Backpacking Canadian Blogger on a Road Trip to NH

Those of us who know and love New Hampshire are aware of just how special this place is. Our little state has everything—from mountains, lakes, and seacoast to bustling centers of art, activities, and great dining. We love welcoming visitors and showing them around a little, so it’s no surprise that New Hampshire is hosting a travel buff from Toronto, who is here to tour the Granite State and share his adventures with the world.

Brock from Backpack with Brock is an avid traveler and self-described adventure coach based in Toronto, Ontario. Brock doesn’t own a car, and gets around the city by bicycle, foot, and public transit. When he found himself with the opportunity to use a car for few days, he decided to make the most of it and planned a last-minute road trip to explore a place within 12 hours of home. He made his announcement earlier this week on his blog. With his mother as co-pilot and the New Hampshire Division of Travel and Tourism Development as his guide and host, Brock is now here, experiencing some of what this beautiful state has to offer. Read the rest of this entry »

NH’s Annual Dream Vacation Photo Contest Has a New Twist This Year

The 3rd annual New Hampshire Dream Vacation Photo Contest is well under way, with dozens of visitors and residents of the state submitting their entries daily.  This year, however, contestants have the opportunity to enter videos as well as photos, for another chance to win the NH vacation of their dreams!

The contest, hosted by the New Hampshire Division of Travel and Tourism Development (DTTD), runs through Labor Day and features an online photo and video contest with two winners, one for each division.  The winner of the photo contest receives a custom-designed New Hampshire Dream Vacation worth $2,500, and the winning videographer gets a $1,000 custom NH vacation.  Three additional lucky contestants can each win $500 if their photo or video wins the popular vote.  Irving Oil will also offer gas gift cards in the amount of $50 that will be awarded weekly to randomly selected participants.

“We encourage every NH resident and visitor to explore and enjoy the state, take photos and videos with the ‘I Love it Here’ signs along the way, and upload them to our site,” says Lori Harnois, Director of the New Hampshire DTTD.  “We’re excited to have a video component this year, allowing contestants the chance to highlight a New Hampshire experience, whether it’s jumping in a lake, hiking a mountain trail or eating a favorite meal at a local restaurant.  There is so much to enjoy while vacationing in our beautiful state and now you can show us how much you love it here!”

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 and/or 15-second videos of yourself or a travelling companion with the “I Love it Here” sign, making sure there’s an identifier in the photo, such as a location sign or easily-recognizable building.  Upload one to five of these photos or videos to the contest website, where participants can vote on their favorites.  Friends and family members can vote too!  Many entries can also be seen on the Visit NH Facebook page.

Contest postcards with the “I Love it Here” signs are available at properties throughout the state, including all Welcome Information Centers.  These postcards now feature a QR Code on the back, which can be scanned by smart phones, allowing users to upload photos and video to the contest website directly from their iPhone, Android, Blackberry, or other mobile device.

“Once again this summer, we expect residents will want to vacation right here in New Hampshire, and will spend time exploring the mountains, lakes, and seacoast,” says Harnois.  “Snap some photos, shoot some video, have fun, and challenge yourself to find the best spot in NH!”

Carrie Reed
The Mill Falls Blogging Team