New England weekend travel and vacation ideas for fall 2007

Every week, we choose interesting New England weekend activities on this page-- perfect travel ideas for couples and families. If you have a weekend event that you would like to have published on VisitingNewEngland.com, e-mail us and we'll consider it for publication. For more New England calendar of events, click here

  
FROM PUMPKIN PEOPLE TO PUMPKIN COOKIES, MT WASHINGTON VALLEY CELEBRATES HARVEST TO HOLIDAY EVENTS
 
North Conway, NH- The hills are alive with the colors and scents of fall and the holidays, and no time is better than this to catch one of the many exciting events in Mt. Washington Valley.  From harvest to holidays, the 28 towns and villages surrounding the tallest peak in the Northeast abound with family-oriented events, romantic getaways and the kick-off to the ski season.  Here is a listing of the events in Mt. Washington Valley.
 
OCTOBER

October 1 ­ Dec 31:  Harvest to Holiday Promotion in Mt. Washington Valley ­ Join businesses throughout Mt. Washington Valley for a full line up of family and shopping events as they count down to the holidays.  Area lodging properties offer special packages including a keepsake canvas tote brimming with coupons and special gifts from local retailers.  Come see what's hot for the holidays and get a jump on the holiday shopping.  Enjoy all sorts of traditional and zany holiday events in Mt Washington Valley during this time..  Info:  800-367-3364 or www.mtwashingtonvalley.org/shopping.
 
October 1-8:  11th Annual Scarecrow Contest and Display at Settlers' Green ­ Dozens of life-size, homemade scarecrows are displayed throughout Settlers' Green.  Traditional, humorous and just plain weird scarecrows compete for over $2,500 in cash awards and recognition.  Entries welcome. Free workshop.  Info: 603-356-7031 or www.settlersgreen.com.
 
October 1-21:  Return of the Pumpkin People ­ Each year businesses and homeowners throughout Jackson decorate pumpkins and create the unique Pumpkin People tour.  These whimsical creatures can be found throughout the village of Jackson and surrounding areas.  Pick up a tour map and take a self-guided driving tour.  Maps are provided by the Jackson Area Chamber of Commerce.  The tour is free.  Info:  603-383-9356 or www.jacksonnh.com.
 
October 5, 6, 7, 12, 13, 19, 20, 26, 27: Ghoullog Halloween Haunted Chairlift Ride at Cranmore Mountain ­ Get into the Halloween spirit as you board the quad chairlift for a night-time ride to the summit for a haunted mountain-top tour. Ghoullog activities take place both indoors and outdoors at Cranmore Mountain. Visitors are encouraged to dress appropriately for the weather and chairlift ride. Operations are weather dependent; call ahead to confirm hours. Friday and Saturday nights; and Sunday, October 7. Two tours per night: 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. and 8:30 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.. Tickets are $20.00 per person with advance purchase; $22.00 at the door.. Info:  603-356-5543 or www.cranmore.com.
 
October 5, 6, 7, 12, 13, 19, 20, 26, 27: Children's Halloween Party at Cranmore Mountain ­ While the brave of heart enjoy ghostly frights, kids ages 4 to 9 are invited to Cranmore's supervised children's party. The fun includes games, craft activities and non-scary movies and cartoons. Costumes are encouraged. Admission $5.00 per child. The party runs from 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. Friday and Saturday nights; and Sunday, October 7, in conjunction with the Cranmore Mountain Ghoullog Halloween Haunted House Chairlift Ride. Info:  603-356-5543 or www.cranmore.com.
 
October 5-8: Columbus Day Sidewalk Sale at Settlers' Green ­ Save even more on back-to-school and college apparel, gifts, house wares, at more than 50 brand name outlet stores including J. Crew, Banana Republic, Adidas, Nike, Reebok and more.  Entertainment and special demonstrations.   Info:  603-356-7031 or www.settlersgreen.com.

October 6-7: 10th Annual Oktoberfest at Attitash ­ A traditional Bavarian celebration with games, entertainment, cultural activities, traditional German foods, cultural dances, and activities for the kids.  Take in the Bavarian music and Oktoberfest beer garden.  Info:  603-374-2368 or www.attitash.com.
October 19-21 and 26-28: Pumpkin Patch Run at Conway Scenic Railroad -- Travel by train to the "Pumpkin Patch" where each child will receive a small pumpkin and a special Halloween treat.  Costumes are encouraged.  Info:  603-356-5251 or www.conwayscenic.com.  (Note: date to be confirmed).
 
