sanctuary and Visny Woods, nature trails open for hiking, 740 Mt. Israel Rd., Center Sandwich, 603-284-6428, www.chap.m.ansanctuaryvisnywoods.com.
Chocorua Lake Basin View Lot, free, directions/info: www.chocorualake.org.
Cog Railway, 3168 Base Station Rd., Mount Washington, 800-922-8825, www. thecog.com.
Conway Historical Society, historical info., 603-447-5551, www.conwayhistoricalsociety.org.
Conway Public Library, 15 Greenwood Avenue, Conway, many learning experiences, 603-447-5552, www.conwaypubliclibrary.org.
Conway Scenic Railroad, train rides to White Mt. areas, reservations: 603356-5251, station located at 38 Norcross Circle, North Conway, www.conwayscenic.com.
Cookbook Club, meets on 3rd Wed. every other month, 12:30 p.m., Pope Memorial Library, 2719 Main St., North Conway, 603-356-2961, www.popelibrarynh.org.
Dam Brewhouse, events, 1323 NH Rte. 175, Campton, 603-726-4500, www. dambrewhouse.com.
First Friday Receptions, through Dec., 5 - 7 p.m., refreshments, conversation & art, ArtWorks Gallery & Fine Crafts, 603-323-8041, 132 Rte. 16, Chocorua, www.chocoruaartworks.com.
Frank Bolles Nature Reserve, walking trails, off Rt. 16 to Chocorua Lake Rd., Chocorua, www.chocorualake.org.
Freedom Village Store, artisan items, baked goods and more, 11 Elm St., Freedom, call for info./hours: 603-539-3077, www.freedomvillagestore.org.
Great Glen Trails, outdoor center/activities, Mt. Washington Auto Rd., Gorham, 603-466-3988, www.greatglentrails.com
Guided Snowshoe Tours, Jackson Ski Touring Foundation, call for hours, 603383-9355, 153 Main St., Jackson, www.jacksonxc.org
In the Round, Sundays at 8:45 a.m., thought-provoking topics related to tolerance, Benz Center, Sandwich, 603-284-7532.
Indoor Pickleball, 5 p.m., Sandwich Central School gym, Sandwich, every Tues., Wed. & Fri., parksandrec@sandwichnh.org
Jackson Historical Society, open Saturdays & Sundays, t, Jackson Historical Society, 23 Black Mt. Rd., Jackson, info./hours: 603-383-4060, www.jacksonhistory.org.
Ladies of the Lake Quilt Guild, meets second and fourth Wednesdays of each month, 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. at First Congregational Church, 115 Main St., Wolfeboro. A second group meets first and third Tuesday of each month at Community Center, 22 Lehner St., Wolfeboro, www.llqg.net.
Lakes Region Curling Association, fall & winter leagues, matches at Pop Whalen Ice & Arts Center, 84 S. Main St., Wolfeboro, Sundays 4:30 – 6:30 p.m., 603-569-5639.
Majestic Café, jazz, blues, and more, 34 Main St., Conway, 603-447-4737, mountaintopmusic.org.
Makers Mill, variety of workshops, classes in arts and crafts and more, Makers Mill, 23 Bay St., Wolfeboro, 603-569-1500, www.makersmill.org.
Making Strides, 8 – 9 a.m., drop-in walking for groups or singles, Ossipee Town Hall, no pre-registration required, 55 Main St., Center Ossipee, takes place various times: www.ossipee.recdesk.com.
Mt. Washington Valley Arts Assoc., 11 a.m. - 4 p.m., Thurs.-Sunday, variety of art work, 16 Norcross Circle, North Conway, 603-356-2787, www.mwvarts.org.
Naturalist Led Hikes, Tin Mountain Conservation Center, 1245 Bald Hill Rd., Albany, space limited, registration/info.: 603-447-6991, www.tinmountain.org.
NE Ski Museum, ski exhibits, 2628 White Mt. Highway, North Conway, www.newenglandskimuseum.org.
NH Farm Museum, 1305 White Mt. Highway, Milton, 603-652-7840, www. nhfarmmuseum.org
Outdoor Nature Based Storytime for Young Children, Tuesdays, 10:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m., Cook Memorial Library, 93 Main St., Tamworth, 603-323-8510, www.tamworthlibrary.org.
Quilting Group, 1 - 4 p.m., meets every 2 weeks, Ossipee Public Library, 74 Main St., Ossipee, schedule/info: 603-539-6390
Remick Country Doctor Museum & Farm, events, tours, 58 Cleveland Hill Rd., Tamworth, 603-323-7591, www.remickmuseum.org.
Roller Skating Night, 5 p.m., Mondays, bring your own skates, for age 18 and up, Ossipee Town Hall, 55 Main St., Ossipee, info/updates: 603-539-1307, www. ossipee.org.
Second Saturday Contradance, Tamworth Outing Club, 7:30 – 10 p.m., Tamworth Town House, 27 Cleveland Hill Rd., Tamworth, admission charged, info.: Amy Berrier 603-651-5800 or Teresa Fournier at 978-609-2181.
