Part of what makes the spring and summer season so amazing in New England, is the opportunity to enjoy freshly picked, straight off the farm produce. After a long winter, a bushel of fresh strawberries or farm-fresh tomatoes are well deserved. 

Farming in the Mt. Washington Valley, NH has so much history. Over the years that history has evolved into true culinary experiences that focus on restaurants collaborating with local farms; distilling handcrafted gin and vodka made with Maine potatoes; and farm stands with vegetables that have been picked just 20 feet from the farm stand’s doors.

1) Make the MWV Farmer’s Market a regular Tuesday outing! Happening every Tuesday, from 4:00-7:00pm, adjacent to the North Conway Community Center, the vibe of this market is high! With the sun shining down on you, listen to live music as you make your way to each vendor. Farmers, cheesemakers, bakers, bread-makers, and more all convene on each Tuesday to bring the most colorful and freshest assortment of vegetables, fruit, honey, cheese, and more.

Grab a bag of kettle corn, a quart-sized jug of homemade lemonade, a slice of pizza and homemade cookie from each of the stands and make a picnic of it in the park. There is no better way to indulge in summer than by taking in the simple pleasures that a true farmer’s market brings to all who frequent it.

The MWV Farmer’s Market is ongoing until October 5th, and after Labor Day its hours shift to 3:00pm to 6:00pm to accommodate the change in daylight hours. In order to ensure that the Market is accessible to all community members, SNAP tokens will be available to families and individuals receiving these benefits, and we will be participating in the Granite State Market Match.

2) Weston’s Farm Stand with locations in Fryeburg, Maine and North Conway, NH, is a staple in Mt. Washington Valley. Leading the way in organic farming practices and creating community around its farm, Weston’s is a must-stop for those looking for an authentic farm, and farm-fresh vegetables.

Its original location in Fryeburg, Maine overlooks the Saco River. There you’ll find freshly picked vegetables from the farm, and from its partner vendors, baked goods such as pies, breads and cookies, handcrafted coffee and beer, cheeses, and local meat. Its Fryeburg location also has a gift shop where you can find New England themed decor and books.

Weston’s also has a location on West Side Road. This stand is open-air and offers a sampling of what you would find at it’s Fryeburg location. On a daily basis it stocks this stand with vegetables, baked goods, preserves and local meats. 

3) Thompson House Eatery is another farm stand in the valley whose farmers are passionate about sharing farm fresh food with the valley. A hybrid of an award-winning restaurant, farm stand and farm, Thompson House Eatery offers an experience unlike any other. 

As a restaurant it is member of the Good Food 100 program, which highlights sustainability within restaurants. Certain expectations a restaurant has to live up to in order to become a member include having a clear trace on where and how the vendors it works with source their food, having to prove that as owners of the restaurant they provide livable benefits and wages to their employees, along with other merits.

We could write novels on how exquisite the culinary experience is at this restaurant, but instead, we encourage you to read its menu and start dreaming about what you order when you sit down to dine there. Just make sure you plan ahead, as reservations are helpful in getting a seat!

With plans to expand its farm into a fully functioning farm stand that will also sell beer, wine and prepped meals, Thompson House Eatery’s current stand features a variety of vegetables picked that day! The farm is adjacent to the restaurant, and you can see gardeners working in it during the day; picking vegetables that are likely to end up on your plate if you join them for dinner that evening. 

CSA’s are also available through Thompson House Eatery. One special thing to note is that Thompson House Eatery hosts a “Dinner in T.H.E Farm, where you’ll enjoy a multi-plated dinner prepared by renowned chefs from all over the country in its farm fields, every summer. Tickets typically sell out in advance, so you’ll want to make sure you get on its waitlist so you can grab admission when it comes along for 2022.

4) The Local Grocer and Table and Tonic Cafe are another great example of those in Mt. Washington Valley that are committed to sharing farm fresh vegetables and food with the public. Another hybrid of a restaurant and farm, The Local Grocer (TLG) acts as an all-encompassing grocery store and gift shop that also features vegetables grown on the owners large scale Mountain Flower Farm, right up the road from TLG.

Table and Tonic Cafe is the breakfast and lunch spot where you can order dishes that utilize the produce from Mountain Flower Farm, and shine a spotlight on the recipes that owners Russ and Heather have been perfecting over the span of 20-years. Sit-in or take-out lunch at Table and Tonic is a real treat and a perfect way to start or end any outdoor adventure. Grab-and-go meals are also available.

5) Many restaurants throughout the valley are committed to using the freshest and most local ingredients when possible as well. Restaurants such as Max’s at Snowvillage Inn, Stone Mountain Arts Center, The Oxford House, Wicked Fresh Burgers, White Mountain Cider Co., and more are just a sampling of the restaurants and chefs dedicated to making fresh and delicious food.

