The Darby Field Inn

The Last Weekend Before Bug Season Begins...

2007-05-15T12:10:00.000-04:00

It's Officially the Beginning of Flower Season!

Our garden has now reached the point it's difficult to pick only one flower thats blooming...there are at least five or six to choose from. I've decided to feature one of the more obscure (at least to me...) this week. Euphorbia has the softest foliage, and spring green leaves crowned with small yellow clusters of flowers. Faye tells me it is a vigorous ground cover, doubling in size each year. This is a plant you can share with friends and family; its root ball can be divided easily and transplanted in your own garden or elsewhere. It enjoys the full sun and turns a delightful rusty orange in the fall. Although I said I would feature only one flower, I feel our flowering crabapple tree, pictured below, deserves some attention as well...it is absolutely gorgeous this year!

Just a little reminder: the Home and Garden Show is this weekend at the Fryeburg Fairgrounds. You'll be able to find your own garden gems, talk with flower experts and get some delicious cook out recipes, all in one place! Our Last Minute Special features room rates that encourage you to get out and walk around the mountains, the golf course, or the garden show this weekend! So, if you've been thinking about visiting the White Mountains and the Darby Field Inn this spring, wait no longer...now is the perfect time to enjoy both!

Perfect Time to Experience Springtime in the Mountains!

2007-05-09T09:24:00.000-04:00

Hard Work and Warm Weather Produce Results!

Spring is my favorite time of the year, here in New Hampshire. The sunshine is warm, gentle breezes blow, the bugs haven't arrived yet, and the flowers start blooming! Before and after pictures are an amazing way to really remember how much things change...like our gardens. The time difference between thes two pictures is two weeks, and look at how green everything is! We have a couple new flowers peeking out every week, which is exciting for me; I love to take pictures of their bright blooms!
This weekend is the perfect time to witness these excellent conditions for yourself; we've posted a Last Minute Special that makes a visit here irresistible...so grab your hiking boots, mountain bikes, sunscreen and appetites and book a stay with us Friday, Saturday and/or Sunday - you won't regret it! Don't forget Mother's Day is Sunday and we've got a great weekend package for her, too! Call (800)426-4147 and mention this blog for additional savings! Until next time, enjoy spring wherever you are...those pesky insects are on their way!

"Inn"-troducing Mr. & Mrs. Barnett!

2007-04-28T19:26:00.000-04:00

Congratulations to Judi Graham & William Barnett as they begin their new life together...

Judi and Bill weren't intersted in a big wedding - instead they chose to join us here at the Darby Field Inn for an elopement. Fortunately there was a break in the rainy weather so Marc could perform their ceremony on the patio. After warming up in front of the fire in the living room, they joined us for dinner. They are a fun-loving couple, and a pleasure to have as guests. We wish them the best of luck, and look forward to seeing them again in the future!

In gardening news, our newest arrival is Pulmonaria, commonly known as lungwort. Like bloodroot, it is also an early spring bloomer, spreads fast, and disappears soon after the blossoms fade. This flower offers two colors, fuscia buds and beautiful blue blooms. It is another great addition to any garden. Bloodroot and lungwort both arrive shortly after jonquils, and last much longer, displaying the "carpet of flowers" effect. Faye has been very busy in the gardens; there are new shoots everywhere! Next week I'll show you two comparison shots, taken two weeks apart, and introduce you to the next blooming beauty in our garden!
Marc and Maria Donaldson, our innkeepers, are celebrating their 28th year here at the Darby Field. Check out their "inn"-iversary special (http://www.darbyfield.com/packagesdetails.html?sku=2004120412) to find out what this means to you. Until next time, bid farewell to the April showers, and enjoy your own May flowers!

This is How Our Garden Grows...

