July 4th fireworks over North Conway’s Schouler Park are credited to Dan Houde/Wiseguy Creative Photography
If you’ve been around the blog for a while you probably remember our amazing Mt Washington Valley adventures last summer. This weekend my husband and I are taking a little two-night getaway trip back to the Mt Washington Valley sans kids. Yes, you read that right – alone time! Whoa! We recently celebrated our 8th wedding anniversary and so a belated getaway will be a great nod to what feels like a heroic achievement in the world of marriage these days. Okay, I’m being dramatic for effect here. Work with me.
We had plans to attend an event in Vermont but after my husband had arranged time off from work and we manged to get the kids all sorted it was cancelled. I knew right away that I would reach out to the Mt Washington Valley Chamber of Commerce for some suggestions for a last minute romantic getaway that would afford plenty of quiet time, opportunities for fishing and hiking. They suggested Notchland Inn, a “Romantic Country Inn surrounded by New Hampshire’s White Mountain National Forest” in Harts Location. I’m so excited to share that experience with you here on the blog and posts on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram so stay tuned and follow me if you aren’t already!
In the meantime, here are some incredible things to do in the Mount Washington Valley this summer compiled by the Mt Washington Valley Chamber of Commerce!
SUMMER’S PACKED WITH EVENTS FOR KIDS, ADULTS, ADVENTURERS, CULTURE LOVERS & MORE
Highlights of the summer events calendar in Mt Washington Valley, NH
Summers are all about vacations in Mt Washington Valley, and to augment all the wonderful family attractions, live entertainment and outdoor recreation, businesses throughout the Valley will host a busy schedule of events. For the most up-to-date schedule of events, visit www.MtWashingtonvalley.org and click on Calendar. Here you’ll find an up-to-date compilation of events in the region. Below, you’ll find a list of many of the popular events held throughout Mt Washington Valley.
Throughout June: Where’s Waldo? White Birch Books joins book sellers throughout the country in this annual July scavenger hunt. Shoppers who spot Waldo at participating local businesses in July become eligible for prizes throughout the month. The celebration then concludes with a closing ceremony or wrap-up party at White Birch Books at the end of the month. Participants will get a “bingo” card with all the participating businesses listed and can get started from the bookstore on July 1st. Info: www.whitebirchbooks.com.
MT WASHINGTON VALLEY EVENTS – JULY 2017
Wednesdays, July 5 – August 23: Summer Strings at Starbucks: Enjoy acoustic music every Wednesday in this series on the Starbuck Patio at Settlers Crossing from 4-6pm each week. Info: www.settlersgreen.com/events.
Tuesdays, July 11 – August 22: Movies on the Green at Settlers Green: Yard games, face painting and music begin at 6 p.m. Grab a seat in one of the comfy chairs there or bring your own. Movies are free and family-friendly and start at dark. Info: www.settlersgreen.com/events.
Wednesdays, July 12-Aug 16: 10th Annual Science in the Mountains Lecture Series: This free series is held at the Mount Washington Observatory Weather Discovery Center in North Conway starting at 7:00pm on Wednesdays. Each lecture explores an aspect of nature and the environment in Mt Washington Valley. Guest experts are presenters. Limited seating. For a complete schedule and more info, click here.
Thursdays, July 13 – August 10: Arts Jubilee Concert Series: A 5-week summer outdoor concert series at Cranmore Mountain, including the return of some fan favorites, plus some renowned first-timers. The Beach Bums will usher in the sound of summer paying tribute to the Beach Boys on July 13th, followed by Celtic-rockers Ceili Rain on July 20th. The Sousa-style Seacoast Wind Ensemble will perform a traditional Pops Concert, featuring a fireworks show, on July 27th. On August 3rd, the Highwaymen Tribute will perform the music of the country music supergroup made up of Willie Nelson, Johnny Cash, and Waylon Jennings. The Martha’s Vineyard-based Entrain will perform the final summer concert on August 10th. Concert admission is $12 for adults, $10 for seniors (65+), $5 for students, and free for kids 12 and under. Headliner concerts start at 7:00pm, with an early show at 6:00pm, rain or shine. Bring a picnic and seating. Info: www.mwvevents.com .
Fridays, July 7-August 18: Children’s Summer Theater Series: Presented by Believe in Books at the Theater in the Wood each Friday at 10:00am, Jean’s Playhouse and IMPACT Productions offers up original plays with unique songs. Each show presents a new twist on classic tales. Tickets are $8 per person; kids under three are free. Info and schedule:http://believeinbooks.org/children-s-summer-theater-series.html.
