Monday, February 28, 2011

NH Prepares for promising Maple Syrup Season

NH’s Maple Weekend 2011 Takes Place March 19 – 20 with More than 60 Sugar Houses Providing Open Houses for Demonstrations, Sampling and Family-Friendly Activities

Concord, New Hampshire, February 25, 2011 – Thanks to positive weather conditions this fall and winter, maple producers across the state are optimistic about a very successful maple crop for the upcoming maple sugar season. According to the New Hampshire Division of Travel and Tourism Development (DTTD), after an average season in 2010, the 2011 maple sugar season may be one for the record books and a sweet deal for visitors to New Hampshire. Maple Weekend in New Hamsphire will take place this year on March 19th-20th.

“We are optimistically watching the weather and are looking forward to seeing and tasting what appears to be the makings of a fantastic maple sugar season in New Hampshire,” said Lori Harnois, DTTD Director. “Visitors from near and far come to New Hampshire to experience the maple sugar excitement, and get a chance to learn about this ancient tradition, and indulge in sugar on snow, pancake breakfasts, even horse-drawn rides. It’s great fun for the whole family and is the unofficial kick off to spring in New Hampshire.”

According to the New Hampshire Maple Producers Association, the maple season in New Hampshire usually lasts about 4-6 weeks, from mid-February to mid-April, although the days and length of the sap runs depend entirely on the weather. During those weeks, the New Hampshire maple industry produces close to 90,000 gallons of maple syrup. It takes approximately 40 gallons of sap to yield 1 gallon of syrup.

“What we look for is lots of rain in the late summer and fall to saturate the tree roots and a good amount of snow in the winter, all of which are good predictors for a successful season,” said Peter Thomson, owner of Mt. Cube Sugar Farm in Orford, NH who taps about 9,000 trees per season and has been generating sugar for 52 years. “Even though all this snow makes it harder to get to the trees, the snow helps keep the trees refrigerated.”

Thomson added, “Once the spring thawing starts, the sap will move up from the roots to feed the new buds, and when it freezes at night the sap will go back into the roots. The freezing and thawing process is very important for yielding a good maple crop and there will likely be a lot of that this season.”

Maple Season brings special activities throughout the state, with sugarhouses, inns and restaurants offering special events and packages. Here are several options:

Fuller's Sugar House, a "Best of New Hampshire Grand" in Lancaster, NH, and a fourth generation, family-owned business, offers guests the opportunity to tour its maple sugar making facility that produces syrup voted “4th Place in 2008 by Yankee Magazine’s Best Maple Syrup Contest.”



Maple tours are back on tap at The Rocks Estate in Bethlehem, NH. Discovering the history of maple sugaring, participating in the process of tapping trees and making syrup, horse-drawn wagon rides through the scenic 1,400-acre Rocks property, and tasty treats have made these tours a favorite springtime tradition. In addition, the on-site New Hampshire Maple Experience museum, housed in a renovated historic building, provides a fun and educational program for visitors of all ages. The Rocks has again teamed up with the famous Polly’s Pancake Parlor in nearby Sugar Hill to offer an abbreviated menu at The Rocks from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. each day of The New Hampshire Maple Experience.

Held in North Woodstock, New Hampshire, the NH Maple Fest is a hub of activity during New Hampshire Maple Weekend, with many local restaurants featuring maple products in their menus. Throughout the weekend, join in the fun with such planned activities as Maple Obstacle Course, Maple Dinner Ball with the crowning of Maple King and Queen, New Hampshire Maple Festival Parade, and Maple Festival Bed Race. Leave room for pancake breakfasts and taste testing at Fadden’s Sugar House, hosted by the Lincoln/Woodstock Chamber of Commerce.

Enjoy maple sugaring at the Remick Museum and Farm in Tamworth, on March 26th and see a timeline of Native American, Colonial, and modern day sugaring demonstrations. Visit the historic Maple Sugar encampment, take a closer look at the tapped trees in the sugar bush, come inside the Maple Sugar house and see how the modern day evaporator works and sample pure maple syrup and sugar-on-snow. Families will also enjoy scenic horse-drawn wagon rides pulled by the farm’s Belgian horses, Lady and Brandi.








Wednesday, February 23, 2011

Activites Schedule Feb 25 to March 5, 2011

Friday, February 25th, 2011
10:00AM Build and Paint your own Birdhouse ($3 per birdhouse)
Come down to the Fun Factory to build your very own birdhouse. Everyone will get a kit to build the birdhouse themselves, and Steve will be there to guide you along in the process. Once they are built you will have an opportunity to paint it any way you’d like.
11:00AM Toddler Paint Hour (FREE EVENT)
Bring the kids to the fun factory for a chance for them to meet other children and finger paint or paint a picture to bring home! This event is geared for children ages 1-6, older children are welcome to join in the fun!
12:30PM Snowshoe the Flume ($15 snowshoe rental FREE with your own snowshoes)
Join Steve as he heads over to the famous Flume Gorge. This is a 2 mile round-trip hike through one of the most beautiful areas mother nature has created in the White Mountains. We will see the gorge itself, which is 800 ft long and 90 ft tall, you will see about 4 different waterfalls, 2 covered bridges, an area called “the pool”, and of course, amazing scenery. Be sure to bring a camera!
8:00PM Movie Night — (FREE EVENT)
Come down to the lobby and enjoy a movie that is PG-13 or lower. We will supply the popcorn. Check the board in the lobby for what movie will be playing each night.

