Granite State Stuff : Waterville Valley

Cranmore Mountain Offers New Hampshire's Best Value for Season Passes and Ticket Deals This Winter

AskLisa — Sat, 14 Nov 2009 01:13:00 GMT

November 30th price increase for season passes approaches

NORTH CONWAY, NH -- Cranmore Mountain, long known for its value for family skiing, offers the best season pass prices in the region. With season pass prices increasing November 30th, skiers and riders are encouraged to sign up for their passes for the coming winter to keep the sport affordable for the entire family.

Cranmore's "Happy Trails Pass" costs just $169 for kids ages 6-12 with no blackout dates. Teens ages 13-18 are just $299 and adults pay only $479 for unlimited skiing, or $319 for a pass with holiday restrictions.

Skiers and riders looking for even more variety can consider the Threedom Pass, now featuring Cranmore, Bretton Woods and Waterville Valley resorts. When you add up the numbers, it's easy to see how this 3-resort season pass delivers the most skiing and riding in New Hampshire. The combined trail count is 195 with 12 terrain parks, 893 acres of skiing and riding and 28 lifts. All three mountains are within an hour's drive of each other making the pass an easy choice for skiers heading up I-93 or I-95 to the White Mountains .

A 2009-2010 Threedom Pass Anytime option with no blackout dates at all three resorts is $839 for ages 19 and over skiers and riders; $499 for teens (ages 13-18) and $449 for juniors (ages 6-12). A Limited Edition Pass will also be sold for $739 for ages 19 and over, $439 for teens and $359 for juniors. The Limited Edition pass is valid any day at Cranmore and Waterville Valley and at Mount Washington Resort's Bretton Woods has blackout dates of 12/26/2009-1/2/2010, 1/16-1/17/2010, and 2/13-2/20/2010.

A 4-NH College Anytime Pass is offered to full time students and also includes Cannon Mountain. With a 4-NH College pass, students can ski and ride on over 1,060 acres of terrain with 255 trails, 13 terrain parks and 37 lifts, all less then 2 ½ hours from Boston. Good anyday, the cost is $289.

Threedom Passes will also feature a full line up of benefits for next winter including $10 off for friends and family on weekends and holidays, night skiing and riding at Cranmore and Bretton Woods and special offers on Nordic skiing and resort lodging. Benefits vary depending on pass type and will be posted on threedompass.com. Threedom Passholders also receive special benefits from sister resorts Northstar-at-Tahoe and Sierra-at-Tahoe in California.

Cranmore is also selling a 3-Pak, valid for any 3 days of skiing and riding for only $135. The 3-Pak can be purchased online or in person at the resort. For people visiting the Boston Ski and Snowboard Expo Nov. 19-22, the 3-Pak will be available for sale at the show only for $99. That price is not available at the resort, or online and will expire the last day of the show, Nov. 22. The resort will also be giving away free lift tickets at the Expo valid for its Ticket Roll Back Day on Fri., Dec. 18, 2009.

Prices on all passes will go up on November 30, 2009. For more information visit https://owa.unionleader.com/exchweb/bin/redir.asp?URL=http://cl.exct.net/?ju=fe2a15757c6706797c1672%26ls=fdf31170726c047873177473%26m=ff051572716605%26l=fe9a15727065067973%26s=fdf11571716d0079741d7870%26jb=ffcf14%26t=, https://owa.unionleader.com/exchweb/bin/redir.asp?URL=http://cl.exct.net/?ju=fe2915757c6706797c1772%26ls=fdf31170726c047873177473%26m=ff051572716605%26l=fe9a15727065067973%26s=fdf11571716d0079741d7870%26jb=ffcf14%26t= or call 1-800-SUN-N-SKI.

