Fall Foliage

Sandwich Foliage

It's Sandwich Fair time! Every year on Columbus Day Weekend we take the most scenic drive to Sandwich, New Hampshire. The fair is a real New England agricultural fair with farm animals, vegetable and handicraft competitions, rides, food, vendors, live entertainment and so much more. One of my favorite seasonal experiences!
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Fall Travel Deals


Lakes Region Association of NH
The Lakes Region Association
invites you to experience the foliage in the Lakes Region of NH
Greetings!

This year, take in the spectacular fall color show in the Lakes Region of New Hampshire from a new perspective guaranteed to bring out the adventurous spirit in you. As you take advantage of all that the Lakes Region has to offer this foliage season, round out your trip with lunch at a lakeside bistro, take in a theatrical production or concert, visit our many attractions, apple pick, visit the farmer's market, sign up for a crafting class, attend a lecture, browse a craft fair, spend the day at an agricultural fair and lots more. You can find detailed listings of these activities and even more events and travel specials on our website, LakesRegion.org.
Purity Spring Resort - Peeping Paddlers Foliage Tour
Purity Spring Our most popular kayaking weekend of the year! Enjoy a fantastic weekend of paddling and foliage viewing for all ages and abilities! Package includes Friday and Saturday night lodging; Six meals; Shuttle service to and from the Saco River; Kayak rentals; Tour Guides and all resort amenities including:
indoor pool/hot tub, fitness center, hiking trails, paddling, mountain biking, tennis and more! Additional a la carte activities are available: Private Reiki Treatment or Massage. Weekend package starts at just $264 for adults and $129 for kids (age 4-12) pp/do Does not include tax & gratuity. Limited availability. Bonus: Add a 3rd night (Sunday) to your stay and we'll take 50% off the regular rate (includes dinner and lodging). E. Madison NH (603) 367-8896 / 800-373-3754 www.purityspring.com

Steele Hill Resorts - The New England Classic
Steele Hill Valid through November 30, 2009 : This package is a wonderful way to enjoy the fall colors, tour the covered bridges of NH and sit back and relax. It's a Classic New England getaway. Package includes: Two nights in the accommodations of your choice, Dinner for two at the Hilltop Restaurant located on site valued at $50.00, and a county basket filled with local New England made products. Rates Start at: $116.00 Per-Night. Sanbornton, NH
(603) 524-0500 www.steelehillresorts.com

Inn at Danbury - Fall Midweek Special
Inn at Danbury Book 2 consecutive nights Sun-Thurs get one night free (weekends excluded). Reservations subject to availability. May not be combined with any other specials or coupons. Alcohol, 9% NH Room and Meals tax and gratuity not included with dinner packages. Danbury, NH 603-768-3318 www.innatdanbury.com

The Valley Inn - Columbus Day Weekend
Lakes Region Association$88.00 per room, per night plus tax & resort fee. 2 Night Minimum Stay. Celebrate the holiday in Waterville Valley, surrounded by the White Mountains spectacular fall foliage. The Valley's Fall Foliage Festival includes outdoor concerts, tent sales, carnival rides and more! Waterville Valley, NH 800-343-0969 www.valleyinn.com

Summit Resort - Taste of the Season
Summit $359.00* 2 Night Weekend Accommodations, also enjoy discounts to a few of our favorite restaurants. Package includes discounts to: Mame's & Abondante Tuscan Trattoria. Package includes "Taste of the Season Basket" in-room filled with New England Goodies. Laconia, NH 800-563-7060 www.summitresortnh.com

Glynn House Inn - Vibrant Color Savings
Glynn House Stay 4 nights Sunday - Thursday, September 20 - October 29 and receive absolutely free: 2 Canterbury Shaker Village tickets, 1 $50 Shaker Table luncheon voucher + 1 beautiful pewter ornament. The spectacular NH countryside is on the house too. Conditions may apply. Ashland, NH 603 968-3775 www.glynnhouse.com

Cheney House Bed & Breakfast - Midweek Foliage
Cheney House Stay one day (Sunday-Thursday) at regular rate $141.70 (inc. tax) and receive one week night at reduced rate of $125.35 (inc. tax). Mention this special (LRA Hot Deal). Stay 2 nights, Receive 3rd Night 50% off. Ashland, NH (603) 968-4499 www.cheneyhouse.com

