Press Kit

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CONTACT: Marti Mayne, (207)846-6331 or Info@maynelymarketing.com  

MT. WASHINGTON VALLEY OFFERS A MYRIAD OF FAMILY ATTRACTIONS IN 2011-2012

Many argue that there is no better family vacation location than Mt. Washington Valley, NH. With a wide variety of natural and man-made attractions, families can look forward to spending time together enjoying the great outdoors, taking a trip back in time through history, or the sandy beaches of the Saco River, or into the world of storybook characters. There are so many unique experiences that no child, parent or grandparent should miss, in fact it might take a few trips to experience them all. Enjoy visiting these attractions while you’re in Mt. Washington Valley – many of the outdoor attractions are open mid-May through Mid-October, others are year round.

Attitash Bear Peak- There’s a mountain of activities and fields of fun at Attitash. Ride the Alpine Slide on a cart you steer yourself, take a scenic chair lift ride to view the world below from the top of the mountain, or cool off on one of the 4 water slides, including the Sidewinder. Mountain bikers and hikers are welcomed on the slopes, and kids will love Buddy Bear’s Play pool. At the Fields of Attitash, enjoy horseback riding and a scenic golf driving range. A full range of events are scheduled throughout the summer too.  In the fall of 2014 Attitash added its new ZipTour. This approximate 1 to 2 hour adventure is for thrill seekers and nature lovers alike. You can control your speed and even make a stop to enjoy the spectacular views. A top speed of 65+ mph is possible and reaching heights of 250' off the ground as you make your way down the 4,969 feet length distance of the Flying Bear Zip from the summit of Bear Peak over the valley towards Attitash Mountain - that's almost a mile and is currently the longest single zipline span in the East! From there you'll fly the Attitash Aerial Zip, zipping from upper Thad's Choice to the base of Attitash, another 2,196 feet! With both The Flying Bear and Attitash Aerial Zip spans offering two parallel cable lines, you and a family or friend are able to ride side by side.For rates and schedules call 603-374-2368 or visit them on the Internet at attitash.com.

Bretton Woods Canopy Tour & Bretton Woods Adventure Center- Descending over 1000 feet of elevation, the Bretton Woods Canopy Tour takes nature-lovers and thrill-seekers across a series of treetop zip lines, and is one of the longest canopy tours in the continental United States! High-flying suspension bridges and hiking trails connect the zip lines, and the tour concludes with the Williwaw Racing Zip, a dual, side-by-side zip line leading right into the Bretton Woods base area! Designed and constructed by Bonsai Design Inc., this unique canopy tour features a dual-cable construction (you slide below two separate cables, instead of just one), coated cables (to make for a quiet, more natural flight through the trees) and platforms and bridges milled from locally harvested wood sources, in keeping with our commitment to environmentally sustainable programs. Once on the tour, our Adventure Guides describe the local flora and fauna, in addition to discussing the surrounding area, its natural history and White Mountain lore.  Bretton Woods also offers disc golf, indoor/outdoor rock climbing, mountain bike rentals, and scenic chair lift rides at its new Adventure Center. For those looking to find adventure on their own the Adventure Center offers the Williwaw Racing Zip, Kids ATV Park, archery range, mountain bike and Diggler scooter rentals, 18- holes of disc golf and an indoor rock climbing experience at the Slopeside Climbing Wall. To top off your perfect day, enjoy a free Scenic Lift Ride to the top of the mountain and take in a hearty lunch with Presidential views from Latitude 44° Restaurant. The Adventure Center operates mid-June through mid-October. For more information, please call the Adventure Center at (603) 278-3335. For more information, brettonwoods.com or call 800-314-1752.

Conway Scenic Railroad - 2 Great Trains, 3 Great Rides - You can choose between the Valley Train with departures to Conway and Bartlett or The Notch Train, which travels through spectacular Crawford Notch. Enjoy dinner and fine dining by traveling First Class, and train buffs will enjoy visiting the gift shop at the historic North Conway station, where all trains arrive and depart. There are rail-fan events that are fun for the whole family scheduled throughout the year. Reservations are requested for all rides. Rates vary by ride; one way fares are available too. Seating ranges from coach to first class, dome and dining car.  For schedules and reservations, call 603-356-5251 or visit them on the web at conwayscenic.com.

