Scenicnewhampshire by The Laker

White Mountains Winter 2016/17

Scenic New Hampshire

The Who, What, Where and When Guide for White Mountain Wayfarers

Scenic New Hampshire | White Mountains | winter 2016/17 | 1

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Scenic New Hampshire

The Who, What, Where and When Guide for White Mountain Wayfarers

Published by The Smiley Publishing Group, LLC, P.O. Box 119 Wolfeboro Falls, NH 03896 | 603-569-5257 | thelaker.com Publishers of Scenic New Hampshire - White Mountains home, The Laker and Dining Out in the Lakes Region. Smiley Publishing Group, LLC. assumes no financial responsibility for typographical errors. Advertisers will please notify the management immediately of any errors which may occur. © 2016/2017 All Rights Reserved. No reproduction in part or whole without express written consent.

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4 | Scenic New Hampshire | White Mountains | Winter 2016/17

By Sarah Wright

Ride!

Snowmobiling in the White Mountains

Snowmobiling is one of New Hampshire’s most popular forms of winter recreation. With 7,000 miles of snowmobile trails throughout the state, it’s easy to see why. Those who enjoy snowmobiling are looking forward to the high snow totals that have already been forecasted for this winter. The trails in the White Mountains are some of the best around, with the opportunity to experience the beautiful scenic vistas that make New Hampshire so naturally wonderful. Whether you are new to the sport or a seasoned rider, here is some basic information about snowmobiling in New Hampshire. First of all, snowmobilers can only ride on trails designated and signed as a snowmobile trail. While there are a number of trails on state owned or managed land that are maintained by the New Hampshire Bureau of Trails, the majority of trails are on private land. Local snowmobile clubs maintain private land trails. The clubs are responsible for obtaining landowner permission and maintaining the trails. It is essential that snowmobilers respect the land. While it’s not necessary to join a club to use the trails, being a part of a snowmobiling club is a great way to meet other people who are passionate about the sport and to learn more about it. A statewide corridor snowmobile map (maintained by the New Hampshire Snowmobile Association) can be accessed at www. nhstateparks.org by clicking on “snowmobiling” under “activities.” Hard copies may be obtained from the New Hampshire Bureau of Trails via email or by calling 603-271-3254. The corridor map provides an overview of New Hampshire’s trail system. Maps for the trails maintained by each local club can be obtained on a club’s website or by contacting the club directly. A list of clubs can also be found on the state parks website. Keep in mind that your snowmobile must be registered when operated anywhere other than your property. Registrations can be obtained in person at authorized registration agents throughout the state. You can also get one at the New Hampshire Fish and Game Headquarters, or by calling Fish and Game at 603-271-4300. If you belong to a club, you’ll pay a discounted registration fee. Here are some suggestions of trail systems in the White Mountains, listed according to which club maintains the trails. The White Mountain Snowmobile Club is a non-profit organization, founded in 1970. They maintain the trails in the Lincoln-Woodstock area, located in the heart of the White Mountains. The trails include a wide variety of riding terrain like mountains, ponds, railroad beds, and fields. Their main trail is Corridor 11, which allows access to many of the areas most popular lodging and dining establishments. For further information about these trails, visit www.whitemtsnowmobileclub.org. Twin Mountain Snowmobile Club at www.twinmtnsnowmobile. org has a large network of beautiful trails, with updates posted on their website. These trails include: Cog Base Road on the Corridor 11 Trail; Mt. Clinton Road, which is 3.5 miles along a dead end;

Jefferson Notch Road, also on Corridor 11; Lower Falls parking lot to Fabyans; Cherry Mountain Road and Cherry Mountain Tower Trail; Fire Road 93; Mount Mitten Trail on Corridor 11; Iron Horse Trails and Lennon Road, railroad bed with rails; 102 Bypass of the railroad tracks; the Zealand Trail on Corridor 11; Mount Tom; Rosebrook Trail; Pipeline Trail on Corridor 11; Twin Mountain Trail; Tuttlebrook Trail on Corridor 11; Harold’s Way; Sugar Loaf; and the Haystack Trail, also part of Corridor 11. As you can see, there are plenty of options! The White Mountain Trail Club began as a snowmobile club, but over the years has evolved to support all outdoor enthusiasts. Their trail system is open to use by snowmobilers, hikers, cross country skiers, snowshoers, dog sled teams, and mountain bikers. Snowmobilers should keep this in mind when out on the trails, and be aware of anyone else who might also be out enjoying nature. The White Mountain Trail Club is responsible for maintaining approximately 50 miles of multi-use trails located primarily in the White Mountain National Forest. These trails are within the towns of Bartlett, Livermore, Hart’s Location, and Albany. Options include the Meadow Brook Trail, Bear Notch Road, and Owl’s Cliff Trail. Volunteers who devote over 400 hours per year grooming, clearing trees, decking bridges, and more perform trail maintenance. To view a map of the trails or check for trail updates, visit www.whitemountaintrailclub.com. If you don’t own a snowmobile, but would like to give snowmobiling a try, or if you are vacationing in the White Mountains and looking for something fun to do, then check out a rental at Northern Extremes Snowmobiling with locations in Bartlett and Bretton Woods. Rent by the hour, half-day, full day, or even multiple days. Rentals include a single, double, or triple-seater sled, full-face helmet, and

a trail map. Winter clothing rentals are also available. You wouldn’t want to be chilly and uncomfortable on your ride! The best part of Northern Extremes Snowmobiling is that they offer amazing guided tours. Their experienced guides will take you on an unforgettable tour through the White Mountain National Forest and the Great North Woods. Enjoy the best snow conditions and the lesser-travelled trails for a memorable outing. The family friendly Bear Notch trail system is a 50-mile, closed loop trail system with spectacular views of Mount Washington and Mount Chocorua. Along the way, riders can stop at scenic vistas, and picnic along the Swift River. You might even see a moose! Trails are patrolled and groomed daily by the state of New Hampshire and the White Mountain Trail Club. Choose from a one, two, or three-hour tour, and if you like, there’s even an overnight option. It’s a 240-mile trip with lodging at Tall Timbers in Pittsburg, where you can dine at the award-winning restaurant, The Rainbow Grille. Located 10 miles from North Conway on Route 302, the Bartlett location is open from early December to April. For GPS, use the corner of Route 302 and River Street for directions. Northern Extremes Snowmobiling can also be found at 2267 Main Street at their Bretton Woods location, 20 minutes from Lincoln. This location, at the base of Mount Washington, is your gateway to the Great North Woods. Riders have over 1,000 miles to choose from and can ride as far north as the Canadian Border. Guided tours are recommended for first time renters, and reservations for all tours are strongly recommended. For information on trail conditions, tour packages, and directions, visit www.northernextremessnowmobiling.com or call 603-374-6000. Don’t spend this winter hibernating…get out there and enjoy what winter has to offer!

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Great North Woods What’s Up North? If you look at a map of northern NH, you will see Berlin and Gorham. You might say to yourself, “Wow, that is surely northern NH! I wonder what’s way up there and what the area is like?” The answer is the area has a lot going on and it is a part of the state with a rich history. Like many other towns in NH, Berlin got its start with a different name when it was settled in the 1700s. The area was once home to Native Americans, until outside explorers arrived. The lure of the wilderness and the unknown brought them to the area and soon the presence of government was felt. In 1771, Governor John Wentworth ordered that the land in the area be surveyed. Likely he was thinking about the timber in the area that could be used to build ships for the home country (England). The township was named Maynesboro (some of the original grantees were named Sir William Mayne and Robert Mayne). Probably due to the Revolutionary War and also because the area was so remote at a time when travel was difficult, few of the grantees lived in Maynesboro. In 1829, the town had somewhat of a population and was renamed Berlin. THE BEST KEPT SECRET BY LOCALS & TRAVELERS ALIKE

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Because there were falls and the Androscoggin River, the area was a natural place for logging; certainly timber was plentiful. By the 1850s, the railroad brought the outside world to Berlin. Paper and pulp mills offered work for many residents in Berlin, and French Canadians relocated to the town for jobs. In the 1870s a group started the nation’s oldest ski club and it is still in existence today, known as the Nansen Ski Club. As well as skiing, a big draw of the Berlin area is the Jericho Mountain State Park, which was created in 2005, according to www.wikipedia.org. The park is popular with ATVs and there are over 50 miles of ATV trails (the only major state-owned ATV riding area in NH). Winter sports are plentiful in the Berlin area, and 4,170-foot Mount Cabot is a popular place. Not far away, Gorham was also a remote settlement for many years. By the 1850s, the railroad changed the status of the town from remote to tourist area. Popular hotels, such as the White Mountain Station House sprang up, catering to the wealthy seasonal visitors. Paper mills and logging continued to be employers in the area for many years. Music and the arts abound at the Medallion Opera House and the Great Glen Outdoor Trails offer skiing, snowshoeing and more in winter and hiking and other sports in summer. But the king of it all is the Mount Washington Auto Road leading to the big peak of Mount Washington.

Scenic New Hampshire | White Mountains | winter 2016/17 | 7

Not Just a Cube in a Tray By Barbara Neville Wilson | Photos by Dawn Gilpatrick, Remick Country Doctor Museum & Farm For a couple years now, cocktail aficionados at trendy clubs have debated the characteristics of the best artisanal ice. What shape makes the best drink? What size shows the liquor off to optimal effect? Is water source of prime importance? All agree, though, that clear ice is best and clarity comes from density. Trusted Popular Mechanics tells us, â&#x20AC;&#x153;The densest ice comes from nature, where constant water movement below the surface causes the freezing to happen top-down. Thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s why establishments that take their spirits seriously have been turning to natural-ice distributors.â&#x20AC;?