Saturdays, July 1 – Labor Day: Mountainside Summer Music Series at Attitash: A free outdoor concert series featuring live entertainment. Bring a chair or hang out on the decks. Food and beverages available on premises.
July 1 – 4: July 4th Activities throughout Mt Washington Valley: Parades, picnics, fireworks and more are scheduled town by town to celebrate Independence Day. Click here for a complete schedule of events.
July 1 & 2: Tuckerman Brewing Co Music Series with Rustic Overtones & Dean Machine: Hang with the Tuckerman Brew Crew, taste some of their beers on tap and listen to some great music. Food service offered by visiting caterers/chefs. Concerts are 4:00 – 7:00pm. Doors open one hour early. The concerts are family friendly and held at Tuckerman Brewing in Conway, NH. July 1: Rustic Overtones, $10 cover. July 2: The Dean Machine, $5.00 cover. Info on concerts and musicians: http://www.tuckermanbrewing.com/music.php.
July 8: White Mountain Hickory Golf Classic: The New Hampshire Hickory Golf Association in conjunction with the White Birch Inn invites hickory golfers from New England and beyond to play in the inaugural White Mountain Hickory Classic at the Omni Mount Washington Resort in Bretton Woods, N.H. Period dress is encouraged, but is not mandatory. We ask that you refrain from wearing a baseball cap or shorts. “Modern” attire is acceptable. Loaner hickory golf sets will be available upon advanced request. Info: whitebirchinnNH.com.
July 8: 31st Annual Cranmore Hill Climb: Sponsored by the White Mountain Milers this race consists of a 3-mile run from the bottom of the mountain to the top, with participants finishing at the summit. Info: www.Cranmore.com.
July 7-9: Mt Washington Hillclimb Climb to the Clouds: This event features three days of high speed racing, 75 cars, some of the best race and rally drivers from around the world all competing for “King of the Hill” honors on the Northeast’s tallest peak in the Northeast – Mount Washington. It’s known as one of the oldest motorsports events in the United States, the Climb to the Clouds was first run in 1904 and is now returning on July 7-9, 2017. Info: Click here.
July 9: Artisans in the Garden at Wildcat Tavern: First Wildcat Tavern Artisans in the Garden event will host over 10 artisans from 12-4pm. Info: (603) 383-4245.
July 14: 5-2-1-0 Let’s Go Smoothie Bike Day at Story Land: During this Childhood Health & Wellness Program sponsored by Memorial Hospital, kids will have the opportunity to make their very own smoothies using a pedal bike from 11:00am – 1:00pm. Healthy ingredients like bananas, strawberries, almond milk and more will be displayed for the kids to pick from. Once all ingredients are in the blender it is strapped onto the bike and the kids pedal to blend their own smoothie. Info: Click here.
July 16-23: Ukulele Workshop and Festival: Workshops, music jams and more for everyone from beginner to experienced ukulele players held daily at World Fellowship Center in Albany. Info and schedule: Click here.
July 17-21 & July 31-August 4: Art Camp for Kids: Presented by Jackson Art Studios, students aged 6 to 13 will work on numerous projects each day and be exposed to a variety of materials and techniques. At the end of the camp, the kids will put on their own art show. Space is limited. Info: Click here.
July 18: A Forever Frozen Story: An interactive large-scale musical in the world of Hans Christian Andersen’s fascinating tale will be performed at 7:00pm at the Leura Hill Eastman Performing Arts Center at Fryeburg Academy. Suggested for audiences 2-12 years old. A meet-and-greet after the show. Order tickets online at www.aforeverfrozenstory.com/me.
July 21-23: Day Out with Thomas™ Friendship Tour: Every July the Conway Scenic Railroad welcomes thousands of young families to come meet their favorite train character. This year Percy will be returning to Conway Scenic Railroad’s Day Out With Thomas again. “Autism-Friendly” trains, depart at 3:00 on both Sundays of the event. Event tickets are $20 for ages two and up on both Fridays, and on Saturday and Sunday with 9:00AM, 2:00PM, and 3:00PM Thomas departures. A ride any day with Percy is an additional $8.00. Info: http://conwayscenic.com/events/event/friendship-tour-2017/.
