Press Kit

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - September 12, 2008

CONTACT:  Marti Mayne, 207-846-6331 or info@maynelymarketing.com

WALLET-PROOF YOUR FALL FOLIAGE GETAWAY IN

MT WASHINGTON VALLEY, NH

Renowned for its spectacular foliage, this White Mountains Region of New Hampshire is also affordable and one tank away.  Enjoy getaways for under $250.

North Conway, NH - The autumn patchwork is just beginning to take shape in Mt Washington Valley, NH.  Always first to turn, the red maples are beginning to change, and soon the hills will be alive in a patina of brilliant autumn hues.  While fall is a popular time in Mt Washington Valley, it doesn't have to break the bank.  There is still plenty of availability at lodging properties, especially midweek.  Make one choice from the lodging column; pair it with a few ideas from the activities column, and you have the ideal getaway within one-tank's drive from anywhere in New England, easily coming in under $250 for two.

FALL FOLIAGE LODGING IDEAS

Unless otherwise specified, all rates are quoted are for double occupancy and do not include 8% New Hampshire Rooms and Meals taxes. 

The bunkroom at Cranmore Mountain Lodge, North Conway, NH: Stay in the bunkroom at this centrally located North Conway inn for just $30 per person per night, complete with an outdoor hot tub and heated pool, grills, fly fishing pond, tennis and basketball courts.  Choose your bunk; they provide sheets, but you'll need to bring your own sleeping bag. The bath is across the hall.  Add a full cooked to order breakfast for just $9 per person.

A Better Life Cabins and Campground, Bartlett, NH: Picture that adorable little cabin, located along Route 302, a designated scenic byway, perfect for those seeking access to Mt Washington Valley's autumn playland, and this is it.  These cabins offer heat, cable TV and private baths with stall showers.  Additionally, each comes equipped with a charcoal grill and picnic table.  Badminton, volleyball and horseshoes are also available on site.  Cabins begin at $65 per night (midweek; $75 on weekends).  Additionally, Mt Washington Valley offers a choice of eleven campgrounds, each offering a different setting and facilities.  For more information on campgrounds in Mt Washington Valley, visit http://www.mtwashingtonvalley.org/lodging.cfm#Campgrounds or go to www. Mtwashingtonvalley.org and click on Lodging then Campgrounds.

AMC Joe Dodge Lodge and AMC Huts, Pinkham Notch, NH:  This is perfect for hikers and those in search of outdoor fall adventure. With access to Tuckerman Ravine and the Wildcat Range just outside the door and Wildcat Ski Area plus Great Glen Trails and the Mt Washington Auto Road minutes away, Joe Dodge Lodge provides the perfect opportunity to tackle everything from  challenging hiking terrain to short walks to waterfalls and drives to nearby attractions. The Lodge is located on the Appalachian Trail in the White Mountain National Forest, just a short drive from North Conway, Jackson, and Gorham, NH. For the truly outdoor-oriented, the Appalachian Mountain Club's network of mountain huts provides a unique backcountry adventure for novice and experienced hikers alike. Each a day's hike apart along the Appalachian Trail in New Hampshire's White Mountains, AMC Huts offer mountain hospitality in spectacular locations above treeline or near mountain lakes or waterfalls.  Rates start at $58 per person (for AMC members, $64 for non-members) for a private bunkroom for two at Joe Dodge Lodge, breakfast and dinner each day.  Huts start at $81 per person.  Be sure to reserve early.

North Colony Motel & Cottages, Bartlett, NH:  Choose from motel rooms or cottages at this family oriented motel, located within easy access of Crawford Notch and Jackson and North Conway, NH.  The highlight for the kids is the rainbow playground and the Story Land and Santa's Village packages.  Mom and Dad love that two kids under 12 stay free, along with complimentary coffee in the morning and free wi-fi.  Every room includes AC, a refrigerator, microwave, color TV with cable access, hair dryer, full bath and phone with free local calls.  Choose from motel rooms with a Queen, two Doubles or two Queen beds, starting at $49 per night midweek. Cottages come with fully equipped kitchens at $89 - $159.