Cranmore Mountain Adventure Park: All new this summer Cranmore now features the new Aerial Adventure Park, a high ropes challenge course, along with the mountain coaster, bouncy house, mini golf, giant swing, summer tubing and disc golf. The Aerial Adventure Park is a self guided aerial ropes course featuring ladders, high ropes, cargo nets and zip lines. Choose from five different courses varying in level of ability and elevation. No matter what ability you are, there is one that will suit you.  are available on-line at Cranmore.com or at the ticket office. Visit them online or call 603-356-5544 for more information.

Great Glen Trails - Surrounded by the breathtaking beauty of Mt. Washington, and the Presidential Mountain Range, Great Glen Trails offers outdoor adventure in the summer for hikers, mountain bikers, and those who wish to try their hand at kayaking, canoeing or fly fishing. In the winter, it’s a x-c ski, snowshoe haven, also offering Snow Coach Tours to above tree line on Mt. Washington. It will offer rentals, a retail shop and deli. You’ll enjoy a wide variety of clinics and demonstrations at this mountain side outdoor retreat. Prices and activities vary in price, so call 603-466-2333 or visit them on the web at greatglentrails.com. 

Ham Ice Arena - Ice skating year round, it's the coolest place to be in Mt Washington Valley. Enjoy figure skating, free skating and hockey year-round in this new state-of-the-art indoor ice arena. Skating is open to the public including residents and visitors. What a great way to cool off and try something different with the kids this summer! In the winter, skating offers a great après ski activity for kids with endless energy. There is a deli & pizza snack bar, ice skating rentals, game room and much more.  Call for schedule 603-447-5886 and rates, or visit them at hamarena.com.

Hartmann Model Railroad, Ltd - For the Love of Trains - Roger and Nelly Hartmann share a love of trains, and through the museum and gift shop, offer train buffs an unusual look into the world of model railroads. For over twenty years they have traveled the world collecting old and new railroad items for your viewing. All ages will delight in seeing the numerous displays featuring many operating layouts. A well-stocked retail store, featuring everything any train lover could ever want, is located right next door. In the spring and summer, children will enjoy the train ride that takes them throughout the property. The museum is open throughout the year 10am-5pm, closed on Tuesdays in the summer and closed Tues-Thursday in the winter.. The outdoor train operates as weather permits in the late spring, summer and fall. A modest entry fee is required for adults, children under 5 are free. Call 603-356-9922 or visit them on the web at www.hartmannrr.com.

Monkey Trunks - Monkey Trunks is New England's only high rope adventure course open to the general public. Choose from four exhilarating courses. On the Discovery Course, dare yourself or challenge your friends to do the 27 exciting elements set on 3 different levels up to 65' with 500' dual zip lines and giant swing. Try the tension traverse or crazy ladder, jumping platforms, swinging beams and even skateboarding on a tightrope. The Jungle Course is for real adrenaline junkies  - 15 of the toughest challenges traversing through the forest of the White Mountains. You will begin with a 90 foot zip line into the forest and end with a giant swing into one of the world's largest spider webs. You'll be crossing rolling logs, walking on hanging tires and even jumping the leopard's leap all at 65' above the forest floor.  There's also the Mini Monkey Course for younger chimps, and the The Watch Tower—an imposing 65' wooden tower giving 1600 sq. ft of climbing walls connected to the most difficult level of the Discovery course by an "Indiana Jones" sky bridge for those participants with the energy and courage to do both.  Rates vary by height. Senior rates available too. For more information, go to monkeytrunks.com or call 603-367-4427
 
Mt. Washington Auto Road - Take a ride to the top of the Northeast’s highest peak, and the first man-made attraction in the country. You’ll be captivated with the views from the top of Mt. Washington. On a clear day you can see into 4 states and Canada, and all the way to the Atlantic Ocean! Whether you choose to enjoy the 1.5 hour guided tour in an air conditioned van, or drive yourself (and listen to the audio tour on your CD or cassette player), your experience up the Mt. Washington Auto Road will be the high point of your vacation. Visit the new Red Barn museum or gift shop at the top of Mt. Washington, or shop at the base in the lovely visitor center. The Mt. Washington Auto Road features many thrilling events where human endurance are taken to new heights on the Auto Road, including the Climb to the Clouds Auto Race, along with cycling and foot races up this strenuous road. 2009 RCall 603-466-3988 for a full schedule, vehicle limitations and rates or visit them on the Internet at mtwashingtonautoroad.com. 