NH's Threedom Pass Price Deadline is November 30

AskLisa — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 20:48:00 GMT

Ski Waterville Valley, Cranmore and Bretton Woods All Season on One Pass

Waterville Valley, NH, November 10, 2009 ....The early season price deadline for New Hampshire's Threedom Pass will hit right after most of the resorts open later this month. Waterville Valley opens Saturday, November 21. Threedom Passes start at $739 for a Limited Edition for ages 19 and over, $439 for teens and $359 for juniors. It is valid any day at Cranmore and Waterville Valley with holiday blackout dates at Mount Washington Resort's Bretton Woods. An Anytime Threedom Pass with no blackout dates at all three resorts is $839 for ages 19 and over; $499 for teens (ages 13-18) and $449 for juniors (ages 6-12).

, NH, November 10, 2009 ....The early season price deadline for New Hampshire's Threedom Pass will hit right after most of the resorts open later this month. Waterville Valley opens Saturday, November 21. Threedom Passes start at $739 for a Limited Edition for ages 19 and over, $439 for teens and $359 for juniors. It is valid any day at Cranmore and Waterville Valley with holiday blackout dates at Mount Washington Resort's Bretton Woods. An Anytime Threedom Pass with no blackout dates at all three resorts is $839 for ages 19 and over; $499 for teens (ages 13-18) and $449 for juniors (ages 6-12).

The Threedom Pass offers a lot of skiing for the money. The total trail count is 195 with 12 terrain parks, 893 acres of skiing and riding and 28 lifts. All three resorts are within an hour's drive of each other, making the pass easy to use for White Mountain skiers and riders. Added benefits include $10 off for friends and family on weekends and holidays, night skiing and riding at Cranmore and Bretton Woods and special offers from Waterville's sister resorts Northstar-at-Tahoe and Sierra-at-Tahoe in California. A full list can be found at http://www.threedompass.com.

A 4-NH College Anytime Pass is offered to full time students and also includes nearby Cannon Mountain at a cost of $289 if purchased before November 30. WV Value, WV Senior, WV Military Edition Passes and Nordic Passes are also offered by Waterville Valley for the season and can be purchased online at http://www.waterville.com. Prices on all Threedom, WV Edition and Nordic Passes will go up on November 30, 2009. For more information visit http://www.waterville.com or call 1-800-468-2553.

WV Value, WV Senior, WV Military Edition Passes and Nordic Passes are also offered by Waterville Valley for the season and can be purchased online at http://www.waterville.com. Prices on all Threedom, WV Edition and Nordic Passes will go up on November 30, 2009. For more information visit http://www.waterville.com or call 1-800-468-2553.

Waterville Valley Resort's Russian Fairy Tale Art Exhibit

AskLisa — Tue, 20 Oct 2009 02:31:00 GMT

Master artists will bring magic of The Snow Maiden to Waterville Valley Resort this fall. Master decorative artists/teachers Tricia Joiner (Waterville Valley, NH) and Slava Letkov (Zhostovo, Russia), will demonstrate the creation of a series of fine art panels depicting episodes of the Russian fairy tale, "The Snow Maiden."

The panels are being painted by a group of Joiner's students from around the U.S. and Canada. The work is being done over the next month in the Town Square and the public is invited to stop by and observe the progress. The finished works will be unveiled at the Margret and H.A. Rey Center during the Thanksgiving weekend and on display during the winter holiday season in the Town Square shop windows. The panels will be featured at the Cookies, Snow, and Fairy Tales festival on December 12, 2009. It is sponsored by Tricia's Legacy Designs and I Dream of Beading.

At the completion of the project, there will be eight panels, telling the story of Father Frost and Mother Spring, who create a daughter made of snow. Her friends are the animals of the forest, and the Spirit of the Woods protects her from the Sun God who will melt her if she ever falls in love. This well-known Russian fairy tale is loved by young and old alike, and is a culmination of a long-time dream of Tricia Joiner's to bring the Russian painting styles and stories to life for the general public.

In commemoration of this event, the Rey Center in Town Square will be exhibiting an extensive selection of Russian decorative arts from Joiner's personal collection from Thanksgiving to Christmas.

