Press Kit

Good news from Mt Washington Valley Chamber of Commerce – May 22, 2019

Contact:  Marti Mayne, 207-846-6331 or PR@mtwashingtonvalley.org

PREVIEW OF SUMMER EVENTS IN MT WASHINGTON VALLEY, NH

North Conway, NH – With Memorial Day around the corner, all eyes turn to summer.  The unofficial kick off to summer, Memorial Day weekend ushers in thoughts of hiking, biking, tax-free shopping, golf, family attractions and much more in Mt Washington Valley, NH.  Add to that a packed events schedule, and it’s no wonder visitors are planning their summer vacations to the Valley already!

Stay tuned to the Mt Washington Valley Chamber of Commerce’s online calendar of events. This clearinghouse of regional events is updated regularly and is the best resource for scoping out area events.  For those who’d like to plan ahead, consider this sampling of events coming up this summer.

June, 2019

Sundays through October:  Bunch at the Summit: Enjoy Brunch at the summit of Cranmore Mountain Resort, with the best view of the Valley! Available from 10am-3pm at the Meister Hut. Brunch and lift packages available for $25 at the ticket office. Closed toe shoes required. Info: www.Cranmore.com.

June 1: Annual Mountain Garden Club Spring Plant Sale at North Conway Community Center: 9:30am - 11:30 am: Appreciated by plant enthusiasts far and wide, this event offers plants carefully cultivated by Mountain Garden Club members, plus garden sundries created by the MGC’s talented members. Whether to enhance your own gardens, or to provide a unique gift for others, you won’t want to miss this eagerly awaited plant sale. Come early for best selections.  Info: www.mountaingardenclub.org.

June 1: 14th Annual King Pine Triathlon & Duathlon: All Competing Athletes Will Receive Commemorative Tech T-Shirts (Male & Female Sizing), Custom Finishers Award, King Pine Ski Area Lift Ticket, Post Race Brunch hosted by Purity Spring Resort, All Olympic & Sprint distance athletes will be eligible to win cash prizes. Visit Tri Tek Events Website to register for event and see special discount one or two-night King PineTri Discount Room Rates at Purity Spring Resort.

June 1: Mountain Spring Wildflower Walk at Great Glen Trails: From 10am to noon, view the early summer wildflowers in Pinkham Notch on this guided morning walk. Species we expect to see include pink lady slippers, trout lily, star flower and more. Join us on this kick off to our North Country Nature Programs and explore the wildlife offers north of the notch! Sponsored in part by the Tillotson Foundation. Info: www.tinmountain.org.

June 1 & 2: Asthma Awareness Weekend at Story Land:  Breathe NH  is promoting asthma and allergy awareness at Story Land. Information and resources will be available to families, and the entire park is smoke free. Info: www.Storylandnh.com.

June 2-7: Restaurant Week at Settlers Green: Indulge in culinary creations and special menu items at over a dozen restaurants, cafes and specialty food stores at Settlers Green. Experience 3-course prix fixe menus, special collaborations, featured food products, and drinks specials. Visitors at all restaurants, cafes and food stores are eligible to enter to win a $500 raffle basket including gift cards to restaurants and cafes and special food products. Look for entry boxes during Restaurant Week at all participating restaurants and food store.  Info: www.SettlersGreen.com.

June 2: Cranmore Mountain Race: The course will be a two lap up and down format with about 2400 feet of elevation gain and descent. The course consists of grass ski slope, cat-track service road and some amazing single-track. Race Start: one lap race: 8am, two lap race: 9am.  Info: click here.

June 2, 4, 6, 8, and 12: Bicknell’s Thrush Tours: Bicknell’s Thrush is an extremely rare species with very limited breeding grounds. They usually breed at higher elevations, normally nesting above 3,000 ft. The unique and harsh climate is just what the birds prefer due to the combination of low vegetation and abundant moisture. The Mt. Washington Auto Road offers you a rare opportunity to view these obscure birds. The Bicknell’s Thrush Guided Tours leave early in the morning before the Mt. Washington Auto Road opens to the general public to insure there is as little additional noise or disturbance as possible. Our success rate at hearing and seeing this elusive thrush is quite good, but with the species in decline due to wintering habitat losses, there can be no guarantee of sightings. Tours depart from the base of the Auto Road at 6:00am and last approximately 2 hours. Cost: $50 per person, Advanced reservations required. Info & online booking: https://mtwashingtonautoroad.com/events/bicknells-thrush-tours.

June 8: Black Fly In My Eye 10 Mile Or 3 Mile Run And Relay at Great Glen Trails: Now in its 10th year, the 10-mile course at the base of Mount Washington is made up of three loops; run in sequential order. Each loop has its own unique character. Fun for experienced trail runners and the novice, teams or individuals, the Black Fly run and relay is New Hampshire’s premiere trail running race. Registration includes a post-event barbecue, awards ceremony, and prizes! Race as an individual, team of 2 or team of 3.  Entry fee includes post-race BBQ for race participants.  All are encouraged to bring their own seating for the awards/BBQ. Day of registration will be available between 8:30-9:30am.  