Song and Jam Circle, 6:30 – 8 p.m., community created jams and song circle, 3rd Monday of each month, Runnells Hall, 25 Deer Hill Rd., Tamworth, free, bring your favorite instruments, Arts Council of Tamworth, 603-584-2712, www.artstamworth.org
Tamworth Farmer’s Market, Saturdays, 9 a.m. - noon, 30 Tamworth Road, Tamworth, info: www.tamworthfarmersmarket.org.
Tamworth History Center, 25 Great Hill Rd., Tamworth, info: www.tamworthhistorycenter.org.
Tamworth Townhouse Hoot – Bruce Berquist & Jim Alt, 1 – 3 p.m., Saturdays, 27 Cleveland Hill Rd., Tamworth, song circle, local musicians welcome to participate, bruceberquist@gmail.com
Thursday Night Book Club, meets fourth Thursday of every month for discussion of books; Mystery Book Club meets second Thursday of the month, White Birch Books, 2568 White Mt. Highway, North Conway, 603-356-3200, www. whitebirchbooks.com.
Tin Mountain Conservation Center, 1245 Bald Hill Rd., Albany, programs, hikes, nature learning center, 603-447-6991, www.tinmountain.org.
Wolfeboro Table Tennis, meets every Wed. from 4 - 6 p.m., in basement of All Saints Church, Wolfeboro, all skill levels welcome, $5 admission charge each week, info: 603-520-5651. Whether it’s a concert, art exhibit, festival, or community gathering, we want to feature it in our “What’s Up” column! Submit your event details, including date, time, location, and a brief description, to pressreleases@thelaker.com
Can’t choose between Lake Winnipesaukee or Lake Wentworth? Have a little of both for about half the price! 83 Center Street is a short paddle up ordown the Smith River to either lake. This beautiful two unit is about as peaceful as it can get for downtown Wolfeboro. A place where you can sit back and easily watch the worries of the world drift away downstream as you enjoy your 176 feet of privately owned waterfront. A myriad of wildlife will certainly entertain and grace your doorstep and will constantly change with the seasons. A one-of-a-kind two unit where you could live in one unit while you run your business out of the other. It’s a mixed use space with parking for 10 cars which allows you a wide range of options. Stop in, spend a few minutes and let your imagination take hold on all the wonderful possibilities with this unique, one-of-a -kind Wolfeboro location. $575,000
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Cookies, Cookies, Cookies!
By Chef Kelly Ross
Hello, Route 16 and all points north, south, east and west. I hope all my North Conway friends and family are getting all primed for the holiday season. Thanksgiving is behind us and now it’s all about the favorite holiday of many, especially for the kids out there. I know it’s a stressful time for many, me included most years, but all we must do is to look at the kids, take care of them, and everything is ok again. Watching their smiling faces when opening presents makes us all realize what it’s all about. Before the big morning though, I know so many of my lady friends in particular out there who love their cookie swap parties. I’ve been to a few being the foodie that I am, as I wanted to walk away with an array of cookie fun to bring home, although quite often those parties are pretty entertaining as there is usually more wine involved than cookies haha. I see nothing wrong with that as good friends celebrating around the holidays is what it is all about. If you haven’t guessed yet, yup, today’s theme is for some fun ideas for those great cookie swaps, so let’s do it.
For starters, this isn’t about those cookie-cutter cookies that are all colored with Christmas colors. I’m talking
great cookies that aren’t just awesome for the swaps this time of year but 12 months a year. This first one is a chocolate mint cookie using Andes mint chocolates, and yes, they are as yummy as they sound. The recipe is basic; it will get you a minimum of 2 dozen cookies and the whole process is less than a half hour. Not bad, right?
Andes Mints Cookies
1 cup butter, softened to room temp, but not melted
½ cup sugar
½ cup brown sugar
2 eggs
1 tsp vanilla extract
2 ¼ cups flour
½ cup cocoa powder
1 tsp baking soda
½ tsp salt
24-36 Andes mint chocolates
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. In a large bowl, combine the flour, cocoa powder, baking soda and salt. In a stand-up mixer, blend the butter with the sugars and vanilla until smooth. Add in the eggs 1 at a time until thoroughly combined, then hand mix in the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients. Do not over-mix. Scoop approximately 1 tbsp of the dough onto a baking sheet and ensure they are approximately 2 inches apart. Bake for 8-10 minutes
until the edges of the cookies are soft. Remove the cookies from the oven and place an unwrapped Andes mint on each cookie at the center. Allow them to set and let the heat from the cookie melt the mint, 3-5 minutes, then take a knife and gently spread the mint around the top of the cookie to create the “icing.” Transfer the cookies to a cool rack and allow them to cool completely. Enjoy!
Although this batch of cookies is far from original, it’s always a winner. This is the mesh of 2 of the most famous cookies ever, the chocolate chip and the peanut butter cookie. I have had many versions over the years, but this one is my favorite. These are so soft and chewy which is what I’m looking for in a cookie more times than not. This is kind of the cookie version of a Reese’s cup with that marriage of peanut butter and chocolate. This is the ultimate chocolate chip cookie in my book. Like the last one, you can have these made in less than a half hour and this should get you in the ballpark of 36 cookies.
Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies
1 cup peanut butter
½ cup butter, softened
½ cup white sugar
½ cup brown sugar
1 egg
3 tbsp milk
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 ½ cups flour
¾ tsp baking powder
¼ tsp salt
1 ½ cups semi-sweet chocolate chips optional
In your mixer, cream together the peanut butter, butter, white sugar and brown sugar until blended. Beat in the egg, milk, and vanilla. Combine the flour, baking powder and salt in a separate bowl. Add flour mixture to the peanut butter mixture and mix well. Stir in chocolate chips at this point. Scoop tablespoonfuls of dough and roll into balls. Place cookies 2 inches apart on ungreased cookie sheet with parchment paper. Press each ball once with a fork. Bake for 8-10 minutes at 375 degrees. Don’t overcook. These cookies are much better soft and just barely cooked all the way through.
Let’s continue with another chocolate chipper, except this one uses white chocolate as well as crushed peppermints which again is a great marriage of flavors. This one has the most • Cookout continued on page 11
Christmasy flavor of today’s bunch, although for me for a cookie swap, variety is a must. The peppermint isn’t overpowering but just enough to make these perfect. Although I do love chocolate, I prefer white chocolate usually, kind of how I prefer blondies to brownies. Regardless of your preference, you will be digging into these cookies. This batch takes a tad over a half hour and will get you approximately 2 dozen cookies unless you prefer to make them bigger.
Peppermint White Chocolate Chip Cookies
2 ½ cups flour
1 tsp baking soda
1 tsp salt
1 cup butter softened
¾ cup white sugar
¾ cup brown sugar firmly packed
1 ½ tsp vanilla extract
2 eggs
2 cups white chocolate chips
½ cup crushed peppermint pieces
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicon mat and set aside. Crush the peppermint candy into small pieces using a food processor or a ziplocked bag and a rolling pin. In a small bowl, combine and mix the flour, baking soda, and salt, set aside. In a large bowl, combine the white sugar, brown sugar, melted butter and eggs and stir until completely combined. Then add in the vanilla extract and mix again well. Combine the dry flour mixture to the wet ingredients and stir to combine. Fold in the white chocolate chips and
half of the crushed peppermint pieces. Using a cookie scoop, drop cookies onto the prepared cookie sheets. If you want large cookies, use a large 3 tbsp scoop. I usually use a medium, 1 ½ tbsp cookie scoop. Proceed to top each cookie with the remaining peppermint pieces, pressing them into the dough only slightly. Place the cookies in the preheated oven, for large cookies bake for 12-14 minutes, for the smaller size cookies bake them for 9-11 minutes. Let the cookies cool on the tray for about 5 minutes, then transfer them to
a cooling rack to cool slightly. Whether eaten while warm or at room temp, you’ll love them.
Our next cookie is another marriage of great flavors. The first is gingersnap, which is always a great cookie and the second is another that gels well with the first. They make a great combo as they have similar flavors but also quite different. As a kid, we used all the leftover pumpkin that was bought over the Halloween season and used it when we made gingerbread, so that same mentality works well here as
well. They go together as quickly as the others although the dough needs to be refrigerated for at least an hour before baking the cookies. I sometimes make the dough the day before baking the cookies, but an hour is all you need to wait. These are amazing soft cookies this recipe will get you as many as 3 dozen treats.
Soft Pumpkin Gingersnap
½ cup butter, room temp
1 cup granulated sugar plus more for rolling the cookies
½ cup pure pumpkin
¼ cup molasses
1 large egg
1 tsp vanilla
2 ⅓ cups all-purpose flour
2 tsp baking soda
2 tsp cinnamon
1 ½ tsp ground ginger
1 tsp ground cloves
½ tsp salt
In the bowl of a stand mixer or using an electric handheld mixer, beat the softened butter and sugar together until creamy and smooth. Then, add in the pumpkin, molasses, egg, vanilla extract and mix until well combined. After that, in a separate medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, ginger, ground cloves and salt. Proceed to add the dry ingredients to wet ingredients and mix until combined. The dough will be fairly sticky, so be sure to refrigerate the cookie dough for at least 1 hour. The dough can be chilled for 2-3 days. I personally think these cookies taste better after the dough has sat in the fridge for a day
• Cookout continued on page 12
Comfort for Every Home. mfort
Gafney Library Holds Reception for Folk Art Painter
During the month of December, the Gafney Library in Sanbornville, NH will exhibit the work of Frederick Foley. Since 1979, Foley has been creating paintings in the “Folk Art” or Primitive” style, blending raw, intuitive expression with a unique flair. Foley’s work transports you to a time when primitive art flourished during the Colonial and Early American periods. Artists during that period painted interior walls, furniture, boards, store signs and other wood and glass items for decoration and to document historic places and events. While many artists today who paint in this style
• Cookout continued from page 11
to allow the flavors to meld. When you are ready to bake the cookies, preheat oven to 350 degrees. Then, line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Also, place some sugar in a small bowl. Proceed to roll tablespoon-sized balls of dough and then roll them in the bowl of sugar until well coated, place them on the prepared baking sheet, about 2 inches apart. I like to use Turbinado sugar, it is coarse, so the granules of the sugar stand out more, but regular sugar also works well too. Place the cookie sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 10-12 minutes, or until cookies look cracked and set at the edges. The cookies will still be soft so let them cool on the baking sheet for 2-3 minutes after removing them from the oven, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely. Good stuff!