Waterville Valley was designed and planned specifically as a self-contained, four seasons resort. Today in addition to its world-class ski area, Waterville Valley Resort has award-winning tennis courts, golf, hiking, biking, lodging, cultural activities and summer theater, an indoor ice rink, boating, a skate park, and a host of outdoor activities. Dining options include traditional favorites and elegant dining. For more information, call 1-800-GO-VALLEY or visit http://www.visitwatervillevalley.com.

Waterville Valley Resort's Yoga & Hiking retreat takes place November 6th-8th.

AskLisa — Fri, 16 Oct 2009 15:52:00 GMT

Participants will experience the full benefits of yoga with experienced Iyengar certified instructor Barbara Natichioni, and enjoy exhilarating local mountain hikes led by certified guide Dan Newton while being immersed in the fresh air of the White Mountains.

The Yoga & Hiking retreat includes twice daily yoga, hikes to two fabulous destinations, and delicious, wholesome meals. Those purchasing lodging through Town Square will get passes to the full-facility White Mountain Athletic Club.

To keep an intimate and relaxed setting, the retreat will be limited to just 16 participants. This weekend retreat is for anyone interested in wellness, fitness and personal growth. All ability levels welcome.

The retreat begins at 4:00 Friday November 6 in Town Square, where participants will meet one another, have refreshments, and partake of their first yoga session, followed by dinner. Saturday and Sunday will offer yoga classes, guided hikes, nutritious lunches, and some free time to explore. Cost for the retreat is $225. Lodging cost is separate, contact Town Square Condominiums: http://www.townsquarecondos.com. For retreat questions, email Barbara at yoganewz@gmail.com.

Waterville Valley was designed and planned specifically as a self-contained, four seasons resort. Today in addition to its world-class ski area, Waterville Valley Resort has award-winning tennis courts, golf, hiking, biking, lodging, cultural activities and summer theater, an indoor ice rink, boating, a skate park, and a host of outdoor activities. Dining options include traditional favorites and elegant dining. For more information, call 1-888-442-9887 or visit http://www.visitwatervillevalley.com.

Expanded snowmaking and grooming lead list of mountain investments at Waterville Valley

AskLisa — Fri, 02 Oct 2009 00:39:00 GMT

Waterville Valley has spent over $600,000 this summer on key snowmaking and grooming projects to bring our guest's on-mountain winter experience to an even higher level for 09-10. Here's a quick look:

1. Forty new low energy tower guns have been installed on White Caps and the Chute to ensure earlier and more expansive snowmaking in the early season.

2. A new Prinoth 350 Snow Cat has been added to the resort's extensive fleet for nightly grooming and for park maintenance.

3. Snowboarders will find a new line up of rails and boxes in Exhibition Park created by Luke Mathison. The resort will continue its popular signature features program including the Oakley Hubba and new Fuel-TV Skateledge.

4. Waterville's investment in online technology continues with the addition of online rentals. To get out on the slopes faster, ski and snowboard equipment can now be reserved at waterville.com if purchased 48 hours in advance. Skiers and riders can also continue to buy lift tickets for $10 off if purchased 48 hours in advance at waterville.com.

5. A new Sport Thoma Retail Accessories Shop will open on the main floor of the base lodge, next to "Everything Waterville". It will be stocked with handwarmers, goggles, gloves and hats.

6. The Waterville Valley Snowboard Rental Shop has been fixed up with updated snowboard set-up stations to get riders out on their Burton boards even faster.

Thanks to the mountain's high elevation, Waterville Valley is always one of the first to start up the snowguns and plans to open Sat., November 21. The 09-10 Events Calendar kicks off opening day with the Rome Pre-jib snowboard rail event followed by the Northern Lights Celebration over Thanksgiving Weekend in Town Square. Go to http://www.waterville.com for a full events schedule.