New England House Bed & Breakfast - Fall Romance
Lakes Region Association Stay a weekday night (Sunday-Thursday) and receive 30% off your stay. Enjoy spectacular leaf colors, lake views, and covered bridges, as you walk along the Northern Rail Trail. In the evening relax in one of our porch rockers, or simply curl up and enjoy a movie from our DVD collection. minimum two-night stay required. Andover, NH 603-735-5776 www.nehbb.com


About the Lakes Region Association

Established in 1936, the Lakes Region Association's mission is to promote the Lakes Region of New Hampshire as a year-round destination in state, out of state and internationally to bring more visitors to the area and economically benefit our member's businesses. The Association is a non-profit organization focusing solely on Tourism Marketing & Promotion. To assist our region's guests and member businesses to connect, the association develops and distributes nearly 1 million publications including 300,000 Where to! Lakes Region of New Hampshire, a comprehensive guide to the area, 600,000 Lakes Region Map and Guide and 50,000 Holiday Brochures.

Aim Mutual / Comp SigmaThe Lakes Region Association also maintains several supporting websites including ones for group travelers, travel writers, Yuletide Magic holiday travel, and historical walking tours in addition to their primary tourism information site www.LakesRegion.org for up to the minute happenings, property and entertainment listings, vacation travel incentives, photo tours and so much more. For information on obtaining your copy of our Map & Guidebook or making the Lakes Region Association your marketing arm to effectively reach local, domestic and international markets, contact our expert staff at 603-286-8008.

Lakes Region Association of New Hampshire USA
Lakes Region Association
For a true New England foliage experience visit the Lakes Region of New Hampshire. Nearly 300 lakes, ponds and rivers surrounded by rolling mountain ranges including those in the White Mountain National Forest.
ADVENTURE PEEPING
Alpine Adventures
Photo: Alpine Adventures
�Lakeside Train Ride
� Lake Cruise
� Kayak or Canoe
� Zip Line Thrills
� Mountain Caves
� Corn Maze
� Horseback Ride
� Drive Oxen Team
� Rock Climb
� Hike a Mountain
� Bicycling
FALL EVENTS & FUN
Beans and Greens
Photo: Beans & Greens


Bald Eagle and Loon Viewing are Highlights of Lake Tours on Squam Lake

Squam Lakes Natural Science Center is offering three “Nature of the Lakes” tours on Squam Lake every week through mid-October. Because of the huge success of the three special Bald Eagle Viewing Tours in June, and the new weekly Loon Cruises, the Science Center is offering “Nature of the Lakes” tours at 4:00 p.m. every Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday. These 90-minute tours are in addition to the “Explore Squam” tours which run seven days a week at 11:00 a.m., 1:00 p.m., and 3:00 p.m.

The “Nature of the Lakes” tours are led by one of the Science Center’s Educator/Naturalists and focus on the natural history and ecology of Squam Lake. Highlights include close viewing of a pair of Bald Eagles that are raising two eaglets in a tree-top nest on a small island in the northern section of the lake. The other major highlight is a chance to observe the nesting habits of several Common Loon pairs that nest on Squam Lake. Read More on our Media Site

Tanger’s First Annual Fit For A Cure 5K Run/Walk

Tanger and Leggs Hanes Bali Playtex will host the first annual Tanger Fit for a Cure 5K Run/Walk on Saturday, October 3rd beginning at 8:30AM. The 3.1 mile course will begin and end at the Tanger Outlet Center in Tilton. www.tangeroutlet.com/tilton

Yankee Candle Opens at the Tanger Outlet Center in Tilton

Tanger Outlet Center is pleased to announce the opening of a 3,000 square foot Yankee Candle store at the center. Yankee Candle is now open and is located next to Gap Outlet, which marks the opening of the 21stYankee Candle store this year nationwide. www.tangeroutlet.com/tilton

Celebrate Spring for $25 Midweek at Gunstock

March 22nd, 2009, Gilford, NH. Spring has finally sprung and the skiing and riding is excellent. Midweek tickets for all ages are just $25.00 daily at Gunstock for the rest of the season. “Its been a great season, and spring is the best time to get out and enjoy the longer days, warmer temperatures and softer snow” says Bill Quigley, Director of Marketing and Sales. Gunstock still has 44 trails open, and is planning its season ending parties, including the famous BYODC(Bring your own dry clothes) pond cross on April 5th. “Spring also brings the start of Baseball, Softball, Lacrosse and other spring sports, and smaller crowds, so pack up the sunscreen and start your summer tan at Gunstock!’