October 20:  Arts Council of Tamworth presents Chinese Dance Performance: On Saturday, October 20, more than 30 children and teen performers of the Chinese Folk Dance Troupe will thrill the audience with the drama and beauty of Chinese cultural dances and drumming at the Barnstormers Theater in Tamworth.  Performances start at 7:30pm.  Tickets are $10 for adults and $5 children and students up to 21 years old.
 
NOVEMBER
 

November 9-11: Bring a Friend Shopping Spree Weekend at Settlers' Green - Extended hours of shopping 8:00 am to 9:00 pm on Friday and Saturday; shop 10:00 am to 6:00 pm on Sunday.  Stock up on holiday gifts early and avoid the rush. Free discount cards, group T-shirt prizes, give-aways and more. Info: 603-356-5703 or www.settlersgreen.com.
 
November 10:  Annual Mt. Washington Valley Gift Preview ­ Grab a girlfriend and take advantage of the fabulous Shop and Stay packages offered for the Harvest to Holiday Celebration. Plus enjoy a gift preview from 6-8pm at the Red Jacket Mountainview Resort and Spa.  Learn what's hot for the holidays as retailers from throughout Mt. Washington Valley preview great gift ideas.  Food and drink will be provided.  This event is sponsored by the Mt. Washington Valley Chamber of Commerce  Info: 800-367-3364 or www.mtwashingtonvalley.org
 
November 10: Historic Thanksgiving at the Remick Country Doctor Museum - Learn about harvest festivals and how the foods of the Thanksgiving feast evolved over the centuries. The event features demonstrations of how an early 19th-century meal was prepared, from the farm to the table - including plucking and "dressing" the turkey. Traditional food and drink is prepared on the hearth, using historic recipes with lots of delicious samples to try. Take home a new recipe to include in your own Thanksgiving tradition. Visit a mini exhibit about the history of this important American holiday. Hours are from 1:00 pm ­ 4:00 pm for an afternoon of good food, a warm fire, and a little bit of history.  Free admission.  Info:  603-323-9571 or www.remickmuseum.org.
 
November 10: Ski Swap and Sale at Jackson Ski Touring Foundation ­ Bring in your old Nordic ski equipment and bring home some new ­ or just new-to-you ­ equipment at the Jackson Ski Touring Foundation. This popular event runs from 9:00 am to 2:00 p.m. Info:  603-383-9355 or www.jacksonxc.org.
 
November 11:  Armed Forces Appreciation Day on the Conway Scenic Railroad ­ Veterans and all military personnel will be honored with special coach fares on all trains. Info:  603-356-5251 or www.conwayscenic.com.
 
November 11:  Veteran's Day ­ Join this community salute the heroes of the US military veterans.  The day's featured events include a memorial service, flag ceremony, the Veteran's Day Parade along Main Street in North Conway. The day's events are organized by Post 95 American Legion.  Special lodging and dining packages offered to veterans and their guests from area businesses. Info:  800-367-3364 or www.mtwashingtonvalley.org.
 
November 23-25 - Ride the "Santa Claus Express" on the Conway Scenic Railroad --  Adventure awaits those who ride the "Valley Train" where Santa will be aboard carrying a surprise in his bag for each child. Info:  603-356-5251 or www.conwayscenic.com.
November 23-25:  Christmas Time at Santa's Village - Come visit Santa, his elves and reindeer. Bask in the glow of the wondrous holiday light display, have a blast on the amazing rides and enjoy a special holiday show in the Polar Players Theater. Hours are 11:00 am ­ 7:00 pm Friday and Saturday; and 11:00 am ­ 6:00 pm on Sunday.  Admission is $21.00 per person; children ages 3 and younger are always free.  Info:  603-586-4445 or www.santasvillage.com.
November 23-25:  Traditionally Yours Jackson - The classic White Mountain villages of Jackson, Bartlett, Glen and Intervale invite folks to join them as they open their doors once again to share old and new holiday traditions. Crackling fires in fieldstone hearths, the unforgettable scent of freshly baked goods, and the wintertime fun of skiing, skating and sledding. And best of all, enjoy time with family and friends. Some activities planned include tree lighting ceremonies, caroling, gingerbread workshops, wreath-making, an old-fashioned ornament swap, and of course the arrival of Santa to begin the festivities. Area inns, shops and galleries host their annual Holiday Open House celebrations. Info:  603-383-9356 or www.jacksonnh.com.
 
