Trip Picks Karno Trip Picks

Waterville Valley's Skate Camp: Uniquely 100% run by skateboarders

2013-05-16T10:50:34-04:00

Waterville Valley, N.H.- While Waterville Valley’s slopes attract snowboarders in the winter months, its skate park is brining in the skateboarders into the summer. Now, the Waterville Valley Skate Camp is offering a new and exciting program for skateboarders this year – one that is run by and for skateboarders.

“Waterville Valley Skateboard Camp is like no other camp in the area. We only take 36 campers per week and 18 on weekends to ensure the campers have individualized coaching. Our main focus is a quality experience for the campers.” – says Camp Director, Luke Mathison.

For kids who like to skate there is no better way to shift gears from school to skateboarding. With the addition of new features and upgrades of existing ramps over the past year the Waterville’s skate park layout is becoming one of the best in the region.

And, each Thursday skateboarders get to head out on a Skate Park Tour. During the afternoon, they will have a blast in one of the New Hampshire’s other skate parks.

And, for down time, they can take advantage of mountain bikes, hiking, swimming, tennis, golf, and lots of other activities in the Waterville Valley summer Unlimited Program.

This is the only overnight camp 100% run by skateboarders, for skateboarders.

The WV Skate Camp is designed to fit the needs of parents and kids: campers can choose between the day camp or overnight camp, and have the choice of week long camps or simply a weekend. The camp welcomes boys and girls between 8 and 17 for day camp, and from 12 though 17 to overnight sessions.

All, with the support of sponsors, which include Oakley, Circa Shoes, Creep Show Skateboards, Red Bull Skateboarding, Volcom, Eastern Boarder, DC and Habitat.

If you want to take a little break and have your own vacation, let your kids have a great time at the WV Skate Camp. Register now at parks.waterville.com or by calling 1-800-GO-VALLEY.

Waterville Valley was designed and planned specifically as a self-contained, four seasons resort. Today in addition to its world-class ski area, Waterville Valley Resort has award-winning tennis courts, golf, hiking, biking, lodging, cultural activities and summer theater, kids camps, an indoor ice rink, boating, a skate park and a host of outdoor activities. It is home to the Margret and H.A. Rey Center and Curious George Cottage, and it hosts summer outdoor concerts, Children’s Theatre and numerous summer festivals. Dining options include traditional favorites, as well as elegant dining.

For more information, call 1-800-GO-VALLEY or visit http://www.waterville.com/pipes-parks-skate/skateboard-camp.html

Various White Mountains Attractions Opening for Summer Kick-Off

2013-05-15T12:00:46-04:00

North Woodstock, NH - Memorial Day is the highly anticipated, unofficial

start to the summer season and many of New Hampshire's White Mountains

attractions are set to swing wide their doors welcoming visitors to this

popular New England vacation destination.

"Business over Memorial Day used to depend on good weather, but it seems

people now use the long weekend to get a jump on the summer season

regardless," said Jayne O'Connor, President of White Mountains Attractions.

"It will be tough to beat last year's record numbers at some of the

attractions," she said, "since we had near-perfect weather all summer. But

with the early interest we have had so far this year, it feels like we'll

have another excellent season."

O'Connor noted that several of the popular attractions are running now with

weekend hours but the majority of the family-friendly parks will be open in

time for the holiday weekend. Attitash Mountain Resort in Bartlett will

have all of its summer attractions operating for their May 25th opening

(weekends through June 9th then daily beginning June 15th) and the Cannon

Mountain Aerial Tramway opens on a daily basis starting Friday, May 24th.

Clark's Trading Post, the Hobo Railroad and Loon Mountain, all located in

Lincoln, have their opening days set for Saturday, May 25th with weekend

hours available through May and into early June. They will then be open

daily throughout the rest of the summer months.

A little farther north in Jefferson, Santa's Village and Six Gun City

celebrate Memorial Day by opening for weekend fun on May 25th with full

schedules coming on line in mid-June. Story Land of Glen initiates their

59th season on Saturday, May 25th with June 14th marking the start of daily

hours. May 25th is also the opening day for Wildcat Mountain when guests

can experience the heart-pounding thrill of a zip line or the quiet grandeur

of a gondola ride featuring breathtaking views of Mt. Washington. Wildcat

will be open weekends through June 9th then daily beginning June 15th. For

those seeking an unforgettable trip to the top of the Northeast's highest

peak, the Mt. Washington Cog Railway is ready to accommodate adventurous

travelers. They will be running daily starting Saturday, May 25th.