June 8: Spring On The Farm: Get your fill of warm-and-fuzzy during the cutest fresh-air event of the year at Remick Country Doctor Museum and Farm from 11:00am – 3:00pm. Meet and nuzzle baby kids (goats) and lambs. Interact with 4-H club members as they show other furry farm favorites, including yolked working steers. Take part in a fun-tastic Farm Olympics, card wool fleece and make hand-churned butter. Go on a scavenger hunt, stop by the herbal remedies Boo-Boo Station and walk interpretive trails. Create a take-home farm animal craft and have your face painted. All on the grounds of a historic farmstead. Lunch and treats will be available for purchase. $10 for adults , $5 for ages 5–10 , free for ages 4 and under.  Tickets available at the door. Info: www.remickmuseum.org/events/spring-on-the-farm.

June 8 & 15:  Murder Mystery Dinner Train on Conway Scenic RR – Help solve the whodunit while enjoying a fabulous dinner on board.  Info:  www.ConwayScenic.com. 

June 10, 13: Ride to the Sky:  Celebrate Motorcycle Week in NH on the Mt. Washington Auto Road: On these days only, the Mt Washington Auto Road is offered to motorcycles only.  Guided Van Tours are available, but the Road is closed to Drive Yourself passenger cars. A ride up Mt. Washington is a one of-a-kind experience. Every time. Encounter ever changing weather, panoramic views and four climate zones as you climb the highest point in the Northeast. Info: www.mt-washington.com/events.

June 15 & 16: Sensory Sensitive Weekend #1 at Story Land: A modified Story Land experience for all! Park music/announcements/sound effects turned down or off, some water features turned off, informational resources available, entire park smoke free, and more ways to make the park appealing to sensory sensitive guests. VIP Passes will be available to those who have difficulty waiting in queue lines. Therapy Dogs and representatives from Autism Speaks will be on site. This event will be repeated on Sept 14-15. Info: https://www.storylandnh.com/.

June 16: Father’s Day Specials in Mt Washington Valley:  Dads can tour the Castle in the Clouds free when touring with their child of any age.  Dads can play golf at Omni Mt Washington Golf course OR fly free on the Bretton Woods Canopy Tour when accompanied by a full price companion or child.  In addition, Fathers play free at Cranmore with the purchase of an All Day Play Pass, Mountain Adventure Park Pass or Aerial Adventure Park Pass. Complimentary ticket must be the same product purchased. Info: Visit the Mt Washington Valley Chamber of Commerce calendar for details.

June 21:   Annual MWVCC Golf Tournament:  This event brings business and community leaders together each year for a day of fun and friendly competition out on the greens. This year's tournament will be held at the Province Lake Golf Course in Parsonsfield, ME, with an awards lunch and celebration to follow at the clubhouse. Register as an individual or as a team of four to compete for top prizes. Info:  www.Mtwashingtonvalley.org.

June 16:  Father’s Day at Conway Scenic RR: Dad can enjoy complimentary coffee and donuts on the train to Conway where there will be an outdoor equipment show. Info:  www.ConwayScenic.com.  

June 15: Northeast Delta Dental Mt Washington Road Race: The  annual “Run to the Clouds” draws thousands of runners from across New England, throughout the U.S., and from countries as close as Canada and as far away as Kenya, to make the grueling climb to the summit of the highest peak in the Northeast, Mt Washington. Info: Click here.

June 21: MWV Ski Team Golf Tournament: All invited to participate in the 31st Annual golf tournament to benefit the MWV Ski Team at the Wentworth Golf Course.  1:00pm shotgun start.  Info:  https://www.wentworthgolf.com/events-list/mwv-ski-team/.

June 21, July 12, August 9: Tea with Cinderella on Conway Scenic RR: Cinderella will be on the train for three Fridays this summer, demonstrating proper tea etiquette for the little ones. The parties will be held on the First Class dining car Chocorua on the Conway Valley Train at 4:30pm. Info: https://www.conwayscenic.com/blog/tea-with-cinderella/.

June 22: Cranmore Food and Wine Event Hosted by Chef, Vito Marcello: The Cranmore Food and Wine Event will feature cooking demonstrations by Chef, Vito Marcello along with wine sampling from Pine State and Southern Glazer's pair with food samples from Vito Marcello's Italian Bistro and Cranmore Mountain Resort from 3:00-6:00pm.  The event will also feature special guest, Salvatore Ferragam, Vinter from ll Borro Wines in Tuscany, Italy. Also, look forward to live music from members of the American Vinyl All Star Band, including Barry Goudreau formerly of the band Boston, Tim Archibald of RTZ/Peter Wolf Band and Danny Beissel of Fosterchild. Tickets are $75 a person, and include sampling, demonstrations, music and wine glass.  This event is for guests 21 years of age and older. Info: click here.

