Ironman 70.3 Timberman Race and Festival in Gilford this Weekend!

Over 3,500 athletes from across the country and around the globe are coming to Lake Winnipesaukee this Saturday and Sunday to compete in the 10^th edition of the Timberman Sprint and Ironman 70.3 Timberman Triathlons.  Named the #1 “Must-do Triathlon Adventure” by Triathlete Magazine, Timberman has something for everyone, including Timber Camp for kids!

The traditional Ironman race is one of the most challenging sporting events in the world, with a 2.4-mile swim, a 112-mile bike, and a complete 26.2-mile marathon, all in succession.  The Ironman 70.3 triathlon is half the classic race, featuring a 1.2-mile swim, 56-mile bike, and 13.1-mile run—still pretty tough!

The Ironman 70.3 Timberman is a scenic course that begins with a swim in the fresh waters of Lake Winnipesaukee, followed by a bike course that includes plenty of rolling hills, and finally a two-loop run that travels along the shores of the lake with spectacular views of the White Mountains.  The Ironman 70.3 will take place on Sunday, and offers the 2,200 competitors a chance at the $30,000 professional prize purse as well as 50 slots to the Foster Grant Ironman World Championship 70.3, which will take place on Nov. 13^th in Clearwater, Florida.

On Saturday, over 1,300 athletes will race in the Timberman Sprint short-distance triathlon, which will take them on a .3-mile swim, a 15-mile bike, and a 3-mile run with the same beautiful setting.  Saturday afternoon will also give older kids a taste of the sport in the TimberKids Adventure Race.  All races will begin and end at Ellacoya State Park in Gilford, NH.

For children ages 3 – 13, Timber Camp will be the place to be on Sunday!  This special event will take place at Gunstock Mountain Resort, offering kids a “multi-sport” day of activities such as mountain biking, mini golf, and swimming.  There will also be paddleboats, kayaks, and a climbing wall!  The staff has planned a special activity to celebrate the success of the triathletes, and all campers will be able to win prizes in everyone’s favorite extreme water balloon toss, Winger!

The weekend-long TimberFest at Gunstock will feature a sports & fitness expo, seminars for both the novice and seasoned triathlete, the Ironman Champions dinner, and live music by Paul Warnick.  After the race on Sunday, athletes can kick back and enjoy the TimberParty Clambake & Lobsterfest!

Come to Lake Winnipesaukee this weekend to catch some world-class racing and cheer on these fine athletes, all while enjoying the beauty of NH in August.  You just might find some new inspiration!

Carrie Reed
The Mill Falls Blogging Team

photos courtesy of asiphoto.com

Lake Shore Cottage is Now Available!

There’s a new kid in town—The Inns and Spa at Mill Falls have added another cottage to their family of Inns to offer unique accommodations for your family!

Imagine staying in your own private cottage right on Lake Winnipesaukee, where you and your family or friends can share a summer “camp” experience while enjoying all the services and amenities of the Inns in quaint Meredith, NH.  Lake Shore Cottage has been open for a couple weeks now, and guests are raving about the spectacular view and the cozy, comfortable atmosphere.

Lake Shore Cottage is next door to Church Landing and features two bedrooms, a living room with a sofa bed and fireplace, a full kitchen, dining area, a sun deck and screened-in porch overlooking the lake, a carport, and a boat dock.  Located within a short walking distance to all the shops and restaurants of Meredith, this is the perfect spot to hold a relaxing family getaway or a reunion of close friends!

As with any guest room in the hotel, the cottage is tied into all of the Inns services, including phone, complimentary WIFI, cable TV, continental breakfast, pool, beaches, fitness center, and much more.  Lake Shore Cottage can accommodate up to 6 guests, and its affordable rates start at $409 per night, with a 10% discount for five or six nights, and a 20% discount for seven or more nights.

The Inns will soon launch a 25^th Anniversary Trivia Hunt that guests can solve and then enter a drawing for chance to win a Great Indoors Package at Lake Shore Cottage this winter.  A combination trivia contest and scavenger hunt, this fun game is something the whole family can do together while strolling around the village, and the grand prize can’t be beat!  Stay tuned for more details as the challenge unfolds…

Whether you go out or stay in, you are sure to have an unforgettable vacation at Lake Shore Cottage.  Try something new this summer!  For more information, call the Inns at 800-622-6455.

