Press Kit

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - March 3, 2009

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

MT WASHINGTON VALLEY SAYS BRING ON THE MUD

Presidential contenders may not be stomping about New Hampshire this year, but there's plenty of mud slinging to come in Mt Washington Valley

North Conway, NH (3-3-09):  Known for the "world's worst weather", Mt Washington Valley, NH has enjoyed another "mudder" of a winter with record snowfalls.  When all the ice and snow melt, the waterfalls will roar and many locals will welcome the advent of spring with a little "mud in their eye".  In Mt. Washington Valley, NH this is the season affectionately referred to as "Mud Season", when businesses roll out the brown carpet and invite travelers to come play in the mud capital of the universe.  Renowned for its World Mud Bowl Championships in the fall, Mt. Washington Valley's Yankee proprietors know a good thing when they see it, and they're proud of their "dirty minds".  In ample supply from April through June, products and packages featuring mud grace the scene for only a short time during the muddy months of spring.  So don't let the early worm get all the mud, take advantage of Mt. Washington Valley's muddy offerings, and get in on some wonderfully affordable lodging packages, products and events from the Mud Washington Valley, NH.

Mt. Washington Valley Chamber of Commerce offers a host of fabulous vacation packages.  Simply visit http://www.mtwashingtonvalley.org/ and click on the Vacation Specials link to find many value-added packages offering good clean fun in the mud. Here are some of the highlighted mud season offerings from Mt. Washington Valley. Please note:  unless specified, all packages are quoted for double occupancy, do not include tax or gratuities, and may not be combined with other promotional offers.

EVENTS

April 17-19:  TUCKERMAN INFERNO PENTATHLON - The annual Tuckerman's Inferno Pentathlon, sponsored by Friends of Tuckerman, a non-profit organization founded to preserve the historic uses of Tuckerman Ravine, is the perfect chance to watch haute competition at the outset of mud season. The Tuckerman Inferno Pentathlon is New England's Premiere five event adventure sports race (Run, Kayak, Cycle, Hike, Backcountry, Ski) where teams compete in the mud and snow, culminating on a race down Tuckerman Ravine.  New this year, Friends of Tuckerman Ravine is also concurrently presenting the recreational and less challenging Wildcat Wildfire Pentathlon, which will begin an hour later than the Inferno. Both pentathlons are open to teams of five as well as solo female and male competitors, the latter of whom compete as TuckerWomen and TuckerMen. Individuals - Wildmen and Wildwomen - may also compete in the Wildcat Wildfire event. The Wildfire will also feature a ski club division.

It all raises money to preserve Tuckerman Ravine.

Info:  603-356-0131 or http://www.friendsoftuckerman.org/.

May - June:  SPRING TRAIL RUNNING SERIES & "THERE'S A BLACK FLY IN MY EYE" 10 MILE- TRAIL RACE AT GREAT GLEN TRAILS - Here's the chance for some competitive mud puddle splashing.  The spring Trail Running Series is an  eight-week trail running series starting May 14th, held every Thursday, offering long and short course options for different age divisions, plus walking and running categories. Take on devious single track courses with plenty of muddy areas to splash in at Great Glen Trails. Also, on June 27, at 10am, don't miss the "Black Fly in My Eye" 10 mile Trail Race.  Swat the black flies and tackle muddy carriage roads, single track and a river crossing in this trail running race that's 100% New Hampshire. Solo and relay categories. Info: 603.466.3988, http://www.greatglentrails.com/ (click on summer).

May 15-17:  8^TH ANNUAL NORTHERN NEW ENGLAND HOME, GARDEN & FLOWER SHOW AT FRYEBURG FAIRGROUNDS - Come play in 60,000 square feet of exhibit and garden space, offering fabulous workshops, more than 200 exhibitors and products for making the most of mud and fun in the garden. This annual event is held at the Fryeburg Fairgrounds and is one of the largest shows of its kind with more than 62,000 square feet of indoor home and garden related products and six acres of outdoor exhibits. From kitchens and all things related to the home to garden centers selling zone hardy perennials, annuals, vegetable seedlings, garden artists and other related dirt-loving businesses. Meet the Chefs Cooking Series, Miniature train display by Maine Garden and Railroad Society, Seminars by home and garden experts and more. Experience hands on demonstrations for adults and children. This is one place it's okay to get dirty in the mud!  Show Hours are 11:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m. on Friday, 10:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m. on Saturday, and 10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. on Sunday.  General admission tickets are $8; seniors are $4, children six and under are free.  Info:  800-359-2033 or http://www.homegardenflowershow.com/.