Local Views: A Valley of Art

AskLisa — Thu, 24 Sep 2009 15:18:00 GMT

The Margret & H.A. Rey Center announces the opening reception of LOCAL VIEWS: A VALLEY OF ART on Sunday, October 11 from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., featuring a slideshow by photographer highlighting his stunning polar bear photos at 7:30 p.m. The exhibit will showcase seven local New Hampshire artists: Kirsten Carruth, Sarah Heidenis, Andrew Tyler, Mary Ellen Sakura, Willey Peckham, and James Schofield. The Margret and H.A. Rey Center is located on the second level of Waterville Valley Resort's Town Square. Admission is free and appetizers will be served. Artists will be in attendance to answer questions about their work and artistic process.

Kirsten Carruth uses a unique pallet of reclaimed wooden doors to create her illustrations of old fairy tales and children's books, which appeal to groups of all ages. Kirsten is based out of Groton, New Hampshire and her inspiration comes from hiking in the White Mountains. Sarah Heidenis is a graduate of Plymouth State College in Art Education. Sarah speaks of her art as part of "a natural world that I feel a true connection with living in. The White Mountains of New Hampshire is a true inspiration I feel lucky to be part of this beautiful landscape and to be able to splash color on paper and feel complete."

Maryellen Sakura says of her pieces, "my work reflects a concern for and a love of nature." Maryellen is an artist and printmaker who has lived and worked in Waterville Valley for the past ten years. James Schofield is a young, local artist who attends Plymouth State University and enjoys mixed media. James believes "art is an essential capacity within everyone, allowing us to cope with the extremes of our sometimes unbearable spectrum of emotions, regardless of culture or medium." Roberta Britton, an art educator for 25 years enjoys using natural materials and is inspired by the local views for her paintings.

Rounding out the group are Andrew Tyler and Willey Peckham. Andrew, a local photographer, enjoys the challenge of "trying to capture a subject that is ever changing with the seasons and the weather." Andrew shares his love for macro photography as being, "by far my most favorite medium of photography. Finding a new view on many things often overlooked." Willey Peckham travels around the world in search of capturing the true moments of living. Willey has been developing his photography since college in a variety of settings and locations. Willey will present a slideshow of his beautiful collection of Polar Bear photographs at 7:30 p.m. during the gallery's opening reception.

LOCAL VIEWS: A VALLEY OF ART will be on exhibit throughout the months of October and November. Margret and H.A. Rey, authors of the Curious George children's books series and former summer residents of Waterville Valley, New Hampshire, were artists and adventurers, historians and naturalists, gardeners and stewards. Today their spirit lives on in the Margret and H.A. Rey Center, a non-profit organization dedicated to honoring the Reys' legacy through art, science, and adventure programs for all ages. To register for this program or for more information please contact the Margret and H.A. Rey Center at 603-236-3308.

Waterville Valley Resort to Offer Wine Weekend

AskLisa — Thu, 24 Sep 2009 01:18:00 GMT

Waterville Valley Resort will offer a wine weekend to pair the best of New England's fall colors with the tones of wine from the Adega Coop. de Borba in Portugal's Alentejo Region. Stay Saturday night October 17^th and attend an exclusive wine tasting all for just $62 per person, with 6 hotels to choose from.

The wines of the Adega Coop. de Borba will be offered, accompanied by the sounds of the Tom Robinson Jazz Trio. The event is included for resort guests, and $5 per adult for non-guests, a suggested donation to benefit the Margret and H.A. Rey Center. The tasting will be held from 4:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. at Diamond’s Edge North in the Town Square.

Borba is one of Portugal’s premier wine producers. In recent decades, the Alentejo's winemakers have ushered in many modern advancements, earning critical acclaim for their full-bodied, fruity reds and light, oaky whites. On the border of Spain, this arid region is a rural place of rolling plains covered with large agricultural estates, and dotted with whitewashed homes and cork trees. The Alentejo climate of hot summers and cool winters helps create flavorful grapes that transfer into characteristically ripe and complex wines.