Other major attractions in the White Mountains that have already been

operating include the Conway Scenic Railroad (daily through Oct. 27); The

Flume Gorge (daily through Oct. 27-weather permitting); Lost River Gorge &

Boulder Caves (daily through Oct. 20-weather permitting); Mt. Washington

Auto Road (daily through Oct. 20-weather permitting); Polar Caves Park

(daily through Oct. 20-weather permitting); and the Whale's Tale Water Park

(daily June 5-Sept. 2).

For updated operation dates, visit the WMAA website at

www.VisitWhiteMountains.com. The White Mountains Attractions Association is

the official tourism association for the White Mountains region.

Waterville Valley Tennis Center Earns World Ranking in tennisresortsonline.com poll

2013-05-13T16:26:24-04:00

May 12, 2013, (Waterville Valley, NH) – The Waterville Valley Tennis Center is pleased to announce its’ continued inclusion as a Gold Medal Resort in the annual tennisresortsonline.com rankings of tennis resorts across the globe, achieving a ranking of #23. In addition, we were recognized in the poll as #5 for Best Value for Dollar and #5 for Best Setting.

Cox - "Tennis Resorts Online" 7 Years In A Row

Waterville Valley Tennis Center Owner and USPTA Director Tom Gross, Jr. states, “We are thrilled to once again receive a top 25 ranking as a Gold Medal Resort in the World. Our members and guests appreciate not only our 18 red clay courts surrounded by 4,000-foot mountains, but also the beautiful resort village of Waterville Valley. Since 1884 guests have enjoyed tennis in Waterville Valley and this summer this ranking continues our long tradition of providing a first rate tennis center and resort for vacationers.”

Writes Roger Cox, editor of tennisresortsonline.com “What the top resorts all have in common, … is a passion for tennis and a proven ability to cater to the needs of avid players.” He continues, “Terraced into a grassy hillside and surrounded by forested mountains, Waterville's 18 red-clay courts rank among the most beautiful places I've played.”

Former touring pro Clare Grabher and her husband Kurt of New England Tennis Holidays will once again operate their very high quality, 5-hour-a-day summer tennis camps on those same red-clay tournament courts. States Kurt, "As founders of New England Tennis Holidays, we are very excited about our relationship with Tom Gross, Jr. and the Waterville Valley Resort and Tennis Center. This is our 26th year of tennis in New England and our 4th season in Waterville Valley, NH.”

The Waterville Valley Tennis Center (http://www.wvtennis.com/ 603-236-4840) opens in mid-May and continues through Columbus Day Weekend. A variety of clinics, lessons, round robins, kid’s programs, racquet stringing, tournaments and pro shop apparel are available.

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White Mountain Athletic Club, Inc. (WMAC), with headquarters in Waterville Valley, NH, owns and operates the White Mountain Athletic Club - a full service athletic club featuring indoor and outdoor 25m swimming pools, cardio and weight rooms, indoor tennis, racquetball, the Coyote Grill Restaurant, saunas, steam rooms & whirlpool spas, aerobics, massage, and more.

WMAC also owns and operates the Waterville Valley Tennis Center (WVTC)- an award-winning 18-clay court outdoor tennis facility named by Tennis Magazine as one of the 50 greatest tennis resorts in the U.S. and also chosen as one of the top five family resorts in the United States. Since 2005, the WVTC has been named a Gold Medal Resort by tennisresortsonline.com, with ranking consistently in the Top 20 in the World and a most recent ranking of #23 in 2013. The 32^nd New Hampshire Open, held in Waterville Valley this July 6-8th, is New Hampshire’s most prestigious tennis tournament.

New England Tennis Holidays rated the #1 Tennis Camp in the US and Canada by Roger Cox –tennisresortsonline.com 7 years in a row operates 3 and 5-day adult instructional camps here.

In 2011 the resort garnered Yankee Magazine’s Editors Choice Award for “Best in New England-- Best Family Resort”.

WMAC, Inc. provides modern, four-season recreational opportunities, currently in the form of the WMAC and the WVTC, to property owners, vacationers, and local townspeople in Waterville Valley and the greater Waterville Valley area. WMAC, Inc., an equal opportunity employer, is an advocate in the preservation and well being of Waterville Valley and the White Mountain National Forest.