6) Veno’s Specialty Foods and Meats, while not a true sit-down restaurant is a market where you can grab freshly made dinners, specialty meats and cheeses, dressings, sides, and more. It’s a market that features gourmet-to-go meals and butcher shop that is committed to working with local farms. Their products can be traced to farms from around the region, and the owners hold high standards for any product they bring into their store. Veno’s is a great option for families that are camping, or hosting a party for dinner.

7) While it’s not a farm that is open to the public, Green Thumb Farms, definitely produces items that the public loves! A prime potato farm in Fryeburg, Maine, Green Thumb Farms provides what could be considered Maine gold in the form of potatoes to local restaurants and grocery stores. It’s also the main provider of potatoes for the Cold River distillery, which makes vodka and gin out of its farm fresh potatoes. You can find handcrafted cocktails throughout Mt. Washington Valley shaken, stirred and served with this craft alcohol!

8) Cathedral Ledge Distillery is another distillery that’s serving up organic vodka and gin, and sharing its goods with restaurants throughout Mt. Washington Valley. Located right outside of North Conway Village, you can enjoy tastings in its post-and-beam barn, and take some of your favorite spirits home with you. 

For complete trip planning resources and information, visit www.visitmwv.com or call 800-367-3364 (800-DO-SEE-NH) to talk to a Mt Washington Valley Chamber of Commerce rep.  To learn more about New Hampshire vacations, go to www.VisitNH.gov.

Kancamagus Scenic Byway & The White Mountains Trail: This is the granddaddy of fall foliage drives and the only scenic byway loop drive in the country. Take Route 112 off Route 16 in Conway and follow the Kancamagus Highway, New Hampshire’s only scenic byway, to Lincoln, NH, then through Franconia Notch onto Rt. 302 through Bretton Woods and back into Mt. Washington Valley. When on “the Kanc”, travel over 33 miles through the White Mountain National Forest, past waterfalls, mountain brooks and hiking trails to Lincoln. Keep a watchful eye out, as this is one of the best moose-watching locations! From there, continue through Franconia Notch to view the site of the former Old Man In The Mountains. You can visit the Old Man Museum and the New England Ski Museum and other attractions, then hop on 93N to Rt. 302. Travel south through Bretton Woods, stopping for lunch or a tour of the Mt. Washington Hotel. Continue through Crawford Notch back to Bartlett and back again to North Conway Village. It’s about a 100-mile round trip but will most likely take all day, stopping along the way for photos, scenic overlooks, unique restaurants and shopping.

West Side Road: West Side Road parallels the White Mountain Highway through North Conway’s shopping district. This country road takes you through farmland, past the White Horse and Cathedral Ledges, and past farms and farm stands bearing local produce. From Route 16 North in Conway, with an outlet in North Conway Village onto Route 16, or continue North to Route 302 in Bartlett, his is a popular alternative to the Route 16 “strip” through North Conway’s business section. The Bartlett section alone is worth the trip for views across the river and the Intervale.

Cathedral Ledge Road: Take this road to the top of Cathedral Ledge for an unsurpassed view of the colors in the Valley from Conway Lake to Bartlett.  From the North Conway-Bartlett section of West Side Road, you’ll turn on to Cathedral Ledge Road and begin climbing up to the top. The road narrows toward the top. Park at the top in a loosely marked parking area and walk out onto the ledge to see all of Mt. Washington Valley before you. This is one of those rare scenic overlooks that you can drive to! If you’re lucky, you may be there when a rock climber “tops out” and comes up over the ledge.  This road is not open in the winter. 

Jackson Loop: A ride through Jackson’s covered “Kissing Bridge” is a thrill in itself.  Stop on either side of the bridge for a photo. From Route 16 North, go through the bridge and on to Route 16B. The road loops left just before Black Mountain, then goes left again down Carter Notch Road back to Jackson Village. Scenic spots include the picnic stop along Jackson Falls, and the New England Church and gazebo in Jackson Village. You’ll want to stop along the way for selfies while taking in the color in the Presidentials.

Eaton/Madison/Snowville: Take this route and you are guaranteed to find the quintessential perfect place for a fall foliage photo.  From Route 16 in Conway, head south east on Route 113 . You can continue south to Madison or turn left at Crystal Lake and go through Snowville back to Route 113, then go left on Route 113 in Brownville and back to Fryeburg, then back to Conway. Be sure to stop at Crystal Lake with the little New England white, steepled church in the background. It is one of the most often requested photos from this area. Take this scenic drive and capture your own photo to remember it by!