I’m going off the board a little for this one, as it’s not really a cookie but instead a truffle, which will be a huge hit at a cookie swap. These Butterfinger Chocolate Caramel Crunch Truffles are an indulgent blend of smooth chocolate, creamy caramel and the signature crunch of Butterfinger candy. Perfect for gifting, parties, or a sweet
gravitate toward more traditional mediums, Foley has made acrylics his signature, instead of oil, thus infusing his work with a modern twist on a timeless form. When viewing Foley’s paintings, you feel transported back in history to a simpler time and place.
Foley was born in Chelsea, Massachusetts. He spent summers in North Wakefield Village at his parents’ summer cottage. As a young man, Foley was introduced to the world of art by his mother, who regularly took him on inspiring trips to museums and art galleries. There is no doubt that his summers here in New Hampshire are where
treat, these truffles offer a balance of sweetness and texture that melts in your mouth. They’re easy to make and customizable with toppings of your choice if you care to go off the board, so to speak. This is likely the simplest of recipes today with the best payoff at eating time. Like the last one, there is an hour of refrigeration time in between making the truffle filling and then finishing by dipping them in melted chocolate and crushed Butterfingers. Enjoy the combo of sweet and crunchy. Butterfinger Chocolate Caramel Crunch Truffles
1 cup caramel sauce
2 cups chocolate chips or semisweet chocolate, chopped
1 cup crushed Butterfinger candy bars
Sea salt, optional, but recommended Additional Butterfinger crumbs or sprinkles
To prepare the filling, in a bowl, mix the caramel sauce with crushed Butterfinger pieces to create the truffle filling. Scoop small amounts of the filling, roll into balls, and place on a lined baking sheet. Chill in the refrigerator until firm, approximately 1 hour but longer works too. Melt chocolate chips in a microwave or using a double boiler, stirring until smooth. Coat each truf-
his artistic skills and style developed.
In the summer of 1962, Foley was introduced to Wentworth House, its historical significance from 1768 to 1820, and its architecture through the Libby Museum. These experiences sparked a lifelong passion for historical preservation. In 1994 he founded the Friends of the Governor Wentworth State Historic Site. Foley continues to research its architecture and extensive estate with property located in Wolfeborough, Brookfield and New Durham. Foley’s passion lies in 18th century history, architecture, landscapes and fieldstone foundations, which are prevalent in his
fle in melted chocolate using a fork or spoon, then sprinkle with additional Butterfinger crumbs and sea salt while the coating is still wet. Refrigerate the truffles for about 30 minutes until the chocolate hardens. Serve chilled or at room temperature. My guess is these will be your most popular item at the swap and with your family and friends.
Lastly today, I share a thumbprint cookie. There are many options for thumbprint cookies around the holiday season and your favorite jam is the thumbprint for these. I usually use either raspberry or strawberry jam, but any jam or preserves is awesome in these as I have used blueberry jam/ preserves, sometimes orange marmalade and they are outstanding as well. Do not use a jelly as they are too soupy for what you are looking for in these cookies. Like all of these today and most cookie recipes, these are quick, easy and delicious. The blend of this buttery cookie with the addition of jam will make for a darn good cookie. Plan on a half hour and 3 dozen cookies Soft Jam Thumbprint Cookies
2 sticks of butter, room temp
2/3 cup granulated sugar
2 egg yolks
1 tsp vanilla extract
2 cups all-purpose flour
works today.
Foley has previously had his work shown at the Libby Museum, the Gafney Library, Tuftonboro Free Library, participated in the “Art at the Gafney” summer show, and the Franklin Gallery in Rochester, N.H.
Discover the joy of Fred’s captivating painting, they are the perfect way to celebrate the holiday season! The public is invited to attend a reception with light refreshments on December 21, from 10 am-12 pm.
