Monthly Archives: June 2011

America’s Oldest Continuously Operated General Store

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The Brick Store is a genuine old-fashioned general store that dates back as far as 1790 – in fact, the store calls itself America’s oldest continuously operated general story. It is located on the main street – Route 302 – in the delightful town of Bath. Customers include some old-timers in their 90s who tell the owners, Mike and Nancy Lusby, that they remember buying penny candy there as kids. How authentic is that? At the Brick Store, visitors can buy distinctive New England specialties — including smokehouse meats and cheese, homemade fudge, gift packs and gift baskets, maple syrup, weathervanes, and much more. It is open daily. Phone: 800-964-2074

Are We There Yet?

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If you drive regularly in any New England town, it’s only a matter of time before you spot a car bedecked with a bumper sticker that reads “This car climbed Mt. Washington.” In 2011, the famous Mt. Washington Auto Road on Route 16 in Pinkham Notch is celebrating its sesquicentennial—that’s 150 years of family trips, road races, and bicycle climbs to the summit and its impressive view. The Auto Road plans to celebrate with a number of special activities all summer long, including motorcycle weekend, a road race, and a special sesquicentennial black tie gala. The Road is open from March through November. Phone: 603-466-3988.

Call of the Moose

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Northern New Hampshire hosts an abundance of wildlife, including that gentle giant, the moose. Many guests travel to the White Mountains and Great North Woods regions of New Hampshire tosee moose in their natural habitat. Moose Path Trail starts at Route 16 north from Gorham to Errol. Take Route 26 to Dixville Notch to Route 3 north to Pittsburg. This wilderness byway is ideal for the outdoor enthusiast as moose are often spotted along the drive. If you see a moose, keep your distance! They are large, wild animals, and it is important to give them wide berth.
Moose and Wildlife Tours are a popular New Hampshire activity for wildlife enthusiasts. The town of Gorham is host to a Scenic Moose & Wildlife Tourwhere there is a 95 percent guarantee of spotting some of the Granite State’s unique wildlife. Similar tours are available in the town of Lincoln. Guests take a two-to-three-hour bus journey through the White Mountains in search of New Hampshire’s gentle giants.

Come See the Birth Place of Pig’s Ear Brown

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Warm up your visit to the White Mountains with a pop-in visit to the Woodstock Inn Brewery at 135 Main Street in Woodstock. Brews with names like Red Rack, Pig’s Ear, and Loon Golden Ale are produced through a traditional seven-barrel system using premium hops and English grains. The prize-winning brews are on display during a free tour of the brewery every day at noon. Woodstock Inn Brewery has won several national awards for its ales; Pig’s Ear Brown that has won the National Beer Tasting Championships two years in a row. Come by and get acquainted. Phone: 800-321-3985.

Come Shop With Me

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There are over 100 factory outlet stores in Conway, most of them located at Settlers’ Green Outlet Villageand Settlers’ Crossing, located adjacent to each other off Route 16. The original outlet destination resort, North Conway is home to Coach, Tommy Hilfiger, Polo Ralph Lauren, Under Armour, Banana Republic and many more. Antiques, specialty ski shops, art galleries, craft shops, boutiques and gourmet food shops abound. And…no sales tax is charged here. Both Settlers’ Green and Settlers’ Crossing offer a variety of dining options including Black Cap Grille, Starbucks, Brandli’s Pasta Grille, Wrapsody’s ‘N Greens, Kaity’s Big Chill and the Lodge Café. Phone: 888-667-9636.

Craftsmen in the White Mountains

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Founded in 1932, the League of New Hampshire Craftsmen is one of the oldest craft organizations in the country. The League was formed during the Depression to help New Hampshire craftspeople make a living through difficult financial times by building an audience and market for fine handmade craft. The League operates seven retail galleries throughout New Hampshire. The galleries present the work of juried craftspeople, along with demonstrations, exhibits and educational programs.
Galleries in the White Mountains region are Littleton Retail Gallery, 81 Main Street, Littleton, 603-444-1099; and North Conway Retail Galler, Main Street/Route 16, North Conway, 603-356-2441.

Cranmore Fun, Even Without Snow

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The Mountain Coaster is Cranmore’s newest – and year-round — adventure! Popular in Europe, the Coaster is thousands of feet of twisting, turning fun through the woods. You control your speed so you may take a leisurely ride or get your thrills at speeds up to 25 mph. The Coaster is part of Cranmore’s Adventure Park , at 1 Skimobile Road in North Conway. The park also includes a treetops tour composed of ramps, ladders, rope bridges and zip lines; a giant swing; summer tubing on a 400-feet tubing course; bungy trampoline; mini-golf; and bouncy house. Do you think the kids might be ready for bedtime?? Phone: 800-SUN-N-SKI.

Curious About George

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Margret and H.A. Rey, authors of the Curious George children’s books, were artists and adventurers, historians and naturalists. Their spirit lives on in theMargret and H.A. Rey Center and Curious George Cottage at 35 Village Road in Waterville Valley, their former home and a place of art, science, and nature programs for children. On Saturdays, the Rey Center is open and filled with Curious George exhibits. Two storytimes will fill up the little ones with George adventures. At the Curious George Cottage, visitors may read books, try drawing in the style of H.A. Rey, and enjoy the view of Mount Tecumseh. Call ahead for hours. Phone: 603-236-3308

Moose Crossing

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Breath taking views, sweet mountain air, and a 95 percent chance of seeing a moose are three great reasons to head to Gorham and out on the Moose Tours. This 3-hour guided bus tour allows visitors to New Hampshire to gaze upon deer, osprey, and the majestic moose. Tours run daily from May to October 3, and depart at dusk. While people are settling down after a day with their nose to the grind, this scenic nature tour offers the opportunity to see animals in their most active time. Located on Route 16, Moose Tours is a great way to explore the North Country, with out all that pesky walking. Phone: 603-466-3103.

Pollyanna Was Here

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One of the last classic Main Streets in New England, downtown Littleton is a vibrant community on the bank of the Ammonoosuc River. Downtown offers a nice variety of restaurants, a historic inn, a 100-year old opera house, specialty shops, a majestic post office, a working gristmill, the world’s longest candy counter, and a sculpture of the original “glad girl” herself: Pollyanna.

And of course, we’d love to see you stop in at  our Bed and Breakfast while you’re here!

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