Bear Notch Road: Take this road at dawn or dusk for the greatest chance to spot a moose along the road. Access  Bear Notch Road from Route 302 in Bartlett and take it over to Kancamagus Hwy or from the “Kanc” over to Route 302 in Bartlett. For some, this is considered a by-pass, for most it’s considered incredibly scenic. This is another road that’s not passable in the winter.

The Notches: Pinkham Notch (on Route 16, past Jackson); Crawford Notch (on Route 302, past Bartlett) and Evans Notch (from East Conway) all offer perfectly spectacular fall foliage vistas and viewing. Each of the notches offer scenic glory and ideal picture taking opportunities. Look for fabulous views of Mt. Washington from Pinkham Notch and gorgeous flowing waterfalls and rock formations.

For full vacation planning resources, visit www.mtwashingtonvalley.org or call 1-800-DO-SEE-NH 9800-367-3364). To plan your scenic New Hampshire getaway, go to www.VisitNH.gov.

If you’re part of a group of single gals looking for a fun weekend getaway, a mom looking for 48-hours to leave home-life behind and have fun with friends, a mom and daughter duo looking to reconnect after a busy summer, a girls’ weekend in Mt. Washington Valley, NH can do just the trick.

It’s fun to pile into the car and dodge regular life for the weekend with your closest pals and try a new destination. What makes Mt. Washington Valley, NH so great, is that not only is it filled with fun activities, but it’s also within driving distance of many New England states, so planning a spontaneous trip isn’t that far-fetched of an idea. (Please note that spontaneity during a pandemic means something slightly different than what it did in the past. Many attractions take reservations in advance, and last-minute lodging may be harder to come-by, paired with potentially longer wait times to get into a restaurant. Give you and your group some breathing room when it comes to choosing dates for an ‘impromptu’ trip.)

Here are some of the best ways to change up your weekend routine with your favorite gal pal while taking a mini vacation in Mt. Washington Valley, NH!

Get Down and Dirty
And take on some outdoor adventure! Rent bikes, hike a mountain, paddle down the river! These are all outdoor activities in Mt. Washington Valley that it’s famed for! What’s great, is that taking on these adventures allows you to time your own schedule.

For example, if you rent canoes to paddle down the Saco River, pack a picnic from any of our favorite cafes, and leisurely make your way down the river, stopping at different sandy beaches for a swim. Take pictures, make memories, laugh, and enjoy all the summer has to offer before it comes to a close.

And if you’re seeking adventure on dry land, you can find a list of favorite hikes, here, as well as great options for bike rentals, and bike excursions. Rent E-bikes from Northeast ATV and ride the Presidential Rail Trail in Gorham, NH or rent Fat Bikes and make your way through Whitaker Wood in North Conway, NH.

Relax with a Spa Treatment
Now that you’ve played in the outdoors, shake the dirt off with a manicure, massage or facial! Spas in Mt. Washington Valley have a plethora of options that offer metropolitan services in mountain settings.

Schedule a group spa manicure at a spa like Debony Salon. Located in Jackson, Debony Salon offers themed manicures every season, with products that match the summer, fall, winter and spring. Currently it’s offering a Watermelon Basil Spa Pedicure and Manicure, and can take up to three pedicures and three manicures at a time.

Right down the road, The Spa at the Christmas Farm Inn hosts an AVEDA concept spa offering a slew of services from massage, to facials, to CBD treatments.

Another treat is The Spa at the Omni Mount Washington. This historic grand hotel hosts a luxury spa inspired by the surrounding White Mountains. Truly indulge at this spa and book you and your friends a spa package, and make use of the facilities for a complete spa day.

Shop!
Walk the villages of Mt. Washington Valley, NH and find its local charm through the locally owned shops and boutiques. Everything from high-end denim to chic mountain wear to bath and body, candles and New England themed products, you could spend an entire day finding your favorite things! Be sure to check out the White Mountain Independents, a network of 20-plus locally owned shops in Mt. Washington Valley. You’ll find owner-curated items and probably even get shopping advice from the owners themselves, as many of them are always on the premises.

Settlers Green is also a must-stop with events, restaurants and 60-plus brand name stores found throughout this shopping mall.

Find Your Favorite Drink!
From alcohol to ale, you’ll find distilleries, wineries, and breweries that can make your favorite drink! Put together your own tasting tour during your weekend, and follow the Mt. Washington Valley’s craft beer trail, and make stops at White Mountain Winery and Cathedral Ledge Distillery as well!

If you’re driving route 16 north, from Conway, NH follow this list of breweries, distilleries and wineries to make sure you hit them all during your trip:

Tuckerman Brewing Company – Hobbs Street, Conway, NH. Featuring an outdoor beer garden, lite bites and live music, this brewery has been making its own beer for going on 25-years!