LODGING PACKAGES

03/13/09 - 05/28/09: SOME CALL IT MUD, WE CALL IT SPRING AT THE WENTWORTH! Come to The Wentworth in Jackson and experience one of the most popular mud-season packages at the hotel. Take in some late spring skiing, early season golf or shopping at the tax-free outlets close by in North Conway.  Return to the Wentworth to enjoy elegant accommodations combined with a tasteful four course dinner by candlelight and wake up in the morning to a full country breakfast. Rates as low as $79.00 per person per night, double occupancy. Info: 800-637-0013, http://www.thewentworth.com/.

March 6- May 21: RIVERBEND INN B&B OFFERS "COME PLAY IN THE MUD", MUD, MASSAGE AND ROMANCE: Discover the pleasures of Mud Season: no crowds or traffic, mild weather, and great deals! This spring Riverbend Inn will offer guests the glories of mud and massage with a two night packages for $499 per couple. "Mud"dle together in a deluxe king room for two nights, luxuriate with two one-hour massages, then top it off with mud-covered strawberries (chocolate dipped, actually) and an award-winning multi-course breakfasts for two, which include Mud Parfaits (fresh berries, yogurt, and granola) and Muddy Coffee Cake made with sour cream and blueberries. Who knew that playing in the mud could be so much fun for adults! Info: 800-628-6944, http://www.riverbendinn.com/.

March 27, 28 & 29, 2009:  INN TO INN MAPLE TOUR:  New Hampshire maple syrup may be gold, but it's a great way to kick off mud season in Mt Washington Valley. Participate on two levels: Option One: Take a self-guided tour of the participating inns, all part of Bed and Breakfasts Inn Mt Washington Valley, an association of inns and B&Bs, where ticket holders can sample maple selections at various inns and shops and receive a booklet of participating inns with maple recipes. Option Two: Take part in the scavenger hunt for clues in addition to participating in Option one, gather "points" toward winning prizes by traveling on a specific route guided by directions "riddled with clues". Prizes include a stay at your favorite participating inn, a carriage or sleigh ride for two at the Farm by the River and other gifts from participating partners. Open to non-inn guests for $20/person/ticket.  Info: 603-356-2694,   http://www.mtwashingtonvalley.org/calendar/v_cal_list.cfm?eventID=5301.  

APRIL 3 - JUNE 18, 2009: MUDDY SPRING FRENZY AT
CRANMORE MOUNTAIN LODGE - Use mud season to get ready for a great summer! First, spend a relaxing day, enjoying the sensory experience of a one-hour mud wrap massage, cleansing and softening your skin after this long winter. Then stock up on summer clothes at the Settlers' Green outlet stores, taking advantage of the special VIP savings card. Then finish a perfect day with a delicious dinner at The Oxford House Inn, crafted by Culinary Institute of America Chef/Owner Jonathan Spak, showcasing the best that local farms have to offer. The package includes a two night stay at Cranmore Mt Lodge for two, two full country breakfasts cooked-to-order every morning, a relaxing one hour mud wrap massage per person at the Cut Off & Day Spa, a VIP card for an extra 15 to 30% off and more to the outlet stores at Settlers' Green Village. Fifty dollar voucher toward a delicious dinner for two at The Oxford House Inn. Starting from $438 for two on weekday, $478 for two on weekends.   Optional: discounted passes for Cranmore Fitness, including fitness center, indoor pool and hot tub and Sauna. Reservations must be made one week prior to arrival.  Info: 800-356-3596, http://www.cranmoremountainlodge.com/.

May 15-20:  WHILE COWGIRLS MAY GET THE BLUES, THEY'RE NOT AFRAID OF A LITTLE MUD AT FARM BY THE RIVER B&B.  Enjoy the Woman's Horsemanship Getaway, a five day introduction to riding, and while the trails won't be too muddy, a bar of soap to clean up a day at the stables will be a perfect compliment to mud season.  This package includes five nights lodging including tax, breakfast each morning, an evening BBQ, four morning lessons, five morning trail rides, and two evening sessions. Designed for women 18 yrs old and up who want to learn more about horse care, ground skills and riding skills. Professional trainer- instructor, Michele Hernandez, has trained with Olympic riders, is a professional eventer, and has worked with Kenny Harlow, another well known trainer. Ladies, bring a friend, husband, or boyfriend to enjoy playing in the mud; sorry, no men involved in the workshops.  Single occupancy (one person per room) rates are $1190; $2000 for double occupancy (two per room).  Four person minimum for workshops.
          