½ tsp salt Jam or preserves of choice
Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Line a cookie sheet with parchment paper. Beat together butter and sugar on medium-high speed until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes. Beat in egg yolks and vanilla extract. Add flour and salt and mix until incorporated and dough comes together in a ball. If desired, chill for 30 minutes. Form dough into 1-inch balls, making sure they’re perfectly round, and arrange on prepared cookie sheet. Use a ½ tsp measure to create perfectly circular craters in the center. Bake cookies for 8-10 minutes. Remove cookie sheet from oven. If indentations look shallow, further define them again and fill each with a bit of jam. Bake for an additional 3-4 minutes, or until jam melts slightly and edges of cookies are lightly golden. I wish you all the absolute best holiday season ever and with any luck, you can bring some of these recipes to life for your parties and family. Until we talk again in 2025, remember to keep your taste buds happy and smiling, and if you want to touch base with any feedback or questions, feel free to reach out at fenwaysox10@gmail.com
Day Tripping Adventures Await...Explore
Hampshire Day Tripping
Santa’s Village Offers ‘Pure Joy, Family-Style’
By Thomas P. Caldwell
The final weeks (before his whirlwind Christmas Eve sleigh ride) are very busy for Santa Claus, where he visits stores and community treelighting ceremonies while his elves are putting the finishing touches on the toys he will be delivering. Still, he makes time to relax on weekends at his permanent vacation home, Santa’s Village in Jefferson, NH.
For 72 years, Santa has utilized the Jefferson attraction whenever he is able to get away from his work at the North Pole. And even though he is taking it easy, he still sets aside time to greet the families, many of whom travel great distances for the opportunity to visit with him. “The nice thing is… they can visit and have a real conversation,” said Jim Miller, one of Santa’s helpers at the Village. “We don’t rush them along; we give them a chance to actually get comfortable and chat and explain what they’d like to tell Santa. It’s just a very nice setting, very relaxed, and it’s a real conversational type of thing. It’s not rushed or canned in any way. It’s very individualistic.” Santa sits in his large green chair during those conversations,
providing great photo opportunities. Santa’s helpers are on hand to take photos for purchase, but they also allow people to take their own photos with Santa.
Jim says that Santa Claus is very good at answering the unexpected questions that some children pose, and Rudolph, too, has learned to be prepared. “People can have a conversation with Rudolph, who is out at the front of the park in
a little booth, and Rudolph gets a wide range of unusual questions: Who Rudolph’s father is. I’ve heard people ask him what his favorite parts of the park are, what his favorite foods are. I heard a child this summer ask if he lays eggs.”
Santa’s Village has gift shops, food, and train rides along with many one would not expect at a theme park: a Skyway Sleigh monorail, the Great
Humbug Adventure dark ride, and even a new Midnight Flyer roller coaster that just opened this past June and will continue to operate through New Year’s Eve.
There are live reindeer — “actual real reindeer that people get to get up close to and feed,” according to Jim, who notes that they can eat only special food. “Doctor’s orders, really,” he said. “Our reindeer can only eat the food that you buy here because their diets are very sensitive, and we like to keep an eye on what they eat and how much they eat.”
Other popular attractions are the blacksmith shop, where nails for “reindeer shoes” are shaped into rings for visitors and a gingerbread house where people can purchase and decorate gingerbread cookies. Speaking of food, Nick’s Pizza Emporium “makes the best pizza north of anywhere you can name,” Jim attests, and there are numerous other food and gift shops in the Village.
Santa’s Express Train and the
• Day Tripping continued on page 16
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Adventures in RV Life Embrace the Open Road
By Dick and Barbara Higgins
Different people have different reasons for entering the RV world. For us, it was mostly economic, with a partial desire to satisfy our wanderlust while creating learning experiences for ourselves and our kids. Like many young families, we lived modestly with pretty normal cost-of-living expenses, but we still wanted to expand our experiences while maintaining a fairly tight budget.
Once the RV idea hit us, it totally made sense, and as they say, “the rest is history.” We researched the RV market to determine what style and size would work best for us. Being rather naïve shoppers actually turned out to be beneficial in our case, and the kids enjoyed the whole process too. We all learned a lot.
We ended up going to the annual RV show in Boston, which opened our eyes to the world of RVing. We were like “kids in a candy store.” At one point, I was just coming out after viewing one RV when I spotted my wife leaning out the door of another. She yelled, “Hey Dick, come here, this is the one!”
We bought our first RV, a 24-foot travel trailer, at that show in 1977. As the years went by and we gained more knowledge and experience, much of this through volunteering at various local RV rallies and national conventions, all while working full-time jobs and raising our family, we discovered
The Road to Adventure: How Our Family Embraced the RV Lifestyle
that the RV lifestyle was far more than we had ever realized.
In 1996, I was reaching my retirement year, and Barbara was able to go to full “per diem” status as a nurse, which gave her more flexibility with her hospital obligations.
We went to another, bigger RV show in South Bend, Indiana, and it was there that we learned about the biggest RV show in the U.S., which takes place annually at the Tampa Fairgrounds in Florida every January. So, what could we do? We went in January 1997, and we bought our 1996 motorhome, a National Tropi-Cal, after five days of attending the show. At the time, it was the best quality for the money and the best-manufactured product out there. We bought the “top of the line” model, and we still have that motorhome today.
In between the 1977 travel trailer and the 1996 motorhome, there were many learning experiences for us individually and as a family. To this day, we still have recalls and discussions about various episodes that happened while RVing. We like to think that these experiences contributed to shaping our children’s lives in many positive ways. And for those doubters out there, we were able to accomplish it all while staying within fairly tight financial boundaries.