Gunstock, located in Gilford New Hampshire, is one of the state’s largest recreation areas. The first ski area in New England to have a chairlift, Gunstock boasts 1400 feet of vertical, over 220 acres of skiing, and 300 campsites during the summer, spectacular views of the Lake Winnipesaukee at every turn. It is also the host of major events such as the, The Lakeside Living Expo, HillClimb during Laconia Bike week, RibFest, CraftFest, Soulfest, and the TimberMan Triathlon. www.gunstock.com

King Pine Ski Resort


My family visited King Pine last weekend for some spring-like skiing. It was my first time there and we found it to be an absolutely perfect family learning area. While they had some very challenging terrain available for the more experienced skiier, we kept to the beginner slopes. My daughter gained a lot of confidence being able to ski from top to bottom on a large selection of meandering slopes with ease. The flat topped wooded summit (really neat - see photo) is serviced by three chair lifts, each originating from a different side of the mountain.

After skiing, we had the chance to watch the sled dogs run in the Purity Springs Classic. The race was visible from some of the ski slopes but much better close up. We stood near the end of the course where we could view the dogs on the trail across the lake and as they sprinted for the finish. Picture perfect.

Our only regret for the day was that we didn't leave time to hit the tubing hill!

School Vacation Skiing

During NH School Vacation Week, we hit the slopes of Loon Mountain and Cannon Mountain. King Pine is planned for next weekend and Bretton Woods the weekend after that! Plenty of skiing left. Waterville Valley has skiing on April 1st for $1 too.
The conditions at Loon on Thursday were perfect. The kids had a great time on Loon's learning slopes. For only $39 we were able to ski the Magic Carpet slope and two chairlifts. Mid afternoon, we switched gears and took the JE Henry Railroad from one side of Loon to the other (a fond memory from my own childhood). After a quick walk under the Gondola and the chairlifts we came to the Tubing Center. Now that was a rush!

Cannon Mountain on Saturday was another wonderful day. I will admit, when I woke up and let the dogs out, I was a little tempted to crawl back into bed. It was cold, there was a breeze and it had rained that night. My driveway was all ice. We checked Cannon's website and the snow conditions report was good so we drove the 15 minutes up through Franconia Notch with the intention of "taking a look" before buying tickets (I love living here). Well, I'll tell you, those groomers know their stuff!! We had an awesome day playing on their Tuckerbrook Learning Center. For $32 we had a rope tow and two chairlifts and TONs of terrain including beginner, intermediate and some glade trails. We were even able to park in a lot that borders the Brookside trail (photo) within Tuckerbrook so it was car to slope. If you have kids who have to haul their gear across a large parking lot, than you KNOW the value in this little chestnut.

Learn to Ski - Lakes & Mountains NH

Winter is a wonderful time to bring your family to the Lakes & Mountains of New Hampshire. With awesome views of the Lakes and White Mountains, affordable family friendly lodging and now reduced rates on learner slopes -- Central New Hampshire is THE Learn to Ski Destination.