2007-04-24T15:28:00.000-04:00

The Early Bloomer: Blood Root

Today I was introduced to a wonderful little flower, the blood root, or Sanguinaria canadensis. This innocent looking flower gets its name from it blood colored rhizome. I discovered it leaves a blood colored sappy mess on your hands if you pull it up from the ground. It propagates easily and early, leaving beds clear for later blooming flowers. Flowers tend to bloom en mass, creating a beautiful display in an otherwise unimpressive area. Our resident garden professional, Faye, gave me a few to take home and plant in my own garden. I hope everyone is getting the weather we've been enjoying. It is hard to stay in the office on such beautiful days, so we've all been pitching in, getting the yards ready. The Inn is open full time again starting May 1st, while the restaurant will only be open Friday, Saturday and Sunday through the end of May. Great rates are available, so come on up and enjoy the sun!

Spring...Finally?

2007-04-20T08:39:00.000-04:00

New Spring Arrivals!

After posting twice before that spring and mud season were here, then getting two more huge winter storms, I am approaching this blog with more delicacy. If we get even one more inch of snow before next winter, my friends and family may well pack up and head for Florida! These pictures show how the weather here in New Hampshire can change within one week, from a foot of snow to fresh spring bulbs!

Here at the Darby Field Inn we're back in business on a reduced scale, doing some spring cleaning and renovations in preparation for the seasons ahead. We are welcoming guests on weekends only in April, and are offering some great deals on our Specials Page. Don't forget Mother's day is quickly approaching; we can help you show that special mom in your life how much she's appreciated by booking a reservation for her (and a guest) to enjoy some TLC here at the Inn.

Another thing to keep in mind is once the ground dries up, spring is the ideal time for hiking, insect and humidity free! In addition to our own nature paths, there are several excellent trails located minutes from here off the Kancamaugus Highway. It may be too cold to swim, still, but the local wildlife is currently out of hibernation and prime for picture taking and viewing from a distance. There is also the Home, Garden & Flower Show going on in the middle of May at the Fryeburg Fairgrounds, only twenty minutes from here. Vendors show you what's new for home and gardens this season, and it's a great place to pick up some different plants for your yard. There are also some great food vendors, and packaged gourmet foods for sale.

Faye will begin working her magic in our (her) award winning gardens this week. Here's a picture of the starting point, for reference later in the season. You'll be amazed at how fantastic they look, even a month from now...as I mentioned in an earlier post, I will be passing along some tips from the expert, so stay tuned! Until next time, enjoy the sunshine today, because who knows what tomorrow may bring!

Farewell, For Now...

2007-03-31T21:15:00.000-04:00

Does This Really Mean Goodbye?

We all know how hard it can be to say goodbye. We've had to bid farewell twice in the past couple of weeks, and only one of them stuck, although not the one we were hoping for... Erika, who has brightened the Inn with her sarcastic wit and impeccable service for over four years, will be relocating to Southern Massachusetts with her family. She will be sorely missed, but we are confident she will stay in touch, and perhaps even moonlight for us on special occasions when her expertise is needed...Good Luck, Erika, We Miss You Already!!

Did Winter forget to check the calendar? We thought we had said goodbye, yet Mother Nature decided to play a late April Fool's joke on us. We woke up to snow on the ground, with more expected today and tonight...up to a foot of the white stuff! We're hoping it will melt over the next few days, so we can enjoy our Spring Vacation (Darby Field is closed April 9th-19th). I'll be content if we can at least get through mud season quickly...I'm ready to hit the hiking trails! The Inn is open on weekends only (Friday, Saturday, Sunday) in April, except for April 13th-15th. Don't forget to check our web site for our last minute specials during April. They will definately encourage you to "spring" up here (you knew I'd have to do at least once) for a weekend away! I hope Mother Nature is being kinder to those of you in other areas! Until next time, Happy Spring?!

Spring is on the Way!

2007-03-27T08:21:00.000-04:00

Changing of the Seasons:

Helllloooo MUD!

