10. Snow Tubing
Snow tubing is the newest craze among outdoor lovers. Tickets are $13.00 for two hours regardless of age at Cranmore from 10am ~ 9pm Friday and Saturday and Sundays 10 to 4. Holiday weeks, snow tubing park is open during the week. At KIng Pine Ski Area, snow tubing is just $10.00 for two hours, and the park is open Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays and during vacation weeks.
9. Skating
Enjoy a day of skating in a quintessential New England setting. It's FREE at Schouler Park, located in the heart of North Conway Village, and FREE for kids under 5 at Nestlenook Farm by the River. Tickets at King Pine Ski Area Skating Arena are just $6.00, and skating is FREE with a King Pine lift ticket The Ham Ice Arena, Mt. Washington Valley's newest year-round skating facility, offers a state-of-the-art indoor skating arena with a 16-speaker sound system for music. Skaters are encouraged to bring their favorite tapes or CD's to skate by.
8. Winter Hiking
There are numerous short, and even longer hikes that are very popular in the winter. Try visiting Diana's Bath, in North Conway on a moonlit night for a fabulously romantic experience! Whittaker Woods ~ walking distance from the center of North Conway Village offers an easy hike through lovely wooded areas. For a little romance, try either one on a full-moon night, perfect on x-country skis, too! And there are numerous choices for winter hiking starting at the Appalachian Mountain Club's Pinkham Notch Base Area.
7. Visit the Hartmann Model Railroad Museum
Train buffs will enjoy a day of unique new and antique model train displays. Enjoy perusing the 16,000 square foot museum and hobby shop including one of the most extensive collections of model trains in the world. There are replicas of local and regional scenes including Crawford Notch, NH and several layouts featuring German, Swiss and other foreign designs. There is no fee to visit the hobby shoppe, entrance to the train museum is $5.00 for adults, $4.00 for seniors, $3.00 for children 6 - 12, and free for children 5 and under.
6. Take a pony ride at The Stables at the Farm by the River. Introduce your children to their first experience on a horse with a pony ride at The Stables at The Farm By the River. Your ride will take you down a well-traveled trail to the river. Pony rides are just $10.00 per child.
5. Take a Sleigh Ride
There are a number of companies throughout Mt. Washington Valley who offer sleigh rides. The Stables at The Farm by the River offer a half hour sleigh ride through the woods and fields of the farm, down to the river, with beautiful mountain views. Nestlenook Farm By The River has a full schedule of horse-drawn sleigh and carriage rides too. The Chester Eastman Homestead offers sleigh rides in a unique historical farm setting. Darby Field Inn offers a wonderful moonlight sleigh ride to a high mountain meadow. Call any of these places for a reservation before going.
4. Outlet Shopping Visit an outlet store or clearance center for tax-free shopping
There are more than 100 outlet stores in Mt. Washington Valley where you'll find 20% to 90% off regular retail prices. The only GAP Clearance Center in the Northeast is found in Settlers' Green Outlet Village Plus. This is an outlet for all GAP outlets and retail stores, and features many bargains at rock-bottom prices. And next time your sweet tooth hits, or you need a little energy for some aerobic shopping, visit Harry & David at Settlers' Green OVP or Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory at Tanger's Red Barn Center for a free chocolate truffle sample! Other popular favorite manufactors outlets are Polo Ralph Lauren, Brooks Brothers, Nike, Oneida, Black & Decker, Brookstone, Orvis, Casual Corner, Corning Revere, and so many more.
3. Learn About Weather extremes Visit the new Mt. Washington Observatory Weather Discovery Center and learn about the highest winds ever recorded on earth, and other neat weather facts about Mount Washington. Exhibits include historical photos, artifacts, interactive displays, and weather instruments. A small donation is required.
2. Visit the indoor craft fairs The Handcrafters Barn, located in the large pink building in North Conway Village, houses 300 booths featuring handcrafted items from throughout New England. You'll find everything from handmade ornaments to pottery, quilts, jewelry, and much more. It's an all-the-time craft fair, with no admission fee! Other options for beautiful hand-made craft viewing and shopping are Cape Cod Crafters - another virtual craft fair - located at Settler's Green, and the League of New Hampshire Craftsmen - a shop offering gorgeous hand-made items offered for sale from juried New Hampshire crafters and artists. There are a number of art galleries to choose from in the Valley - all offering works from local artists, and the Mt. Washington Valley Arts Association offers a beautiful collection of works and events. North Wind Crafters and The Basket & Handcrafters shops are also good bets for those who enjoy a craft fair-like setting, and beautiful hand-made items.
1. Sledding There are a number of ideal sledding hills in Mt. Washingtong Valley. The White Mountain National Forest offers a sledding hill just off the Kancamagus Highway. Stop by the Saco Ranger Station in Conway for directions. There are a number of golf courses that offer ideal sledding hills too, and it's free. Just BYO sled!
For more information on Mt. Washington Valley vacations, visit www.mtwashingtonvalley.org or call 1-800-do-see-nh (800-367-3364).