8 | Scenic New Hampshire | White Mountains | Winter 2016/17

New Hampshire was once in the royal family of natural ice distribution. Towns like Milton and Sanbornville were home to a thriving winter industry: ice harvesting. Spoken of in agricultural terms, the crop was tended, harvested, packed, transported, and affected by the vagaries of nature, just as vegetable, fruit and animal crops are today. Ice has been harvested off New England lakes and streams in winter and stored for warm weather use for countless generations. In the centuries before mechanical refrigeration, ice was preserved in specially designed icehouses dug into the

ground, and stacked in thick layers of insulating sawdust— white pine was especially effective. It was in 1805 that the ice exportation industry was founded by Frederick Tudor, the “Ice King” of Boston. Recognizing the value that comes from offering a product in short supply, he chose to pack ships that had come into port full of southern bounty with Massachusetts ice and sail them back to homeports. He realized huge profits and soon built out his business. Within decades, Tudor had ice houses in Calcutta, Madras, Bombay, Galle, Singapore, Jamaica, Havana, New Orleans and Charleston…and competitors who sought to reap their own profits. The advent of the train allowed ice fields to be cultivated ever farther from the port of Boston. Tudor and other ice merchants took advantage of New Hampshire’s colder weather, and rural New Hampshire gained livelihood at a time of year previously low in temperature and even lower in ready cash. Ice harvesting is a labor-intensive venture. Milton, New Hampshire was long a center for harvesting. Ice king Tudor’s descendant Dr. Frederick Tudor claimed it as home far into the 20th century. The industry first took a toehold around 1853, and in 1884, Teele’s History of Milton reports ice man John Meyers employed 12 men and 15 horses six months of the year, and 100 men worked to house 1,000 tons of ice per day when the “weather was right for cutting and storing.” After the Civil War the rail line was extended to Sanbornville and by 1880, that town became an ice center, too. The Independent and Driver’s Union Ice Companies bought 1,000 feet of shoreline on Lovell Lake and built facilities side by side. Ice was harvested and loaded directly into insulated ice cars for transport around the country and the world. Tools and machinery for ice harvesting often evolved from other similar dryland pursuits, and techniques evolved to ensure easy and economically conservative transport. Processes derived a century or more ago are still used today. Remember the debate? Artisanal ice is best when dense, so ice harvesters look for water bodies where there is some gentle but constant movement of water below the surface. This keeps air pockets from forming as water freezes. It’s important that the water body has easy access to land, too. Harvest can usually start when ice is 12-inches thick, though there are some reports of warm years when harvest started at 8 inches. Safety is key, so the ice must be thick enough for personnel and equipment to be supported. Historically, and even today,

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that “equipment” often includes teams of horses. Once the field is determined, the farmer tends it by keeping it clear of snow during the growth stages. Snow is a natural insulator and must be removed to avoid the formation of air pockets. It’s important for ice to freeze from the top down. When ice depth is sufficient, the harvest is marked for the cutting of uniform blocks, usually 44-inches square. Not only does this prevent waste, but more importantly, large, perfectly uniform blocks can be packed seamlessly together. The larger and tighter the mass of ice, the smaller the melt factor. Think about the Boston snow mounds after the harsh winter of 2014: some were still visible in June, long after average daily temperature rose above 32 degrees; yet snowy areas scraped to just inches had melted long before. Transportation channels are cut into the ice so blocks, once cut, can be floated to the point of exit from the water body. Dense ice is heavy. A typical block weighs 40 to 50 pounds and was often hoisted out of the water by block and tackle or conveyor belt. Historic tools for cutting often resemble manual machinery used in logging: large-toothed long saws, tongs and grapplers. Commercial ice harvesting was viable from the early 1800s to the 1950s, so though the tools remained substantially the same, their means of power progressed from man to steam to gas over the years. Eventually advances in electrified refrigeration and ice production brought an end to the ice industry in New England after World War II, but individuals such as Hook Welch of Tamworth continued into the 1970s, and ice harvesting is still practiced today for nostalgic, historical and sometimes even practical purposes in the region. Milton, New Hampshire was site of one of Frederick Tudor’s outlying ice fields starting in the 1850s. As late as the 70s one of his descendants, Dr. Frederick Tudor, resided in the town. It holds an annual Winter Carnival that includes ice harvesting along with sleigh rides, a fishing derby, balloon launch and Boy Scout Campfire. Weather dependent, it is usually

scheduled for mid-February. Check the town website for updates, www.miltonnh-us. com/parks.php. Just up the road (Route 16), Wakefield has a very active Heritage Commission that has restored its Union Station. Included in its collections is rare ice industry harvesting equipment. Heritage commission member Phil Twombley has put together a presentation, “Ice Harvesting in Sanbornville 1880-1930” that includes information about the two ice companies on Lovell Lake known to send 16-20 train carloads of ice to Boston daily during prime season. More information can be found at www.historicwakefieldnh.com. Newfield, Maine is home to Willowbrook Farm (soon to be renamed Curran Homestead Village at Newfield). It offers an outreach program called “Ice, Ice Harvesting & Ice House Architecture” that features a slide show of actual harvesting, hands-on exploration of tools, and finishes with homemade ginger ice cream. Call 207-793-2784 to arrange a presentation for your group. Tamworth’s Remick Country Doctor Museum & Farm holds its annual Winter Carnival on February 4, 2017 (severe weather date is February 5). Included in the festivities of carnival games, winter-themed crafts, tractor-pulled wagon rides, exhibit of Model T snowmobiles, and working steer demonstrations, will be ice harvesting. Dr. Edwin Remick began harvesting ice in the 1930s when other ice operations were dwindling. His namesake farm museum maintains the traditions and offers families opportunity to see the process start to finish. Visit www.remickmuseum.org. The Holderness Rockywold Deep Haven Camp (RDC) harvests ice for practical use. For three days each winter, staff, friends and volunteers gather to cut, haul and house 200 tons—3600 blocks—of ice for RDC’s rustic cabins still equipped with old-fashioned ice boxes. Usually the event is held mid-January, but the actual date is determined by weather and ice conditions. For more information or to read blogs and see video of past harvests, check out www.rdcsquam. com/blog.

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Message in a Bottle Wines Made Locally in the White Mountains - A Pleasant Surprise Without question, the newest prominent feature in the White Mountains is the grand RiverWalk Resort hotel located at the base of Loon Mountain in Lincoln, NH. Everything about this new destination is special, including the very first commercial winery entirely built within a vacation ownership resort. Seven Birches Winery, which moved from its original location at Windy Ridge Orchard this past year, is now producing and selling its wines to the public from the new location in downtown Lincoln. The wines are produced from classic European grape varietals like Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and Riesling, among others, sourced from California and South America. The fruits for some wines are sourced from nearby farms, like apples, blueberries and strawberries. And, the wines are surprisingly good. (Most people believe that only France, Italy, or California can make good wines, but it is not necessarily so.) From their tasting room, Seven Birches Winery is showing guests just how special a New Hampshiremade wine can be. The winery offers “Meet the Winemaker” tours on the weekends, in addition to their regular afternoon and evening tasting room hours. And, they are getting great reviews for their wines and space within this new grand resort.

Seven Birches Winery is open daily to the public for wine tasting and gift shopping in their tasting room, which is decorated to complement their birch tree (state tree) brand. The room overlooks the incredible outdoor pool/skating rink that is one level down at the resort and right on the Pemigewasset River. Across the hall, you can watch through the glass as the local winemakers do their magic, turning fruits into wines that will be served years down the road. It is quite fascinating to see just how the wine is actually made. If you find yourself with an hour or so to spare, and you are interested in tasting some locally handcrafted wines, stop at Seven Birches Winery. Visit www.sevenbirches.com for more information. The message is in the bottle.

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Mt. Washington Valley The Conway Area Visitors come for the shopping, the skiing, snowshoeing, snowmobiling, and the scenery and dining. The Mount Washington Valley areas of Conway and North Conway have it all, with something for every visitor. Conway actually encompasses the areas of North Conway, Center Conway, Kearsarge and Intervale, as well as an area known as Redstone. Long before white settlers came to the valley, the area was home the Pequawket Indians. They made good use of the Saco River area for fishing and hunting and lived along the waterway. Their camps stretched for miles and must have been an amazing sight. Darby Field is a name seen in the area today, and the man/ explorer of that name came to the mountains in the 1640s. He arrived via the Saco River, the best means of travel at the time. Like many other areas of NH, the area was named for an English noble or famous personage. Colonial Governor Benning Wentworth sent a group of men to settle the area he called Conway (named for the commander of the British army). The area grew over the years and by the 1850s, artists had discovered the wild beauty of the region. One of the most famous artists, Benjamin Champney, trekked over the White Mountains, capturing the views on canvas. The paintings

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became great publicity for the White Mountains, and soon tourists were arriving. This led to the era of the grand hotels and tourism. Today, the Mount Washington Valley continues to lure vacationers year round and is as popular in winter as in the other months. Shopping abounds in North Conway, with outlet stores, and specialty shops offer everything from designer clothing to handmade artisan goods to ski and sports equipment and apparel. Dining and nightlife are plentiful, and restaurants offer everything from burgers to gourmet fare. Live music of all sorts enlivens the area and many pubs offer après ski cafes, music and warming fireside drinks and meals.

Bretton Woods The tiny area of Bretton Woods has some big boasting rights: it was the home of the United States Monetary and Financial Conference in 1944, the location of one of the remaining grand hotels, a ski area, as well as being home to the first cog-driven train to climb Mount Washington. Some mistake it for the resort that is situated there and shares the name Bretton Woods. However, the area is actually within the town of Carroll. At one time, grand hotels dotted the White Mountain

area, their sprawling facilities provided a playground for the wealthy. Most are gone now, but the beautiful White Mountain Hotel and Resort remains. Joseph Stickney, an entrepreneur/ businessman, built the grand hotel. He envisioned a beautiful hotel, and he hired over 200 Italian artisans to construct the building, with granite and stone masonry. The hotel opened in 1902. Over the years, the hotel has seen it all: Prohibition, world war, a monetary conference and the start of the sport of skiing which has grown in popularity over the years. Declared a National Historic Landmark in the 1980s, the Mount Washington Hotel is one of only a small number of grand hotels still in existence. It continues to welcome guests and offers a glimpse of the era of grand hotel vacationing in the mountains. The Bretton Woods ski area is nearby and welcomes skiers and outdoor enthusiasts. The Cog Railway also is part of Bretton Woods; in July of 1869, after much work to cut through the forests the first train, Old Peppersass, was the first cog-driven train to climb 6,288foot Mount Washington.