The point we’re trying to make is that
ROUTE 16 Along
once you decide the RV life is in your future — whether full-time, part-time, weekends only, or just for vacations — you can then focus on the details of type, size, style, and accessories. Depending on your type of unit, the RV needs to be outfitted. Think of it as setting up a new home. You’ll need dishes, silverware, glasses, pots & pans, towels, and sleeping bags — or you might want to go more upscale with sheets, blankets, and pillows. Then, add cleaning supplies, first-aid equipment, and tools. In some units, you’ll need a heater and bathroom supplies.
Now, don’t get discouraged; these are mostly one-time purchases. Once you’ve done this, you’ll find it much easier than carting all your items back and forth from your house.
Now, you need to familiarize yourself with the “how-to’s” of your RV. It’s better to tinker with all the operations of the unit while in your driveway than in a campground or rest area. In a pinch, Walmart has a limited supply of RV needs, but specialty stores are the “toy store” for campers. Camping World and RV dealers offer a good selection of things you never knew you needed.
If you have children, to preserve your sanity on a rainy day, you must have board games. I say “must” because you could be somewhere without internet for those electronics that have become an extension of their hands.
in your yard or at least close to home. You’re in familiar territory and can easily go back to the house or maybe to a nearby store. You can also test out your waterlines (ours were plumbed backward, but we were staying at the dealer’s back lot for the night), your heat and AC, your hot water heater, and fridge.
OK, you’re good to go. But if you’ve just purchased a towable RV, we hope the dealer has demonstrated the hookup process to the vehicle you’ll be towing with. If not, the first thing you need is patience, and you also need a good working relationship with your RV partner.
In future articles, we will be explaining in detail the processes involved in hooking up a trailer to a tow vehicle, hooking up a “fifth-wheel trailer” to a towing truck, and hooking up a vehicle being towed behind a motorhome or motor coach. The processes are similar but different. There’s the mechanical hookup (with safety chains), the electrical hookups for towed vehicle lights, and, depending on size and weight, a supplemental braking system.
So now you think you’re all set to go — trust me, there’s something you forgot! The first place to camp should be
Don’t let all this scare you, though. Once you’re familiar with the procedures, it’s really not that complicated or difficult. It becomes part of the whole RVing experience that everyone goes through, and it’s quite satisfying and rewarding when you’ve mastered it. If you’re partnered in this endeavor, that too is rewarding — you’ve accomplished this seemingly impossible experience together. Congrats!
Children’s Museum of NH Upcoming Events and Grand Re-Opening
Toddler Tinker Time: Tuesday, December 17, 10:30–11:30 am: Join us for a weekly program and informal playgroup that emphasizes the importance of tinkering! Tinkering helps little ones develop fine motor skills, increases problem-solving abilities, and is an open invitation to foster peer relationships! What is tinkering? Tinkering can range from taking something apart and putting it back together to making an open-ended sculpture to playing with “loose parts’’ and special science tools. We will have different activities every week, and some old favorites will pop up again and again. Want to join in? Simply reserve spots in the museum’s morning play session that correspond to the date of the Toddler Tinker Time you want to join – it’s included with museum admission and, as always, free for Members!
Baby Storytime: Wednesday, December 18 (no Baby Storytime Dec. 25) 9:30–10 am: Babies (ages 6 months–2 years) and their caregivers are welcome to join Baby Storytime! This weekly program features songs, rhymes, movement ideas, and books for babies and their caregivers and introduces important pre-literacy skills along the way! This drop-in program and informal playgroup is a great way to socialize with other babies and caregivers. Want to join in? Simply reserve spots in the museum’s morning play session that correspond to the date of the Baby Storytime you want to join –it’s included with museum admission and, as always, free for Members!
Wee Ones Wednesday: December 18 (No class Dec. 25), January 8, 15, 29 (No class Jan. 1 or 22) 9:15–10 am. Join Miss Xanthi at the Children’s Museum of New Hampshire for this interactive weekly program for children ages 2–4. Designed as a PRE preschool program for children and a parent or caregiver, we will enjoy art, music, movement, and conceptual learning together! This program is limited to 10 children, and caregivers or adults are welcome to sign up multiple children within their family. Pre-reservation/payment is required and does not include museum admission. Reservations to stay and play in museum exhibits must be made separately. Prices: Child $13 ($10 for Members), Additional Children (if participating in crafts & is a sibling) $9 ($7 for Members).
Wacky Art Wednesday: December 18, 10:30 am during Morning Play Session (9 am-noon) 2:30 pm during Afternoon Play Session (1–4 pm). Join us at the Children’s Museum of New
Hampshire at either 10:30 am or 2:30 pm every Wednesday to do a wacky and wonderful art project. Want to join in?
Simply reserve spots in the museum’s morning or afternoon play session that corresponds to the date of the Wacky Art Wednesday you want to join – it’s included with museum admission and, as always, free for Members!