KIDS CRUISE FREE ON THE M/S MOUNT WASHINGTON DURING MEMORIAL DAY WEEKEND

2013-05-13T13:52:34-04:00

WEIRS BEACH, NH— This Memorial Day Weekend, kids under the age of 13 cruise free on the historic M/S Mount Washington. Limit to two free children per adult. This offer will be available Saturday, Sunday and Monday (May 25, 26 and 27) from all ports. Also, veterans and military personnel pay only $10 on all daytime scenic cruises.

On Saturday night, May 25, join the Salute to Service Dinner-Dance Cruise on Lake Winnipesauke in honor of police officers, firefighters, EMTs, veterans and military personnel. The cruise is open to all and the departure is at 7 p.m. from Weirs Beach. Enjoy a special dinner cruise rate of $29 per person, and dance the night away to the popular “Club Soda Band.”

The official 2013 season for the cruise line runs from May 18 until October 19. Daily two and a half hour cruises depart from Weirs Beach. On alternating days, cruises are also offered from Wolfeboro, Alton Bay, Center Harbor and Meredith. Daytime cruises depart Weirs Beach at 10 a.m. (Saturdays and Sundays starting May 18, daily starting July 1) and 12:30 p.m. (daily starting May 18). There are additional cruises to the islands offered on the Mail Boat, Sophie C. and Doris E. In the spring and fall, dinner dance cruise are available on the weekends. During the months of July and August, dinner cruises are offered Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday. Sunset dinner cruises include a buffet dinner and dancing to live music.

To learn more about the various ships and to view a more detailed cruise schedule with times and ticket prices, visit www.cruisenh.com. Tickets can be purchased online or by calling toll-free 1-888-843-6686 or local 603-366-5531.

Opening Days Just Ahead for Many White Mountains Attractions

2013-05-09T10:47:44-04:00

North Woodstock, N.H. – The sixteen major attractions located throughout New Hampshire’s White Mountains Region are getting ready to open their doors. In addition to the usual preparations for the upcoming tourism season, many of these family-friendly attractions are introducing new rides, outdoor adventures and improvements for 2013.

“The interest in summer activities has already started, so it’s great to see the attractions starting to open their doors,” said Jayne O’Connor, President of the White Mountains Attractions Association. “There’s a lot of pent-up demand for getting out in the mountains once the weather turns warm.”

Several of the parks are open already, including The Conway Scenic Railroad in North Conway, which is running train rides daily now, and looking forward to two July visits from Thomas the Tank Engine. The Flume Gorge in Franconia Notch is also now open daily, with a mix of wildflowers and winter ice along the walk. In North Woodstock, Lost River Gorge & Boulder Caves opens for the season daily on May 10^th, with an expanded schedule of evening Lantern Tours through the caves starting Memorial Day weekend.

Other new features include a newly opened cave on the tour at Polar Caves Park on Route 25 in Rumney, now open daily; and at the Mount Washington Cog Railway, the crew is building its final environmentally-friendly bio-diesel locomotive. The Cog is open weekends for now and will run a daily schedule starting May 25. Also on Mount Washington, the Auto Road in Pinkham Notch is open daily for guided tours aboard the Auto Road’s “Stages” (passenger vans). The tours have been extended this year, giving visitors a full hour to explore the top of the Northeast’s highest peak.

For thrill-seeking water fun, there’s a new slide at Whale’s Tale Water Park in Lincoln, called Poseidon’s Voyage, which will feature a 54 ft. drop from the top and a “super loop” midway. Whale’s Tale opens daily starting June 5. Santa’s Village in Jefferson will also be adding three new waterslides to its water park area, and renovating some of the public areas. Glen’s famous Story Land will open weekends May 25-June 9, then daily, with a magic show added to their entertainment line-up.

The opening schedule for other attractions in the White Mountains include the Cannon Mountain Aerial Tramway (daily starting May 24); Clark’s Trading Post (weekends May 25-June 16, then daily); Attitash Mountain Resort (weekends May 25-June 9, then daily); Hobo Railroad (weekends May 25-June 9, then daily); Loon Mountain (weekends May 25-June 16, then daily); Six Gun City & Fort Splash (weekends May 25-June 16, then daily); and Wildcat Mountain (weekends May 25-June 9, then daily).

