Press Kit

Good news from Mt Washington Valley, NH – May 28, 2019

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

MT WASHINGTON VALLEY, NH BUSINESSES REPORT STRONG MEMORIAL DAY STARTTO THE SUMMER

North Conway, NH – Most businesses throughout the Mt Washington Valley reported a strong start to the summer with record-breaking attendances and/or bookings for some, according to an informal survey conducted by the Mt Washington Valley Chamber of Commerce.   After a spring season plagued with cold, rainy weather, a three-day stretch of sunny, warm days and nights was welcomed by both businesses and visitors over the Memorial Day weekend. Weather plays a huge role in tourism to Mt Washington Valley, and business owners responding to the survey concurred that the weather had an impact on driving visitors to the Valley for the weekend. 

“We welcomed visitors from New England, Canada and beyond for the unofficial start to the summer season, this Memorial Day weekend,” commented Janice Crawford, Executive Director of the Mt Washington Valley Chamber of Commerce. “We were thrilled to hear that record crowds visited many of our attractions, retailers and lodging properties, and judging from the full parking lots, many visitors were enjoying time outside in the Valley for the three-day weekend,” finished Crawford.

Bob Tupper, owner of  White Lake Speedway Inc., told the chamber that sales are up about 10-percent over last year's Memorial-Day weekend. “We had almost the exact same number of groups visiting compared to this same weekend last year,” said Tupper.  The growth came in a 10-percent larger average transaction he explained to the chamber.  He also noted that weather has an impact on the attraction and was a factor in drawing people out this Memorial Day weekend.

Lauren Hawkins Director or Marketing, Story Land, concurred saying a good weather forecast always has a positive impact on business. “We had a great Memorial Day weekend, strong attendance and perfect weather gave us a great start to the season,” observed Hawkins.

Susan Logan, Director of Marketing for Conway Scenic Railroad, chimed in to say that it was a strong Memorial Day weekend for the railroad, just shy of their record-breaking Memorial Day last year. “Last year was one of our strongest Memorial Day weekends ever,” shared Logan.  “Weather played a role this year and last.  2018 was record-breaking for us because of intermittent rain and relatively raw temps.  Rain is our friend, because our old-fashioned railroading experience is weather-proof.  This weekend was glorious, so there were many other recreational options for people visiting the Valley to enjoy.  We are very pleased with our ridership over the last three days,” finished Logan.

Rebecca Deschenes, Director of Marketing for Cranmore Mountain Resort, added to the enthusiasm for the weekend with positive comments about the three-day Memorial Day weekend at Cranmore. “We had a great opening weekend and far surpassed last year’s numbers when it comes to admissions and dollars,” Deschenes told the Chamber. “We kicked off the season on Saturday with the start of weekend operations, which will run through June 9^th, before going daily starting June 15^th,”  she shared.

The Mt Washington Auto Road set records for visitors this Memorial Day weekend. “We’re happy to report that we saw more than a 30-percent increase over last year and this is likely the busiest Memorial Day Weekend we’ve ever had,” said Crispin Battles, Marketing Director for the Mt. Washington Auto Road. “There was lots of pent up demand because we opened for the season on Saturday, two to three weeks later than normal for drive-yourself due in part to the lingering winter weather.  It’s always nice to have mostly wonderful weather for this holiday weekend of remembrance and respect. This seems to be the beginning of a great summer as long as the weather continues to cooperate,” finished Battles.

With golf courses open and in great shape after a cold and rainy spring, golfers celebrated the three-day weekend on Mt Washington Valley’s courses.  Jonathan Rivers of Indian Mound Golf Club, told the chamber they had a great Memorial Day weekend. “ We finally had four nice days in a row! It was nice to see all the golf courses open after every one of the Valley’s golf courses has  worked very hard to get the courses back in shape from a very long and tough winter and spring.”  Rivers also told the chamber that spending over the three day weekend was up over last year at Indian Mound Golf Club, and that there were plenty of new golfers to the area – both a great sign for the summer ahead.

Lucie Villeneuve, owner and adventure guide for Outdoor ESCAPES New Hampshire, LLC told the chamber that the business posted a 400-percent increase over last year for Memorial Day weekend. “I believe more people are discovering our custom guided adventures, thanks to our new Chamber membership,” she shared via the Chamber’s informal survey. “Weather doesn't really impact our activities because trips are booked in advance, and we give folks a hearty pack list before they arrive. It was a fantastic weekend for all,” Villeneuve concluded. 

After receiving national attention for the video of bears visiting the inn, Steve Lambert, Partner and Innkeeper at the Inn at Thorn Hill, logged a 17-percent increase in sales over the past ten days.  “Canada showed up in full force from Victoria Day on,” he shared, adding, “We were fortunate with national televised bear footage as the bears visited our veranda and our lawn… Boston and New York bookings shot up when they saw the (prudent) proximity to the inn where the Bears visited.” Visitors to the Inn at Thorn Hill were treated to not only bears but ducks of all sizes during the annual Jackson Wild Quack Duck Race and Festival sponsored by the Jackson Area Chamber of Commerce over Memorial Day weekend.

Jennifer Kovach, co-owner of the Snowvillage Inn, also shared enthusiasm for the weekend with a 30-percent increase in revenue over last year, concurring with others that weather played a large role in the success of the weekend.  “The weather had a huge impact on our successful weekend!  People definitely waited until the last minute to book rooms.  Many decided to stay an extra night because the weather was so idyllic.  Many guests from the Snowvillage Inn enjoyed the craft fair at the Gibson Center and Judy Collins at Stone Mountain Arts Center.  Those looking to just relax and connect with nature commented that the waterfalls were spectacular.  The "spring" foliage was beautiful and with sunny skies, people were out in the nature,” Kovach told the Chamber.

Thomas Prindle, Director of Marketing for Purity Spring Resort and Danforth Bay Camping & RV Resort told the chamber that the campground was sold-out for the holiday weekend and the resort played host to both guests and groups over the three-day weekend.  Prindle also mentioned how the great weather was favorable for all to enjoy Memorial Day activities. In addition, Prindle shared that  summer reservations are on par with last year at this time.

From the retail side, Timothy W. Psaledakis, owner of Jewelry by Tim & Friends, also reported in with sales increases for the three-day weekend.  “This holiday weekend was definitely up by about 20-percent,” he told the Chamber.  “The improved weather certainly helped, but also our stores growth in ‘while you wait’ services and unique hand engraving have brought many new referrals from happy clients!!  Folks from Canada do receive a discount where we are able to extend such - and had a number of visitors from north of the border,” finished Psaledakis.

Laura Lemieux, Director of Marketing & Events at Settlers Green and Settlers Crossing reported that the stores there were pleased, with a strong Friday to start the weekend and a strong Monday for sales and traffic to cap off the holiday weekend.

For more information about visiting Mt Washington Valley during the upcoming summer season, go to www.MtWashingtonValley.org or call 800-367-3364 (800-DO-SEE-NH) .  For more information on New Hampshire vacations, please visit www.VisitNH.gov.

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Photo attached:  Credit WiseguyCreative.com.

Mt Washington Valley photos available on the MWVCC online Flickr gallery. Please offer credit as indicated on photo file.