Carrie Reed
The Mill Falls Blogging Team

Hybrid Parking Spaces at Mill Falls!

As a new part of their Green Initiative, The Inns and Spa at Mill Falls have created designated parking spaces for environmentally friendly cars.  The “preferred parking” spots are being tested at Church Landing and the Inn at Mill Falls, where there is one space at each location to start.

“Our Green Team came up with the idea,” says Gail Batstone, General Manager of the Inns.  “Our green team includes members from each department within the hotel.  The team’s intention, in respect to signifying these spaces, is to increase consumer awareness and encourage guests to use lower emission transportation.”

Ms. Batstone adds that the Inns wanted to build upon their current Green Mission Statement, which describes several ways the company is making environmental efforts in all areas of operation.  According to the initiative, “We continually seek improvements and initiatives to lessen the impact on the local and global environment.”

The Inns plan to add more designated hybrid spaces if the project proves successful.  Meanwhile, the management is looking forward to guest feedback.  Feel free to share your thoughts!

Announcing the NH Dream Vacation Photo Contest!

Some exciting news from our friends at Visit NH:  The New Hampshire Division of Travel and Tourism Development (DTTD) has just announced the launch of its 2^nd annual New Hampshire Dream Vacation Photo Contest, which will take place this summer from May 24^th – September 6^th.  The winner of the online photo contest will receive a custom-designed New Hampshire Dream Vacation worth $2,500, and five additional contestants will win $500 each in the popular vote.  Irving Oil will also offer gas gift cards in the amount of $50 that will be awarded weekly to randomly selected contest participants.

“We encourage every NH resident and visitor to explore and enjoy the state, take photos with the ‘I Love it Here’ signs along the way, and upload them to our site,” said Alice DeSouza, Director of the New Hampshire Division of Travel and Tourism Development.  “Last year’s contest was wildly successful with residents and visitors alike joining in the fun.”

To play, go to www.NHDreamVacation.com and download the “I Love it Here” sign.  Print out the sign and bring it with you as you visit your favorite places in New Hampshire, including The Inns and Spa at Mill Falls.  At these scenic spots, take photos of yourself or a travelling companion with the “I Love it Here” sign and make sure there’s an identifier in the photo, such as a location sign or easily-recognizable building.  Upload one to five of these images to the contest website, where participants can vote on their favorite photos.  Friends and family members can vote too!

“Once again, we expect residents will want to vacation right here in New Hampshire, and will spend time exploring the mountains, lakes, and seacoast,” said DeSouza. “Everybody loves to seek out the unexpected and unusual locations, and we believe this contest will trigger that excitement in all of us.  So go grab your cameras, your signs, and challenge yourself to find the coolest spot in NH to snap a photo!”

Meredith Honors Arbor Day

Meredith just keeps getting prettier!  This Friday, April 30^th is Arbor Day, and the Beautification and Conservation Fund of The Greater Meredith Program has coordinated with the town and private citizens to place two Princeton American Elm Trees in Community Park on Main Street as part of the second phase of its tree planting program in Meredith.  The organization also plans to plant approximately 25 trees on both public and private land in Meredith over the course of this summer.

The fund’s first phase began in June of 2009, when eight maple trees were planted on the new section of Boynton Road, and in July, a lovely October Glory Maple was placed in the roundabout.  A third phase of approximately 15 trees is planned for next summer.

By planting the trees in Community Park this Arbor Day, the Town of Meredith will qualify as a Tree City USA community again this year.  In order to quality for Tree City certification, a town or city must meet certain standards established by The Arbor Day Foundation and the National Association of Foresters to ensure the community has a viable tree management program.  Receiving this certification will allow the town to receive extra points for external funding.

The Beautification and Conservation Fund of Meredith was established in January of 2009 to bring streetscape trees to the village’s core area and the Route 3 and 25 corridors.  The fund is generated by donations from guests staying at Harbor Hill Campground, the Meredith Inn, and the Inns & Spa at Mill Falls, where each guest pays a voluntary $1.50 per night toward the fund.

Founded by J. Sterling Morton in 1872, Arbor Day is a nationally celebrated observance that encourages tree planting and care.  It is celebrated on the last Friday of every April.  Many communities and private groups, including The Inns and Spa at Mill Falls, will also be planting new trees on this day!  Come on down and join in the fun!