Other Treats - all available during Mud Season (any many beyond)

PARTAKE IN THE 1785 Inn's FLAMING COCOA LAVA DRINK - They call this "warm mud to take the chill off of a cool spring evening", the 1785's signature flaming Cocoa Lava is sure to leave you smiley clean; have two and you'd better plan to spend the night! This drink features a flaming concoction of Peppermint Schnapps, hot chocolate and Bailey's Irish Cream all topped off with whipped cream and cinnamon (for that dirty look!). The glasses are rimmed with caramelized cinnamon sugar, just to add to the filthy goodness of this drink.  Info: 800-421-1785, http://www.the1785inn.com/.

ZEB'S GENERAL STORE FEATURES MAINE MUD CHOCOLATE PRODUCTS AND MUDSLIDE COFFEE - Walk into Zeb's General Store, and the old-fashioned penny-candy counter takes you back in time.  Zeb's is the largest purveyor of New England-made products in the country, and features such wonderful Mud Season offerings as White Mountain Mudslide Coffee.  In the height of the mud season, you'll find Hogwash soaps, perfect for groveling in the mud for the ultimate in a clean complexion.  Info: 800-676-9294, http://www.zebs.com/

MUD BOOTS AND RAIN GEAR FOR FIDO AND FIFI - We all know the best way to protect floors is to take off our boots when we come in the mud room, but what about our four-legged friends?  Four Your Paws Only offers a full range of pet gifts, supplies and gear for inclement weather, including reflective dog boots and yellow doggie slickers. Info:  800-327-5957, http://www.fouryourpawsonly.com/.

MUD MASKS AND SOAPS - Garden Dreams, a locally-based purveyor of fine soaps and spa products offers a Mud Mask with roots in French Green Clay and Oatmeal.  It's a wonderful product to awaken the body to spring and good clean mud.  The instructions suggest covering the entire body in the mud mask, and once dried to run into the freshly melted lake during mud season for the ultimate in refreshing tingle.  Of course, for the less adventurous, a warm shower will offer equal cleanliness but no where nearly the tingle.  Info:  603-367-9913, http://www.gardendreams.org/.  Also, Fields of Ambrosia, located in North Conway Village offers a new Dead Sea Mud collection for revitalizing and purifying skin. The collection includes a Black Mud Mask to tighten pores and Mud Grain Exfoliating Soap with Dead Sea mud grains combined with cosmetic grade clays to help exfoliate and mineralize the skin.  Info: 800-355-9975, http://www.mtwashingtonvalley.org/web_portal.cfm?MID=2313.

RED PARKA PUB MUDSLIDE DRINKS AND PIES - Just to get into the mud-mood, order the 16-ounce Mason Jar Mudslide at the Red Parka Pub, one of Mt. Washington Valley's après- mud fun institutions. Follow that up with the Mud Pie - a generous concoction of Oreo cookies, nuts, coffee liqueur, in between mounds of coffee ice cream, syrup and whip cream, and you'll be sure you've just landed in mud-heaven.  Info: 603-383-4344, http://www.redparkapub.com/.

SWEENEY RIDGE "WIPE YOUR FEET" PLAQUES - Adults know to wipe their feet when they enter, but how about Rover?  Sweeney Ridge Metalsmiths offer a "Wipe Your Feet" sign featuring your choice of a hundred different breeds of dogs for $20.  While it may not keep the mud off the rug, it'll be a great reminder to kids and possibly even pets. Info: 888-600-9470, http://www.sweeneyridge.com/.

MOUNTAIN VIEW GRAND RESORT & SPA MUD MASKS AND WRAPS:  At this spa, mud means deep cleansing. Wrap yourself in a Moore Mud Wrap and Mud Masque as you luxuriate in a massage and European Deep Cleansing facial, both incorporating mud as the main ingredient. Info: 866-484-3843, http://www.mtwashingtonvalley.org/web_portal.cfm?MID=1844

WHAT COMES WITH MUD?  BUGS!  BUG-OFF HAT FROM AARON'S HATS AND GETAHATON.COM: Say good-bye to annoying bugs during the later part of mud season. The Tilley T4IS Insect Shield® Hat will help to protect from mosquitoes, ticks, no-see-ums and other biting insects during all your mud season outdoor adventures. Treated with an odorless and invisible Insect Shield® repellent that is bonded to 100% Cotton Duck Fabric, this hat will keep performing through 70 washings. Info:  603-356-5551, http://www.mtwashingtonvalley.org/web_portal.cfm?MID=2405

For more information on vacationing during Mud Season or beyond in Mt. Washington Valley, NH, visit http://www.mtwashingtonvalley.org/ or call 800-DO-SEE-NH (800-367-3364) to request your free vacation planner. 

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