Tamworth Winter sports, history, farming and music are just some of the reasons to visit Tamworth, in the shadow of Mount Chocorua. Tamworth includes area villages of Wonalancet, Whittier, Chocorua and South Tamworth. White Lake State Park lures visitors and locals during the warm weather months, and many come back for the brilliant fall foliage and winter fun activities. Like many other towns and cities in NH, Tamworth was named for an English nobleman, who also was a friend of Governor Benning Wentworth.

The downtown village area of Tamworth sees visitors and locals gathered for coffee and live music at the Tamworth Lyceum, or a monthly book sale at the town library. Across the street the Barnstormers Theater has the distinction of being one of the longest running professional theatres in the country. The theatre was founded by one of President Grover Cleveland’s children, Francis Cleveland. And speaking of the President, the area was also the summer home of the Clevelands for many years. The community is a strong supporter of the arts, with the presence of the Barnstormers Theatre in the Village as well as the Arts Council of Tamworth that hosts performances and educational opportunities for young people. The Remick Country Doctor Museum and Farm was the home of the Doctors Remick, who served the area for many years, in all sorts of weather. This was the time when doctors definitely made house calls. These days, the homestead of the Remick family is a history and educational museum, as well as a farm, open to visitors year round with seasonal activities. The Arts Council of Tamworth is also a supporter of the arts in the area. Nearby Mount Chocorua is among the most recognizable peaks in New England and as beautiful in winter as any other time of the year.

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Skiing Past | The New England Ski Museum Story and photos by Barbara Neville Wilson

As a very little girl, long before I’d ever visited the White Mountains or lived in a place where snow was more than an occasional treat, I remember watching as my father unpacked ski equipment from his college days in New England. I remember picking up the heavy, stiff leather boots with huge metal clips that seemed intent on pinching tiny fingers. The coiled metal bindings swung freely on long, shiny black-painted straight skis. The piece de resistance, though, was the neat little case he opened gingerly to reveal glasses: large aviator-shaped wire rims with several lenses of different colors changeable according to light and snow conditions. When my father opened that case, stories spilled out. Riding the ski train from Rhode Island, ski weekends in Jackson when Black Mountain was just young, proud reference to adventures at Tuckerman’s Ravine. Many of these memories were long forgotten; forgotten, that is, until I walked past the vintage ski car and through the door of the New England Ski Museum at Cannon Mountain. There, in a converted transportation shed is memorabilia from generations gone by, permanent and annually changing exhibits and educational materials, gifts and reproductions that give insight into a sport constantly changing and improving since its serious introduction to the Mount Washington Valley in the 1930s. The museum’s permanent exhibit has been in place since 2012. Titled From the First Tracks to the Fall Line: eight thousand years of skiing, it features artifacts like fur-covered replica skis from Europe and generations of modern advances

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in equipment through the shaped skis popularized by New Hampshire native and champion, Bode Miller, ski outfits through the ages, and a large collection of trophies from the 20th and 21st centuries, including Miller’s five Olympic medals. Video screens throughout the museum allow visitors to customize their experience to their interests. Topics include ski instruction, avalanches, snowboarding and technique howtos. The back wall features a display about the oft-unsung Ski Patrol. Each spring, the Ski Museum mounts a new exhibit. Fresh for 2016 was the 10th Mountain Division, an army division that sprang from Ski Patrol roots during World War II. After seeing the remarkable results of ski troops in Norway against invading Soviet aggressors, national ski patrol leader, Charles Minot (“Minnie”) Dole, approached senior military officials about forming a similar troop in the United States. Within a few years, his request became reality, and the chosen troops trained for a year at altitudes of over 9,000 feet at Camp Hale in Colorado. In January, 1945 they shipped to Europe. In the next four months, they proved their mettle by succeeding where divisions before them failed, and by mounting a daring assault on Riva Ridge where they scaled a 1,500 foot vertical mountain at night to take territory the Germans thought was impossible to even reach. Upon return to the United States, members of the 10th Mountain Division opened some of the nation’s first ski areas, both here and in the West. The exhibit includes a well-illustrated, wall-mounted history of the 10th Mountain Division, as well as uniforms and gear donated or lent to the Museum by veterans or their grateful families. On my way to the gift shop—I’m a sucker for sharing my experiences with family at home—I took a few minutes to study the wall-sized map of Tuckerman’s Ravine recreating the winter of 1969, the snowiest recorded in recent memory. And then I turned to the gifts. What a treasure trove of ski how-tos and where-tos! Guidebooks and coffee table books and children’s books, DVDs and stationery, postcards and prints. I was particularly struck by practical presents emblazoned with mid-century graphics of fresh-faced, glamorous skiers smiling at the challenge of mountains ahead. Who doesn’t need dish towels or coasters, tote bags or t-shirts? I suddenly developed a yen for a ski retreat just so I could have a wall to hang that mirror with the vintage photo. Not all the New England ski museum exhibits are found at Cannon Mountain. Traveling exhibits have been mounted through the years, and the museum’s trustees are currently raising funds for a satellite branch in the heart of downtown North Conway. Fittingly, Harvey Dow Gibson, a New Hampshire ski pioneer, donated the former community center next to the iconic train station. A venture to raise $1.7 million for outfitting the space has begun, and many meaningful naming opportunities remain. The New England Ski Museum is open from Memorial Day through the end of ski season. Administrators close the museum during mud season to mount the next year’s exhibit. Visit the New England Ski Museum on Tramway Drive off Exit 34B in Franconia Notch. Its website offers virtual shopping and an overview of exhibits and collections: www.newenglandskimuseum.org

Dine at Café Lafayette This Winter Though traditionally closed for the winter months due to railroad restrictions, this year the Café Lafayette in North Woodstock, NH will be extending its culinary experience to the brand new Depot Dining in the newly remodeled trackside café. For the first time, the award-winning team at the Café Lafayette Dinner Train will be offering traditional tapas style dining, combined with its exclusive wine and spirits list in the comfortable and timeless depot train station. Offering a truly unique dining experience to the White Mountain region, the staff at Café Lafayette invites you to experience elegant cuisine in the relaxing tapas tradition combined with the classic old-world level of service that has become synonymous with the Dinner Train. With mixed offerings of some of the more popular and classic Dinner Train menu items, such as the smoked salmon plate, the café pate, and the Guinness braised short ribs, to the more unique dishes like the chorizo and mascarpone stuffed Mediterranean dates, the sweet and spicy hoisin shrimp skewers and the shaved lamb with sauce blanche, you will find a unique experience both in the culinary and the relaxing and cozy atmosphere. Designed specifically to be savored, shared and enjoyed together over friendly conversation, tapas cuisine encourages you to take the time to appreciate your experience in a manner that is rarely found in the fast-paced, modern world. Coming for the winter 2017 season, look for the Depot Dining’s opening date to be announced and don’t miss out on this unique and memorable opportunity. Café Lafayette is located off exit 32 and just minutes from Loon Mountain on Route 112 in North Woodstock, NH.

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VACATION LIKE A LOCAL

In the Spectacular Western White Mountains of New Hampshire.

As the saying goes, “When in Rome... do as the Romans.” Better yet, “When on vacation... do as the locals.” Here on the western slopes of New Hampshire’s White Mountains, in Lincoln, Woodstock, & Franconia Notch (which the locals call the “Western White Mountains”), it’s more than just a winter playground for vacationers. It’s our basecamp too. As locals, we get to do some pretty awesome stuff. We’re here to have fun, enjoy the outdoors, and take advantage of all the activities that brought us to the mountains in the first place. We know where the hidden stash of powder is at Loon and Cannon Mountains. We know where to get the best gear, and the best food and drinks around town. And, we know just the right accommodations for our guests. We know, because, we live here. We’re locals. So, when you’re ready to vacation like a local, give us a shout. We will share all of our secrets with you. Well, most of our secrets anyways.

Scenic New Hampshire | White Mountains | winter 2016/17 | 17

Western White Mountains Lincoln/Woodstock Snow-capped mountains…skiing…snowmobiling…a diversity of dining choices…nighttime entertainment. Welcome to the Lincoln/North Woodstock area, where there is something to do – indoors or in the great outdoors – each and every winter. Once upon a time (in 1764 to be exact) this area of the mountains was granted to settlers. It was a wild, remote region and it took time for settlers to be lured to the natural beauty and possibilities of this northern part of NH. By the mid to late 1800s, tourists were venturing to the region for the scenic beauty. The area became known for its accessibility to the Kancamagus Highway, which was completed in the late 1950s. Loon Mountain’s ski resort soon followed and the world was suddenly at the doorstep of Lincoln and Woodstock. Lincoln is known as the second largest town by area in NH (Wikipedia.org), although the year-round population is modest, with about 1,700 residents. Clark’s Trading Post in the area is beloved by generations who return year after year to this unique attraction. The history of Clarks is a story unto itself and as unique as the White Mountains. In 1928, Ed and Florence Clark, according to www.clarkstradingpost.com, opened a roadside business in Lincoln, NH. It fascinated those traveling to and from the area and was known as Ed Clark’s Eskimo Sled Dog Ranch, offering a visit with the Clarks’ purebred Eskimo sled dogs. It also offered a display of artifacts from the far north and the Trading Post had souvenirs, tonic and maple candy. All in all, it was a popular and unusual place to add to a tourist’s to-do list. By the early 1930s, Florence and Ed added their first Black Bear to the business and this made Clarks even more unusual. In 1949 the couple’s sons, Ed and Murray, began training the bears and the Bear Show was started. The business has grown tremendously, but some things are the same: the dedication of the Clark family and the love and care the Bear Show bears receive each summer. Woodstock, with a population of around 1,500, sits next

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18 | Scenic New Hampshire | White Mountains | Winter 2016/17

door to Lincoln; it was granted in 1763. In its early days, logging and lumber mills were king in the town, rivaled only by the tourist trade that brought visitors to see the wilderness beauty of the area. It joins neighboring Lincoln as a lodging and dining spot for sightseers, skiers and many others.

