The Insider's Guide to
Mt Washington Valley

ANYTHING IS POSSIBLE!

Welcome to the October E-Traveler, the new Insider's Guide to what's hot and affordable in Mt Washington Valley. Browse through helpful topics like Recession Proofing your Vacation, Free Fun in the Valley and plenty of "Don't Miss" tips.  As always we include special lodging deals and ideas for free fun too.

We'd love to hear your comments and suggestions.  Please be sure to send your feedback to Visitor.

Top Ten List
INSIDE SCOOP ON THE BEST IN MT WASHINGTON VALLEY

Ten Top Ways To "Leaf Peep"
Here are ten great ways to enjoy Mt. Washington Valley's fall foliage. 

From the Seat of a Train
Book your seat on the Cog Railway and take this famous train ride to the top of Mt. Washington or enjoy fabulous scenic tours to Conway, Bartlett and Crawford Notch on the Conway Scenic Railroad.

From the Top of the Notch
Scenic drives through Crawford Notch to Bretton Woods or Pinkham Notch to Gorham offer everything from ridge top vistas and rock formations to moose sightings.

From the Moose Van
Come see these mighty mascots of the forests up close and personal.  Mt Washington Valley offers a number of guided moose tours.  Most guarantee sightings, and add an educational component and some humor too.  Look for options under Attractions and then Guided Tours on www.mtwashingtonvalley.org.

From a Gondola
Fall is the time of year to take in the spectacular vistas from Mt. Washington Valley's mountaintops.  For those who'd rather not hike up, take the lift.  A scenic ride on the Wildcat Gondola or the new Wildcat ZipRider™ offers fabulous views into Mt. Washington's Tuckerman Ravine.

From the Pumpkin People or Scarecrow Tour
Each year businesses throughout Mt. Washington Valley create whimsical displays of pumpkin people. Take a self-guided tour of the pumpkin people and vote on your favorite from Oct 1-20, 2008. Click here for info. Through October 11, 2008, view dozens of traditional, humorous, and just plain weird scarecrows compete for over $2,500 in cash awards and recognition. It's free as you hunt for fall bargains at Settlers' Green Outlet Village.

From the Seat of a Car
Mt. Washington Valley is renowned for its fall foliage scenic drives, including the Kancamagus Highway, the country's only scenic byway loop.  For a complete list of scenic drives throughout Mt. Washington Valley, click here.

From the Base of a Waterfall
Whether you bask in brooks tumbling over rocks or take in New Hampshire's highest single waterfall, there's no time like fall to capture the grandeur of Mt. Washington Valley's many waterfalls. Click here for a complete description of Mt. Washington Valley's "rock concerts" as Yankee Magazine calls them.

From a Cozy B&B or Family Resort
Mt. Washington Valley is well known for its wide variety of lodging.  More than fifty country inns and B&B's offer cozy and romantic retreats, while the region's motels, hostels and campgrounds provide additional options for those seeking getaways on a budget.  Family resorts, condos, vacation rentals and timeshare properties round out the offerings, so there's something for everyone.  Many of these lodging properties have created packages and itineraries for fall foliage getaways.  Be sure to visit Mt. Washington Valley's package page.

From the Seat of a Bike
Mt. Washington Valley offers ideal biking terrain for those looking for gentle back roads taking them through covered bridges and past farms. In fact, New Hampshire was recently named among the most cycle-friendly states in the country. There are even inn-to-inn biking tours offered throughout the fall.  Click here for a complete list of suggested bike routes throughout the Valley.

From the Table in the Dining Room
Mt. Washington Valley offers more dining with a view than any other New England destination.  Whether it's overlooking North Conway with Mt. Cranmore front and center from the White Mountain Hotel's Ledges Dining Room, to a fabulous view of the Moat Mountains and Presidential's from Darby Field Inn, you'll find spectacular dining with a view throughout Mt. Washington Valley.  Try the Mount Washington Hotel at the base of the grand dame and finish it off with a flaming drink at the 1785 Inn with a view over the Intervale to the Presidential mountain range.  You'll find plenty of choices for fine dining with spectacular views here.