For updated operation dates, visit the WMAA website at www.VisitWhiteMountains.com. The White Mountains Attractions Association was founded in 1958 as a co-operative marketing association for the region. In 1983, it was also designated the State’s official Regional Association for the White Mountains of New Hampshire, able to assist the press and visitors with information about the region.

Newbold's Crafting Settlement Ponders Self-Sufficient Living on the Fringes of Modern Society

2013-05-08T09:37:21-04:00

Manchester, NH – Americans are constantly thinking about what it takes to sustain a high quality of living while also considering the very basic instinct of survival. Artist Abigail Anne Newbold, part craftsperson and part designer, gives us all a chance to consider the possibilities and limitations of life on an imaginary homestead along the fringes of modern society with her exhibition Crafting Settlement, opening March 30 at the Currier Museum of Art.

Crafting Settlement will take guests into Newbold’s fictional homestead, with custom-designed timber-frame dwelling structures covered with the artist’s quilted textiles. Other unique crafted objects, including a bike-pulled covered wagon, will populate the gallery, taking an imaginary—often humorous—look at desires for life beyond conventional society. The exhibition reclaims the value of high-quality craftwork and design, proposing an alternative to the disposable and generic products that pervade mainstream culture.

In her most ambitious art installation to date, Newbold draws on Shaker design and the architecture of New England farms. In addition to Newbold’s crafted objects, other items on view will include those the artist has carefully collected from flea markets and modified to suit her contemporary aesthetic and individual—at times eccentric—needs for survival. This exhibition expands upon the artist’s previous work inspired by hiking through the backcountry of the Southwest United States carrying her home in a pack on her back. It is an invitation to examine the desires and realities of self-sufficient living and to consider the relationship between necessity and comfort in making a home.

Crafting Settlement, on view through July 14, 2013, will feature a hands-on Settlement Lab, where visitors of all ages can explore the content of the installation in more depth.

Based in Massachusetts, Newbold has recently exhibited at the Society of Arts and Crafts, Boston; the Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Arts, Philadelphia and the Museum of Contemporary Art Detroit. Newbold received a 2012 Artist Award from the Boston Society of Arts and Crafts and a 2009 Kresge Artist Fellowship, among other distinctions. Newbold earned a BFA from Massachusetts College of Arts in Boston and an MFA in Fiber from Cranbrook Academy of Art in Michigan.

Abigail Anne Newbold: Crafting Settlement is part of the Currier’s Contemporary Connections series, which features new work by early- and mid-career artists from New England made in dialogue with the Currier’s collection, architecture, or regional histories and location.

About the Currier

The Currier Museum of Art is located at 150 Ash Street, Manchester, NH. Open every day except Tuesday. Museum admission: adults $10; seniors $9; students $8; children age 17 and under are always admitted free. More information: www.currier.org or call 603.669.6144 x108.

Mount Washington Cog Railway Open for the 2013 Season

2013-05-07T10:42:22-04:00

MARSHFIELD STATION, NH - The Mount Washington Cog Railway opened this weekend for its 144th season of bringing visitors from as far away as Russia to the summit of the Northeast's highest peak. The season marks the 30^th year of ownership for the Presby and Bedor families, and extends into January 1.

This year, the Cog will be offering new events including a Ride & Observatory Tour, Photo Workshop Tour, and a Railfans’ Day and a “Name That Train!” contest for the new biodiesel engine. Details for all events can be found at thecog.com

As part of each 3-hour round trip on the Cog, Passengers spend about an hour on the summit, where those ticket holders get free admission to the Mount Washington Observatory Museum, which provides a fascinating look at the weather history of the peak. The history, lore and legend of New Hampshire's most fabled mountain is told by the Granite State's favorite storyteller, Fritz Wetherbee, who narrates the onboard audio tour.

Throughout the season, there are special trains and discounts for our guests. Beginning June 15, a vintage steam engine will run daily at 8:15 a.m. Starting June 17, everyone saves with $9 off their ticket on the last train of the day. Even this Fall, there is a “Five for Fall” special, which offers a $5 discount beginning in September. The details on these special trains and discounts can be found online.

Old Peppersass, the train that actually built the Cog Railway (named for its pepper-sauce bottle shape) , is on display at the Marshfield Base Station and the Cog Railway Museum, which is full of memorabilia about this pioneering railroad. Admission is open to the public and free to all. Tickets for Cog Railway excursions can now be purchased online at www.TheCog.com. Due to the popularity of the rides, buying tickets in advance is strongly recommended. All special events have limited space. Please book the Photo Workshop and Observatory tours in advance by calling 800.922.8825 or 603.278.5404.