We are celebrating the end of another season here at the Darby. The last two sleigh rides went out on Thursday, March 22nd...the first full day of spring, coincidentally. The Smiths, of Rochester, New Hampshire, were celebrating an anniversary here at the Darby with the dinner and sleigh ride package (purchased for them by their adult children...) and the Savages were staying here at the Inn, from Merrimack, New Hampshire.
The end of snow officially begins an often dreaded season, mud season! While some people play in it, and the flowers live for it, we use it as an excuse to reflect on the past season, take a deep breath, and prepare for the next one. Kim, Beth and Spike are taking a well-deserved rest before carriage rides start up (keep an eye out for new carriage offerings later this spring...), Marc and Maria (the innkeepers) are taking a little vacation, and Faye is getting ready to work her magic in our award-winning gardens, again. We'll be following her progress this year, so keep checking back to watch our flowers (and vegetables) grow. I'll also be passing on gardening hints I pick up while helping her out, here and there. Just a reminder:

Darby Field will be closed from April 9th to April 19th, and then open weekends only 'til the 29th.

We still have some great specials going on, so keep an eye on the Last Minute Special page on our website. Do you want to be a spring bride? We've created a new page for elopements and intimate ceremonies that is worth a look. Golfers, please note our new midweek golf special, and for those who just love a great deal, our Spring is in the Air package is for you! Until next time, Enjoy Spring and watch out for the Mud!

(Our last sleigh rides: Top: Kim & Spike,

Middle: Winston & Monique Savage,

Bottom: Harry & Ginny Smith)

"Old" Friends & New Acquaintances

2007-03-16T11:41:00.000-04:00

Happy Birthday, Erik!

Some of our favorite guests showed up this past weekend to celebrate a milestone birthday - the big 5-0! The Forsbergs (Jane & Bob) and Scanlons (Deb & Erik) have been visiting us annually for about ten years. We are always happy to see them - they are warm and wonderful folks - and we were very pleased to be included in the birthday fun! We all assured Erik he doesn't look a day over 39...just look at this picture, do any of these folks seem over-the-hill?! As always, we were sorry to see them go, but look forward to their next visit!

The Squirrel Who Came to Stay...

Coincidentally, last weekend was also the first we saw of our new friend, a red squirrel, affectionately named Ivan Squirrelowski, who is now a regular under the bird feeder. He is hilarious to watch, whether stuffing as much birdseed as possible into his mouth, or defending his spot from grey squirrels, birds, other red squirrels and one man with a shovel! The birds (and some guests)find him to be a bit of a nuisance, but it's all harmless fun since there is a squirrel guard on the bird feeder. We don't know how long he'll stay once other food sources become available, so we'll just enjoy him while we can!

White Mountain Wedding

2007-03-13T10:48:00.000-04:00

Congratulations, Kim and Charlie!

Another aspect of life here at the Inn, are the events that do not require you to step outside our doors. Our suites seem to provide such a romantic environment that we sometimes don't see guests after check in 'til check out (we won't tell...). Many people get engaged here, whether in public (carriage/sleigh rides, dinner, in front of the fireplace...), or in private. Sometimes we are actively involved (supplying ambiance, champagne, special desserts...) and sometimes we only hear about it afterwards. There are at least twenty engagements that take place here per year, that we know of. It is always special when we get to see our friends follow through with the wedding, as Kim and Charlie did last Thursday evening.

Joined by their best friends, Rick and Gena, they stood before Marc (our Innkeeper, also a Justice of the Peace) and exchanged vows in front of a roaring fire, as the sun set behind the mountains. You couldn't ask for better special effects! Since Rick and Charlie are old-school pranksters, there were some jokes during and after the ceremony, all of which were taken in stride by Kim (she is so easy-going!). After the ceremony, everyone relaxed for a few in the tavern, then were seated in the dining room for their wedding meal.

If you have been thinking about either eloping or having a more intimate wedding, click here to see the different options we have here at the Inn ( http://www.darbyfield.com/weddings.htm ).If you don't see exactly what you're looking for, give us a call, we're always open to new ideas.

Thanks again for sharing, Charlie & Kim! Best of Luck to you both, and send us a postcard from the honeymoon!

Experience the Best Mix of Winter and Spring Weather!

2007-03-06T16:26:00.000-05:00

More News From the Darby Field Inn...

Greetings To All!

Just wanted to let everyone know winter is far from over. Conditions are optimal for every kind of outdoor winter sport you can name: Skiing, Sledding, Snowshoeing,and Snowmobiling. There are several reasons why now is the time to visit the Mount Washington Valley...