Gunstock Mountain Resort - Mountain Magic
(Gilford, NH) Gunstock invites all new skiers and riders to join the nationally recognized and award winning learn to ski or ride program - Mountain Magic. Whether you are 6 or 106, your first day is magical. This all-inclusive package offers Head BYS System rental skis and/ or Burton LTR Boards, lift tickets, and instruction from patient, fun, and passionate instructors. Three Day Package for just $180 - 3 days of lift tickets, lessons and rental equipment for ages 6 and up.
After your third lesson you receive your "Magic Card" to get 50% off all followup lessons and rental equipment for the current season; $15 off any helmet and 20% off ski wear in the Mountainside Outfitters retail shop; and your choice of either 50% off on prime time or night lift tickets purchased during the current season OR $149 Season Pass valid to the end of the current season. Single Day Mountain Magic $90. 800-GUNSTOCK www.gunstock.com

King Pine Ski Resort - Master the Mountain
(East Madison, NH) Our popular "Master the Mountain" complete learn-to-ski/learn-to-ride package is back for 2008/09!
Learn on your own terms with this flexible 3-session learning package. Packages are geared for first-timers and beginners, and include 3 rentals, 3 lessons and 3 lift tickets. When you learn is up to you-- take one now, one in a couple of weeks and one later - it's up to you! Adult $158 / Junior (ages 8-12) $134 | (800) 373-3754 www.kingpine.com

Loon Mountain Ski School & Learning Area
(Lincoln, NH) Novice Ticket for lower mountain learning area is only $39 for a full day and $34 for a half day. It includes the carpet lift, Kissing Cousin double chair and Little Sister double chair. Skiers over 80 and under 6 ski free.
Loon Mountain group ski and snowboard lessons for kids and young teens are all about learning, having fun, friendship, and winter adventure. All children's groups are carefully designed for levels 1-5, and are formed daily by ability. Coaches are trained in child-specific teaching techniques that are innovative and fun. Safety is always a focus as they use games and terrain features to develop skills on the mountain. Ages 3-6 Full day lift/lesson/lunch $115; Half day am/pm - lift/lesson $85. (603) 745-8111 www.loonmtn.com

Cannon Mountain's Tuckerbrook Learning Area
(Franconia Notch, NH) Tuckerbrook is not just for kids; 4 lifts, and 13 trails were designed and built just for families, learning, and for those who want a relaxed skiing or riding experience apart from the "big mountain".
From the wide open slope Brookside slope to the easy trees of Robin's Nest, there's plenty of terrain here for just about any skier or rider. The Snowsport School is located along the side of the Brookside slope, and has a magic carpet lift for their programs. The cost for Tuckerbrook is only $32 per ticket. Kids under 5 are free with a paid adult.
Cannon Mountain Snowsports School has excellent programs for kids that will keep them engaged and get them skiing and riding! Half day programs start at $64 and full day programs start at $85. 603-823-7771 www.cannonmt.com

Ragged Mountain - To the Top, Intro Skiing & Riding
(Danbury, NH) Ragged Mountain is determined to get you "To-the-Top" by your third lesson, or sooner, with our To-the-Top Learn to Ski and Ride Program. We've created an experience for beginners that most mountains are not able to deliver including top of the mountain views, lunch at our mid-mountain restaurant and the thrill of making it from top to bottom. The To-the-Top Program is created for those learning to ski or ride over the age of 13.
One lesson is just $59 and a package of three lessons is $159. Both options include lift ticket, rentals, and a 2 hour lesson. At the completion of the third lesson discounts on season passes will be made available or Ragged Mountain will provide you with a free one-day lift ticket. Lesson times are at 9:45am, 12noon and 1pm. Learning programs for all ages available! www.raggedmountainresort.com Lift Tickets for under 6 are Free.

Tenney Mountain - Learn to Ski or Snowboard
(Plymouth, NH) Learn to ski or snowboard package - $60
A complete package for first time skiers or snowboarders. This package includes a 1 1/2 hour novice lesson, ski or snowboard equipment rentals and a 1-day novice-area* lift ticket. For ages 6 and older. Classes start at 9:30 am, 11:30 am or 1:30 pm. *May be upgraded to an all-mountain lift ticket for $10 weekdays or $18 weekends.
Group lessons for ski or snowboard - $30
Ski or snowboard lessons for all ability levels in a group setting usually with 8 or fewer people. Learn new skills or hone up on previous skills. For ages 6 and older.
888-289-1020 tenneymtn.com