Founded in 1955, the Adega Coop. de Borba was the first of a series of cooperatives in the Alentejo region. Today, the Adega Coop. de Borba is made up of 300 members whose vineyards cover a total area of 2,200 metric acres. About two-thirds are dedicated to red grape varietals and one-third grow white varietals. Last year the amount of grape varieties was expanded, including the Aragonez, Trincadeira, Touriga Nacional, Tinta Caiada/Antão Vaz, and Roupeiro varieties.

To continually uphold and improve the quality of its products, the Adega Coop. de Borba strives to inspire the passion of making great wines. After selecting and cultivating the best grape varietals, it is the commitment of the cooperative members that has made Borba a world-class wine.

Waterville Valley was designed and planned specifically as a self-contained, four seasons resort. Today in addition to its world-class ski area, Waterville Valley Resort has award-winning tennis courts, golf, hiking, biking, lodging, cultural activities and summer theater, an indoor ice rink, boating, a skate park, and a host of outdoor activities. Dining options include traditional favorites and elegant dining. For more information, call 1-800-GO-VALLEY or visit http://www.visitwatervillevalley.com.

Fall Foliage Fests, Ski Sales & Lodging Packages at Waterville Valley

AskLisa — Wed, 16 Sep 2009 03:09:00 GMT

In addition to Autumn leaf peeping, hiking, and biking in the White Mountains, Waterville Valley, New Hampshire serves up two action packed family event weekends this fall. Both also offer all-inclusive family getaways starting at $49 per person.

On Saturday, October 2, it's Waterville Valley's 20th annual Chowderfest with area restaurants vying for the "best chowda" award. Guests sample all the chowders for a small fee and then vote for their favorite. Chowderfest and an outdoor concert start in Town Square at 12:00 Noon. A Chowderfest Lodging Package includes two nights lodging, tickets to the Chowderfest, one Chowderfest souvenir, all Summer Unlimited recreation and starts at $49 per person/night based on a family of four (prices vary by lodge).

Over Columbus Day Weekend, October 10-12, the White Mountains in their brilliant fall colors provide the background to a two day Fall Foliage Festival. Saturday events feature amusement rides, outdoor concerts and Curious Kids events at the Curious George Cottage. Sunday's events start at 9:00 am with a 1.6k Family Fun Run followed by a 5k Foot Race sponsored by the Town of Waterville Valley Recreation Department. On Sunday there's pumpkin painting and mini pie eating competition. Two weekend tent sales, Sport Thoma's "kick off the season sale" and the WVBBTS Ski and Snowboard Swap, will help skiers and snowboarders get a jump start on the season. More details can be found at http://www.waterville.com. Fall Foliage Festival Lodging Packages feature daily tennis, daily round of golf, two hours of mountain biking and access to the White Mountain Athletic Club plus $50 in Town Square Bucks. Package prices start at $51 per person, per night, based on a family of four.

Chowderfest and Fall Foliage Festival Packages are offered at the Black Bear Lodge, Golden Eagle Lodge, Snowy Owl Inn, Valley Inn, Village Condos and Town Square Condominiums. Packages can be booked online at waterville.com or by calling 1-800 GO VALLEY. Rates do not include taxes and are subject to availability.

This fall experience the colors of New Hampshire off the beaten path

AskLisa — Tue, 01 Sep 2009 19:21:00 GMT

The air is starting to feel cool and the leaves in some parts of New Hampshire are already showing a hint that fall is on its' way. While we have had our fill of a rainy summer, the approach of the fall foliage season provides a reason to step outside and experience New Hampshire's fall colors. The Granite State offers many ways to experience the season off the beaten path whether through a hike, a drive, or a weekend stay. A foliage leaf peeking excursion can also be combined with a visit to one of the many state's attractions. New Hampshire in the fall bursts with the colors of nature and adventurous activities to keep the entire family busy.

New Hampshire's foliage season runs roughly from mid-September to mid-October, but this varies widely depending on weather, topography and geography. Just before the season begins, a sneak preview of fall can be found as swamp maples surrounding some ponds and lakes may turn a fiery red, and the deciduous trees of northern New Hampshire may have already begun their transformation. Columbus Day Weekend is often the focal point of fall foliage excursions, but the White Mountains can present earlier colors.