Saco River Brewing Company: Jockey Cap Lane, Fryeburg, Maine. Continue heading north on Route 16, and you’ll see it connect to route 302 east. This will bring you into Fryeburg Village, where you’ll find this gem of a brewery waiting for you. Featuring a solid menu of handcrafted beer and alcoholic seltzers, outdoor seating, and food trucks, it’s a must stop on your tasting tour.

Sea Dog Brewing Company: White Mountain Highway, North Conway. Located in a big red barn, Sea Dog Brewing Company is a brewery and restaurant. With a rotating tap of eight or more beers brewed in its own English brewing style enjoy beers with a distinctive, refreshing taste and crisp finish.

White Mountain Winery: White Mountain Highway, North Conway Village. The winemakers of White Mountain Winery make their own wines in a variety of blends, including fruit-wines. Stop in for a tasting and shopping experience, and meet the shops welcome committee, three pups named Stella, Doc, and Lucy.

Cathedral Ledge Distillery: This distillery crafts its own handmade vodka and gin in a beautifully built post-and-beam barn. Enjoy tastings and tours of the distillery, where dogs are also welcomed.

Moat Mountain Smokehouse and Brewing Company: White Mountain Highway, two-miles outside of North Conway Village. This smokehouse brews its own beers and makes most of its menu from scratch. We recommend pairing any of its flagship beers with its Cajun-seasoned fries, and settle in for a great meal, and great beer!

Ledge Brewing Company: Town Hall Road, Intervale. This brewery features crisp, refreshing, hand-crafted beer, perfect for ending your outdoor adventure with. It hosts live music and has an expansive outdoor seating area.

For complete trip planning resources and information, visit www.MtWashingtonvValley.org or call 800-367-3364 (800-DO-SEE-NH) to talk to a Mt Washington Valley Chamber of Commerce rep.  To learn more about New Hampshire vacations, go to www.VisitNH.gov.

Originally written by Marti Mayne
Updated by The MWV Chamber, 2021

From fall fairs to cider donuts to the most amazing leaf-peeping, Mt Washington Valley is New England’s number one destination for a fabulous fall getaway.  Here’s why.

North Conway, NH – Nestled into the shadow of Mt Washington, the tallest peak in the Northeast, Mt Washington Valley, NH is found in the heart of primo leaf-peeping country.  It’s surrounded by 770,000 acres of White Mountain National Forest, which means hundreds of thousands of acres of vibrant reds, oranges, yellows, and greens, to take in. 

While it’s hard to pin down the absolute best time to take in fall foliage’s peak, we stay true to the idea that the last two weeks of September, and first two weeks of October, is the best window. So, what are some of the best ways to take in all of this color? We’ve collected a wide range of resources – from family fairs to scenic drives and selfie-worthy overlook. Read on for links to all the fall foliage activities in Mt Washington Valley.

More ways to peep a leaf!

From the seat of a car to the seat of a train, and on foot, above the canopy of the forest or from a chairlift, click here for 15 ways to peep a leaf in Mt Washington Valley, NH.  Come “Hail the Leaf” in ways you’ve never tried before!

Incredible Scenic Drives

From the 100-mile White Mountain Trail – the only Scenic Byway Loop in the Country – to quiet back roads with covered bridges and scenic overlooks, you’ll find a wide variety of amazing drives to view colorful fall foliage in Mt Washington Valley.  Click here for a list of ten selfie-worthy drives and scenic overlooks for the ultimate in Instagram-worthwhile photos. 

Fall Family Festivals, Fairs & Funland

Maine’s Blue Ribbon Classic Fryeburg Fair is back, and excited to have you and your family roam the its fairgrounds. Happening October 3rd through the 10th, families can enjoy classic fair food, 4-H exhibitions, carnival rides, livestock events and more! Themed days happen daily during the Fryeburg Fair week, along with special events and live music.

The Sandwich Fair is also making a comeback on October 9th through the 11th. It will feature “Children’s Day on Saturday, and on Sunday, “Family Day” and a parade. Enjoy thrilling rides, music and entertainment, agricultural exhibits, crafts, parades, and delicious food. On October 8th, a day before the official start of the fair, a new cornhole tournament is being held.

Hundreds of miles of hiking

Get up close and personal with your peeping …of leaves that is! With hundreds of miles of hiking trails through woods and White Mountain National Forestland, the fall colors will surround you.  Click here for 15 fall hikes offering the perfect fall photo ops.

Pumpkin People Panorama

From more than 60 pumpkin people to Pumpkin Patch pickings, take a self-guided tour or train ride to experience this orange ball of fall. Now in its 37th year, the Return of the Pumpkin People is a self-guided tour of more than 60 different locations hosting Pumpkin People on display throughout October. Look for creatively themed and designed Pumpkin People doing all kinds of things from flying across yards to deep sea diving, then vote for your favorite.