1) Snow, Beautiful Snow! The last couple of snow storms have left us with over two feet of wonderful snow, perfect for sports, playing, or "making" new friends (just ask Alisha Rose, Kim & Friends...)! Happy Birthday Alisha!!

2) You Can Stay Out Late(r)! No five o' clock shadows here! Play all day...about the time you're ready for dinner (6pm), you can still catch the sunset from our dining room.

3) Who Turned The Heat Up? Temperatures have been ideal. Just cold enough the snow doesn't melt, just warm enough you can enjoy the sun on your face without 20lbs of clothes! Who says March enters like a Lion? We're all outside, taking advantage of some "wooly" great weather!

Here at the Darby, our snowshoe and cross country ski trails are groomed and ready to go! Bring your own equipment and use them for FREE! New to these sports? $5.00 a day will buy you the use of Inn snowshoes and/or skis all day long - maybe you'll find a new reason to love winter! We've got almost 10km of trails, so make sure and take advantage of our Full Country Breakfast so you have enough fuel to make it through the day! Check out our website (www.darbyfield.com) for our most recent last minute special. We change it every couple of weeks, giving you yet another reason to plan a spur of the moment getaway. Hope to see you soon!

Wonderful Midwinter Conditions...

2007-02-20T13:20:00.000-05:00

Midwinter Greetings From The Darby Field Inn!

After squeaking by with just enough snow to run the sleighs, Valentine's Day brought what we needed ...SNOW! While many people rushed to postpone their dinner reservations, those with sleigh rides booked braved the elements for a romantic, snowy ride straight out of a Currier & Ives painting!

In fact, there are so many people booking sleigh rides we had to add another team, the Welsh Cobb Ladies. These black beauties were sent to special training camp, then got their hooves broken in doing carriage rides this past summer. All that hard work paid off as they are now proving to be a fantastic addition to the Darby Field family, helping Spike create winter memories for hundreds of people this season...

Of course, Spike is a well known fixture around here, known for having his own distinct personality. Its difficult to tell which he enjoys more - pulling guests in the sleigh, or hamming it up with them in front of the camera!

Vacation week was busy, and is now winding down, but there's more winter fun in store. The Mt. Washington Valley Chamber of Commerce (mtwashingtonvalley.org) is hosting a Winter Festival for ten days in the village of North Conway. There are tons of activities to get involved in all day long. Some are free, some require a small fee, but are worthwhile. And we all know the best way to unwind after a busy day of running around looking at exhibits, or shopping... putting your feet up in front of a roaring fire after having a wonderful meal in our dining room!

We have some of the nicest cross country skiing and snow shoeing trails in the valley! Did I tell you they are private and for our guests only. Marc (he's the innkeeper for those that don't know) is testament for the conditions out here in the back country... they are incredible!

Many guests have been out today and have raved about the magnificent view from the top of the hill. It's so peaceful and quiet on the trails they explain to us. A fox was seen scampering across the field. Oh, it's good to have the snow!! Thank you mother nature.

SLEIGH BELLS ARE RINGING!!!

2007-01-18T19:22:00.000-05:00

Yes! We have SNOW! Spike is out and happily ruling the sleigh trail! We thought for a moment there he might just pack up and take off for a colder climate, but the big guy stuck it out and now we have enough snow to run our sleigh! He's one happy horse!

Speaking of happy things, New Year's here at the inn was a festive and delicious night. Chef Joe was at his finest and we were fortunate to be joined by so many of our old friends who, despite the lack of snow at the time, came to visit with us anyway. We do want to thank our guests for making New Year's special for everyone here at the Darby.

If you're thinking of something romantic to do for Valentine's Day thing SLEIGH RIDE. Experience tells us that romanance blossoms when a couple is snuggled together on a moonlit sleigh ride! Bring along some roses for your sweetie and your sure to have a Valentine's Day to remember! If you want we can even arrange to have the rose ready and waiting when you get back. You don't have to be a guest at the inn to arrange a romantic sleigh ride. You can give us a call to reserve a sleigh and dinner package and we'll do the rest!

Stay warm and we hope to see you soon!