Franconia/Sugar Hill The White Mountains are full of surprises…two little-known facts of the Franconia/Sugar Hill area are that famed movie star Bette Davis vacationed in the area and beloved poet Robert Frost resided in Franconia for a number of years. The area has many beautiful views and a lot of businesses and special spots to recommend it to any visitor, whether poet, movie star, or just someone who wishes to relax and spend time in NH’s peaceful, snow-capped mountains. Franconia and Sugar Hill are nestled on the western side of the glorious White Mountains and the tranquility and beauty of the area is unsurpassed. Colonial Governor Benning Wentworth granted the town of Franconia in 1764. Interesting to note is that the town sits on a rich iron deposit, and iron was once mined in the area to make farm tools. Movie star Bette Davis was vacationing in the area when she met and fell in love with Arthur Farnsworth, an employee of a local ski school, according to Wikipedia.org. They married and Davis had a plaque installed to commemorate her husband after his death; the plaque was placed on a rock on the Bridal Veil Falls trail. Poet Robert Frost lived in a small farmhouse in Franconia, which he purchased in 1915. Frost found peace and quiet on the farm, which today is a cultural center drawing poets from near and far, known as the Frost Place. The Frost Place was founded in 1976 when the town of Franconia purchased the farm. The property was restored, and given its name. The Frost Place opened as a museum in 1977. For more information, visit www.frostplace.org. Franconia also is home to Franconia Notch State Park and popular Cannon Mountain and the White Mountains sit in part of the area. The Appalachian Trail crosses through the area as well. Many visitors feel a trip to the area just wouldn’t be complete without a stop at Polly’s Pancake Parlor, which has been around since the Depression years, starting as a small tearoom and today is a bustling business.

Unique Italian Dining La Vista Italian Cuisine is located in the brand new RiverWalk Resort at Loon Mountain in Lincoln, NH. La Vista (Italian for “The View”) is able to accommodate up to 120 patrons with more seats on the covered deck overlooking the outdoor ice skating rink in the winter and the pools in the summer. The main bar features 18 seats and the pizza bar has eight seats, with both offering a different atmosphere. The main dining area features a pergola with booth seating, in addition to two other seating areas large enough to accommodate multi-family reservations. One of the main features is the wood-fired pizza oven offering some very unique flatbread pizzas, appetizers and other accompaniments. The dinner menu offered nightly from 5 to 9 pm will feature Italian and American cuisine, such as Jumbo Atlantic Scallops, Beef Osso Buco, Bolognese, Fettucine Alfredo, Veal Saltimbocca and Chicken Parmesan. Other chef-inspired items for appetizers include a Cheese and Charcuterie Plate, Candied Smoked Bacon Tempura and Lobster Arancini. In addition, La Vista’s extensive wine menu will tantalize all types of palates with both Italian and American offerings. Visit on Saturday and Sunday each weekend from 9:30 am to 2 pm for a fabulous Brunch paired with La Vista’s newest creation… the Mimosa or Bloody Mary Flights! In addition to the Italian inspired menu, the culinary team will be baking fresh focaccia bread daily, just perfect for dip-

ping in Italian Olive Oil and Balsamic Vinegar. The flatbread pizza dough will also be made fresh daily, all while incorporating a focus on the freshest ingredients. Bet you can’t resist a Sausage & Fig Flatbread or Carmelized Pork Belly & Apple Flatbread! Don’t forget about dessert, which includes Tiramisu, as that will also be made fresh in-house to bring the most tantalizing finale to your meal. Pair that with a fresh steamed Italian Cappuccino or Espresso…delizioso!

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Skiing in the White Mountains

By Sarah Wright

orecasters are predicting a winter full of snow this year, and skiers around New Hampshire and beyond are already dreaming of hitting the slopes. Some of the best ski areas in the state are in the White Mountains, and skiers of all levels flock to the mountains each winter. To help you find your winter fun spot, here are some great ski resorts in the area. Check out their websites for updates on trail conditions and to find great deals on passes for the 2016/2017 season. With lessons for kids and adults, as well as adaptive les-

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sons for those with disabilities, everyone can enjoy the many beautiful trails at Cannon Mountain Ski Area. For beginners, families, or those who prefer a relaxed skiing experience, the Tuckerbrook Family Area will not disappoint! Even better, the area is separated from the main mountain, so you won’t have to worry about skiers from higher on the mountain passing through. There are four lifts and 14 trails in this area alone, so there are plenty of opportunities to get some good practice in. With 95 trails in all, there are runs to satisfy every level of skier, from beginner to advanced. The longest run is over two miles long! Lessons are available for skiing and snowboarding, and rentals and repairs are also on site. If you need it, there is childcare for children ages six months to five years old. When all that skiing works up an appetite, you’ll have five different dining options to choose from. Cannon Mountain is located on Tramway Drive in Franconia. For further information, call 603-823-8800 or visit www.cannonmt.com. Wildcat Mountain Ski Area on Route 16 in Pinkham Notch has over 2,100 vertical feet of skiing and snowboarding terrain for all ability levels, accessed in less than seven minutes thanks to a high-speed, quad chairlift. Consistently ranked number-one for scenery in the east by Ski magazine’s resort poll, Wildcat also finished in the top 10 for character, value, challenge, and overall satisfaction for 2015. With lessons for adults and kids, as well as an adaptive program, there’s no reason to stay home this winter. There’s also a retail shop on site with rentals, offering tuning and repairs, and two unique dining options for when all that exercise makes you hungry. For more information, visit www.skiwildcat.com or call 603466-3326. Wildcat’s “sister” resort, Attitash Mountain Ski Area, on Route 302 in Bartlett, is another popular pick among skiers. The resort has 68 trails and 11 lifts across two big, connected mountains (Attitash and Bear Peak) that combine traditional New England runs and challenging terrain with modern, wide-open cruisers suited for all abilities. At Attitash, you can find acres of glades and tree skiing along with an original freestyle terrain park. The Attitash Grand Summit Hotel is the only slope-side lodging available in the Mount Washington Valley, and the resort has dining options all day, from light fare to full-service dining. Of course, you’ll also find a large retail

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shop and rental and repair options on site. To reach Attitash, call 800-223-SNOW (7669) or visit www.attitash.com. Black Mountain Ski Area has terrain for all abilities and offers fun for all ages. Take a group lesson or private lesson with Black’s Ski School. Beginner and novice skiers will enjoy the gentle learning slopes, while experts can head for the summit where views of Mount Washington are as thrilling as the chute down the Upper Maple Slalom. Black’s southern exposure means sunny and warm conditions on even the coldest New Hampshire days. That’s a nice perk right there! The retail and rental shops offer everything you’ll need for a great day on the slopes. When you need a break, kick back at the Lostbo Pub. Black Mountain Ski Area is located on Black Mountain Road in Jackson. For more detailed information, call 800-475-4669 or visit www.blackmt.com. Bretton Woods is the home of the state’s largest ski area, with 464 acres of skiing and snowboarding on 62 trails and 35 glades across three terrain parks! You can even stay on the slopes until after dark because Bretton Woods offers night skiing and riding. Bretton Woods has skiing and snowboarding lessons for children as well as adults, with adaptive lessons for those who need them. Add in rentals and repairs, and plenty of dining options, and Bretton Woods won’t disappoint. Also, for the third year in a row, the ski area has been ranked number one in the east for grooming. You’ll just have to experience these beautiful trails for yourself! Located on Ski Area Road in Bretton Woods, they can be reached at 603278-3320 or online at www.brettonwoods.com. Waterville Valley Resort has extensive trails on Mount Tecumseh with a summit elevation of 4,004 feet. There are bumps, glades, and moguls for all levels of skier and snowboarder. Take group lessons or private lessons, with an adaptive option as well. If you prefer Nordic skiing or snowshoeing, there is a trail system for that, too. Peruse the rental and retail shops, or have your equipment repaired on site. There are also six dining options for when you need to refuel before heading back out. If you need it, childcare is available for children from age six months on up. The resort is located on Ski Area Road in Waterville Valley. For further information, call 603-236-8311 or visit www.waterville.com. Cranmore Mountain Resort, located on Skimobile Road in North Conway, offers 56 trails and has nine lifts. With programs for adults and kids, and five different terrain parks, this ski area has enough options to keep everyone busy! There’s a supervised playroom for young children, and six different

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dining areas, including two new eateries opening this year. Cranmore also has the number one tubing park in the state. It’s 10 lanes-wide and served by both a magic-carpet style surface lift and a handle-tow lift. Tubing is a family friendly activity that requires no special skills or equipment. (Tubes are provided as part of your admission price.) Contact Cranmore at 1-800-SUN-N-SKI or visit www.cranmore.com. Loon Mountain Resort, on Loon Mountain Road in Lincoln, offers 61 trails and 2,100 vertical feet of skiing and riding. South Peak is the place where locals go to find solitude, with wide-open cruisers and gorgeous tree skiing. At 3,050 feet, North Peak is the resort’s high point. On a powder day, you’ll see skiers and riders making a beeline to the expert trails, which collect some of the best snow on the mountain. Intermediate skiers can enjoy the Sunset trail and its panoramic views of the surrounding mountains. Loon Peak is at the center of the resort, with a gondola leading up to dozens of twisty, old-school New England trails. Loon Peak is also home to New Hampshire’s only super pipe and the award-winning terrain parks. The Governor’s Lodge houses the rental shop, and is the meeting place for Loon’s Ski and Snowboard School. There is also a children’s center, which features programs for ages 6 weeks to 6 years. Next to the Governor’s Lodge, is the New England Disabled Sports Program building. You can reach Loon Mountain at 800-229-LOON or at www.loonmtn.com. Wherever you choose to go, you’ll experience the best of what the White Mountains have to offer. It’s a snow sports paradise!