Family Attractions and Fall Foliage

 Conway Scenic Railroad is hosting it’s well-known, and well-loved Pumpkin Patch Express for THREE WEEKENDS ONLY in October!

Happening on:

• October 16 -18
• October 23-25
• October 30-31

Three trains daily, boarding at 10:45am and 1:15pm and 3:15pm.  During this scenic train ride that last for one hour and 45 minutes, you’ll be able to take in fall foliage colors, AND every child will get a free pumpkin!  Apple cider and donuts are available for sale at the event. This ride includes equipment displays, including Conway Scenic’s fire engine.

Another amazing vantage point to view fall foliage from is through the Bretton Woods’ Canopy Tour. This is a three hour zip line tour that has you flying high above the trees to a network of nine different platforms, as well as two sky bridges, and three opportunities to rappel, while hooked into your harness. You’ll be surrounded by views of Mount Washington, and the Presidential Range, as you make your way through this attraction.

View Mount Washington from a completely different side, and take train up the Eastern side of this famed mountain. The Mount Washington Cog Railway is another way to view fall foliage, and is a great family-friendly activity. The Cog is the first mountain-climbing cog railway in the world, and the only one currently operating in North America. It will take you up Mount Washington on a three-hour train excursion, allowing you to summit New England’s highest peak.

Take some time to explore all the options for fall getaways in Mt Washington Valley at www.MtWashingtonValley.org or call vacation planners at 800-DO-SEE-NH (800-367-3364). To learn more about a vacation in New Hampshire at any time of the  year, go to www.VisitNH.gov.

While there’s nothing like a summer spent in New England, and in the Mt. Washington Valley, we sure have been making the most of it, another adage also remains true: nothing good can last forever!

With three more weeks left before the unofficial end of summer, and students returning to school now is the time to make the most of summer in Mt. Washington Valley!

Starting with tax-free shopping in Mt. Washington Valley! Shop for the whole family’s back-to-school wardrobe at Settlers Green, where you can find brand name stores, at outlet pricing. Stock up on athletic wear and sports equipment, as well as new clothing. Settlers Green also regularly hosts family-friendly events, that provide great entertainment during your stay! Two upcoming events, include the “Back to School Blitz,” and Cruise Nights with the MWV Old Car Club.

Villages throughout Mt. Washington Valley, are lined with locally owned shops that have unique finds for back-to-school clothes. White Mountain Independents are a network of 20-plus locally owned shops, where the owners themselves seek out the latest fashions and wares for their store. You’ll find options for clothing, school supplies, hand sanitizer, books, educational toys, and more.

Now that you’ve crossed off back-to-school shopping from your list, it’s time to have some fun! With summer’s clock ticking, it’s time to double down on family fun.

Take on one last outdoor adventure with the family. When you’re looking at a year spent staring at screens and connecting to wi-fi, it’s more important than ever to disconnect, and find peace in nature.

Bring your kids on a river trip down the Saco River. Rent canoes and kayaks, or tubes, pack a picnic and leisurely explore the sandy beaches peppered along the shore.

Rent bikes and take a tour of the White Mountains along the maintained trail networks throughout the valley. You have the option of renting equipment from a local sports shop, and making your way through trail networks such as Whitaker Woods the Green Hills Preserve, both right outside North Conway village or Marshall Conservation Area, off of River Road, in North Conway. (Please be mindful of the parking situation, and no parking signs. If the lots are full, reassess your plan, and come back at a less busy time. Do not create your own parking situation outside of designated lots.)

You can also choose to rent bikes from outdoor centers such as Bretton Woods or Great Glen Trails. Both have access to trail networks, and planned excursions. In the case of the Great Glen Trails, kids can even take on a scavenger hunt where they learn to identify different animal tracks and seek out strategically placed critters along Great Glen’s trail network.

Mountain guides are also available to help you plan a family outing. These make for a great activity, as the guides not only ensure the safety of everyone in your group, but the can share insight to and anecdotes on the adventure they take you on. They can help you and the kids identify rock formations and plants, share tips and techniques, and history behind the mountains you’re playing on. A guided adventure in the White Mountains is truly a one-of-a-kind experience, and creates timeless family memories.

Of course, if you’re looking to top the fun meter, planning a day at any one of the attractions in Mt. Washington Valley is a total must. Be sure to make your reservations in advance, as many attractions are only taking a certain amount of people in their parks per day. Planning in advance is a must, as you will be turned away without a reservation. Decide when you’re making your way to the Mt. Washington Valley in the next few weeks, and jump in line to grab your tickets! Whether you’re playing at any of the theme parks or mountain adventure parks in Mt. Washington Valley, now is the time to make a plan!


