Press Kit

North Conway, NH - Spring in Mt. Washington Valley, NH ushers in warmer weather with fun and adventurous competitions, t-shirt skiing and plenty of sweet maple treats! Whether you are looking to come out of your winter hibernation or soak up the warmer rays of spring with outdoor adventures, here are a few tips to help bring in a new season of fun.

1. Maple Syrup...how sweet!
   The warmer temperatures of spring makes the sap rise in maple trees, where once tapped it takes some 35 to 50 gallons of sap to produce 1 gallon of maple syrup. If you are one of the many who can't get enough of the sugary sweet treat, plan to attend the March Maple Madness inn to inn tour on March 27 and 28. Here, historic inns of Mt Washington Valley will create maple treats both savory and sweet, teach participants about maple sugaring and test their wits during the 'sapenger' hunt. Afterwards visit Weston's Farm in Fryeburg, Maine where they have been making maple syrup every spring for over 150 years. For a complete 'sweet' getaway, book a Maple Sugaring stay and play package.
   
   
2. Spring Skiing
   Spring skiing means warm, sunny days spent cruising the soft ski slopes. Spring also means fun après ski parties, BBQ's and events. For the more advanced skier, there's nothing better than spring skiing in Tuckerman's Ravine on Mount Washington in Pinkham Notch, NH, where die hard skiers flock to hike up and ride down the highest peak in the northeast. Book a spring skiing getaway today!
   
   
3. Pond Skimming
   Each year, brave New Englanders and visitors alike compete in a spring ritual called pond skimming. As they daringly skim across water elements on skis, snowboards and other devices spectators stand by with cheers and jeers. Come out to try your luck or just to watch at these pond skimming events: King Pine Pond Skimming, Black Mountain Annual Spring Splash pond skimming, Attitash 3rd Annual Pond Skim, Cranmore Mountain Resort's Mountain Dew Spring Splash, Shawnee Peak's 25th Annual Spring Fling Beach Party and Wildcat Mountain Spring Wet Ditch Skim Contest.
   
   
4. St. Patrick's Day Celebrations
   Be green in more ways than one this St. Patty's Day by attending the Mt. Washington Valley Green Team Fundraiser at Flatbread Company in North Conway Village. This evening, a portion of the money from each pizza sold from 4 p.m. to close will benefit the MWV Green Team in their efforts to facilitate, educate, promote, and encourage sustainable green business practices in Mt. Washington Valley.
   
   Don't forget your favorite pooch this St. Patrick's Day! Plan to attend "Lucky Paws" at Four Your Paws Only in North Conway where you can enter the free drawings, get a prize from the ‘Pot of Gold' and try your luck at finding the leprechaun and the grand prize with your four legged friend!
   
   This St. Patrick's Day take a trip to Ireland, without the air fare! Visit the Shannon Door Pub & Restaurant in Jackson, NH for a taste of authentic Irish fare, rustic pub atmosphere, live entertainment and great thin crust pizza (yes, pizza!)
   
   
5. Fun Springtime Competitions
   Channel your inner competitor by competing in one (or all) of these spring skiing events: Wildcat Mt. 7th Annual Make-A-Wish 100K Vertical Challenge, Hannes Schneider Meister Cup Race, Ski To The Clouds, Crash Dummy Launch Contest at King Pine Ski Area, Red Parka Yacht Club Spring Downhill Regatta. For other fun spring competitions click here.
   
   
6. Spring Savings in MWV
   Spring break is right around the corner, and those looking to get away without spending a lot of green can find it in Mt. Washington Valley. With family friendly and romantic getaways, adventurous stay and play packages and last minute deals on lodging, your spring break may be more affordable than you think!
   
   Those looking to refresh their wardrobe and or home decor this spring can enjoy tax-free shopping at the over 200 retail stores, outlets, boutiques, shops and galleries Mt. Washington Valley has to offer.
   
   
7. Put a spring in your step...
   Put an extra spring in your step by enjoying a day at the spa, or visit one of Mt Washington Valley's health and wellness businesses. Get ready for bathing suit weather this year by joining a health club like 121 Fit and Cranmore Family Fitness Center or get out and take a warmer weather hike in the White Mountain National Forest.
   
   
8. Get Ready to Garden!
   Although there is typically snow (or at least spots of snow) on the ground in Mt. Washington Valley during March, it doesn't mean you can't get ready to garden. Stop by one of the Valley's many home and garden centers, and pick up some seeds to get a jump on the growing season.
   
   Plan ahead for the Northern New England Home & Garden Show this May! This expo, boasting more that 250 exhibitors, offers demonstrations and the popular ‘Meet the Chefs' series, and is the ideal way to get a jump start on spring gardening and home improvement projects.
   
   
9. Spring means longer, brighter days to play in Mt Washington Valley
   Daylight savings time springs us ahead so everyone can enjoy an extra hour of daylight to play in Mt. Washington Valley! In an area known for its outdoor activities, this is a perfect time to come out of your winter hibernation and enjoy the great outdoors and beautiful mountains of the White Mountain National Forest. Here are a few recreation activities to get you started.
   
   
10. Animal Sightings
    As the days get warmer, lighter and longer animals come out of their winter slumbers and are more easily visible. The native black bear, moose and deer are easily spotted in the spring in addition to a multitude of birds and other wild animals. *Please use caution on roadways and in the woods as there are higher likelihoods of encountering wild animals.
    

Spring is no time to stay indoors! With fun competitions, sweet treats and brighter, warmer days, spring is the ideal time to plan North Country adventures. For help planning your spring break family vacation to the White Mountains of New Hampshire and Western Maine, call the Mt Washington Valley Chamber of Commerce at 1-800-DO-SEE-NH (800-367-3364), or visit www.mtwashingtonvalley.org, where you will find updated information on area attractions, lodging, dining, events and great tips for spring adventures.

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