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Winter Fun at the

NH SnoDeo By Kathi Caldwell-Hopper

(photo courtesy South End Media)

“My Dad came up with the idea to bring some demo snowmobiles out on the lake, to put up some signs to let people know they could try out the new snowmobiles, have a hot dog and some fun.” —Kevin Drew Thus began the NH SnoDeo, one of the biggest, most popular events for snowmobile enthusiasts in the northeast. Kevin’s explanation of how the SnoDeo started sounds rather quaint and folksy when one considers the leaps-and-bounds in growth of today’s very popular snowmobile event. Kevin’s parents, Lloyd and Diane Drew, along with their

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friend Bob Anderson, came up with the idea of an event to allow the public to try out the newest models of snowmobiles and the first SnoDeo was held in 1993. This year (2017) marks the 25th anniversary of the SnoDeo, which has been held at Coleman State Park in Stewartstown, New Hampshire for many years. This year the event moves to a nearby, new location to allow for some expansion. The 2017 NH SnoDeo will take place on Friday, March 3 (9 am to 4 pm) and Saturday, March 4 (8 am to 3 pm) on a site behind the Swift Diamond Riders Snowmobile Club’s warming hut on Diamond Pond Rd., just below Coleman State Park. The Swift Diamond Riders Snowmobile Club (SDRSC) is the official founders and officers for the SnoDeo, and the Drew family had been members for many years. (Kevin was club president for a number of years.) The Drews have been an integral part of the SnoDeo for many of those 25 years, and they helped nurture the infant event that grew and grew as the idea took hold. Kevin continues, “Bob Anderson was an employee of Ski Doo and was the company’s regional sales manager. Bob and my Dad were talking about the new snowmobiles coming out and they came up with the idea for the SnoDeo.” The event was popular and by the fifth year, the other manufacturers joined in; today, the SnoDeo sees the four major factories – Ski Doo, Yamaha, Polaris and Arctic Cat – with a big presence at the event. The event was so popular in fact, that the simple idea of getting some people together to test drive snowmobiles, that by 1996, SnoDeo moved to Coleman State Park in Stewartstown, New Hampshire. It would seem the northern New Hampshire location stopped no one from attending, because…well, people just seem to love snowmobiles and anything related to the sport! “Word spread quickly,” Kevin recalls, “and soon we had visitors from Canada, New York, and the tri-state region. We even had a group from Iceland come to the event. They did not have any dealerships in Iceland, and they heard about the SnoDeo, flew over and tried out the machines. And Yamaha brought their technicians straight from their Japanese factory to observe rider reactions.” The SnoDeo is a huge event, which takes a lot of organization and marketing. The SDRSC retained South End Media, a Concord, New Hampshire advertising and media services agency, to promote the SnoDeo. This is the 11th year South

End Media has worked to promote the popular event. Agency company president Kurt Muhlfelder explains that South End Media handles the logistics and public relations for the SnoDeo and they obtain the event sponsors. It is a big job, but Kurt loves the SnoDeo and works well with the SDRSC to bring off a great event for the snowmobile public every year. “This year, we will be moving the SnoDeo to the SDRSC property, just down the road from Coleman State Park. We will now be located behind the warming hut at the Club’s property, which will give us more room so we can feature more vendors. It will change the access for the demo rides, but the same great trails for the test rides will be used. The advantages are we are able to plan the event better and our logistics become a little easier. But we still have all the advantages of our location.” For those who are not familiar with the SnoDeo, the event offers those thinking about buying a new snowmobile the chance to try out the very latest models from the four factories listed above. After arriving, you can browse the latest models, talk with the factory reps to learn the features of the snowmobiles and get any of your questions answered. Kurt explains. “The event is known as the first place to ride and see the latest models east of the Mississippi.” If you see snowmobiles you want to test drive, the process is simple. “You have to be a licensed driver age 21 or older (bring your license please),” says Kurt. The factories send visitors out in groups with a lead rider from the factory. The lead driver goes on the trail first, followed by those who are test driving the sleds. It is a way to get on the very newest snowmobile, to drive it on a trail and test it under a variety of conditions, and the idea isn’t far from the original one that Lloyd Drew and Bob Anderson devised years ago. It seems to work, and thousands of people (usually between 4,000 to 6,000 people a year) drive to northern New Hampshire for this one special weekend each year. Also offered at the SnoDeo are snowmobile-related vendors, dealers and distributors, all under tents. (Dress warmly please!) You are sure to work up an appetite at the SnoDeo, and the SDRSC will offer, as always, lots of great things to eat at the club’s food tent. The offerings will be more diverse than ever, due to the new location allowing an even bigger food tent. And, the new location’s warming hut has a commercial kitchen. A mall tent will offer snowmobile-related businesses such as real estate, tourism, insurance and clothing and accessories. Kurt explains the end-of-season clothing sale is always extremely popular with SnoDeo attendees. Also at the event (at press time) will be King Powersports, Chappell Tractors, Profile Powersports, Ride Lite, Absolute PowerSports, Rave X Performance and many others (more companies are being added often). And, this year, Northeast Sports Network has joined the SnoDeo. The network live streams high school sports and they will promote the SnoDeo and show videos of the 2017 models and shorts of the Rave X Fresh movie series. Kurt stresses how important the Drew family has been to the growth of the SnoDeo over the years. This year, the hard-working family has handed the torch to other club members. For many years, Kevin’s parents were an integral part of the event and always involved in the SDRSC (his mother was

club secretary “forever” Kevin says). When the SnoDeo’s popularity took hold, it was the serendipity of being in the right place at the right time, although Lloyd and his friend, Bob Anderson, likely did not realize it at the time. “There was a big leap in technology in the 1990s,” Kevin recalls. “At the time, the idea that you could get your hands on a machine and try it out was unique. Over the years, we added on a Radar Run, helicopter rides, food and even a display of vintage snowmobiles from the 1950s and up. My Dad is a collector and he brought some vintage machines people had never seen before.” The idea for the event that would take place on an ice-covered lake, so snowmobile enthusiasts could get together, have a hotdog and try out a new snowmobile has become among the largest, most popular and beloved winter events in the country. When visitors step through the gates at this year’s SnoDeo, they should take a moment to say a silent thank-you to Lloyd and Diane Drew and Bob Anderson, snowmobile lovers who came up with the idea to offer some winter fun to their friends and neighbors. The SnoDeo may have grown exponentially, but it is still, at its core, all about fun. (To learn more about the March 3 and 4, 2017 SnoDeo in Stewartstown, New Hampshire, visit www.nhsnodeo.com or email info@nhsnodeo.com. The Swift Diamond Riders Snowmobile Club is headquartered at 1155 Diamond Pond Road, Stewartstown, New Hampshire.)

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How Sweet It Is!

By Barbara Neville Wilson

Maple Sugar Season in New Hampshire

Along about March, when fresh snow has lost its allure and true spring is in the distance, Mother Nature gives a sweet aperitif. Sap rises and sugar shack chimneys puff smoke. It’s maple sugar season in New Hampshire! Records from as early as 1606 show Native Americans boiling maple sap to make sweet treats, and the tradition continues today. Time and labor intensive, it is not a process to be taken on by the impatient or money seeking, but it gives the winter-weary a good excuse to get out in the fresh air and celebrate new life to come. While all trees have sap as the lifeblood in their veins, the sugar maple is most well known for producing syrup. This is partly because its sugar content is high, as its name implies, and partly, too, because it offers a high volume of sap for the scant few weeks when it runs. It is true, however, that at least 21 other tree species produce sap that can be distilled to syrup.

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Sap rises as spring approaches, and trees are tapped when daytime temperatures generally rise above freezing and nighttime temperatures remain below 32 degrees. Sap is collected from two-inch spouts drilled into trees two to three feet above the ground, or above snow top in big snow years. Years ago, spouts were run into tin pails hanging tree side and contents were collected at least once a day to be boiled in the sugar house. Nowadays, you often see networks of plastic tubing running through the sugar bush to a single collection point. Gravity keeps the sap running and harvesters use pumps to empty vats from forest to truck bed, then again into the storage tank at the sugarhouse. Most people are amazed when they learn it takes approximately 40 gallons of sap to make a single gallon of syrup. Sap fresh from the tree has a consistency close to water and just a tinge of sweetness. It is the evaporation of excess water that brings out the sweet maple taste and the slippery thickness we associate with syrup. Today’s syrup operations are increasingly high tech. Where Grandpa may have had two pans cooking over a woodstove, one to evaporate and one to finish in a very long and energy-intensive process (and woe to Gramps if he decided to use Grandma’s kitchen stove and steamed off her wallpaper!), today’s operations more often use high-tech evaporation units and alternative energy sources to transform sap with 2 percent sugar content to syrup containing 66 percent sugar. If you go to the New Hampshire Maple Experience at the Rocks in Bethlehem, you can see maple-sugaring tools used long ago. Outside is a hollowed log thought to have been a primitive evaporator, into which syrup and scalding rocks would be placed to coax excess water from sap. Sledges for bringing vats of sap from forest to fire, boring instruments, hand-carved spouts, evaporators and paddles for testing viscosity are just some of the items on display. In years gone by, it was only by look and feel that a sugarer would know if the syrup were finished. A paddle would be dipped into the syrup then lifted vertically to see how it dripped from the bottom. If an apron-shaped sheet stood from