December 29: Snowshoe Instructional Nature Tour at JSTF ­ The Jackson Ski Touring Foundation offers this special nature tour from 10:00 a.m. to noon. The cost is $10.00 per person. Info:  603-383-9355 or www.jacksonxc.org.
November 30 ­ December 3:  The Polar Express - The Polar Express departs each December from the center of North Conway Village headed for the North Pole. The train is full of children and adults, dressed in their pajamas, about to live the experience of the little boy in The Polar Express©, written by Chris Van Allsburg and published by the Houghton Mifflin Company. Tickets can be obtained from lottery only- entries due in September, although tickets may be available from some lodging properties.  Info: 603-356-9980 or www.polarexpress.org
 
DECEMBER
 

Every Monday in December:  Thom's Amazing Waxing Demonstration at JSTF:  Join Jackson Ski Touring Foundation Director, Thom Perkins, at 9:30am each Monday for a demonstration about waxing techniques, from racing to fine tuning.  Free admission.  603-383-9355 or www.jacksonxc.org.

December 1:  Conway Village Christmas Parade and Tree Lighting ­ Join residents and businesses of Conway for a traditional holiday parade starting at 3:15 p.m., followed by visits and pictures with Santa.  Enjoy hot cocoa, caroling, and a free movie for the kids at the Majestic Theater.  Info:  603-447-2639.

December 1:  11th Annual Holiday Tree Festival at Settlers' Green ­ Enjoy horse-drawn wagon rides with Santa, holiday carolers, complimentary gift wrapping, hot chocolate and cookies.  Free snow tubing on the mini Mt. Cranmore snow tube park at Settlers Green.  Participants can win free lift tickets, rides and more.  Free and open to the public.  Hours are 11:00 am ­ 3:00 pm.  Info:  603-356-7031 or www.settlersgreen.com
 
December 1-2:  Traditionally Yours Jackson - The classic White Mountain villages of Jackson, Bartlett, Glen and Intervale invite folks to join them as they open their doors once again to share old and new holiday traditions. Crackling fires in fieldstone hearths, the unforgettable scent of freshly baked goods, and the wintertime fun of skiing, skating and sledding. And best of all, enjoy time with family and friends. Some activities planned include tree lighting ceremonies, caroling, gingerbread workshops, wreath-making, an old-fashioned ornament swap, and of course the arrival of Santa to begin the festivities. Area inns, shops and galleries host their annual Holiday Open House celebrations. Info:  603-383-9356 or www.jacksonnh.com.
 
December 1, 2, 8, 9, 15, 16, 22, 23: Ride the "Santa Claus Express" on the Conway Scenic Railroad ­ Adventure awaits those who ride the "Valley Train" where Santa will be aboard carrying a surprise in his bag for each child. Info:  603 356-5251 or www.conwayscenic.com.  
 
December 1, 2, 8, 9, 15, 16, 22, 23, 29:  Christmas Time at Santa's Village ­ Come visit Santa, his elves and the reindeer. Bask in the glow of the wondrous holiday light display, have a blast on the amazing rides and enjoy a special holiday show in the Polar Players Theater.  Hours are 11:00 am-7:00 pm Saturdays and 11:00 am ­ 6:00 pm on Sundays.  The admission for this season is $21.00 per person; children ages 3 and younger are always free.  Info:  603-586-4445 or www.santasvillage.com.
 
December 2:  Conway Village Christmas Parade and Tree Lighting ­ Join residents and businesses of Conway for a traditional evening holiday parade followed by visits and pictures with Santa.  There's a free movie for the kids at the Majestic Theater, photos with Santa, hot cocoa, tree lightings and caroling.  Free and open to the public.  Info:  603-447-2639. (Note: Date to be confirmed).
 
December 7-10 and 14-17:  The Polar Express - The Polar Express departs each December from the center of North Conway Village headed for the North Pole. The train is full of children and adults, dressed in their pajamas, about to live the experience of the little boy in The Polar Express©, written by Chris Van Allsburg and published by the Houghton Mifflin Company.  Tickets can be obtained from lottery only- entries due in September, although some lodging properties may have tickets available through packages..  . Info: 603-356-9980 or www.polarexpress.org.
 
December 8: Opening Day at Cranmore Mountain  -- Come on up and get the first turns of the year! Info:  603-356-5543 or www.cranmore.com
 
December 8-9:  11th Annual Inn-to-Inn Holiday Cookie & Candy Tour - Take a tasty tour of fabulous holiday cookies as you visit inns throughout Mt. Washington Valley all decked out in their holiday finery.  Participants will receive a keepsake collection of recipes for the cookies they tasted, and get great decorating ideas from talented innkeepers.  For the second year, a fabulous collection of gingerbread houses will be on display at the inns too. Visit all the inns and take home a beautiful brass keepsake ornament.  Participating inns offer lodging packages including tickets to the tour, with a limited number available on the day of the tour for $25..  It's been called "New Hampshire's best sugar high" by New Hampshire Magazine. Tickets are limited and best assured through the reserving a lodging package.  Info:  www.countryinnsinthewhitemountains.com or 800-626-5855.
 