Science Friday: December 20, 10:30 am during Morning Play Session (9 am-noon) and 2:30 pm during Afternoon Play Session (1–4 pm). Join us for Science Fridays! New each week and included with regular Museum admission, Science Friday drop-in programs engage children in experiments and activities that focus on fun and act as a jumping-off point for learning about science concepts. Want to join in? Simply reserve spots in the museum’s morning or afternoon play session that corresponds to the date of the Science Friday you want to join – it’s included with museum admission and, as always, free for Members!
Cultural Crafts: December Holidays: Thursdays, December 19 & 26 10:30 am during Morning Play Session (9 am–noon), 2:30 pm during Afternoon Play Session (1–4 pm). Join us at the Children’s Museum of New Hampshire during our Thursday play sessions at either 10:30 am or 2:30 pm to do a fun craft, play a game, or make some art celebrating a culture from around the world! Each month we will choose one culture or festival to focus on. This Month we will be making crafts to celebrate four different December holidays. Want to join in? Simply reserve spots in the museum’s morning or afternoon play session that corresponds to the date of the Cultural Crafts you want to join – it’s included with museum admission and, as always, free for Members!
Gallery 6 Art Exhibition “Opposites”: On view through December 2024. Opposites is a playful art exhibition on the ramp up to the second floor of the Children’s Museum of New Hampshire, featuring ten New England artists exhibiting pairs of works that are in some way opposites of each other. The art invites children and their caregivers to pause for a moment, look, debate, and discuss these many unique pairings. Artists in this exhibition include Rachel Benson, Deirdre Blair, Kate Brindley, Taintor Davis Child, Vanessa De Zorzi, Matt Gunn, Sarah Koff, Laura Mainella, Madison Ramirez, and Karina Taylor. Gallery 6 • Museum continued on page 17
Skyway Sleigh monorail are rides suitable for entire families. “We have a lot of three-generation families visit here — grandparents, parents, and young children — and those are rides that they can enjoy together,” Jim said. “You don’t find a monorail like that in these parts very often.”
More adventurous visitors may want to try the Midnight Flyer, where riders will experience how it feels to fly with the reindeer when Santa delivers his presents.
Then there is the Great Humbug Adventure, where riders go through old Scrooge’s house in the dark with “giggle gadgets” — laser pointers — to
watch for humbugs. “You try to tickle the humbugs you see throughout the ride because they’re making Scrooge miserable,” Jim said. “You can make them laugh with your laser pointer and earn points, and, by the end of the ride, if you’ve done well enough there, Scrooge is pretty much happy by then. So it’s one you can compare scores with the other people in your car and see who tickled the most humbugs.” Jim sums up the visitor experience with the Santa’s Village motto: “What we deliver is pure joy, family-style.”
Origins
There is an interesting story behind Santa’s Village. The founders, Normand and Cecile Dubois, were taking their three-year-old daughter,
Elaine, for a ride along Route 2 in 1952 when a deer jumped in front of their car. Elaine asked whether it was one of Santa’s reindeer. “They said yes,” Jim recounted, explaining that the Duboises had been in the dry-cleaning business for quite some time and were looking for something more family-oriented. They took the deer’s appearance and their daughter’s reaction as a good sign and decided to build Santa’s Village “right here on this spot.”
When the park opened in 1952, there wasn’t much more than Santa, a performing mule, a gift shop, and a place to get some snacks. “There was no Disneyland at that point — that didn’t open until 1955 — so there were no models, really, for what a theme park should be. There were just trolley parks or amusement parks that typically were built at the end of trolley lines for businesses that wanted people to ride their trolleys on the weekends,” Jim said. “They didn’t have rides really here until we got a little bit later into the ’50s. Then they’ve continued to add rides and so on through the decades that came after. Right now, we have 20 rides that we open and operate regularly. We have a water park within the park that’s included in the price of admission during the summertime, and we have numerous restaurants here on site and gift shops here on site as well.”
The park has remained in the family throughout its existence, with the Duboises’ son-in-law, Michael Gaynor, taking over the management after the couple retired. Today, the founders’ grandchildren continue to operate Santa’s Village, constantly expanding its offerings.
Snow and winter weather are nothing new to Santa, of course, so the Village does not close except for extreme events. This time of year, the park is open on Saturdays and Sundays through December 22, with a special New Year’s Eve event on December 31. “We also have Santa here on New Year’s Eve, in case kids want to thank him for their gifts,” Jim said. “Santa’s
reindeer are here. We have fireworks that go off at 8 o’clock, and when you buy your admission ticket for New Year’s Eve, it also includes food and beverages in the price of admission, so you can come to the park and kind of graze your way around the park at various food shops. Of course, it is all soft drinks, no alcohol.”
It was the New Year’s Eve event at Santa’s Village that first implemented the use of online ticket sales to control how many people would be attending. Jim explained, “As we continued to get more popular, we would run into dates, particularly in August and in November, December, and New Year’s Eve, where we’ve just had so many people showing up on a given day, it would be very difficult to get around and enjoy everything that you want to enjoy in the park. And it’s really hard to tell a carload with kids in it that Santa doesn’t have room for you today, so everybody had a chance to get in. So we started in 2016 with our New Year’s Eve, limiting tickets and selling them online only. “We discussed doing that, not only for New Year’s Eve, but for Christmas time and at least portions of the summer. And while we’re in discussions about that, COVID came along, and you really had to do that to open responsibly. And even though all those COVID guidelines have been lifted, we have still found that it’s a much better experience here if we limit the number of people on any given day, so we’ve stuck with it.”