Image credit:  James Jordan at Flickr.com

Celebrate the Season at the NH Boat Museum’s Spring Fling!

This coming Friday, April 30^th, The NH Boat Museum is hosting its annual Spring Fling in Wolfeboro at Club 59 at the Kingswood Golf Club.  The event marks the beginning of the museum’s 10^th season in Wolfeboro, and serves as a mini fundraiser for all the exhibits, programs, and activities the non-profit organization offers throughout the year.

The evening promises to be a real treat, with a cash bar and hors d’oeuvres at 6pm, followed by a full dinner at 7pm with your choice of entrée (indicated with your advance ticket).  A small live auction will be the highlight of the night, with many fun summer items generously donated by the community.  Some of the items up for grabs are a three-day get-away at a beachfront cottage at Goose Rocks Beach, Kennebunkport, Maine, a one-hour Lakes Region aerial tour, antique wooden boat rides, Jersey Skiff rides, gift certificates, and more!

According to their website, “The New Hampshire Boat Museum is an educational organization focusing on the boating heritage and life on the lakes and rivers of New Hampshire. We serve the local community and visitors by presenting exhibits and outreach programs, events, publications and hands-on activities.”  The museum is located just two miles from the center of Wolfeboro, “The Oldest Summer Resort In America,” and features many of the finest examples of vintage mahogany and antique boats.

There are still a few seats available for the Spring Fling, and ticket sales close at the end this Wednesday, the 28^th, so don’t miss this last chance to get on board!  For more information visit the NH Boat Museum’s events page, or call Bruce MacLellan at 603-253-9887 or Ann Sprague at 603-677-2196.

Image credit:  Let Ideas Compete at Flickr.com

Squam Lakes Natural Science Center Opens Early This Year

An otter at SLNSC

Good news for nature lovers:  The Squam Lakes Natural Science Center in Holderness, NH will be open to the public a little earlier than usual this season.   The organization recently announced that next week, Monday, April 26^th through Friday, April 30^th, The Gephart Exhibit Trail will be open from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., with the last trail admission at 2:00 p.m.

Christine Cherry, Marketing Manager at the Center, says that they decided to open early this year because the mild winter made for cooperative weather this spring.  “The trail is clear and ready to go!” she says.  Also, the Center wanted to be able to accommodate some of the local schools’ April vacations next week so that families can enjoy the trail together.

The Science Center’s regular hours of 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. will resume on their usual start date of May 1^st, which is New Hampshire Day, when visitors pay only $3 admission with proof of NH residency.

According to their website, “The mission of Squam Lakes Natural Science Center (SLNSC) 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 more than forty years about the importance of our natural world.”

The Center gained national accreditation from the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) in September of 2006, and now holds the distinction of being the only AZA-accredited institution in northern New England.

Enjoy the beauty of early spring!  For further information about the Science Center, call 603-968-7194 or visit www.nhnature.org.

1st Annual Great Northeast Boat Show coming to NH this Weekend!

Get ready to play on the lake!  The 1^st annual Great Northeast Boat Show is scheduled to take place this weekend, April 9 – 11, inside the Hampshire Dome in Milford, NH.  The event will be the biggest boat show ever held in NH and the largest spring boat show in New England.  According to the event website, the weekend promises to be a “celebration of the boating lifestyle featuring everything needed, wanted or desired by the boating enthusiast.”

The organizers are expecting representatives from over 50 companies that feature products for the boating lifestyle, from over 100 boats, to docks, accessories, and water toys.  The show is the only one endorsed by the New Hampshire Marine Trades Association.  “There is no other spring boating event in New England that offers boating enthusiasts the biggest, broadest and best selection of boats and boating accessories at the best deals,” said Suzette Anthony, show owner.  “The Great Northeast Boat Show will quickly gain a reputation as the best place and time to buy a boat, because you can buy it tax-free and enjoy it in the water right away.”

As part of the show, there will be seminars to educate and entertain both boating enthusiasts and families alike, such as a weekend-long boat-building demonstration of a wooden Adirondack guideboat.  On hand will also be veteran NH fishing guides Travis Williams, Sean Marzeraka and Glen Leathers, who will hold daily seminars teaching everything from safe boating tips to how to catch more fish.

If you’re in the market for a boat, or if you just want to see what’s new in the boating world, don’t miss this inaugural event!

Image credit:  red twolips at flickr.com

The “Biggest Little Candy Store in the Lakes Region” is Growing!