For more information, contact The Cog at 1-800-922-8825 or in New Hampshire at 603-278-5404.

Waterville Valley’s historic golf course is opening for the 115th Season

2013-05-07T10:40:08-04:00

Waterville Valley’s historic golf course is opening for the 115th Season on Friday, May 24. The course opened in 1898, making it one of the oldest in New Hampshire. A major renovation in 2005 retained the character and tradition of the 115-year-old course, and created six spectacular new and redesigned holes. The par 30 layout with three par-4 holes provides a challenging golf experience for players of all abilities.

Club members are entitled to unlimited play every day, a block of members-only tee times from 8:30-9:30am daily, discounted cart fees, 15% merchandise discount, discounted green fees for guests, seasonal cart fees, and NEW IN 2013 member-only club discounts, member-only local business discounts and reduced greens fees at Owl’s Nest Resort.

http://www.wvnh.com/waterville-valley/golf/

Lost River Gorge & Boulder Caves Opens for its 161st Season

2013-05-06T16:29:06-04:00

North Woodstock, N.H. - Known for its natural beauty and hidden mysteries, the Lost
River Gorge & Boulder Caves on Rte. 112 begins another season of
family-friendly adventure on Saturday, May 11, 2013.

The Lost River runs high in early May, thanks to the melting snowpack
from the surrounding slopes of Kinsman Notch. It affords visitors a
thrilling experience as the roar of cascading waterfalls echo through the
towering granite walls and glacial caves that make up Lost River Gorge.

This ancient wonder was formed some 25,000 years ago during the time when
receding glaciers revealed what we know today as New Hampshire's White
Mountains. "It's like taking a trip through a geological time tunnel," said
Lost River General Manager, Kate Wetherell. "Our visitors can see up close
how forces of nature worked, and are still working together to create this
unique place. Caves, a river, waterfalls, beautiful scenery...it's got all
that and more."

Lost River Gorge was discovered by brothers, Royal and Lyman Jackman, in
1852. While on a fishing expedition, Lyman suddenly fell through a
moss-covered hole, into a cave (later to be named "Shadow Cave") landing
waist-deep in a pool of cold, clear water. The Jackman brothers continued
their exploration finding many more caves. This mid-nineteenth century
discovery makes Lost River Gorge one of New Hampshire's oldest attractions
and in 2012, the attraction celebrated 100 years of ownership by the Society
for the Protection of New Hampshire Forests. Since 1967, the White
Mountains Attractions Association has been operating and managing the
popular tourist site.

The Lost River Gorge & Boulder Caves will be open daily from May 11th
through October 20th (weather permitting) for self-guided tours. On
Mother's Day, Sunday, May 12th, every Mom receives a gift of a free
admission with the purchase of a child's ticket and Dads get the same
special treatment on Father's Day, June 16th. Guided "Lantern Tours" start
Memorial Day Weekend, then are available weekend evenings from mid-June
through early September when 11 caves are lit by glowing lanterns and
boardwalks are illuminated by head lamps worn by nocturnal explorers who
will enjoy s'mores around the campfire at the conclusion of the tour.
Sluice Mining, where everyone is guaranteed to find treasures to put into
their gem mining bags, and the Ecology Trail and Nature Garden are popular
"must-do's" for adults and kids. Daytime Tours with Interpretive Programs
are available to groups, as well as the evening Lantern Tours. Visit
www.lostrivergorge.com for detailed information and a complete schedule.

ART Fest at the Currier Museum of Art

2013-05-06T15:45:47-04:00

Saturday, May 11 from 10 am-3 pm

AND Sunday, May 12 from 11 am-3 pm

Don’t miss the second annual Art Fest, which will focus on the handmade. The weekend will feature local artisans, art activities for all ages, and craft demonstrations. Abigail Anne Newbold, the artist behind the special exhibition Crafting Settlement, will demonstrate her artistic process and answer visitors’ questions. Celebrate Mother’s Day on Sunday with Jazz Brunch and purchase tickets to take mom on the Garden Tour at the Zimmerman House. Visit CURRIER.ORG for a complete schedule. Free with museum admission.