Mt. Washington Valley Children's Museum - The mission of the MWV Children’s Museum is to nurture the natural curiosity of all children and the adults in their lives and to encourage shared discovery through exhibits and programs that inspire exploration. It's a space were children one to eight years in age and the adults in their lives can interact and engage in shared discovery through play and the exploration of their surroundings. From literary characters to puppets and active play, children ages one through eight will find fantasy and a safe, clean and fun place to play here. Hours: Wednesday  10am-1pm, Thurs, Fri and Sat, 10:30am-5pm, Sunday, 9am-1pm. For more information: 603-356-2992 or mwvchildrensmuseum.org.

Mt. Washington Observatory Weather Discovery Center - Visit the Mount Washington Observatory's Weather Discovery Center on Main Street in North Conway Village (next to Citizens Bank). It's a hands-on science center for kids of all ages, complete with interactive exhibits, computer presentations, and info about the "world's worst weather" atop Mount Washington. Explore weather, climate and the environment of the Mount Washington region. Step inside the "wind room" and feel what it's like to be inside a building with 231 mph winds howling outside. Experience "Live from the Rockpile" in the theater at 11:15 AM and 2:15 PM daily, a live program via web cam from the summit of Mount Washington. You can even give your own on-camera weather forecast, create your own wind conditions for a model sailboat on a kid-size pond, or visit the Observatory theater for a movie putting you right into the wildest wind on earth. The Weather Discovery Center also features a unique museum shop, “The Weather Store”, with weather-related books, posters, Observatory clothing, science toys, and much more. The Observatory's Weather Discovery Center is open from 10 AM to 5 PM – daily from late May through November, and on weekends and holiday periods from January to late May.  A great rainy day activity or any day activity! For more information, call 800-706-0432 or visit mountwashington.org.

Saco Bound on the Saco River - Enjoy a canoe ride on the cool, crystal waters gently flowing over a white sand bottom, with miles of beaches along the way. Saco Bound offers canoe rental programs, touring kayaks and accessories, private access, no-fee parking and private take-outs, along with transportation return at the end of your trip back to their Center Conway Saco River base. What could be nicer than a canoe ride down the Saco, a picnic lunch, and all your transportation needs taken care of? Rental rates for a canoe or kayak are $25.50-$45 per day including river map, briefing, private river access (prices vary by day—July-Aug weekends are peak pricing.) Shuttles are available for an additional fee of $12 per kayak/canoe.  Call 603-447-2177 or visit them on the web at sacobound.com for rates. 

Mt. Washington Cog Railway - Climb aboard the world’s first mountain climbing cog railway and take a trip to the summit of Mt. Washington. Rain or shine, the 3-hour round trip journey on this National Historic engineering landmark is a unique vacation experience. The Cog Railway was always operated by steam engine, burning a full ton of coal on each round trip, but is now converting all their former coal-fired trains to steam for a cleaner ride. You’ll still enjoy the views and the steam from the trains, but without the black soot! The season runs from late April through mid October. Reservations are required, call 1-800-922-8825 or visit them on the web at Thecog.com. 

Remick Country Doctor Museum and Farm - On 400 acres, the Remick Country Doctor Museum and Farm preserves the history of the agricultural way of life in New Hampshire from 1779 to the present. It operates a working farm with livestock animals, and manages two historical houses. Visitors can tour the former living quarters of Dr. & Mrs. Edwin Crafts Remick, including the doctor’s office. Workshops and special events are held year round, and changing exhibitions are featured in the Visitor’s Center. Tour the entire estate, and stroll through the flower garden and grain and crop fields. Explore the newly expanded hiking trails, with Mount Chocorua gleaming in the distance. General admission to the museum and farm is free, while donations are gratefully accepted. Workshops and Hearthside Dinners have fees and require pre- registration. The Remick family of Tamworth worked the farm for six generations; the last two generations were country doctors. Dr. Edwin Crafts Remick, wishing to preserve his family legacy, provided for the creation of a foundation, which oversees the organization today. The Remick Country Doctor Museum and Farm is located between the White Mountains and Lakes regions in north-central New Hampshire, and is open Monday through Friday, 10am – 4pm (and Saturday 10am – 4pm in summer). Admission is $3/person and $10/family. Call (800) 686-6117 or (603) 323-7591 for more information or visit our website at remickmuseum.org