Even with online sales replacing ticket sales at the gate, many dates frequently sell out, and by midNovember, most Saturdays were fully booked through Christmas, although Sunday dates were still available, as well as New Year’s Eve.
Leading up to Christmas, Santa’s Village is open on Saturdays from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Sundays from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. On New Year’s Eve, the park is open from 4 to 9 p.m. For online ticket sales, go to www.santasvillage. com/park-info-tickets.
is open during regular Children’s Museum of New Hampshire hours, and there is no charge to view the exhibition.
Family New Year’s Eve Celebration: Tuesday, December 31, 9–11:30 am or 12:30–3 pm: Join us for our special ticketed family-friendly New Year’s Eve Celebration and ring in the New Year before bedtime! Enjoy “countdowns to midnight” at 10:30 am during the morning event (9–11:30 am), or at 2 pm during the afternoon event (12:30–3 pm)—we’ll lower our glittery disco ball, confetti will fly through the air, and wish blimps made by visitors will gently fall to the ground—it’s always a festive and fun environment that is reminiscent of Times Square. Visitors can make sparkly recycled paper hats throughout the event and enjoy a fun New Year photo booth! Because of the popularity of the New Year’s Eve Celebration, this is now a special ticketed event with prices different from our regular museum admission: Members $6.50/person; Non-members $13/person; Children under 12 months are free; EBT/WIC cardholders and up to 6 dependent children are $3/person (must present EBT or WIC card upon arrival). Reservations and prepayment required. The Museum closes early at 3 pm today and will be closed on New Year’s Day.
Exploring Our Way - Sensory Friendly Playtime: Tuesday, January 7, 1–3 pm: For some children with autism spectrum or sensory processing disorders, a visit to museums like the Children’s Museum of NH is challenging or over-stimulating. Exploring Our Way are FREE low-sensory events designed for children with autism spectrum or sensory processing disorders and allow them to explore the Museum along with their families without the noise, crowds, and stimulation of a typical open day. We limit the number of families who can attend, turn down
sounds and lights, provide a quiet zone with sensory activities away from the exhibit floor, and have noise-canceling headphones to borrow. A medical diagnosis is not required. This program is free, but online pre-registration is required.
Junior Science “Amazing Animals”: Mondays, January 6–27 (4 weeks), 10–10:45 am and Tuesdays, January 7-28 (4 weeks), 2-2:45 pm. Join us for Junior Science at the Children’s Museum of New Hampshire. We are excited to invite junior scientists (ages 3.5–5 years old) to our January sessions, offered on either Monday mornings or Tuesday afternoons! This 45-minute drop-off class includes a story or felt board activity, followed by a fun experiment, and a related art project to take home. Grown-ups are welcome to stay in the building during class time. Cost is Members $48/child; Non-Members $60/child. Pre-registration is required.
Museum Members are invited to a free Member-Only Preview on Thursday, February 6, 2025 from 4-6 pm. The public grand opening will be on Saturday, February 15, and visitors can pay regular admission for either the morning (9 am–Noon) or afternoon (1–4 pm) play session to explore the new exhibits. “Little Farmers” will feature a climbable tractor, life-size cow and pig, crops, a “hen-house”, and more. The “Play Loft” is an open space that will be used for rotating active-play exhibits with themes like “Bounce”, “The Floor is Lava”, and “Beach Ball Beach!”
The more disruptive phase of the exhibit expansion construction is now over, and the museum’s ramp-up to the second floor has been reopened. The exhibits that were temporarily relocated around the museum have been put back in place, including Dino Detective. Reservations for both the Member and public openings will be available starting in January 2025. Learn more about the events and new exhibits at www.childrens-museum.org.
Quinn Sullivan Debut at Stone Mountain Art Center
SMAC just added another great new artist On January 18. Here with a killer band, young blues wiz Quinn Sullivan is all the buzz... … don’t miss his SMAC debut! A compelling blend of rich vocals and masterful guitar work, bridging the past and present with a vintage sound reminiscent of 60s and 70s rock. 24-year-old blues guitarist, singer, and songwriter from New Bedford, Massachusetts, known for his soulful vocals, impressive guitar skills, and energetic live performances. We are excited to have him for the first time as his career soars. We love bringing new
artists up here and your support helps us do that. These shows are chock-full of talent but not always full of audience members. So today, support us by making an appeal that will help us continue to bring the famous and not-so-famous up here to SMAC! Because we have to cultivate new talent!
Stone Mountain Art Center is located at 695 Dugway Road, Brownfield, Maine. For more information on this show or others please vistit our website www.stonemountainartscenter.com, or call 207-935-7292.
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