For complete trip planning resources and information, visit www.MtWashingtonvValley.org or call 800-367-3364 (800-DO-SEE-NH) to talk to a Mt Washington Valley Chamber of Commerce rep.  To learn more about New Hampshire vacations, go to www.VisitNH.gov.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION: Contact Carrie Burkett at North Conway Community Center (603) 356-2096


NORTH CONWAY, N.H.— Always one of the traditional highlights of Mud Bowl Weekend, and back after a one-year layoff, the 38th Tournament of Mud Parade, sponsored by Amoskeag Beverages LLC of Bow, will start Saturday, Sept. 11, at 10:30 a.m. in North Conway Village featuring a theme of “45 Years in the Mud.”

The parade is part of Mud Bowl Weekend, Sept. 10-12. Mud Bowl is back after a year’s hiatus and will follow CDC and sate safety guidelines.

Community members interested in being part of the Mud Bowl parade may register their entries with Josh Snell by emailing him (mudbowljosh@gmail.com) by Sept. 3.

Prizes are offered for first ($250), second ($150) and runner-up ($100) in both the team and open class.

Receiving this year’s Steve Eastman Grand Marshal Award will be longtime Mud Bowl volunteers Monica and Jon Belkin.

“They and their family have always given to Mud Bowl with their time and energy,” said Mud Bowl Committee chair Bernadine “Benny” Jesseman. “The board voted 100 percent to honor them in recognition of their commitment and service to making Mud Bowl a community success each year.”

Both are members of the Mud Bowl Hall of Fame. Their four children have been part of the effort, as Mud Bowl is a true family event not only for the fans but especially for the Belkin family.

Monica has long served on the Mud Bowl Committee as secretary and treasurer and also is a secretary of the North Conway Community Center Board of Directors.

She has been a longtime leader of the Mudbassadors, the group of volunteers who handle everything from cheering at the games and putitng on skits in the mud to registering everyone (staff, volunteers and media alike) every Mud Bowl Friday at the North Conway Community Center as well as immediately following the parade Saturday.

Jon has served as the longtime “Voice of Mud Bowl” as an announcer at the games and at the parade.

“We are honored to be the 2021 Tournament of Mud Parade Grand Marshals. We know many volunteers have been recognized for their dedication to Mud Bowl before us and we are pleased to be acknowledged as well,” Monica and Jon said in a joint statement.

This year’s three-day, 12-team, 20-game, double-elimination touch mud football tournament offers three days of exciting action at North Conway’s Steve Eastman Memorial Field at Hog Coliseum, located behind the North Conway Community Center and next to the North Conway Country Club.

Teams from throughout New England participate, including the defending 21-time champion Muddas Football Club of Amhert, N.H., the 11-time champion Mount Washington Valley Hogs, the eight-time champion Nashua Mud Gumbys; the two-time champion North Country Crocs and the one-time champion Mudcats Football Club of New Hampshire and the one-time champion North Shire Mudsharks.

Ticket prices are $20 for a three-day ticket, which also qualifies you for two $500 drawings at which you need not be present to win Saturday and Sunday; $8 daily admission, ages 14 and up; $5 for ages 6-13. Family Day Pass, $20 for two adults and two children.

New this year is a North Conway Community Center “Whole Hog” pig raffle, with tickets for sale at the food tent. Tickets are $5 each or six for $20, with the drawing to be held appropriately enough at Hog Coliseum. Other raffles include the Carroll County Retired Senior Volunteer Program’s annual quilt raffle (buy tickets at their booth at the top of Hog Coliseum)  and Mud Bowl’s second annual 50-/50 raffle and prize.
Mud Bowl 2022 calendars will also be for sale along with T-shirts and new this year Mud Bowl sweatshirts..

Eight games are slated for opening day Friday, followed by five games on Saturday and seven games on Sunday, culminating in Game 20, the Mud Bowl championship Sunday afternoon.

Women’s mud football games will also be part of the weekend.

The games have raised nearly $1 million over the years. Primary beneficiaries are the North Conway Community Center, which owns Hog Coliseum; Vaughan Learning Center (formerly known as North Conway Day Care) and Carroll County Retired Senior Volunteer Program, now part of AmeriCorps Seniors.

CDC social protocol guidelines will be followed.

The parade will follow 20th anniversary ceremonies slated for Sept. 11 beginning at 8:30 a.m. in Schouler Park being organized by state Rep. Steve Woodcock and American Legion Post 95 of North Conway.

For more, go to northconwaycommunitycenter.org or find Mud Bowl on Facebook at Mud-Bowl.org.