December 8: An Evening of Holiday Stories:
An Evening of Storytelling for the Holidays will feature seasonal tales from renowned storyteller Judith Black, along with local favorites Marion Posner, Matt Krug, and Andy Davis, and added lively holiday music, presented by Arts Council of Tamworth.  This performance will be held at 7:30pm in the Barnstormers Theater.
 
December 9: Victorian Christmas at the Remick Country Doctor Museum Take time out of your busy schedule and savor the old-time delights of the Victorian Christmas from 1:00 pm ­ 4:00 pm. Tour the Captain Enoch Remick House adorned with the toys and festive decorations of the Victorian era. Sip wassail and enjoy a homemade Christmas cookie or two. Visit the museum center for a taste of the past: sample an array of traditional Christmas foods and drinks and learn how to make simple and beautiful Christmas crafts. Free admission.  Info:  603-323-7591 or www.remickmuseum.org.
 
December 11:  11th Annual Tree Decorating Contest at Settlers' Green ­ More than 50 trees beautifully, whimsically and creatively decorated by non-profit groups, clubs, businesses and individuals will be on display through December 31.  Cash awards for top trees in many categories.  Entries welcome until November 22.  Info: 603-356-5703 or www.settlersgreen.com.
 
December 14: Traditional Yankee Swap ­ Enjoy historic Jackson's idea of traditional holiday fun with the fourth annual Yankee Swap at the Red Fox Bar & Grille. Santa Clause will be there to spread holiday cheer. Info: 603-383-9356 or www.jacksonnh.com.
 
December 15:  EMS Telemark Demo Day at Attitash - Meet with Eastern Mountain Sports (EMS) representatives and try out the latest telemark equipment on the mountain.  Lift ticket purchase required for skiing.  Info:  603-374-2368, www.attitash.com
 
December 15: "Welcome to Winter" & "Tubing for Teddy Bears" at Cranmore Mountain ­  You are invited to bring toys, non-perishable food items which will be donated to those in need this holiday season. Info:  603-356-5543 or www.cranmore.com 
 
December 15: Enjoy the Downhills at JSTF - The Jackson Ski Touring Foundation will host a one-session special clinic to build confidence and skills for skiing hilly terrain. The two-hour clinic runs from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m.  The fee is $25.00 per person. Info:  603-383-9355 or www.jacksonxc.org.
 
December 16:  Food Flurry at Attitash:  Support a good cause!  Bring three cans of food to the Attitash ticket window to be shared with those less fortunate and receive a free $35 lift ticket.  Info:  603-374-2368, www.attitash.com.
 
December 26 & 29: Cranapalooza at Cranmore Mountain ­ Come for the first Cranapalooza of the season. This fun-filled festival for family and friends takes place between 2:00 p.m. and 9:00 p.m. Enjoy live music, terrain park competitions, face painting, clowns, fireworks and other activities that will vary from week to week. The fun will be held in Cranmore's Schneider Square in front of the Main Lodge and on the slopes. Info:  603-356-5543 or www.cranmore.com.
 
December 28: Monster Mash for Snowboarders at Cranmore Mountain ­ The first Darkside competition of the season from 8:00 am to 1:30 pm.  Info:  603-356-5543 or www.cranmore.com.
 
December 31:  ATP Freeride Series ­ Rail Jam at Attitash - $1500 in cash prizes to jib for the ATP Freeride Rail Jam, the kick off event to the ATP Freeride series.  The top skier and top rider in the event will be awarded $500 each for the best execution on the signature rail set up.  Info:  603-374-2368, www.attitash.com
 
December 31:  New Year's Festival ­ Ring in 2008 with Mt. Washington Valley's New Year's Festival.  A well-loved tradition, this festive evening is full of sights, sounds and pageantry designed to bring people of all ages together to greet the New Year. Children and families are the heart of the festival, which area residents and holiday visitors are encouraged to attend. Enjoy a variety of artistic expressions from outdoor recreational activities to indoor performances including music, comedy, storytelling and an array of art-forms presented by local and regional performers. The festival atmosphere  outdoor gathering in the Village Commons at Shouler Park in North Conway. Featured highlights include the magical Parade of Light, fireworks and bonfires.  The evening culminates with the dramatic lowering of the New Year's Eve Lighted Ball at midnight and the spectacular Fireworks Finale. Be a part of the holiday fun in the Heart of the Mt. Washington Valley. Info: www.mwvevents.com. For more information and an up-to-date calendar of events, visit www.mtwashingtonvalley.org or call 1-800-DO-SEE-NH (800-367-3364).  

 

 

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