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.

Great Last-Minute Deals at This Resort!

It’s not too late to take a little getaway for your holiday break.  The Inns and Spa at Mill Falls are offering some fantastic deals for this week starting tonight!

Do you and the kids need to get out of the house this vacation week?  The “Holiday Break-Away” package is a great bargain for families!  Reserve tonight and tomorrow, December 28^th and 29^th,  and stay Wednesday December 30^th for free!  Even better, the Inn provides complimentary activities and light dinner for the children each night from 5:00 to 8:00pm, allowing time for a massage and romantic dinner for two.

The Inns will be marking their 25^th year in 2010.  In celebration of this milestone, the resort is offering a super deal:  “25 Great Years = $25 Rooms!” Book a room or suite at Mill Falls or Church Landing for Saturday, January 2^nd and stay Sunday, January 3^rd for only $25!  Also, you can book one Cascade Spa service on Sunday, January 3^rd, and receive the second at 25% off.

To take advantage of these special deals, please call reservations at 800-622-6455.  This offer is not available online, and the rooms are filling quickly, so call today!

Many Great Ways to Celebrate Halloween in the Lakes Region

Morbid Mountain October 30 and 31

Morbid Mountain Returns to Gunstock Mountain Resort in October.  Halloween Screamfest and Haunted Hayride open Fridays and Saturdays from October 2-31.  Halloween Bash and Costume Ball (21 and over) on October 31st . Free admission, Live Music and more.  4 Haunts including the New Swamp Walk.

The Legend of Morbid Mountain . . .

The ski lifts are closed, the lodges are locked, and the parking lot is empty . . . but if you close your eyes and listen close, the hair on the back of your neck will start to stand up straight.  Footsteps in the attic, lights going on and off . . . is there someone . . . something in the corner of the room . . . you feel like you are being watched.
Perhaps you are!
Many are unaware of the history and the secrets that lie beneath the grounds and buildings of what is now known as Gunstock Mountain Resort.  The urban legend has led to countless rumors and speculation. This area served many purposes before becoming what is today . . . click here to learn more… if you dare!

If your looking for something a little less scary then the following might be more your speed.

Masquerade Ball

October 31, 2009 8:00 – Midnight

Eat, drink, and be “masqued” in distinctive style with a first-of-its-kind formal Masquerade Ball, an evening of dancing, and revelry featuring the big brass sound of Lakes Region Big Band.

The Middle is a premier presenter of distinctive, quality arts and entertainment for the entire central New Hampshire region and beyond. We welcome you to enjoy time with friends and family, and “Meet in the Middle.”

More information Visit  The Middle

Don’t Miss the 122nd Sandwich Fair, one of New Hampshire’s Finest

The annual Sandwich Fair is one of New Hampshire’s most exquisite rural shows.  This year the fair will be held October 9 – 12, with competitions for horse pulls, farm animal shows, children’s tractor races, carnival rides, local New Hampshire food sampling, 4H exhibits, photography, crafts, and more.  Located right in the heart of the Town of Sandwich, it is three days of fun and excitement for the entire family!

As with many of New England’s fairs, the Sandwich Fair started out as an agricultural event that became an annual market day for local farmers to trade and sell their cattle.  In 1886, area farmers exhibited 184 yoke of oxen at the fair.  Those farmers would be proud to know the fair is still going strong after 122 years.

The Sandwich Fair remains at the top of my list as one of my favorite fall activities.  It has everything from livestock exhibits to tractor pulling and carnival rides.  I have to be honest though – what draws me every year is the fabulous fair food:  spicy Italian sausage, fried dough, cotton candy… the list goes on.  My mouth is watering just writing about it.  There is nothing like an old fashioned New England fair!

The Sandwich Fair is truly one of the Lakes Regions greatest events.  Nestled in the quintessential New England town of Sandwich and held during one of the most colorful times of year, this event simply must be on your calendar.   During the course of the Fair’s four days starting Friday October 9, there will be a never-ending schedule of live music and fun activities for the whole family to enjoy.  If you can’t make it all four days, Sunday might be the best pick with the annual running of the Sandwich Fair Parade at 1:00.   But don’t let me decide.  Check out all the great things going on at this year’s fair at www.thesandwichfair.com.

The New Hampshire Marathon kicks off its 17th Year on October 3, 2009

As if running 26.2 miles is not challenging enough, The New Hampshire Marathon is considered one of the toughest marathon courses in New England.  On Saturday, October 3rd as many as 175 people from up to 45 states will line up at the starting line in Bristol, NH and give it their best.  

Not only is this course considered one of the most difficult, it’s also one of the most beautiful.  Starting in downtown Bristol, the course winds around Newfound Lake on one of the most scenic routes around, and with fall colors typically in full bloom this time of year, it doesn’t get much prettier.

If you’re not up to the task of running the full 26.2 miles, there are some shorter courses available.  Held the same day are a 10K road race and a 5k race walk.  And if running is just not your thing, come on out to show your support.  The Newfound Lake area and the surrounding Lakes Region is simply spectacular this time of year!

The mission of the NH Marathon is to promote a world class running event, as well as to aid child-centered organizations in the area.  Proceeds from this event help support the Tapply-Thompson Community Center, Mayhew, a character-building program for at-risk boys, and The Circle Program, providing socially and economically disadvantaged New Hampshire girls with the skills, courage and confidence they need to handle the challenges in their lives.

To learn more about the race visit www.nhmarathon.com