Wildcat - Learn to Ski or the Next One is FREE
(Pinkham Notch, NH) Learn to Ski / Ride / Tele Beginner Package
(ages 13+) This fun and relaxed introduction to the sport includes lesson, rental and a full day Snow Cat lift ticket. We encourage all participants to register early and be ready a half-hour prior to lesson start times. Only $69. Upgrade to an all mountain PM ticket for just $20.
We GUARANTEE if you are not able to make a run on our Snowcat Beginner Area by the end of the first lesson, then you will receive another Learn-to-Ski for FREE! 888-SKI WILD www.skiwildcat.com


Bretton Woods at the Mount Washington Resort
(Bretton Woods, NH) Lift tickets for the Learning Center Quad at Bretton Woods is just $15.
Children ages 4 & under always ski or ride free at Bretton Woods with paying adult! 603.278.3303 www.mountwashingtonresort.com

Win $10,000! and Play at the Lake!

Win $10KEach ticket will give you 2 admissions to the Wild, Wild West Showdown party including the silent auction, plenty of hot and heavy hors d'oeuvres featuring Wild West Cookin', Live Entertainment, entry into the multiple raffles drawn each hour and one $10,000 Sweepstakes by the Lake Entry to be drawn at the end of the evening.

Tickets are ONLY $100 per couple - cheaper than dinner and show and way more fun! Can't come? Go in on a ticket with friends - you don't need to be there to win the $10,000 Sweepstakes by the Lake Grand Prize.

Get your ticket today. Only 300 will be sold!

To purchase ticket(s) contact the Lakes Region Association office at (603) 286-8008 or purchase online. You must be 21 to purchase a ticket.

The funds that we raise allow the Lakes Region Association to increase our marketing and promotion of the entire region and contribute to the Annual Mildred A. Beach Hospitality Scholarship and the Ron Meade "On the Track to Tourism" Scholarship.

Lakes Region Public Access TV Debuts Lakes Region Cooking Show

Laconia NH – LRPA TV continues to expand its presentation of the breadth of Lakes Region activities and programs with the kick off of A Taste of the Lakes Region, to be televised for the first time, Wednesday, February 18th.

The program is a collaboration of Lakes Region Association member restaurants and the Lakes Region Community College's Hospitality Program.
On camera, Chef Nicole Barreira, Special Events Chef for Great New Hampshire Restaurants, shared the secrets of preparing Cactus Jack's signature dishes, such as Seafood Gumbo and North Country Smokehouse Andouille Sausage with LRCC culinary students Chris Young, Matthew O’Brian and Patrick Ferland.
Organized by the Lakes Region Association and filmed by LRPA TV at Cactus Jack’s Great West Grill and Watering Hole, this first of a series provided hands on learning and networking opportunities for the Lakes Region Community College’s Hospitality program students.
The series debuts on Wednesday at 5pm and continues Thursdays at 8pm, Fridays at 2am and 12 noon, Saturdays at 6:30pm, Mondays at 5:30am and 8pm, and Tuesdays at 10am on LRPA TV, Metrocast Cable channel 25. These air times will be reserved for the ongoing cooking series. Lakes Region Public Access channels reach ten communities and more than 32,000 households.
The recently filmed second program in the Cooking Show series, features students, Chris Young and Matthew O’Brien, learning how to prepare T-Bone’s Great American Eatery favorite, Baked Stuffed Scallops Mornay and Montreal Grilled Salmon.
LRCC culinary coordinator, Patrick Hall said of the series “ We are excited at this great opportunity for students to learn recipes and techniques from local professionals.”
Denise Beauchaine, LRPA TV Executive Director says “this genre is a foray into new territory for us. All in all, it’s a win-win for everybody involved. We welcome the community’s feedback to the series.”
The Lakes Region Association's mission to promote the region as a year-round visitor destination, coupled with the Lakes Region Community College’s qualitative and quantitative expansion, come together with programming such as the cooking show. With it, Lakes Region Public Access TV continues to further its program offerings to it’s membership in Alton, Belmont, Deerfield, Franklin, Gilford, Laconia, Meredith, Northfield, Northwood and Tilton, as well as providing information for visitors to the community.