Saturday, February 26th, 2011
10:00AM Sledding @ Kanc Recreation Center (FREE EVENT)

Join the Activities team as we head over to the local recreation center for a few hours of sledding! Transportation and sleds will be provided!
1:00PM Wii Games (FREE)
Come down to the Fun Factory at Pollard Brook where you will join Steve to play some Nintendo Wii! This is a great chance for anyone, any age to show off their Wii skills! Limit to 8 people due to time.
2:30PM Sand Art ($2-$6 depends on the size of bottle)
Join the Recreational staff in the Fun Factory were you will be making sand art!
7:00PM Half Moon Jewelry Design ($11-$16 per necklace depending on size) (Earring sets also available $5-$14)
Come down to the Fun Factory to make your own jewelry with Half Moon Jewelry Design owner Joyce Schwartz. She will provide the kits and guide you through the process of making your own jewelry! Event will run from 7-8pm and is a great craft for all ages!
8:00PM Movie Night — (FREE EVENT)
Come down to the lobby and enjoy a movie that is PG-13 or lower. We will supply the popcorn. Check the board in the lobby for what movie will be playing each night.

Monday, February 28th, 2011
9:00AM Day Break Update at Pollard Brook (FREE EVENT)
Join our Adventure Concierge for a fun and informational gathering where we will update you on all of our activities, local events and answer any questions you may have! Complimentary donuts and juice!
10:30AM Snowshoe to Loon ($15 snowshoes rental, FREE with your own snowshoes)
Join Steve on a scenic walk over to Loon Mountain. We will walk along the bike path at the bottom of the driveway across 112 and along the river until we get to the bridge at Loon Mountain. This is a 2 mile, flat, easy hike mostly going alongside the Pemi River so be sure to bring your camera!
1:00PM Make your own Propeller Plane ($3 per plane)
Join Steve in the Fun Factory to build your own propeller plane. We have kits that include the body, wings, propeller, and rubber band. All you do is paint them however you’d like, and put them together, and you’ll have a self propelled plane.
2:00PM Sand Art ($1-$6 depends on the size of bottle)
Join the Recreational staff in the Fun Factory were you will be making sand art!
8:00PM Movie Night — (FREE EVENT)
Come down to the lobby and enjoy a movie that is PG-13 or lower. We will supply the popcorn. Check the board in the lobby for what movie will be playing each night.

Tuesday, March 1st, 2011
8:00am Water Mix Aerobics @ Pollard Brook Pool ($5 per person)
Professional water aerobics instructor, Stacee Caulder will lead guests in a 1-hour session at the resort. Stacee will lead guests who are 18 years or older in a high energy water exercise she calls Aqua-Mix Aerobics. The class can accommodate the first 10 people who sign up. The class will be held in the indoor pool at Pollard which will be open exclusively for this class. Participants need not be able to swim but must feel comfortable in the water. A fee of $5 per session will be charged and can be charged to the guest’s unit.
10:00AM Hike the Basin ($15 if snowshoes rented, FREE if you have your own snowshoes)
Join Eric on an easy stroll through the Basin. The Basin itself is a small waterfall and rock formation also known as the Old Man on the Mountain’s Foot. From there we will either hike through the “Baby Flume” or up the Basin Cascades Trail. Both of which have very nice waterfalls and scenery.
1:00PM Snowmobile Tour ($100 per sled)
Join us as we head over to Sledventures for a 2+ hour guided snowmobile tour! 2 people can go on one sled, or you can go it alone on your own sled! Beginners and first timers welcome! This is a guided tour up to Bog Pond, or through the Franconia Notch!
3:00PM Fadden's Sugar House and General Store (Free Event) (CARAVAN ONLY)
We will head over to North Woodstock and meet with the Fadden Family and see how they make Maple Syrup. You will be able to observe the process in the modern facility as well as see an example of the way it was done in the good ole days.
5:00PM Wine and Cheese Social (FREE EVENT)
Come down to the Main Lobby and enjoy a delicious cheese platter, as well as a glass or two of wine! Steve and Eric will be there to answer any questions you may have, but this is simply an event for guests to socialize with each other.
8:00PM Movie Night — (FREE EVENT)
Come down to the lobby and enjoy a movie that is PG-13 or lower. We will supply the popcorn. Check the board in the lobby for what movie will be playing each night.