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Chocorua: Turkey the bottom, the syrup was Street Maples, (Tim Robfinished. Today’s producinson), 673 Turkey Street, ers use carefully calibratwww.turkeystreemaples. ed thermometers to regcom. Watch boiling, colister temperature. They lect sap in a true dooryard know that the all-imsugar house, enjoy maple portant apron is formed treats. 603-323-9320. precisely at 219 degrees Intervale: 100 Acre F or the syrup becomes The New Hampshire Maple Experience at The Rocks in Bethlehem Wood Sugar Shack, 41 candy. teaches visitors about the history and process of maple sugaring. Observatory Way, wwOf course, the soft, w. 1 0 0 A c r e M a p l e . o r g sweet taste of maple candy is not a bad thing, just a little hard to pour over your pan- “Tap Your Own” program, guided and self-guided tours on Maple Storybook Trail, Storybook Character Breakfasts. A procakes! Every year New Hampshire’s Maple Producers celebrate gram of the Believe in Books organization. 603-356-9980. Lancaster: Fuller’s Sugarhouse LLC, (Dave & Patti Fuller), spring with Maple Sugar Month and its annual Maple Sugar Weekend held in mid-March. During these special days, the 267 Main Street, info@fullersugarhouse.com. 603-788-2719. public is invited to walk the sugar bush, watch the distillation North Sandwich: Young Maple Ridge Sugarhouse, (Brad of sap into syrup, and sample sweet products. & Ida Streeter), 301 Wing Rd, www.youngmapleridgesugarThe White Mountains and Great North Woods boast farms house.com. Wood fired evaporator with steam-away and reoffering unique maple experiences suitable for everyone. verse osmosis. Samples! 603-662-9934. Contact a sugar shack near you to find out what’s on tap. Plymouth: Spikes Shack o’ Sugar, (Mark Sanchez & Matty Berlin: Bisson’s Sugar House, (Lucien & Muriel Blais), 68 Leighton), 15 River Rd, Marksanchco@hotmail.com. Features maple cream and bottle your own syrup (bring your own conCates Hill Road, maplesug@ncia.net, 603-752-1298. Bethlehem: The Rocks Estate, (Nigel Manley), 4 Christmas tainer). 603-254-7351 or 603-969-7271. Thornton: Benton’s Sugar Shack, (Michael Benton) 2010 Lane, http://therocks.org. Guided maple tours include horse drawn wagon rides, history of mapling, tapping trees, chef Route 175, www.bentonssugarshack.com Fifth generation demo, tractor drawn wagon ride to sugar house, tasting, tree sugarhouse, maple museum, pancake breakfasts. 603-7263867. ID, sugar house. 603-444-6226.

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Serving the White Mountain and Lakes Region of New Hampshire. If you're thinking of selling or buying, call us; one of our experienced Real Estate Agents will be happy to guide and help you understand your options. Call Today! Campton & Waterville Valley Office 396 Route 49, Campton, NH alre@alpinelakes.com 800.926.5003 | 603.726.4580

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www.alpinelakes.com Scenic New Hampshire | White Mountains | winter 2016/17 | 25

Growing Up Granite W

hen I was growing up, I wanted a skateboard or a scooter like my cousins. They lived on cul de sacs and flat, paved streets, but after trying to roller skate down the hilly, gravel road I lived on, I realized my neighborhood was better suited for mountain bikes and four-wheelers. I didn’t mind, though. I grew up in the mountains, and I wouldn’t trade it for anything. My house is situated just outside a ring of mountains called the Ossipee Ring Dike, the remains of an ancient volcano that has long since blown its top. It spreads from Mount Whittier to Mount Shaw, and if you look at an aerial map of the area, or are lucky enough to have a friend with an airplane, you can make out the circular pattern of peaks and almost imagine lava spewing out of the middle. There are a few similar ring dikes around New Hampshire, and it is thanks to the impact of ancient volcanoes that New Hampshire gets its nickname: The Granite State. For most of my childhood, I didn’t know anything about NH’s volcanic past. I just knew that everywhere I turned was a new evergreen peak to explore. My parents, who are Massachusetts transplants, might have been “Flatlanders”, but I was determined not to be. It certainly wasn’t hard to uphold this resolution living in northern New Hampshire. There was a

By Abigail Scott

new mountain, giant rock formation, or beautiful valley river on the side of every road, and both my family and my school took full advantage of each and every one. Instead of packing up for a field trip to a nature museum, my elementary school would take school-wide hiking trips and experience what we learned about in school for real. We’d search for the rocks and plants we learned about in science class, pointing them out to our teachers, who chaperoned the trips. As we ate our lunches and looked out at the lakes and trees below us, we often talked about the events that shaped the lives of New Hampshire’s early settlers. We learned that the King of England directed that the tall pine trees from the NH mountains be chopped down to create masts for his ships; not so long ago most of the White Mountain National Forest was chopped down, thanks to a logging boom a century ago. We could never tell, though. The trees grew back with a vengeance, creating a sea of green below our feet. The small communities were filled with some of the friendliest people NH has to offer. As a child, running a quick errand with my mom would quickly become a social affair as we caught up with friends and neighbors at the library and gas station alike. Even hiking along the mountains’ trails, we were

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sure to meet someone with a story to tell, whether it be the Legend of Mount Chocorua, a tall tale about the history of the 3,000 foot peak practically in my backyard, or a story of the big fish that got away just that very morning in one of the many crystal clear lakes or rivers in the area. Pitching a tent alongside one of the lakes or rivers (or even in my backyard!) was always a highlight of the summer months. Falling asleep to the sounds of the forest after a day of hiking, swimming, and fishing just can’t be beat, though sitting around a late night, backyard campfire with friends and family is a close second. We’d sit under the stars, listening to the sounds of the forest as the firelight flickered in our eyes. It was in these moments that I really came to appreciate the quiet safety of the mountains. We could hear the crackling of the fire and rustling of branches as animals woke up for the night, but the sounds of civilization were almost nonexistent, save for the hooting and howling of my neighbors down the road when they brought home a new brand of fireworks. While summer is wonderful, it’s in the fall that the mountains really come alive. The mountains erupt with color. Fiery reds and oranges contrast with the evergreen pines creating an almost magical glow, the perfect backdrop for a day at a local fair. Celebrating the summer harvest and the upcoming winter with caramel apples, cotton candy, and carnival rides is still one of my favorite things to do. If you’re brave enough to ride the tallest ride, which I would highly recommend, you’ll get a bird’s eye view of the fair below and the golden-orange mountains that surround it. As the days got shorter and colder, and we were counting down the days to the Sandwich Fair, my family would pull out our bikes and sweatshirts and tackle many of the trails that wound around the valley. We particularly loved biking through the empty streets of a local state park campground as

they closed down for the season, sometimes daring to dip our toes into the empty lake. I was never quite brave enough for true mountain biking, so bouncing down a short hill surrounded by trees was about as extreme as we’d get. Still, we used to try to see how far we could go before sunset, sometimes riding into the driveway just as the sun disappeared behind the trees. When winter rolled around, we swapped out our biking trips for weekly lift tickets at the ski mountains. I learned to snowboard when I was nine and after months of persevering through bruised knees and tired muscles on the bunny hill, I found myself riding up the chairlift to take my first run down the mountain. There’s nothing quite like that rush of gliding down a powdery slope, and every winter it feels just as new as it did so many years ago. NH’s ski resorts have some of the best views around, and a ten-minute ride up the chairlift to the summit, is the perfect time to take in the view. After a day on the mountain, we’d head in to the lodge for a steaming cup of cocoa, and watch fellow skiers fly down the slopes as we warmed up our fingers. Even when the weather was warm, we’d sometimes drive up to Loon Mountain and take a quick gondola ride to the summit just for the mountain view. For the past few years, I’ve traded in those mountain views for the Massachusetts seaside. Going to college by the ocean has been everything I’d hoped for, and more. The beach is just down the road and ocean sunsets are almost as magnificent as mountain ones, but by the time summer rolls around my heart is aching for the mountain air. I can’t imagine growing up anywhere but in the heart of New Hampshire’s mountains. The people, the mountains, the snow have a special place in my heart. Pursuing my education will continue to take me far away from NH’s granite slopes, at least for the next couple of years. But I know I’ll always come back to that million-year-old volcanic formation I call home.

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Events Calendar W

elcome to the White Mountains of NH. Once you settle into your lodgings, it’s time to head out on the ski slopes, snowshoe trails, dine out in area restaurants or take the family to the fun shopping areas and receational spots that call the White Mountains home. Scenic NH’s extensive calendar will keep you up-to-date on all sorts of events, located on the main roads and hidden among the hills. Please call ahead to check dates and times; events subject to change. ONGOING Art Classes, the Studio School, League of NH Craftsmen, Lincoln, call for schedule/ info: 444-1066, www.nhcrafts.org.

NE Ski Museum, exhibits, tours, tracing NE’s skiing history, free admission, Exit 34B, I-93, Franconia, 823-7177, www. newenglandskimuseum.org.

Book Sale, first Sat. of each month, Cook Memorial Library, Tamworth, 10 amnoon, 323-8510.

Open Mic Night, Sundays, 9 pm, Woodstock Inn Station and Brewery, 135 Main St., N. Woodstock, 745-3951, www.woodstockinnnh.com.

Curious George Cottage, open weekends, 7 Noon Peak Rd., Waterville Valley, info: 236-3308, info@ thereycenter.org.

Open Mic Night, Saturdays, live entertainment, Tuttle’s & Tony’s Italain Grille & Pub, 3674 DW Highway, Thornton, 745-3133.

Curious George Story Time, 11 am, 7 Noon Peak Rd., Waterville Valley, free, info: 236-3308, info@thereycenter.org.

Singing the Shapes, every 3rd Sat., 6-9 pm, shape note music singing, public welcome to participate, 921 Main St., Berlin, www.northcountrysacredharp. blogspot.com.