Santa’s Village - Located in Jefferson, NH, a short, scenic drive from Mt. Washington Valley, Santa’s Village offers a wonderful day stuffed with the magic of Christmas. Families will have a personal visit with Santa, feed the reindeer and talk with Rudolf, ride all sixteen of Santa’s rides over and over again, and enjoy fun-filled live entertainment in the Polar Theater. Meet Tink and see the award-winning 3-D film “A Tinkerdoodle Christmas”. Open weekends from Memorial Day - June 26, and from Labor Day through Christmas  and daily from June 26 - September 7th. Amission is $26/person, children under four are free, and seniors are $24. Call for information at (603)586-4445 or visit them on the web at santasvillage.com

Story Land - In this child size world, storybook characters come to life in a land of wonder and fun. Located on 30 beautifully landscaped acres, Story Land offers your family 21 wonderfully themed rides, visits with storybook characters, live shows, activities, and reasonably priced food and snacks! You’ll find a smile and adventure around every corner at Story Land, where family fun has been a tradition for over 50 years. The Crazy Barn ride was the first to debut in America at Story Land, and the tractor ride will take a tour through an unusual farm with plenty of surprises. The Royal Hanneford Circus will return once again in 2009, along with the Farm Follies Show. Admission rates are $27.99/person, children ages 1 and 2 are free. Seniors over 60 are $25.99/person and, active military $24.99. Tickets are available for purchase online. Ask about the Buy a ticket after 3 pm, and get a ticket for the next day special details. Story Land is open every summer: weekends from Memorial Day Weekend through Father's Day; every day from Father's Day to Labor Day; and weekends from Labor Day to Columbus Day. During the summer Story Land is open from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Call 603-383-4186 for information or visit them on the Internet at storylandnh.com.

Wildcat Mountain Gondola, Zip Rider and Disc Golf - Located in the heart of the White Mountain National Forest, Wildcat Mountain offers a 15 minute Skyride in New Hampshire’s highest 4 passenger Gondola, Wildcat Express. Once on the highest ski peak of Mt. Washington Valley, you can see a spectacular view into Tuckerman Ravine, and well into the rolling hills of Maine. Take a hike, enjoy a family picnic, or even walk a segment of the Appalachian Trail from atop Wildcat Mountain. Don’t forget to bring the camera, photo opportunities are plentiful! Restaurant, ice cream shop, programs and special events. Plus, try the Ziprider. You'll soar a 1/2 mile over tree tops, ski trails, a river... on a zip-line cable at 45 miles per hour! Note: Riders must weigh between 75 and 250 lbs. Also, for those who love disc golf, try Wildcat's challenging course. Each player receives a set of 3 discs to make their way down the mountain. $15 for adult gondola rides and children 6-12 are $10, seniors 65+ are $13, children 5 and under with adults are free on the gondola. Family Fun Pack includes a sky ride and lunch for 2 adults and 2 juniors (ages 12 and under) for just $64.95. The Ziprider is $20.00 per person (all ages). Add a second ride for $10. Disc Golf is $15 per person with three disc set or $10 per person with your own discs. For schedule information, call 1-800-255-6439 or 603-466-3326 or visit their web site at skiwildcat.com.

Horseback Riding and Carriage Rides - For many, a vacation without a chance for a trail ride or carriage ride just isn’t a vacation. No need to fear missing the favorite element of your vacation, there is an option for both. The Stables at The Farm by the River offers not only trail rides, but hay rides and pony rides for the kids. Also, Darby Field Inn offers summer and fall horse drawn carriage rides, by advance reservations on weekends. Black Mountain has added guided horseback rides, pony rides, English-style riding lessons and trail lessons to their summer agenda too. Call the Stables at The River (603)356-4855, Darby Field Inn at (603)447-2181, or Black Mountain at (800) 698-4490. You can also go online to blackmt.com.

For more information on attractions in Mt. Washington Valley, visit mtwashingtonvalley.org or call 1-800-DO-SEE-NH (800-367-3364).

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