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Mt. Washington Valley
offers a myriad of family attractions in 2004
Many argue that there is no better family vacation location than
Mt. Washington Valley, N.H. With a wide variety of natural and
man-made attractions, families can look forward to spending time
together enjoying the great outdoors, taking a trip back in time
through history, or the sandy beaches of the Saco River, or into
the world of storybook characters. There are so many unique experiences
that no child, parent or grandparent should miss; it might take
a few trips to experience them all. Enjoy visiting these attractions
while you're in Mt. Washington Valley - many of the outdoor attractions
are open mid-May through mid-October, others are year round.
Conway Scenic Railroad - 2 Great Trains, 3 Great Rides - You can
choose between the Valley Train with departures to Conway and
Bartlett or The Notch Train, which travels through spectacular
Crawford Notch. Enjoy dinner and fine dining by traveling First
Class, and train buffs will enjoy visiting the gift shop at the
historic North Conway station, where all train arrive and depart.
There are rail-fan events that are fun for the whole family scheduled
throughout the year. Reservations are requested for all rides.
Rates for the Valley Train are $10.50-17.50 for adults, $7.50-12
for children four to twelve and kids under four are free, the
Notch Train rates are $36-40 for adults, $20-23 for children
four to twelve and children under four are free. There are also
first class and dining car fares available as well. For schedules
and reservations, call 603-356-5251 or visit them on the web
at
Ham Ice Arena
- Ice skating year round - Enjoy figure skating, free skating
and hockey year-round in this new state-of-the-art indoor ice
arena. Skating is open to the public including residents and
visitors. What a great way to cool off and try something different
with the kids this summer! In the winter, skating offers a great
après ski activity for kids with endless energy. There
is a deli & pizza snack bar, ice skating rentals, game room
and much more. Public skating is $5 per adult and $4 for children
(fourteen and under). Skate rentals are $3 per pair. Call for
schedule 603-447-5886, or visit them on the internet at www.hamarena.com.
Hartmann Model Railroad, Ltd - For the Love of Trains - Roger and Nelly
Hartmann share a love of trains, and through the museum and gift
shop, offer train buffs an unusual look into the world of model
railroads. For over twenty years they have traveled the world
collecting old and new railroad items for your viewing. All ages
will delight in seeing the numerous displays featuring many operating
layouts. A well-stocked retail store, featuring everything any
train lover could ever want, is located right next door. In the
spring and summer, children will enjoy the train ride that takes
them throughout the property. The museum is open throughout the
year. A modest entry fee is required for adults, children under
5 are free. Call 603-356-9922 or visit them on the web at www.hartmannrr.com.
Heritage New Hampshire - New Hampshire has a story to tell - Set
sail from 1634 England bound for the adventures of the New World.
Upon arrival you'll explore the land, meet the people and experience
first-hand 350 years of New Hampshire's history. End your journey
with a simulated steam ride through foliage-laden Crawford Notch.
Fun for the whole family, a Heritage journey introduces you to
the sights, sounds and occurrences that shaped our country and
state. New in 2003, Heritage New Hampshire offers demonstrations
on the new Segway revolutionizing transportation as we
know it. Invented in New Hampshire, the Segway will be all it'll
take to entice your teens to want to learn more about New Hampshire
history at Heritage New Hampshire. 2004 rates for adults and
children over 12 - $11; children 4 - 12 - $5, 3 and under are
free. Call them at (603)383-4293 or visit their web site at www.heritagenh.com.
Majestic Theater - When you step into the 400-seat theater
on Main Street in Conway, NH, you feel as though you're stepping
back in time. The appeal of the 1936 Art Deco design, combined
with the original velvet curtain draping the stage capture the
richness of a day gone by. Contrast that with state-of-the-art
theater technology, offering the area's largest screen, the world's
best Schneider lens, and the only 8 channel equipped SDDS Sony
Dynamic Digital Sound System, and you're in for a truly great
experience. Top features are always running. Open all year. Call
for show times and rates (603)447-5030 or on the web, www.hometowntheatre.com.
Mt. Washington Auto Road - Take a ride to the top of the Northeast's
highest peak, and the first man-made attraction in the country
- You'll be captivated with the views from the top of Mt. Washington.
On a clear day you can see into 4 states and Canada, and all
the way to the Atlantic Ocean! Whether you choose to enjoy the
1.5 hour guided tour in an air conditioned van, or drive yourself
(and listen to the audio tour on your CD or cassette player),
your experience up the Mt. Washington Auto Road will be the high
point of your vacation. Visit the museum or gift shop at the
top of Mt. Washington, or shop at the base in the lovely visitor
center. The Mt. Washington Auto Road features many thrilling
events where human endurance are taken to new heights on the
Auto Road, including the Climb to the Clouds Auto Race, along
with cycling and foot races up this strenuous road. Rates for
a vehicle and drive up are $10-18, and guided tours are $24 for
adults and $10 for children (ages 5-12). Call 603-466-3988 for
a full schedule and rates or visit them on the Internet at www.mt-washington.com.