Forgotten Arts: Fiber Arts Group, every other Tuesday, 9:30 am-noon. Fiber artists and/or interested onlookers welcome to join Happy Weavers & Friends group to learn historic arts of weaving, spinning, sewing, quilting, and more. Bring a project to work on, if desired. Remick Museum & Farm, Tamworth Village. Free. (Does not include access to the Museum.) 3237591. Ice Skating, Bethlehem Recreation Park, corner of Main and Agassiz Streets, Bethlehem, outdoor lighted rink available free of charge. No skate rentals are available, so bring your own. Jackson XC Touring Center, XC trails, 153 Main St., Jackson, info: 383-9355, www.jacksonxc.org. Karaoke Night With Chris, Tuesdays, 9 pm, Woodstock Inn Station and Brewery, 135 Main St., N. Woodstock, 745-3951, www.woodstockinnnh.com. Mount Washington Observator Weather Discovery Center, interactive science museum, open daily 10 am – 5 pm, (closed Easter, Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Years Day). Explore the science of climate and weather through interactive exhibits. 2779 White Mt. Highway, N. Conway, 356-2137.

Snowcat Trips, adventure trips to Mt. Washington’s summit, www. mountwashington.org, 356-2137. Thurs. Night Book Group, meets fourth Thurs. of every month for discussions of books, 7 pm, Mystery Book Group meets second Thurs. of the month, White Birch Books, N. Conway, 356-3200, www. whitebirchbooks.com. Weekly Guided Snowshoe Walks, 1 pm, Saturdays during snow season/winter, along East Branch and Saco Rivers, register/info: 356-9920, Mt. Washington Valley Ski Touring & Snowshoe Foundation, www.mwvskitouring.org. NOVEMBER Nov. 17-19, From Start to Finish: Composing, Executing & Critiquing a Painting, 9 am – noon & 1:30 – 4:30 pm, Moose Track Studio, Franconia, taught by Carolyne D. Landon, info: League of NH Craftsmen, Lincoln, info: 444-1066. Nov. 19, Don Campbell Band, St. Kieran’s Art Center, 7 pm, Berlin, tickets/ info: 752-1028, www.stkieransarts.org. Nov. 23-24, All Things Pumpkin Tour, take a sleigh ride through Jackson Covered Bridge, tour Jackson village with over 15 pumpkin displays, rides hourly from 11 am – 4 pm, 383-9356.

28 | Scenic New Hampshire | White Mountains | Winter 2016/17

Nov. 25, Welcome Back to Winter Party, 5 – 7 pm, Waterville Valley Resort Conference Center, learn what’s coming up for winter season, appetizers, desserts served, www.waterville.com. Nov. 25-27, Homecoming Weekend, Bretton Woods, kickoff of 43rd skiing/ riding season, events all weekend, www. brettonwoods.com. Nov. 25-27 Journey to the North Pole, magical train ride to the North Pole for the whole family, departs N. Conway and Lincoln, NH. Two-hour trip to see Santa and visit his workshop. Hot chocolate and treats on the train, visit with elves and Santa at North Pole and much more. Proceeds fund Literacy Programs at Believe in Books Literacy Foundation, info: www.journeytothenorthpole.org. Nov. 25-30, Traditionally Yours Celebration, open houses, food, story telling and much more, villages of Jackson, Intervale, Glen, Bartlett, Hale’s Location, 383-9356, www. mountwashingtonvalley.org. Nov. 26, Great Glen Craft Fair, 9 am – 3 pm, crafts/gifts, raffle, free admission, Outdoor Center, Pinkham Notch, www. greatglentrails.com, 466-2333. Nov. 26, Santa Arrives in Horse Drawn Sleigh, 4:30 pm, Jackson Village Gazebo, 383-9356. Nov. 26-27, Holiday Jib Jam, 9 am – 3:30 pm, Wildcat Mt. Ski Area, Rt. 16, Jackson, 466-3326. Nov. 27, Ole’ Fashioned Christmas Tree Lighting, Christmas Farm Inn open house, Jackson, 383-9356. DECEMBER Dec. 1-11, Traditionally Yours Celebration, open houses, food, story tellings and much more, villages of Jackson, Intervale, Glen, Bartlett, Hale’s Location, 383-9356, www.www. mountwashingtonvalley.org. Dec. 1-17, Best Christmas Pageant Ever, M& D Productions, www.yourtheater.com.

Dec. 2- 4, 9- 11, 16-18, 22-23, Journey to the North Pole, magical train ride to the North Pole for the whole family, departs N. Conway and Lincoln, NH. Two-hour trip to see Santa and visit his workshop. Hot chocolate and treats on the train, visit with elves and Santa at North Pole and much more. Proceeds fund Literacy Programs at Believe in Books Literacy Foundation, info: www. journeytothenorthpole.org. Dec. 2, Rehearsed Reading Series: New Plays From PSU, 6 pm, Smith Recital Hall, Plymouth State Univ., Plymouth, free, 535-ARTS. Dec. 2-3, Contemporary Dance Ensemble, 7 pm, Hanaway Theatre, Plymouth State Univ., Plymouth, 535ARTS. Dec. 2-18, The Best Christmas Pagaent Ever, Fri. & Sat. at 7:30 pm, Sun. at 3 pm, Jean’s Playhouse, Lincoln, www. jeansplayhouse.com. Dec. 3, Breakfast with Santa, North Conway Community Center, N. Conway, 356-2096.

Dec. 5, Winter Railroads in NH – 19102016, 1:30 pm, Granite State College, 53 Technology Drive, Conway, lecture for those 50 & over, www.olli.granite. edu. Dec. 6, Charlie Brown Jazz: A Tribute to Vince Guaraldi, 7:30 pm, Eric Mintel Quartet plays holiday songs, Dec. 7, PSU Percussion Ensemble, 7 pm, Studio Theatre, Plymouth State Univ., Plymouth, 535-ARTS. Dec. 7, 9, 11, North Country Community Chorus, Inspirational Holiday Music, 12/ 7 & 9 at 7 pm; 12/11 at 2 pm, St. Kieran’s Art Center, Berlin, tickets/info: 752-1028, www.stkieransarts.org. Dec. 10, Demo Day, Loon Mt., Lincoln, www.loonmtn.com. Dec. 10, String Art, 10 am – noon, the Studio School, League of NH Craftsmen, Lincoln, info: 444-1066, www.littleton. nhcrafts.org. Dec. 10, USASA Rail Jam, Loon Mt., Lincoln, www.loonmtn.com.

Dec. 3, Christmas Bazaar, 10 am-3 pm, Durrell Memorial Church, 2057 Main St., Bethlehem, 869-2056. Spaghetti dinner at 5 pm.

Dec. 11, Pemigewasset Choral Society Hope is Born, musical concert, 3 pm, Hanaway Theatre, Plymouth State Univ., Plymouth, 535-ARTS.

Dec. 3, Jingle Bell Chocolate Tour, Jackson, info: Jackson Chamber of Commerce, 383-9356, www.jacksonnh. com.

Dec. 12, Are We Prussia? 10 am, Granite State College, 53 Technology Drive, Conway, lecture for those age 50 & over, www.olli.granite.edu.

Dec. 3, Holiday Festival & Tree Lighting, photo with Santa, caroling by local musical groups, horse-drawn sleigh rides, shopping, Settler’s Green, N. Conway, info: 356-7031, www. settlersgreen.com.

Dec. 12, Community Holiday Party, Franconia/Easton/Sugar Hill, 5-7 pm, tree decorating contest, Santa, carolling, info: 991-8925.

Dec. 3, The Turning of the Year: A Holiday Celebration with John Whelan, Low Lily & Katie McNally, 7:30 pm, American, Scottish & Irish music, Court St. Arts, Alumni Hall, Haverhill, tickets/ info: 989-5500, www.courtstreetarts. org. Dec. 3-4, 10-11, 17-18 & 22–23, Santa’s Holiday Express, Conway Scenic Railroad, N. Conway, 356-5251, www. conwayscenic.com. Dec. 3 & 10, Lidded Basket Class with Ray Lagasse, 9 am – 5 pm, make a choice of baskets, the Studio School, League of NH Craftsmen, Lincoln, info: 444-1066, www.littleton.nhcrafts.org. Dec. 4, A Joyful Noise!, 1 pm, Hanaway Theatre, Plymouth State Univ., Plymouth, 535-ARTS.

Dec. 17-18, Santa’s Stocking Stuffer Craft Fair, large variety of artisans, music of Tim Janis, 10 am, N. Conway Community Center, 2628 White Mt. Highway, N. Conway, 528-4014, www. joycescraftshows.com. Dec. 20, Attitash Race League PreSeason Meeting, pre-season mtg. of 9-wk. team, 3-5:30 pm, info: info: cmadden@attitash.com. Dec. 24, Christmas Eve Candelight Service, Loon Mt. Ministry at Governor’s Lodge, Loon Mt., Lincoln, free, open to all, www.loonmtn.com.