BRRRRR!

2007-01-01T12:35:00.000-05:00

It's a chilly day to be a bird here at the Darby Field Inn that's for sure! Today brings us little snow but lots of beautiful ice dripping from the evergreens. We have about four inches of snow or so on the ground, but sadly that is not enough to break out the sleigh just yet. It will however make for some stunning photography for those shutterbugs out there.

Today is January 1, 2007. New Year's Day. All the weekend guests have left and we have a few moments to sit and reflect on our hopes and dreams for the new year. Not just for our business, but also for each of us individually. What are our aspirations? What lofty resolutions will we set (and okay...most likely break...)? Some of us would like to do more Yoga and become healthier. Others will need our help quitting that smoking habit or losing a few pounds.
What is important to remember about our resolutions is that it is not in success that we will find fullfillment, but rather in the attempt. Every time we attempt to better ourselves in any way, shape or fashion, we cannot help but grow and learn. What more can we ask from any year than to expand the horizons of our bodies, minds and souls?
Ah, enough resolution talk.
This weekend brought many friends old and new to our inn. The fire burned bright, Hadley (a canine legend here at The Darby) popped by for a visit and enjoyed the Patriot's game with our guests, and we kept the homefires burning in our fieldstone fireplace in the living room. All in all a cozy, comfortable and pleasant New Year's weekend for all.
Here's wishing all of you, wherever you are, the happiest of all new years and we do hope that you will come and enjoy this beautiful home with us during the coming year.
Very Truly Yours,
Marc Donaldson, Innkeeper
(and staff!)

HOPPING FOR THE HOLIDAYS!

2006-12-05T14:51:00.000-05:00

Ho! Ho! Ho! Wow things are hopping here! This coming weekend is The Cookie Tour and then it's holiday time! We're ready here at the inn. Our decorating diva, Waneeta, has been up to her old tricks and the place looks great! Our multi-talented breakfast chef, Alan, has been climbing around outside and he's put up wonderful trim for this beautiful old house. Everything looks so nice!

Speaking of things that are "nice" we'd like to remind our faithful readers that it's time to start chanting for SNOW! Mount Washington is covered with snow and now it's our turn!

Everyone! All together now!! SNOW! SNOW! SNOW! That's the spirit! Spike is literally chomping at the bit to get hitched to his sleigh and the skis are practically dancing in the hallway! They're making so much snow in the ski areas that it looks like a blizzard up there! Trails are opening up daily and the early birds are already on the slopes.

I almost forgot to mention-New Year's Dinner is booking up fast so if you are in the mood for a feast give us a call at 800-426-4147 or 603-447-2181 and get your dinner reservation in now! Joe will be in full swing in the kitchen and the evening will bring on some outstanding culinary treats!

Hope to see you all soon! And remember, "SNOW! SNOW! SNOW!"

Snow! Snow! We want snow!

2006-11-20T14:35:00.000-05:00

Still no snow (winter of 05 in the picture), but I want to hear all you fans of the fluffy stuff chanting, “Snow! Snow! Snow!” We got teased today with a few scattered flurries! Not fair! We want more!

Wow! We just got the calendar of local events for our area for the winter and I can’t even begin to type everything that’s going on. Since all you skiers and boarders most likely know the incredible abundance of events for you here in the Whites, I’ll move on to activities other than the two biggies.

Close your eyes for a moment. Picture a field covered in pure, undisturbed white snow. In the middle is a lake of ice ready and waiting for you. You lace up the skates and go gliding along hand in hand with your honey. Under the winter sun, with a nip in the air you find yourself feeling alive. Winter’s blahs are gone and replaced with a renewed spirit of romance as you find yourself becoming part of the wonder of Winter.

Maybe skating isn’t your thing. Betcha haven’t built a snowman in a while have ya? Give it a shot yourself here on our wide open fields or come on up January 26th through the 28th to and see how the masters do it! Our neighboring community of Jackson holds its annual N.H. Snow Sculpting Competition the end of January and you won’t believe what they can do with snow! Puts a whole new perspective on “Frosty”!