Vacation Specials
SPECIAL OFFERS FROM MT WASHINGTON VALLEY BUSINESSES

Mt. Washington B&B in Shelburne, NH
Weekend - stay three or more consecutive nights including Friday and/or Saturday through Oct 20 and foliage rates drop to $100 - 170/night. Not valid over Columbus Day Weekend.

Midweek - stay three or more consecutive  nights Sunday - Thursday through Oct 20 and foliage rates drop to $90 - 155/night. More information and the particulars here.  

Here's another great deal from the Appalachian Mountain Club: Save 10% off the base single night rate at all AMC frontcountry lodges and huts including The Highlands and Joe Dodge Lodge when you stay Sunday through Friday from now through October 31.

Look for literally hundreds of great packages at www.mtwashingtonvalley.org.  Simply click on Vacation Specials.

Wallet Proof
MONEY SAVING TIPS FOR BUDGET MINDED VISITORS

Mt Washington Valley Lodging Properties will Gas You Up!

Lodging properties throughout Mt Washington Valley are inviting guests to "gas aid" packages.  Visit www.mtwashingtonvalley.org and click on Vacation Specials to find packages offering everything from discounts on stays to gas cards.

Don't Miss...
SCHEDULE YOUR NEXT VISIT AROUND THESE EVENTS

October 11, 2008 - Wildcat Mountain Hosts Premiere of Meathead Films Latest Ski Film Project  - Head For The Hills
Wildcat Mountain will debut the premiere of this hot new film and give viewers  a one-time/one-night-only opportunity to purchase their Black Cat midweek, non-holiday pass at the early price of $249 before the film. Shot exclusively in the Eastern U.S. and Canada while following the finest regional freeskiing athletes to spectacular terrain, Meathead Films Head For The Hills features many familiar New England resorts, cat skiing in the Chic Choc Mountains, and more. More info here.

October 2, 3, 4, 10, 11, 12, 17, 18, 24, 25, 30, 31, 2008 - Ghoullog Halloween Haunted Chairlift Ride  The tour starts in the Eating House building at the base of Cranmore Mountain and includes a night-time stroll through a haunted walkway to the Quad. After the seven minute ride to the summit of Cranmore, visitors tour the Ghoullog, where haunted happenings are sure to frighten and surprise the hardiest souls.  Click here for info.
 
October 10, 11, 2008 -  Mt. Washington Observatory Overnight with EMS
Take part and when the rest of the day-climbers are heading back down, you'll have the privilege of stepping into the heated observatory building for a delightful evening. Dinner can be followed by a visit with the observatory staff to see how they monitor the "Worst Weather in the World."On the second day you will watch the sunrise from the summit, have breakfast and then climb back down the mountain. More info here.

Free Fun
WALLET-FREE AND WORRY FREE FUN

Hiking: Mt. Washington Valley has hiking trails for every level of activity. From 10-minute scenic walks to an adventure to the top of Mt. Washington there is no better way to enjoy the Valley. Click here for a list of great hikes throughout the Valley.

Cathedral Ledge:  Take a birds eye view of North Conway from the top of this granite wonder. The Valley opens up below you with incredible views.  You can drive to the top or if you have the skill and gear, rock climb to the summit! If not, stand at the top and watch the climbers summit.
 
Spoken Word Open Mic: Every Wednesday night from 6-9:30PM, at the Metropolitan Coffee House and Art Gallery local artist Katie Smith will be hosting and performing a spoken word open mic.  Offering a warm atmosphere to express your literary and artistic abilities, vocally and visually, mixed media and music are encouraged.  Admission is free.

Do's & Don'ts
A FEW THINGS TO CONSIDER

Do: Plan on getting out of the car and walk some of the beautiful trails and really take in fall foliage.

Do: Expect to be overwhelmed by the beauty of the Valley at this time of year.

Don't: Stop in the middle of the road when you see color - pull over!

Don't: Forget to bring some warm clothes and good shoes for walking.

Do: Honk for Moose!