Press Kit

Five reasons to visit Mt Washington Valley as events, outdoor dining and recreation beckon



News from Mt Washington Valley, NH – April 14, 2021

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

FIVE SURE SIGNS OF A SUPERB SPRING, SUMMER & FALL IN MT WASHINGTON VALLEY, NH

Optimism prevails as Mt Washington Valley businesses carefully emerge from a life changing pandemic

North Conway, NH – No business owner, resident or visitor to Mt Washington Valley will ever forget the challenges, trepidation and seriousness of the pandemic brought on by Covid-19.  At the same time, each person who’s gone through the past year has found new ways to find hope and determination to alter course and get by.  Many of the lessons learned will be lifelong – with new protocols for safety, sanitization and customer or self-care discovered over the past year.

As we emerge from the winter with vaccinations behind for some and on the horizon for all, springtime in the Valley brings a renewed sense of optimism punctuated by hope that the pandemic’s scourge will soon be behind us.  Businesses are planning for a summer where pent-up desire to travel will bring respectful and mannerly visitors to the Valley and business levels may once again return to the pre-pandemic levels of 2019.

There are a number of signs of optimism that spring, summer and fall will be filled with all of the gatherings and recreation we’ve come to know and love in the Valley.  Here are five sure signs that Mt Washington Valley is returning to its “new normal” that looks more and more like the “old normal” as we progress away from the pandemic.

Live music is returning to restaurants, stages and venues in the Valley

After a long year of shutdowns and shut-ins for the community and its visitors, live music will once again grace the stages throughout the Valley, bringing a sense of hopefulness to the community. From Hoot Nights graced by local musicians to concert series and our favorite Valley artists, visitors and residents alike will soon enjoy live music once again in Mt Washington Valley.  We’ve done a thorough review of the live music available on an ongoing basis throughout the Valley. Click here for the schedule.  

Outdoor events highlight the schedule this summer, fall and winter

For more than a year, gatherings have been confined to exceedingly small groups and single households to protect the transmission of Covid-19, thereby essentially eliminating the opportunity for events in Mt Washington Valley.  However, as more and more people are vaccinated and quarantine is no longer required (although it is recommended) for visitors to New Hampshire, organizers of events and festivals are moving ahead with caution.  Of course, those attending all events will be required to wear masks and maintain a social distance of at least six feet at all events in the Valley until otherwise mandated.  Here is a partial list of some of your favorite events that will return to Mt Washington Valley this year.

Outdoor dining has been expanded

When the pandemic hit, restaurants in the Mt. Washington Valley acted swiftly to space out seating and comply with the need for social distancing, This meant tables appeared on front lawns, patios and decks. Fire pits and Adirondack chairs were added, and many restaurant owners built additions in the form of open porches and even igloos to welcome their customers in a safe, fun way.

Always a popular choice, one of the vestiges of the pandemic that we think is here to stay and actually expand is outdoor dining throughout Mt Washington Valley’s restaurants. Click here for a sampling of restaurants in the Mt. Washington Valley offering outdoor dining throughout the warmer months of spring, summer and fall. 

Attractions are re-opening and Mt Washington Valley businesses are hiring

The Governor’s most recent “Safer at Home” guidance stipulates that attendance at most recreational venues should allow visitors to maintain an appropriate social distance and mask wearing is required. This will allow attractions and outdoor recreation venues to re-open carefully this summer.  One sign of optimism is the re-opening of Living Shores Aquarium, featuring interactive, educational experiences for all ages, on Saturday, May 8, 2021 concluding a 15-month closure caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. Mt Washington Valley’s golf courses and attractions will follow suit, some already open and others starting weekends in May.

All businesses involved in tourism are in the process of gearing up for the summer, including a coordinated hiring process.  The six chambers of the White Mountains making up the White Mountains Chamber Collaborative have combined forces to host an online job board at https://workinthewhitemountains.com, combined with a Facebook and Instagram campaign.  Visit any of these resources for information on jobs, job fairs and hiring.  Anticipating a strong summer, Mt Washington Valley’s tourism businesses are in full hiring mode, so anyone interested in working in the Valley this summer can easily find a job.

Masking, Social Distancing & Courtesy still required

Perhaps this is the most important aspect that will lead to a successful summer in Mt Washington Valley.  After the past year, the vast majority of visitors appreciate the efforts business owners take to keep them safe by requiring masks and social distancing.  Most have grown accustomed to the mask and social distancing requirements, however last summer the actions of a group of inconsiderate visitors impacted the whole Valley.  Having learned from that experience, visitors can trust that parking regulations, cleanliness and sanitation requirements, and good manners toward other visitors will be enforced throughout the Valley.  Overcrowding at outdoor recreation sites will be addressed and limitations on discourteous or uncouth behavior will be enforced throughout the Valley. All visitors will be asked to treat others as they would wish to be treated themselves.  Businesses will adhere to state and federal guidelines and do everything they can to keep their customers safe and comfortable while visiting Mt Washington Valley.

Make plans early to visit Mt Washington Valley.  Pent up demand has indicated that travelers will hit the road often and attempt to be outdoors this summer.  Surrounded by the beauty of the White Mountain National Forest and all the exceptional recreation available, Mt Washington Valley is sure to be a popular vacation spot this spring summer and fall. 

To learn more about planning your vacation to Mt Washington Valley, including places to stay and play, where to dine and find tax-free shopping, go to www.MtWashingtonvalley.org. To find resources for planning a visit to New Hampshire, go to www.VisitNH.gov.

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Photos attached:

Outdoor dining at Red Parka Steakhouse and Pub. Credit: Red Parka Steakhouse and Pub