Dec. 31, Family Fun Night, Torchlight Parade and Fireworks Show, 3 pm onward, Cannon Mt., Franconia, info: www.cannonmt.com, 823-8800. Dec. 31, King Pine Ski Area Fireworks, 9:15 pm, East Madison, fireworks and bonfire, 367-8896, www.kingpine.com. Dec.. 31, New Year’s Eve Partybration, rides, fireworks, snacks, Santa’s Village, Jefferson, info: www.santasvillage.com, 586-4445. JANUARY Jan. 7, Annual Attitash Open GS, family fun race, Attitash, Rt. 302, Bartlett, 1-800-223-7669, www.attitash.com. Jan. 7, Family Fun Night, 3 pm, Cannon Mt., Franconia, info: www.cannonmt. com, 823-8800. Jan. 14, Beatles for Sale, 7:30 pm, tribute band concert, Jean’s Playhouse, Lincoln, www.jeansplayhouse.com. Jan. 14, Dana & Susan Robinson, Americana music concert, St. Kieran’s Art Center, 7 pm, Berlin, tickets/info: 752-1028, www.stkieransarts.org. Jan. 14, Whitaker Woods Snowshoe Scramble, Mt. Washington Valley Ski Touring and Snowshoe Center, Intervale, 10 am, info: 356-9920, www. mwvskitouring.org. Jan. 14, U Go Girl Race #1, 11 am – 1 pm, benefit for Jen’s Friends cancer patients/families, Attitash, Rt. 302, Bartlett, 1-800-223-7669, www.attitash. com. Jan. 14-15, Independence Weekend, fireworks, torchlight parade, snowcat rides and more, Loon Mt., Lincoln, www.loonmtn.com. Jan. 21, Abenaki Parks Rail Jam, 11 am – noon, must have ticket or season pass to participate, Attitash, 1-800-223-7669, www.attitash.com. Jan. 21, Family Fun Night, 3 pm, Cannon Mt., Franconia, info: www.cannonmt. com, 823-8800.

Dec. 26, Best Damn Ugly Sweater Party, Loon Mt., Lincoln, www.loonmtn.com.

Jan. 27-29, The 16th New Hampshire Sanctioned & Jackson Invitational Snow Sculpting Competition, Jackson village, info/competition details: Jackson Chamber of Commerce, www. jacksonnh.com, 383-9356.

Dec. 30, Here, There & Everywhere – Warren Miller movie premier, 5 - 8 pm, Wildcat Mt. Ski Area, Rt. 16, Jackson, 466-3326.

Jan. 28, North Country Sharks, dance tunes, 7 pm, St. Kieran’s Art Center, Berlin, tickets/info: 752-1028, www. stkieransarts.org.

Scenic New Hampshire | White Mountains | winter 2016/17 | 29

Jan. 28, Roaring 20s Party, bid on auction items, drinks, live music, dancing food, Jean’s Playhouse, Lincoln, www.jeansplayhouse.com. Jan. 30-May 8, Acting Workshop with Upstage Artistic Director Andrew Lidestri, Monday evenings, culminates in acting showcase, Upstage Players, info: www.upstageplayersnh.org. FEBRUARY Feb. 1, The Life of James Everell Henry, NH lumber baron, free, 7 pm, Bretzfelder Park, Bethlehem, www.therocks.org, info@therocks.org., 444-6228.

Feb. 21, Kitty Litter Box Race, noon – 1 pm, Wildcat Mt. Ski Area, Rt. 16, Jackson, 466-3326. Feb. 21, White Mt. Battle of the Bands, 6 pm, Jean’s Playhouse, Lincoln, www. jeansplayhouse.com. Feb. 22, Lunch Tray Luge, noon – 1 pm, Wildcat Mt. Ski Area, Rt. 16, Jackson, 466-3326. Feb. 22, Wildlife Tracking, 7 pm, Bretzfelder Park, Bethlehem, www. therocks.org, info@therocks.org, 4446228.

Feb. 3, Snow Golf With CASA, Loon Mt., Lincoln, www.loonmtn.com.

Feb. 23, Spidey Make Believe Magic of Your Mind, 7:30 pm, Jean’s Playhouse, Lincoln, www.jeansplayhouse.com.

Feb. 4, Family Fun Night, 3 pm, Cannon Mt., Franconia, info: www.cannonmt. com, 823-8800.

Feb. 25, Abenaki Parks Big Air, 11 am – 1 pm, freestyle events, Attitash, Rt. 302, Bartlett, 1-800-223-7669, www.attitash. com.

Feb. 4, Pirates of the High Skies, ski like a pirate and hunt for treasure – fundraiser for Adaptive Sports Partners of North Country, Cannon Mt., Franconia, info: www.cannonmt.com, 823-8800. Feb. 8, What’s Bugging NH’s Moose, 7 pm, The Rocks Estate, info@therocks. org, 444-6228. Feb. 11, Family Fun Night, 3 pm, Cannon Mt., Franconia, info: www. cannonmt.com, 823-8800. Feb. 12, Cabin Fever Follies, Music Through the Decades, 2 pm, St. Kieran’s Art Center, Berlin, tickets/info: 7521028, www.stkieransarts.org. Feb. 16, Snowshoe and S’mores Party, Loon Mt., Lincoln, www.loonmtn.com. Feb. 18, Family Fun Night with Fireworks, 3 pm, Cannon Mt., Franconia, info: www.cannonmt.com, 823-8800. Feb. 18, Skier/Boardercross, 11 am – 1 pm, fun event, Attitash, Rt. 302, Bartlett, 1-800-223-7669, www.attitash.com. Feb. 18, Torchlight Parade, 5:30 pm, Wildcat Mt. Ski Area, Rt. 16, Jackson, 466-3326. Feb. 18, UNH Choirs, concert, 7 pm, St. Kieran’s Art Center, Berlin, tickets/info: 752-1028, www.stkieransarts.org. Feb. 19, Sing Along, Read Aloud with Steve and Marty, 5 pm, Jean’s Playhouse, Lincoln, www.jeansplayhouse.com.

Feb. 25, Crazy Hat Day, prizes given for hats, Wildcat Mt. Ski Area, Rt. 16, Jackson, 466-3326. Feb. 25, Family Fun Night, 3 pm, Cannon Mt., Franconia, info: www. cannonmt.com, 823-8800. Feb. 25, Heather Pierson Trio, soulful music concert, 7 pm, St. Kieran’s Art Center, Berlin, tickets/info: 752-1028, www.stkieransarts.org. MARCH March 1, NE Disabled Sports Winter Challenge, annual ski and ride-a-thon, Loon Mt., Lincoln, www.loonmtn.com. March 3-4, 25th Annual Snodeo, events all day/evening, Coleman State Park, Stewartstown, details: info@nhsnodeo. com. March 4, Bill’s Race to Beat Amyloid, Cannon Mt., Franconia, info: www. billsrace.com, 823-8800. March 4, Crazy Catwalk Challenge, 11 am – 1 pm, Wildcat Mt. Ski Area, Rt. 16, Jackson, 466-3326. March 4, LUX funky jazz concert, 7 pm, St. Kieran’s Art Center, Berlin, tickets/ info: 752-1028, www.stkieransarts.org. March 5, Cross Cat Touring Challenge, 10 am – 3 pm, Wildcat Mt. Ski Area, Rt. 16, Jackson, 466-3326.

March 8 & 10, NCAA Alpine Skiing Feb. 19, U Go Girl Race #2, 11 am – Championships, top collegiate skiers 1 pm, benefit for Jen’s Friends cancer compete, Cannon Mt., Franconia, info: patients/families, Attitash, Rt. 302, www.cannonmt.com, 823-8800. Bartlett, 1-800-223-7669, www.attitash. com. 30 | Scenic New Hampshire | White Mountains | Winter 2016/17

March 11, Ability Plus Ski Athon, 9 am – 4 pm, raffle, apres ski, silent auction, Wildcat Mt. Ski Area, Rt. 16, Jackson, 466-3326. March 11, Freeride Event, Slopeside, Cannon Mt., Franconia, info: www. cannonmt.com, 823-8800. March 15, Low Lillly with John Whelan concert, 7 pm, St. Kieran’s Art Center, Berlin, tickets/info: 752-1028, www. stkieransarts.org. March 18, Cynthia’s Challenge for Faith 24 Hour Skiathon, King Pine Ski Area, Purity Spring Resort, Rt. 153, E. Madison, 367-8896, www.kingpine.com. March 19, Cardboard Box Race, kids, cardboard and fun! Loon Mt., Lincoln, www.loonmtn.com. March 25, BodeFest & Cannon Worldcup 50th Anniversary Party, Cannon Mt., Franconia, info: www.cannonmt.com, 823-8800. March 3-April 2, A Kid Summernight’s Dream, Jean’s Playhouse, Lincoln, www. jeansplayhouse.com. APRIL April 7, Sky Blue Boys, bluegrass/folk concert, 7 pm, St. Kieran’s Art Center, Berlin, tickets/info: 752-1028, www. stkieransarts.org. April 8, Cat Scratch Fever ski/rider challenge, 11 am – 3 pm, Wildcat Mt. Ski Area, Rt. 16, Jackson, 466-3326. April 14-15, Wildcat Pond Skim, noon – 1 pm, Wildcat Mt. Ski Area, Rt. 16, Jackson, 466-3326. April 15, Character Breakfast, Celebrate Earth Day, walk Storybook Trail, have breakfast and story time with The Lorax, take home a reusable bag filled with educational info on “going green.” Observatory Way, Intervale, info: www. believeinbooks.org, 356-9980. April 16, Wildcat Easter Egg Hunt, for kids age 12 & under, noon – 1 pm, Wildcat Mt. Ski Area, Rt. 16, Jackson, 466-3326.

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Scenic New Hampshire | White Mountains | winter 2016/17 | 31

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• Live Entertainment! • Nine handcrafted ales on tap! Many available in local stores & restaurants

UNCONDO

SKI PACKAGE for 2!

Overnight stay, 2 Lift Tickets, 2 full breakfasts, 2 box lunches (or $10 meal credit), and $25 towards dinner at Woodstock Station... starting at $96* see web for details

ONE OF NORTH AMERICAN SKI COUNTRY’S BEST BARS

on-site BreWerY

—Skiing Magazine

• BREW TOURS DAILY Reserve Online

• Brewer’s Weekends: learn how to brew beer! 2 nights, breakfast daily, reception, dinner, & T-shirt or hat!

stock, NH 03262 .com d o o W . o N t, e e tr 135 Main S oodstockInnN H W • 5 8 9 -3 1 2 -3 0 80 32 | Scenic New Hampshire | White Mountains | Winter 2016/17

TOP B&B FOR BEER LOVERS —homeaway.com