Contact:  Dawson Winch, Tin Mountain
Email:   dwinch@tinmountain.org
Phone:    603-447-6991
August 9, 2021

Field Program
Naturalist Led Hikes in Jackson
Thursdays, 10 am – noon July and August
Jackson Field Station, Jackson, NH 

Join one of Tin Mountain Conservation Center’s naturalists for weekly hikes at the Jackson Field Station property. Highlights include visiting the summit of Tin Mountain for the awesome views, exploring an abandoned tin mine and learning about the history of the property while visiting a historic homestead.  You’ll also enjoy seeing the ponds that dot the property.  Along the way the naturalist will identify plants, trees and point out animal sign. These hikes are a great way to explore the trails of the Jackson Field Station. Participants of all ages are welcome. Advance registration is required. Visit www.tinmountain.org to register online or call 603-447-6991.

Field Program
Perseid Meteor Shower Program
Wednesday, August 11, 8-9:30pm
Tin Mountain Field Station, Jackson

Bring a blanket and enjoy nature’s fireworks! The shooting stars of August’s Perseid meteor shower will be on display and best viewed in large open areas. Back-up weather date: 8/13. Advance registration required. Register online at www.tinmountain.org. 

Sponsored in part by Friends of the Whitney Center

Cones for a Cause
Wednesday, August 18, 12-9pm
Trails End Ice Cream, Intervale

Eat delicious local ice cream AND support Tin Mountain! That’s what we call a win-win-win or trifecta of wins – you win, Trails End wins and Tin Mountain wins! Stop by Trails End Ice Cream in Intervale across from the Scenic Vista anytime between 12-9pm on Wednesday, August 18 and a portion of your purchase will go to support Tin Mountain!  YUM!!

Online Program
NH’s Karner Blue Butterfly Population
Thursday, August 26, 7pm

The Karner blue butterfly was once found readily from Maine to Minnesota, but is now limited to small pockets of pine barrens and oak savannahs in eight states. New Hampshire hosts a small population of these federally listed endangered species on the 300 acres of the Concord Pine Barrens. For a number of years biologists have been releasing captive-bred Karner blues in the hopes that they will begin breeding in the wild. In 2009, 250 adult butterflies hatched in the wild in the Concord Pine Barrens. It marked the fifth straight year that scientists have reported Karner blues surviving in the wild in New Hampshire. Join Heidi Holman, wildlife biologist with NH Fish & Game, for an overview of the Karner blue butterfly and the state’s management and recovery efforts. Visit www.tinmountain.org for the link.

Contact: Laura Cummings, Owner
White Birch Books
603-356-3200

Thursday, August 12, 3-5 p.m.

North Conway, N.H. – It is always a celebration when Mike Dickerman comes out with a new book, so White Birch Books is ready to celebrate! On Thursday, August 12^th, from 3-5 p.m., Mike Dickerman will be at the store for a meet and greet to talk about and sign copies of his newest book, The 4000-Footer’s of New Hampshire’s White Mountains, a unique photographic history of the area.

New Hampshire’s iconic 4,000-foot peaks, with their rugged character and natural beauty, have been attracting hikers, explorers, and outdoor enthusiasts to the White Mountains for more than 200 years. Though they are best known today for their long-standing popularity among peak-bagging hikers, these mountains played a major role in the development of the region from a daunting wilderness to a thriving recreational mecca. This transformation included the construction of the world-famous Mount Washington Cog Railway in 1869 and its various summit hotels atop the Northeast’s highest peak, the cutting of hundreds of miles of recreational footpaths in the mountain valleys and on their steep slopes, and the creation of some of New England’s first downhill ski trails on Mounts Moosilauke, Cannon, and Wildcat in the 1920s and 1930s. Over the years, the 4,000-footers have attracted visitors from all walks of life, including US presidents, renowned poets, world-class skiers, and Supreme Court justices.

For this book, Dickerman has collected images from the Appalachian Mountain Club, the New England Ski Museum, the White Mountain National Forest, regional historical societies, as well as from several private collections.

Dickerman, a long-time White Mountain hiker, is also the publisher of Bondcliff Books, an independently owned and operated company that specializes in titles related to the mountains of New Hampshire and northern New England. Bondcliff is also one the area largest distributors of regional titles. Dickerman also runs a small shop of his own in Littleton.

For more information about the event or to order a copy of The 4000-Footers of New Hampshire’s White Mountains, contact White Birch Books at 356-3200 or visit them online at www.whitebirchbooks.com.