June 22: Mid Summer Night's Dream Dinner Party: The Green Granite Inn will be celebrating A Mid Summers Night's Dream by hosting an evening filled with Festivities, Food and Fun for those of all ages. The outdoor pool area will be transformed into an Enchanted Forest and guests are encouraged to dress in attire inspired by the Play. A Welcome Reception starts at 6:00pm including a cash bar and Hors d’oeuvres. Dinner will follow at 7pm. Each guest will receive a complimentary beverage and a special gift to take home. Adults: $75 per person, Children (12 and under): $50 per person. Info: www.greengranite.com.

June 23-29: White Mountain Pride Festival: White Mountains Pride will include special events happening throughout Mt Washington Valley during the month of June. On June 23rd, 2019 at 10:00am take part in the Hike for Equality by joining Gay Outdoors for a hike up Cathedral Ledge. A great way to see the amazing views, meet new people, and show your Pride! On June 29th from 10:00am-4:00pm the White Mountains Pride Festival culminates at North Conway Community Center with a free family-friendly afternoon of fun, entertainment, games, food and more. Attendees will enjoy live music, performers, as well as local vendors and nonprofit tables. Look for more details on events below.  Info: www.whitemountainspride.com

June 29 & 20: Chalk Art Fest at Story Land. Professional Chalk Artists take over Story Land! Watch as they craft epic chalk murals on the Story Land pathways. Info: https://www.storylandnh.com/..

June 29:  Art in Bloom in Jackson Village: Take the self-guided walking tour of Jackson Village and see artworks and floral works displayed in businesses throughout Jackson.  Presented by the Mountain Garden Club.  Free.  Info: http://www.mountaingardenclub.org/calendar.htm.

June 29: Larry Siebert White Mountain Art & Artisan Festival: Celebrate the arts in Jackson in conjunction with Arts in Bloom event.  Peruse and purchase art and artisan creations from more than 40 vendors, enjoy the live music shared from local and visiting musicians, taste some of the area’s best fair food vendors located through the village. There will be Artist demonstrations, kids creating tent, woodworking, art classes for budding artists, raffles and an incredible Silent Auction. Info: Click here.

June 29: North Conway Strawberry Festival: The Strawberry Festival is held 11:00 am -4:00 pm on the North Conway Congregational Church campus in North Conway Village. The festival offers a fun day of feasting on locally grown fresh strawberries served in shortcakes, in smoothies and in hand-dipped chocolate covered treats.  There will be free kids games, balloon animals, live music and a white elephant sale of treasures.  Tours of the historic “First Church” are available to those interested in learning about the living history of the nearly 250 year-old building. Info: www.firstchurchnc.com.

June 30, July 28 & August 25:  Sunrise Drive up Mt Washington Auto Road: The Mt. Washington Auto Road opens early on three Sundays every summer, allowing guests to drive themselves to the summit of Mount Washington to view the sunrise from the highest peak in the Northeast. Due to the popularity of these sunrise opportunities, don’t wait until the last minute to arrive as you may spend time waiting at the Toll House due to traffic. New last year, Guided Van Rides are available too. The State Park building on the summit will be open with limited food service on all three of these mornings. Info: http://mtwashingtonautoroad.com/events/sunrise-drives

June 30: Fireworks in Jackson:  Start the Independence Day celebration in Jackson Village as the first of many fireworks displays kicks off the holiday week.  Bring a blanket to the park in Jackson Village as they light up the sky with a spectacular firework display at approximately 9:00pm(ish). Info: http://www.jacksonnh.com/event/316/Fireworks.

June 30: 32nd Annual Cranmore Hill Climb 5k: This 3.1 mile hill climb starts at 9am at the Arlberg Children's Center. The first section is flat by the fitness club than a climb on the Cranmore Service Road to the summit.  Enjoy a Chairlift ride down after the race. There are age group awards for runners and walkers. A Family friendly race all ages and abilities are welcome.  A commemorative 16 oz. Glass will go  to the first 100 PRE-registered entrants and there’ll be post-race refreshments. In addition, the White Mountain Milers will be presenting an award in honor of Jim Soroka. This award will be given to the person who most exemplifies the spirit, vest for life, volunteerism, coaching, encouragement, and joy that was Jim. Nominations can be made to race director Liz Goerss or club president Marianne Jackson, mjaxnmd@gmail.com. Proceeds to benefit the Gretchen B. Hatch Scholarship Fund. Info: click here.

With so much happening in Mt Washington Valley for the summer, it’ll take more than one trip to take it all in.  For complete vacation planning resources, please visit the Mt Washington Valley Chamber of Commerce at www.MtWashingtonValley.org or call 800-367-3364 to talk to a vacation concierge.  Want to learn more about visiting New Hampshire?  Go to www.VisitNH.gov for complete vacation planning info. And for a complete guide to events in Mt Washington Valley for the rest of 2019, click here. 

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For photos, visit Mt Washington Valley Chamber of Commerce’s online Flickr photo albums. Simply click here for access.

Or contact Marti Mayne at PR@mtwashingtonvalley.org with specific requests.