How about casting away those winter traffic jam blues with a snowmobile tour through the amazing trails all throughout the mountains! Check out LilMan Snowmobile Rentals to do some real “dashing through the snow”!

When you’re done with all that winter fun in the valley lean back on our comfy sofa in front of a roaring fire. Put your feet up. Relax. How about a nice glass of wine or maybe some hot cocoa to warm those bones? We’ll take care of you. We’ve got just what you need. Peace and quiet in here and all the joys of winter waiting for you out there. Come on up for a visit. We’d love to have you as our guest

Chill in The Air!

2006-11-06T12:25:00.000-05:00

Winter’s chill is in the air (Winter 2005 to the left!). A quick glance at Mount Washington’s snow-covered peaks will let you know that snow is on it’s way to the valley. So far there have only been a few squalls here and there in the valley region, but it’s enough to stir the blood for those of us chomping at the bit for a sleigh ride!

Taking a look around the valley there is plenty to do in the winter. Of course everyone knows that skiing and snowboarding are always popular winter pursuits here in the mountains, but not all of us have the skill required to survive a zesty downhill run. Yours truly could only hope that whoever is behind me on the slopes is a medic! For those of us who don’t ski or board there are plenty of other opportunities for winter fun.

Snowmobiling is an exciting way to enjoy winter. Locally there are many places with clearly marked trails and beginner instruction. Some places offer self-guided trails and others with more complicated trails offer guided excursions. It’s a great way to see the wonders of winter.

Another wildly fun and low to no expertise way to get a winter rush is Tubing. Picture yourself flying down a groomed hill in a big rubber tube with the cold air rushing your cheeks! It’s like being a kid all over again!

If the stillness of the winter woods draws you in then snowshoeing and cross country skiing might just be for you. The hush of snow laden fields surrounds you and above you is that very special crystal blue sky that comes with winter in New England.

Of course there is one pastime that has and will continue to amuse snow bunnies of every era or skill level…snowman building. There is just something about rolling a huge snowball and then another one and then another one and putting it all together with a corn cob pipe and button nose that brings out the kid in all of us. Here at the Darby Field we have plenty of open spaces for you to bring your snowman to life!

Don’t forget to enjoy the sound of sleigh bells and cuddle up in a warm blanket on a sleigh ride while you’re staying with us!

Finish your snow fun off with a dinner in our spectacular dining room!

Hope to see you soon!

Winter's Joys

2006-10-29T14:53:00.000-05:00

Winter peeks her head over the tops of the mountains right about now. Mount Washington, at its peak, glitters with fresh coat of snow almost daily. The Winter People are gassing up the sleds, polishing the skis and digging out the mittens. There are snowmen out there just waiting to be born into the winter wonderland that is The Mount Washington Valley in this cold season. A few flurries now and then tease us with just a taste of winter’s frosting, but like all good natives, we close our eyes and hope that tomorrow brings more.

It’s amazing how much people can miss here in The Whites if they fall into the “I don’t ski” trap. Winter isn’t just for daredevils and kids around here. There are joys of the season for all. You can see that joy just starting to twinkle in Spike’s eyes as the cold air hits his nose and puts a spring in his mighty step.

So who, you ask, is Spike? If you’ve ever had a sleigh ride here at The Darby or taken a summer stroll up the hill, you have most likely met our local celebrity horse. Spike is a huge Belgian with amazing strength and an even more amazing personality. I guess Spike is what you’d call a “people horse”. He loves the snow, the people and being able to show off his incredible strength and agility.

Aelwen and Oonaugh are two eight year old Welsh Cobbs currently aiming for the premiere spot in the sleigh ride arena. Having only reached working maturity last year, the young-uns have a lot to learn from master Spike before he’ll resign his near royal status as Sleigh Horse. They are working hard and learning fast though. These girls are tough and strong and they like to prove it.

Come enjoy a sleigh ride at the Darby and meet these amazing animals. Snuggle under a toasty blanket and let Kim and his brilliant team show you that New England winter is more than ski slopes and ice. It’s a postcard beautiful world glittering in the moonlight as gentle flakes kiss rosy cheeks and the boughs of pines bend gracefully with the weight of a million diamonds of snow.