Saco Bound on the Saco River - Enjoy a canoe ride on the cool, crystal
waters gently flowing over a white sand bottom, with miles of
beaches along the way. Saco Bound offers canoe rental programs,
touring kayaks and accessories, private access, no-fee parking
and private take-outs, along with transportation return at the
end of your trip back to their Center Conway Saco River base.
What could be nicer than a canoe ride down the Saco, a picnic
lunch, and all your transportation needs taken care of. Rental
rates for a canoe or kayak are $21-25.50 and an extra $4.50 for
weekends in July and August. Call 603-447-2177 or 3801 or visit
them on the web at www.sacobound.com.
Mt. Washington Cog Railway - Climb aboard the world's first mountain
climbing cog railway and take a trip to the summit of Mt. Washington.
Rain or shine, the 3-hour round trip journey on this National
Historic engineering landmark is a unique vacation experience.
The Cog Railway was always operated by steam engine, burning
a full ton of coal on each round trip, but is now converting
all their former coal-fired trains to steam for a cleaner ride.
You'll still enjoy the views and the steam from the trains, but
without the black soot! The season runs from late April through
mid October. 2004 rates: Adults - $49, Seniors - $45, children
6 - 12 - $35, children under 6 free when sitting on an adult's
lap. Reservations are required, call 1-800-922-8825 or visit
them on the web at www.thecog.com.
Santa's Village - Located in Jefferson, NH, a short, scenic
drive from Mt. Washington Valley, Santa's Village offers a wonderful
day stuffed with the magic of Christmas. Families will have a
personal visit with Santa, feed the reindeer and talk with Rudolf,
ride all of Santa's rides over and over again, and enjoy fun-filled
live entertainment in the Polar Theater. New for 2002-tickle
the Humbugs to make them giggle in the most fun dark ride adventure
yet! Open weekends in the spring, fall and at Christmas time,
and daily from June 17 - September 4th. 2004 rates are $18.00
per person (4 years old and up), $16 for seniors 62 and over,
and children 3 and under are free. Call for information at (603)586-4445
or visit them on the web at www.santasvillage.com.
Story Land
- In this child size world, storybook characters come to life
in a land of wonder and fun. Located on 30 beautifully landscaped
acres, Story Land offers your family 20 wonderfully themed rides,
visits with storybook characters, live shows, activities, and
reasonably priced food and snacks! You'll find a smile and adventure
around every corner at Story Land, where family fun has been
a tradition for over 50 years. The Crazy Barn ride was the first
to debut in America at Story Land, and the tractor ride, new
in 2003, will take a tour through an unusual farm with plenty
of surprises. 2004 rates are $16 per day for 4 and up through
June 20th, then $21 per day for 4 years old to adult through
the rest of the season; children under 3 are free. Call 603-383-4293
for information or visit them on the Internet at www.storylandnh.com.
Wildcat Mountain Gondola Ride - Located in the heart of the White Mountain
National Forest, Wildcat Mountain offers a 15 minute Skyride
in its new four passenger Wildcat Express Gondola. Once on the
highest ski peak of Mt. Washington Valley, you can see a spectacular
view into Tuckerman Ravine, and well into the rolling hills of
Maine. Take a hike, enjoy a family picnic, or even walk a segment
of the Appalachian Trail from atop Wildcat Mountain. Don't forget
to bring the camera, photo opportunities are plentiful! The 2004
rates are $9.50 for adults and children 4 - 12 are $4.50, children
3 and under with adults are free. For schedule information, call
1-800-255-6439 or 603-466-3326 or visit their web site at www.skiwildcat.com.
Horseback Riding For many, a vacation without a chance for trail
riding just isn't a vacation. No need to fear missing the favorite
element of your vacation, there is an option for trail rides.
The Stables at The Farm by the River offer not only trail rides,
but hay rides and pony rides for the kids. Also, Nestlenook Farm
Recreation Area offers trail rides, and horse-drawn sleigh rides
and trollies, and Darby Field Inn offers summer horse drawn carriage
rides. Call Nestlenook (603)383-9341 and the Stables at The (603)356-4855
or Darby Field Inn at (603)447-2181.
For more information on attractions
in Mt. Washington Valley, visit www.mtwashingtonvalley.org or call 1-800-DO-SEE-NH (800-367-3364).
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