July 21-22: Seek the Peak Hike-a-thon for Mt Washington Observatory: I did this last year and it’s AMAZING!! As the largest annual fundraiser of the nonprofit Mount Washington Observatory, you are encouraged to Seek YOUR Peak. While many hikers will choose the challenge of summiting Mount Washington, others will opt for alternative mountain treks, a short “nature hike” or even participate as a “virtual hiker. $200 minimum fundraising goal. Pre-and After Parties, vendor expos with samples, giveaways and more. Info: www.seekthepeak.org.
July 22 & August 12: Mountain Bike Double Down DH Series: Attitash hosts its own local DH Series Event featuring prizes for top podium finishers. This series is open to all visiting mountain bike guests to Attitash and uses three different courses throughout the season. It is a best of 2 runs format, so all you need is one clean run through the course. Prizes for Pros are a cash purse and Amateurs win prizes from participating sponsors. Entry Fee: $50 per race includes chair lift access. Info: https://www.attitash.com/event/dddh1/.
July 28-August 6: Mall-wide Tent Sale: Settlers Green’s annual mall-wide tent sale is expanding to 10 days this year. Back-to-school and summer clearance available at select stores. Info: www.settlersgreen.com/events.
July 30: Sunrise Drive on the Mt Washington Auto Road: The Mt. Washington Auto Road opens early allowing guests to drive themselves to the summit of Mount Washington to view the sunrise from the highest peak in the Northeast. The road will open at 4:00am today. Due to the popularity of these sunrise opportunities, we recommend not waiting until the last minute to arrive as you may spend time waiting at the Toll House due to traffic. Info: http://mtwashingtonautoroad.com/events/sunrise-drives .
MT WASHINGTON VALLEY EVENTS – AUGUST 2017
August 4: Conway Scenic RR 43rd Birthday: Don’t miss the historic train’s 43rd birthday celebration. Free balloons for the kids, live entertainment, lemonade and birthday cake after your train ride. Except for the dining cars, all tickets are 50-percent off. Info: Click here.
August 5, 6, 19: Tuckerman Brewing Co Music Series: Hang with the Tuckerman Brew Crew, taste some of their beers on tap and listen to some great music. Food service offered by visiting caterers/chefs. Concerts are 4:00 – 7:00pm. Doors open one hour early. The concerts are family friendly and held at Tuckerman Brewing in Conway, NH. August 5: The Garcia Project, $10 cover, August 6: Eric Bettencourt, $5 cover, August 19: Ghost of Paul Revere, $10 cover. Info on concerts and musicians: http://www.tuckermanbrewing.com/music.php.
August 5: Art in the Park: MWV Arts offers up this fabulous art sale under the tents in Schouler Park. Look forward to fine art and crafts, live music, food, awards and family activities. Info:www.mwvarts.org.
August 5: Summit Salute: Join other service members, veterans, and military families for this special free event at the base of Mt. Washington. Share stories, play outdoors, eat great food and enjoy a Mt. Washington sunset. Hiking, biking, games, children’s activities and adventures – there’s something for everyone. Discounted rides to the summit for participants too. Info: Click here.
August 5: 6th Annual Blueberry Festival at Attitash: This event includes a Craft Fair, Cornhole Tournament, Face Painting by Mt Washington Valley Children’s Museum, Blueberry Pie Baking Contest, Blueberry Pie Eating Contest, and an assortment of Blueberry BBQ, treats, and elixirs. The festival will be topped off with a live performance from local favorite, The Jonathan Sarty Band. This event is free to attend, although Attitash Resort amenities, rides and waterpark require an admission ticket. Info: www.attitash.com/event/blueberryfest/.
August 5: Star Party Astronomy Workshop: An educational outing for students of astronomy of all ages and ability levels. The workshop starts at 2:30pm with an indoor session at the Mount Washington Observatory’s Weather Discovery Center. This session will break at 5:30pm. The outdoor session will begin at 7:30 and continue through 11:00pm. The fee including instruction and all associated materials for supporting members of the nonprofit Mount Washington Observatory is $75 and $105 for non-members. Info: Click here.
August 8: 5-2-1-0 Let’s Go Smoothie Bike Day at Story Land: During this Childhood Health & Wellness Program Sponsored by Memorial Hospital, kids will have the opportunity to make their very own smoothies using a pedal bike from 11:00am – 1:00pm. Healthy ingredients like bananas, strawberries, almond milk and more will be displayed for the kids to pick from. Once all ingredients are in the blender it is strapped onto the bike and the kids pedal to blend their very own smoothie. Info: Click here.