Eastern Inns, North Conway, NH: This 56 unit property has a little something for everyone in the family, along with a perfect central North Conway location. Take advantage of the indoor pool and sauna, fitness room, video game room and function room with pool table and jukebox and an air hockey table for family get togethers. Additionally, a new playground area and basketball hoop makes for happy kids.  Midweek rates start at $50 per night, depending on date; $60 on weekends for King rooms with cable TV, private bath, and a complimentary continental breakfast.

Hostelling International White Mountains: This hostel, located in a beautifully renovated turn-of-the-century New England farmhouse, opened in 1995.  There are five dorm rooms, with six bunks in each room and four private rooms that can accommodate up to five people. All linens are included so guests are asked to leave sleeping bags home; towels may be brought or rented. A comfortable common room and a fully equipped self-catering kitchen is available for meals too. Dorm beds are $23 per person; private rooms are $48 for two people.  All guests must be members.  Memberships are $28 annually.

FREE OR NEXT TO FREE FALL FOLIAGE FUN IN MT WASHINGTON VALLEY

Playgrounds: Traveling with young children?  You'll find a good playground right in the middle of North Conway, next to Schouler Park.  If you have a little one who loves fire engines, the North Conway Fire Station is right next door.  Settlers Green Outlet Village Plus also has a popular playground, along with free events throughout the year.

Waterfalls:  Diana's Baths is a half mile from the turnoff to Cathedral Ledge on West Side Rd. A scenic walk in takes you to cascading falls, waterspouts and granite basins along Lucy Brook. Then, a quick drive up Carter Notch Road in Jackson brings you to Jackson Falls.  On a warm autumn day, cool off in the natural pools here or bring a picnic lunch and take in the babbling series of falls at picnic tables provided.

The Weather Discovery Center:  The only museum in the country dedicated to weather, this special place offers a hands-on, interactive science museum, bringing the wonder of the atmosphere right to your fingertips!  There are interactive displays, conversations with weather observers on top of Mount Washington and our favorite is a replica of the weather station when the highest winds were recorded on top of Mt Washington.  You actually feel what it was like to be there. Thanks to support from area businesses, admission is free for individuals and families.

Scenic Drives: There is no where more ideal for a Sunday drive than meandering through the Mt. Washington Valley during the height of fall foliage. In fact, why wait until Sunday? The leaves have already started their annual pageant of color, and anytime between September to late-October, these scenic routes will offer great viewing opportunities. And talk about a great budget travel idea - Mother Nature's artistry is among the most brilliant works of art in the universe, and this masterpiece can be taken in FREE! No toll roads, just plenty of majestic beauty with the grand dame of the Northeast- Mount Washington - as the centerpiece!  Click here for a complete list of beautiful scenic drives in Mt Washington Valley, NH. 

Fryeburg Fair, Fryeburg, NH:  Maine's Blue Ribbon Classic, this is Maine's oldest and the "Grand Daddy" of country fairs.  Being held September 28-October 5, the Fryeburg Fair features eight days of midway rides and food, livestock demonstrations and competitions, hundreds of crafters and displays plus live entertainment.  Fairgoers love the annual Woodsman's Day or events like the Pig Scramble and Skillet Throw.  This annual event promises something for everyone who loves a good old fashioned country fair.  Admission is $8 per person ($10 on Sunday) and free for kids under 12. 

Stay up to date on all the free events and great offerings for adventure in Mt Washington Valley with free newspapers. The area's daily paper, The Conway Daily Sun, along with the popular weekly Mountain Ear, both offer a great deal of information on events and news for the region.  Additionally, the Mt Washington Valley Chamber of Commerce distributes a free monthly E-Traveler Newsletter filled with ideas for wallet-proofing vacations. 

For complete up-to-date information on vacation planning, including all the lodging, dining and attractions fun, and to subscribe to the free E-Traveler newsletter, visit http://www.mtwashingtonvalley.org/ or call 1-800-DO-SEE-NH (900-367-3364) for more information, lodging availability and reports on fall foliage. 

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Excellent fall foliage photography available upon request.