Moultonborough – The Lakes Region Conservation Trust, Moultonborough Recreation Department and Castle in the Cl­ouds have partnered to bring the community a FREE Family Fun Day in the meadow at Castle in the Clouds. From 11am-2pm on Saturday, August 14th, there will be lawn games, kite flying, a scavenger hunt, balloon animals, a Gaga pit, disc golf demonstration, crafts, and live music by Tim Hazelton. Guests can also feed the rainbow trout at Shannon Pond! Fish food is available for purchase at Café in the Clouds, located adjacent to the pond, which also offers lunch, ice cream and beverages. Donations at the event are appreciated and will be divided evenly between the Lakes Region Conservation Trust, Moultonborough Recreation Department, and Castle in the Clouds. Pre-registration at castleintheclouds.org is encouraged and helps the organizations ensure plenty of supplies for a day of fun for all.

            Castle in the Clouds is the 2021 Gold winner for Best Family Attraction in the Best of the Lakes Region contest! While at the Castle for Family Fun Day, visitors can also experience a variety of in-season offerings that can make for a whole day outing. With paid admission, visitors can tour the Lucknow mansion, a 1914 mountaintop mansion which is known for its arts and crafts-style construction and the ultra-modern amenities it contained for its time period. “Conversation Starters” are available for children and families to use while exploring the home, and can be provided when purchasing admission at the Ticket Booth. Visitors may also opt for a behind-the-scenes look at the Castle’s construction, state-of-the-art amenities, and lives of its domestic staff on a 45-minute guided basement tour. With over 28 miles of wooded trails accessible from the property, hiking routes of all distances and for varied skill levels are available where waterfalls, vistas, and nature are abundant. These trails are managed and maintained by the Lakes Region Conservation Trust.

Whether families come to partake in the Family Fun Day activities, tour the Castle, picnic, dine, hike, or just enjoy the view, all are helping to continue the enjoyment of the estate and property for future generations! Castle in the Clouds is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and is operated by the Castle Preservation Society, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, whose mission is to preserve, interpret, and share the buildings and landscape of Castle in the Clouds as a cultural resource for the benefit of the public. For more information or to learn more about upcoming programs and events, call 603-476-5900 or visit castleintheclouds.org.

Also – be sure to RSVP by 8/18 to join Castle in the Clouds for its largest fundraiser of the year – A Roaring 1920s Gala! This evening of lively music, dinner and dancing is paired with cocktails on our Castle Lawn, and a live auction! All funds raised from this event go to the restoration of Lucknow Estate.

Contact: Aimee St.Germain, Outreach and Office Manager
Upper Saco Valley Land Trust
603-662-0008

Conway, NH – Join the Upper Saco Valley Land Trust (USVLT) for an outing on Saturday, August 14 from 10AM to 12PM. Newly joined Board member Megan-Mack Nicholson of Holon Healing will lead a sensory awareness walk along paths in the Pine Hill Community Forest. Such moments can help to reduce stress, anxiety, depression and fatigue. This is a perfect way to start a summer weekend!

Purchased in 2018, the Pine Hill Community Forest is a 465-acre tract in the middle of Conway, adjacent to Kennett High School. Now, USVLT hopes to add another 135 acres (the “Expansion property”) to this incredible community resource. The Pine Hill Expansion property will increase the Community Forest in size by 30%. Adding in this piece of land will significantly improve the protection of habitat for plant and animal species and will enhance the Community Forest’s opportunities for outdoor education, transportation, and recreation, with proposed new trails, trailheads and parking areas.

Holon Healing is led by Megan-Mack Nicholson, who has an MS is Outdoor Leadership and Environmental Education. She is also a registered Maine Guide, Corporate Team Facilitator, Certified Forest Therapy guide and Reiki practitioner. With over 20 years of experience in the field, Megan-Mack finds her passion in guiding people to their innate connection to the natural world and each other.

USVLT is currently raising funds to purchase the 135-acre addition through its “20 Years & Onward” capital campaign. (This campaign will also help purchase the Dundee Community Forest in Jackson and Bartlett, as well as seed a capital reserve fund for future stewardship work on all of USVLT’s preserves and easement properties.) The campaign just passed the 90% threshold, with more than $5.54M now committed from government grants and individual donors. The full campaign goal is just shy of $6M. If you have not yet pledged your support for the campaign, and would like to do so, please go to www.usvlt.org/capital-campaign

Space is limited; reservations required. Please email info@usvlt.org to register.

This event is part of the Upper Saco Valley Land Trust’s ongoing Easement Exploration Series. For more information, email info@usvlt.org.

The Upper Saco Valley Land Trust is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. Our motto is “Preserving Land for Community Benefit.” USVLT has completed 75 conservation projects since 2001, totaling over 12,700 acres throughout the towns of Hart’s Location, Bartlett, Jackson, Albany, Chatham, Conway, Eaton, and Madison in New Hampshire, and Brownfield, Denmark, and Fryeburg in Maine. Learn more about the Upper Saco Valley Land Trust by calling (603)662-0008 or visiting www.usvlt.org