August 12: Annual Pig Roast: The annual Mountain Meadow Riders Summer Social Pig Roast will kick off at 3:00pm. Mountain Meadow Riders is a not-for-profit organization formed in 1990 for the promotion of safe and enjoyable snowmobiling. Info: https://www.mountainmeadowriders.com/.
August 13-14: Circus Smirkus at Attitash: Join Circus Smirkus to celebrate their 30th Anniversary Big Top Tour with “Midnight at the Museum—a wild and wonderful adventure through the hallowed halls of a magical museum. You’ll enjoy an enchanted journey with astonishing aerialists, courageous clowns, and wily wirewalkers as they explore a museum that springs to life when the clock strikes midnight. Two shows daily at 1:00pm and 6:00pm. Admission: $25 for adults, $20 for kids and seniors. Info: https://www.attitash.com/event/circus-smirkus/.
August 19: Summit for the Forest: This first annual fundraising event benefiting the National Forest Foundation is presented by Northeast Mountaineering. With three different hiking options, you will be sure to find an objective that is suitable for your age and ability level. Leaving only footprints isn’t enough. Hike toward a positive impact. Info: www.nemountaineering.com.
August 19: North Conway Firefighters Association Benefit Concert at Cranmore: Featuring the Ronald Reagans Big ‘80’s Show, the event kicks off with food and beverages available at the deck beginning at 6pm. At 7:00pm, the main act begins. The headliner: The Ronald Reagans Big ‘80’s Show is a family-friendly act for ages 8-88, the musicians perform the most authentic, note-for-note recreations of the chart-topping pop, new wave, and rock hits of the ‘80s. Admission is free. All proceeds from food sales benefit the NCFFA. Info: www.Cranmore.com.
August 19: Mt Washington Auto Road Bicycle Hillclimb: Come watch as cyclists from across the country make the ultimate uphill climb. It’s deemed the Toughest Hillclimb in the World! The road is closed to normal public traffic until about 1:30pm. Info: Click here.
August 19-20: Larry Siebert White Mountain Art and Artisans Festival: Featuring a two-day juried artisans festival in Jackson Village Park, look for works by more than 40 artists presenting sculpture, glass and wood arts, ceramics, fiber arts, fine arts and jewelry for sale at all price points. There will be live musical performances starting on Saturday and continuing Sunday with local musicians. Kids will have their chance too, with sand sculpting, beading, temporary tattoos and t-shirt decorating. Info: Click here.
August 20-17: Hula Hoop Week: Sarah Daly, of Hoop De Doo in Worcester, MA teaches how to keep the basic hoop spinning around your waist, intermediate tricks, leg, foot and shoulder hooping, dancing with your hoop, hoop-making, and more at World Fellowship Center. The $50 program fee includes making your personal hoop. Info: http://worldfellowship.org.
August 23-25: Gnome Camp: This three-day camp at Jackson Art Studio is for the kid who loves fairies and gnomes and those who want to create a unique piece of art. Each student will make their own unique fairy/gnome house and garden using a variety of natural materials. They will also make a gnome or fairy to live in this magical garden. All materials included but kids are welcome to bring any special stones, shells, or other small hard bits. Info: Click here.
August 24-Sept 9: M&D Playhouse presents The Papermaker: Written by Maine author Monica Woods, “The Papermaker takes place during a months-long paper mill strike in the 1980’s. Maine, told through the eyes of a mill executive and the contrasting view of a family of millworkers. The Papermaker is presented Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays August 25 – September 9 at Your Theatre, Willow Common. Info and to reserve seats: www.mdplayhouse.com.
August 26-27: 29th Annual Mostly Bach Festival: A 2-day festival featuring instrumental & vocal works of J. S. Bach and friends returns to North Conway at First Church of Christ Congregational. Advance tickets are $20; $25 at the door. Info & schedule: http://www.mwvevents.com/WMMABach.html.
August 27: Sunrise Drive on the Mt Washington Auto Road: The Mt. Washington Auto Road opens early on allowing guests to drive themselves to the summit of Mount Washington to view the sunrise from the highest peak in the Northeast. The road will open at 4:30am. Due to the popularity of these sunrise opportunities, we recommend not waiting until the last minute to arrive as you may spend time waiting at the Toll House due to traffic. Info: http://mtwashingtonautoroad.com/events/sunrise-drives.
Be sure to visit www.MtWashingtonValley.org for up-to-date information on events and to plan your summer getaway. To speak with a representative of the chamber, call 1-800-367-3364 (800-DO—SEE-NH). And for more information on planning a New Hampshire vacation go to www.VisitNH.gov.