There are plenty of activities to keep visitors busy for a day or weekend.
Here are a few tips for enjoying New Hampshire's fall colors:

TAKE A CRUISE FOR A COLORFUL VIEW
One special place to enjoy the foliage show is Lake Winnipesaukee. It's hard to see foliage while you're driving, so why not take a cruise on the M/S Mount Washington and let the captains do the driving (and save the gas). The big lake has amazing color and the juxtaposition of the water and sky can be breathtaking. Starting Sunday, September 27, the Mount will offer Fall Foliage Dinner Cruises from 4:30 to 7 p.m. each Sunday through mid-October. The cruise departs from Weirs Beach, boarding at 4 p.m. Cost is adults: $43, children: $23 and a family pass is available for $109 (2 Adults and 2 Children). For more information visit http://www.cruisenh.com or call 888-843-6686.

SPEND A WEEKEND ENJOYING THE SEASON
Purity Spring Resort offers a fall foliage package September 7 through October 17 including lodging, breakfast, kayaking and canoeing, and other resort amenities. Local activities include apple picking, country fairs, a corn maze, shopping, and walks on the NH Audubon trails. For more information visit: http://purityspring.com/packages/fall-foliage-package.php or call 1-800-373-3754.

TAKE THE TRAIN THROUGH THE TREES OR A LIFT OVER THE MOUNTAINS
Climb aboard one of the region's three sightseeing trains for unique views of foliage: Hobo Scenic Railroad in Lincoln; the Conway Scenic Railroad in Conway, and the Cog Railway that chugs up Mount Washington from its base in Bretton Woods.

For a different aerial view, take the sky ride to get a bird's eye view of fall foliage. Ski mountains in the area offer trips on their chair lifts and gondolas to the tops of their mountains, where the views can be simply spectacular. Consider the Loon Mountain Gondola in Lincoln; the Wildcat Mountain Gondola in Jackson, and the Cannon Mountain Aerial Tramway in Franconia.

For more information visit http://www.visitwhitemountains.com or call 603-745-8720.

VIEW A LITTLE INDOOR COLOR
The Currier Museum of Art in Manchester provides a reason to step inside to experience the colors and textures in their featured exhibits. Turning Wood Into Art: The Jane and Arthur Mason Collection, is on display through September 27, 2009 and features 65 exquisitely crafted objects from one of the world's foremost collections of contemporary lathe-turned wood and highlights the aesthetic achievements in this medium. Spotlight New England: Gary Haven Smith and Gerald Auten is also on view through September 13, and features art by these two prominent New England artists. Opening September 26 is Evolution of a Shared Vision: The David and Barbara Stahl Collection, which features an extraordinary collection of prints and drawings, carefully assembled over a 50-year period by these two long-time New Hampshire residents. For more information visit http://www.currier.org or call 603.669.6144, ext. 108.

SURROUNDED BY FOREST AT WATERVILLE VALLEY RESORT
Waterville Valley is a full-featured resort area, which just happens to be surrounded by some of the most spectacular landscapes in northern New England The adjacent White Mountain National Forest features America's oldest network of hiking trails leading to spectacular views in all directions.

To complement the brilliant fall foliage, Waterville Valley's Town Square is hosting a Fall Carnival Saturday and Sunday, October 10 and 11, 2009. The weekend will feature a variety of family activities including free outdoor concerts, merchant tent sales, carnival rides and more. A Black & Blue Trail Smashers Ski swap will be held Saturday. On Sunday, a 5K-road race and an eating contest will be held. The hotels of Waterville Valley Resort will offer a package deal that includes two nights lodging, $50 in Town Square bucks, and Summer Unlimited activities starting at $63 per person, per night based on quad-occupancy. Or, enjoy the 20th Annual Chowderfest on Saturday October 3, 2009 (12 to noon) as local restaurants bring their chowders to booths at Town Square in hopes of winning the coveted prize of "Best Tasting Chowder" For more information, visit http://www.visitwatervillevalley.com or call 800-GO-VALLEY.