Now that is winter.

10/13/06

2006-10-13T16:41:00.000-04:00

The foliage is fading, but the view will still take your breath away! The mountain sides are alive with crimson and gold. There's a crisp nip to the air letting the natives know to polish up those snow boots and dig out the warm woolies. We've been fortunate the past few days to have bright sunshine and seasonable temps during the day and also have it just chilly enough outside at night to make you want to take advantage of that fireplace in our common room.

The Amazing White Birch

2006-10-13T15:51:00.000-04:00

The Amazing White Birch

Wow. If you think there's nothing much to look at nature- wise in New Hampshire after the foliage is gone, you need to explore the potential in the amazing White Birch.

The White Birch is a rarity in that it photographs better without it leaves than with them. The long, slender trunk sways in the wind as it's many sparkling branches reach out as if pointing toward the winter sun. Coupled with the rich blues of the sky, the image summons in the colder weather and the glorious snow.

The birch, in the spirit of all things traditional New England is as practical as it is beautiful. The Algonquian Native Americans made good use of this natural beauty. From it's bark came rattles, torches, moose calls, wigwams, canoes and many types of containers. Bark cut-outs or stencils were used to decorate. The bark also served as a type of paper for the native peoples. Birch bark makes wonderful tinder for campfires. The birch even had the amazing ability to save the natives from famine as it's bark can be boiled and eaten as food.

Come visit and explore the photographic potential of this New England wonder. We'd love to meet you!

Foliage 10/5/06

2006-10-07T11:57:00.000-04:00

Good Morning!
Wow! The colors are just unbelievable! All the leaf peepers are in town and there is much excitement all over the village. Take a ride on the Conway Scenic Rail for a real local taste of the foliage. Don't forget we have lots of packages to make things easy for you!
Hope to see you soon!

How to Explore Mount Washington

2006-10-05T14:56:00.000-04:00

How to explore Mount Washington

Fall/Winter 2006

The Mount Washington Auto Road
The hours for the auto road are varied during the fall season. Generally the auto road is open until 4PM until the end of October, but be aware that the weather on the mountain is not the weather you see here. It’s about 30 degrees colder on the summit than it is here. In August of 2006 there was snow on the mountain! We recommend that you call ahead to
603-466-3988 to make sure that the drive you have planned is going to happen. Remember the roads are narrow in spots and if the staff at the Auto Road says the drive is not a good idea for that day please understand it’s because we want our area guests to remain safe. The further up the mountain you get the colder it gets. Ice can make the auto road treacherous. Call first to ensure your plans will go off without a hitch!
Take Route 16 North past the junction of 16A & B.
Keep following 16 North and you will come to the Auto Road.
Estimated travel time is about 1 hour.

Auto Road Snow Coach Tours
Visit the world above the treeline this winter aboard the Snow Coach! Look down on the 5,500 acre Great Gulf Wilderness area and over the majestic peaks of the Northern Presidential Range!
For ticket information call 603-466-2333.
The Snow Coach operates out of the Auto Road location.

The Cog Railway
The drive over to Bretton Woods is a good hour from here, but the Cog is well worth it!
The Cog operates year round for both skiers and non-skiers to enjoy the mountain.
It’s a 3 hour round trip to the summit. After October 30th the train goes to Waumbek Platform and not to the summit.
The trip to Waumbek Platform is 1 hour roundtrip.
Call 603-278-5404 for reservations and more information.
Take Route 16 to 302 West to Bretton Woods.

Winter Hiking on Mount Washington
Winter hiking on the mountain is not recommended unless you are a VERY experienced hiker and have an experienced guide with you. The hike can take up to 15 hours and temperatures can vary as much as 30 degrees. We recommend Boulder Loop (snowshoes may be required), Tuckerman Ravine Trail is about 2 miles and is okay for the inexperienced hiker. Please make sure you are properly dressed. Snow, ice and weather conditions change rapidly here in the winter.
Be properly prepared and leave us your hiking plans and emergency contact numbers.

2006-09-18T12:45:00.000-04:00