Wednesday, March 2nd, 2011
10:00AM Wii Games (FREE)
Come down to the Fun Factory at Pollard Brook where you will join Steve to play some Nintendo Wii! This is a great chance for anyone, any age to show off their Wii skills! Limit to 8 people due to time.
12:30PM Snowshoe the Flume ($15 snowshoe rental FREE with your own snowshoes)
Join Steve as he heads over to the famous Flume Gorge. This is a 2 mile round-trip hike through one of the most beautiful areas mother nature has created in the White Mountains. We will see the gorge itself, which is 800 ft long and 90 ft tall, you will see about 4 different waterfalls, 2 covered bridges, an area called “the pool”, and of course, amazing scenery. Be sure to bring a camera!
7:00PM Half Moon Jewelry Design ($12 per bracelet) (or $15-$17 per ankle bracelet)
Come down to the Fun Factory to make your own jewelry with Half Moon Jewelry Design owner Joyce Schwartz. She will provide the kits and guide you through the process of making your own jewelry! Event will run from 7-8pm and is a great craft for all ages!
8:00PM Movie Night — (FREE EVENT)
Come down to the lobby and enjoy a movie that is PG-13 or lower. We will supply the popcorn. Check the board in the lobby for what movie will be playing each night.

Thursday, March 3rd, 2011
9:30AM Covered Bridge Tour ($10 per person)
Join us as we head west of Lincoln to see a few covered bridges. First we will stop at the Swiftwater Covered Bridge, which is a smaller bridge with a beautiful waterfall underneath it. After that we will head to the Haverhill-Bath Covered Bridge, which is 1 of 2 completely original bridges left in the country. Finally we will stop at the Bath Covered Bridge, which is the longest covered bridge entirely in the state of NH. Also at the Bath Covered Bridge is the Brick Store, America’s Oldest General Store!
1:00PM Snowmobile Tour ($100 per sled)
Join us as we head over to Sledventures for a 2+ hour guided snowmobile tour! 2 people can go on one sled, or you can go it alone on your own sled! Beginners and first timers welcome! This is a guided tour up to Bog Pond, or through the Franconia Notch!
6:30PM Half Moon Jewelry Level 2 Workshop ($12-15 per earring set) (Ages 13+ only!!)
Join Joyce Schwartz in the Fun Factory to make your own earrings! This class is for those who have prior jewelry/bead experience. She will have the earring kits and beads for you, and will help guide you on the process of creating your own earrings!
8:00PM Movie Night — (FREE EVENT)
Come down to the lobby and enjoy a movie that is PG-13 or lower. We will supply the popcorn. Check the board in the lobby for what movie will be playing each night.

Friday, March 4th, 2011
10:00AM Build and Paint your own Birdhouse ($3 per birdhouse)
Come down to the Fun Factory to build your very own birdhouse. Everyone will get a kit to build the birdhouse themselves, and Steve will be there to guide you along in the process. Once they are built you will have an opportunity to paint it any way you’d like.
11:00AM Toddler Paint Hour (FREE EVENT)
Bring the kids to the fun factory for a chance for them to meet other children and finger paint or paint a picture to bring home! This event is geared for children ages 1-6, older children are welcome to join in the fun!
1:00PM Caramel Apples ($1 per apple)
Join Steve in the Fun Factory to create your own caramel apple!! We will provide everything you need, including apples, caramel, and toppings! So come on down to make a delicious treat
8:00PM Movie Night — (FREE EVENT)
Come down to the lobby and enjoy a movie that is PG-13 or lower. We will supply the popcorn. Check the board in the lobby for what movie will be playing each night.

Saturday, March 5th, 2011
10:00AM Wii Games (FREE)
Come down to the Fun Factory at Pollard Brook where you will join Steve to play some Nintendo Wii! This is a great chance for anyone, any age to show off their Wii skills! Limit to 8 people due to time.
2:30PM Sand Art ($1-$6 depends on the size of bottle)
Join the Recreational staff in the Fun Factory were you will be making sand art!
7:00PM Half Moon Jewelry Design ($11-$16 per necklace depending on size) (Earring sets also available $5-$14)
Come down to the Fun Factory to make your own jewelry with Half Moon Jewelry Design owner Joyce Schwartz. She will provide the kits and guide you through the process of making your own jewelry! Event will run from 7-8pm and is a great craft for all ages!
8:00PM Movie Night — (FREE EVENT)
Come down to the lobby and enjoy a movie that is PG-13 or lower. We will supply the popcorn. Check the board in the lobby for what movie will be playing each night.

Monday, February 21, 2011

Saturday accident closes historic Jackson covered bridge - Monday, Feb. 21, 2011

Saturday accident closes historic Jackson covered bridge - Monday, Feb. 21, 2011

This is one of my favorite bridges in the White Mountains. There are no pictures in the above article, but it is probably going to be closed for at least a week.

Wednesday, February 16, 2011

Roller Skating at Skate Escape in Laconia,NH


Do you remember roller skating? Well now thanks to people at Skate Escape in Laconia, NH you can relive those memories. They have been around for about a year and after going there recently I know it is worth the drive to go here.
Ever since they opened my daughter has been counting down the days to her birthday so that she could have her birthday party there. This past Saturday we had her party there and had a blast. The staff was helpful, it wasn't too crowded and they played a great selection of music. The price includes Roller Skate rentals. They do not have food there, but Little Caesars is located next door and they have Pizza for $5.

Join us on our trips there, don't forget your Leg Warmers.