Lee’s Candy Kitchen in the Mill Falls Marketplace is about to get a little bigger!  The shop, which is the oldest store in the Marketplace, has recently taken over the space next door and is doubling their floor space.  The small space the store has occupied since 1984 had become a little too crowded, and was jam-packed with goodies, as well as customers lined up to buy them.

Owners Gerry and Kathy Fagan say that one of the goals is to create a little more space, re-expose the beautiful brick walls of the old mill building, and bring back the old-time charm of a traditional candy shop.  They are also “very excited” about the store’s new centerpiece, a 40-foot U-shaped “Candy Corral,” which will feature over 200 gummy treats, sours, and other candy novelties in old-fashioned glass apothecary jars.  The “Candy Corral” will be the largest candy counter in the Lakes region and will be a fun attraction for families to enjoy while visiting Meredith Village.

Lee’s Candy Kitchen will continue to carry fine chocolates and homemade fudge, and prides itself on carrying high-quality products that are “not made in China.”  The store features New England made gourmet food products, as well as a beautiful line of YummyEarth organic treats.

The target date for the completion of remodeling is May 1^st, but the shop will continue to be open for most of the renovation period, so that customers can get their sweet fix!  Stop by and check out the homemade Easter bunnies, candy eggs, and chocolate-covered peeps!  Happy Spring!

Image credit:  miss karen at flickr.com

1st Annual Pond Hockey Tournament a Big Success

“It was our first year, and we couldn’t have asked for a better response,” said Scott Crowder, organizer of the New England Pond Hockey Classic (NEPHC), “From the participants, to the sponsors, to the town of Meredith — and obviously the weather… the entire weekend went off without a hitch.”

Nearly 500 players and 77 teams turned out for the first annual NEPHC tournament on Lake Winnipesaukee in Meredith, NH on the weekend of February 5^th – 7^th.  With “baby blue skies and beautiful sunshine,” five divisions competed on 7 rinks simultaneously over the course of the weekend.  On Sunday afternoon, five teams raised Lake WinnipeHockey’s Cup above their heads: 
in the Open Division – The Paddy’s from Lexington, MA, 
in the 30+ Division – The Frozen Hacks from Franklin, MA,
in the 40+ Division – The Bumbles from Alton, NH, in the Legends Division – The Bud Heavies from Newburyport, MA, and 
in the Just for Fun Division – Montreal Todd from Woburn, MA.

“As this event goes forward, we would like to start expanding by at least being able to accommodate the 40 additional teams we had to wait-list this year,” said Crowder. “That would already bring us up to 120 teams, which, for only being in our second year of operation, would be incredible.”  Crowder also has plans to add a women’s division to next year’s event.  He estimates that there will be 12 – 13 rinks on the bay, and close to another 500 participants coming to the area for the weekend of February 4^th – 6^th, 2011.  Crowder said he would like to have a youth tournament, as well, adding, “If we could get more kids out there playing, they’re going to fall in love with the sport of hockey.”

Since the tournament, Crowder has been receiving e-mails from folks in Meredith saying how nice it is to drive by the rinks and see people out there using them.  “They said that for whatever reason before, kids wouldn’t go out on the lake and skate,” said Crowder.  “Hopefully this will help the community and all the kids, have them start to play hockey, cause it’s such a fun sport.”

The purpose of the event was to “bring hockey back to the basics,” Crowder said.  “The competition was very healthy, we didn’t have any fights, or anything of that nature.  Everyone was able to have a good time.  It was nice to see something that we put together help out the local businesses and give the hockey community of the region something to come out for.  That was extremely positive.”

Crowder is “very thankful for the town of Meredith… for all of our sponsors—they were huge in helping us pull this off.  Also the volunteers – a special thanks to them.”  He says that next year’s tournament is going to be even bigger, and they will definitely need more “passionate volunteers, the people who want to come out and have some fun helping us out.”

So mark your calendars for next year, and hopefully we’ll see you out on the ice!

Pond Hockey on Lake Winnipesaukee

Sources:

http://www.pondhockeyclassic.com/2010_Tourney.html

http://www.nesn.com/2010/02/pond-hockey-takes-center-stage-at-festive-nh-tournament.html

http://www.facebook.com/pages/New-England-Pond-Hockey-Classic/161928693353?ref=search&sid=100000563348317.1727577530..1