Wild Encounters Day at Lebanon High School

HOLDERNESS, N.H. – Though a huge variety of creatures inhabit the wild spaces and backyards of New Hampshire, few people have been close to a live Beaver or looked into the fire-orange eyes of a Great Horned Owl. Wild Encounters Day 2009, on Sunday, March 8 at Lebanon High School, will provide Upper Valley residents the rare opportunity to experience an up-close visit with native New Hampshire wildlife from the Squam Lakes Natural Science Center.

Beginning at 1:00 p.m., live animal programs will be presented by Science Center naturalists every 20 minutes. The final talk begins at 3:30 p.m. Visitors may come for the whole event, or drop-in to learn more about their favorite animals.

Animals at this year’s Wild Encounters Day include the Great Horned Owl, Snakes, Beaver, and Opossum. In addition to the presentations, there will be displays and hands-on exhibits that encourage exploration and learning. Attendees can also learn about upcoming programs at the Science Center, meet Science Center staff and volunteers, pick up membership materials and hear about the upcoming season at the Science Center.

Admission to the event is FREE and reservations are not required. The event will be held in the Lebanon High School cafeteria, located at 84 Hanover Street in Lebanon, NH.

About Squam Lakes Natural Science Center

The mission of the Squam Lakes Natural Science Center is to advance understanding of ecology by exploring New Hampshire’s natural world. Through spectacular live animal exhibits, natural science education programs, and lake cruises, the Science Center has educated and enlightened visitors for forty years about the importance of our natural world. The Squam Lakes Natural Science Center is located on Route 113 in downtown Holderness, exit 24 off I-93, and is open daily from May 1 through November 1. For further information about the Center, call 603-968-7194 or visit www.nhnature.org.

Gunstock's Classic Vintage Weekend

Gunstock has been at the center of motorcycle activities since the first Laconia Classic was run at the Gilford resort in 1938. Now in its 80th season, bike week continues to focus on the Gilford resort as it continues to draw thousands of motorcyclists for its Belknap Classic Vintage Race and the Gunstock Motorcycle Hillclimb.

Gunstock's Vintage Weekend starts out the motorcycle mania with two days of festivities on June 7-8. Starting out the commemoration on Saturday will be a Vintage Swapmeet which attracts bike and restoration aficionados for its eclectic mix of parts, pieces and personalities. The swapmeet shares the Saturday billing with the Belknap Vintage Bike Show & Observed Trials, the Trials being a test of motorcycling skill over the most rugged terrain imaginable including logs, stumps, boulders and stream beds. The Vintage Trials event has international sanctioning and competitors from Europe are expected. Admission for the Saturday event is only $10 and gates open at 8am.

On Sunday of Vintage Weekend, the mountains around Gunstock will reverberate with the sound of motorcycles dating from the 1930's thru the 1960's racing around the old Laconia Classic road course as the AMA/USCRA sanctioned Belknap Classic Vintage Race gets underway. Featuring the classic marquees of the era including Harleys, Indians, Ducattis, Triumphs, Nortons and others, the intense racing action makes for an exciting day at the track. Another spectator favorite is the sidecar races that feature a two-person team, the driver and "monkey" as they use their weight to negotiate the curvy track. Sunday's Classic Race admission is $20. A special weekend ticket is $20. Kids 10 and under are free with a paying adult. No coolers over 14" or glass bottles will be admitted into the event and no pets are allowed. The gates open on Sunday at 8am, practice starts at 10am and racing action begins at 1pm.

The annual Gunstock Motorcycle Hillclimb gets off to a rip roaring, full throttle start at 10:00am on June 11th. This year's event will feature 200 competitors (two runs each) as successful riders maneuvere their machines to the top of the steep 70 meter ski jump landing hill while the remaining riders provide non-stop thrills, chills and spills that are guaranteed to keep the crowd roaring. Featuring a variety of classes the Gunstock Motorcycle Hillclimb has attracted a growing crowd of spectators who appreciate its excitement. The gates open at 8am and admission is $10. No coolers over 14" or glass bottles will be admitted into the event and no pets are allowed.

More information on the Motorcycle Classic Vintage Weekend or the Motorcycle Hillclimb is available at 800-GUNSTOCK (293-4341 in the local calling area) or by clicking on www.gunstock.com. Gunstock is located on Route 11A in Gilford, NH.