New England Fiddler Adam Boyce at the Rey Center

AskLisa — Wed, 19 Aug 2009 20:46:00 GMT

The Margret and H.A. Rey Center in Waterville Valley has received a grant from the New Hampshire Humanities Council Humanities To Go! Program to sponsor an entertaining musical program by Adam Boyce, titled "Old Time Rules Will Prevail: The Fiddle Contest in New Hampshire and New England." The program will be presented on Friday, August 28, 2009 at 8:00 p.m. at the Margret and H.A. Rey Center in Waterville Valley Resort's Town Square. This amusing and informative program is free and open to the public of all ages.

Fiddle contests evolved from being endurance events to playing a set number of tunes judged by certain specific criteria. Whether large or small, fiddle contests tried to show who was the "best," as well as preserve old-time fiddling and raise money for local organizations. In recent years, the fiddle contest has declined significantly in New Hampshire and Vermont due to cultural changes and financial viability. The greatest legacies of the fiddle contest are the recordings made during live competition, a sampling of which are played during the presentation, along with some live fiddling by the presenter.

Adam Boyce, a 10th generation Vermonter and fiddler in his own right, has been involved with nearly every aspect of fiddle contests in New England since 1994, including judge, piano backup, as well as competitor. He was the 2000 Vermont division champion at the Northeast Fiddlers contest in Barre, Vermont, and has placed in nearly every New England state. Adam is also an Eastern style square dance caller who fiddles and calls simultaneously, and also plays piano backup for other fiddlers throughout Vermont and New Hampshire. You can also find Adam listed as a Juried Artist with the Vermonts Arts Council.

Rey Center Gallery programs highlight visual and performing arts, featuring local and regional artists, and are typically scheduled for the last Friday of the month during the summer and winter seasons. Margret and H.A. Rey, authors of the Curious George children's book series and former summer residents of Waterville Valley, NH, were artists and adventurers, historians and naturalists, gardeners and stewards. Today their spirit lives on in the Margret and H.A. Rey Center, a non-profit organization dedicated to honoring the Reys' legacy through art, science, and adventure programs for all ages. To register for this program or for more information please contact the Margret and H.A. Rey Center at www.reycenter.org or 603-236-3308.

Old Time Rules Will Prevail is one of over 250 programs and exhibits available to organizations statewide, through the Humanities to Go! Catalog. For more information contact the NH Humanities Council in Concord at 603-224-4071 or on the web at http://www.nhhc.org.

Waterville Valley Resort hosts Bluegrass Festival

AskLisa — Mon, 10 Aug 2009 21:12:00 GMT

The 4th annual Bluegrass Festival will be held August 21 to 23 in Waterville Valley Resort's Town Square, rain or shine, with live Bluegrass bands Friday 6 to 10 p.m., Saturday noon to 9 p.m. and Sunday 10-3. Kid's activities, face painting, barbeque, food concessions, and raffles occur throughout the weekend. The Margret & H.A. Rey Center offers Saturday programs like Curious Kids, Curious George Story Time, and Astronomy night with the McAuliffe-Shepard Discovery Center. Fireworks over Corcoran's Pond light up the sky at 8:45 p.m. Saturday. Fireworks sponsored by Atlas Fireworks. Sunday morning starts off with music, an interactive live animal presentation, and church services all at 10 a.m.

Bands scheduled to perform include the Katahdin Valley Boys, Pine Hill Ramblers, Blackstone Valley Bluegrass, Monadnock, Mahogany Ridge, Iron Skillet, and Sugar Hillbillies. There is no admission charge for this festival. Suggested donation is $10 per individual or $25 per family, and donation packages include raffle tickets and other goodies. Lawn chairs and blankets welcome!

Special lodging packages include Friday and Saturday night stays, a Bluegrass Passport, and Summer Unlimited Activities starting at $52 per person, per night based on quad occupancy. The passport includes $40 in Bluegrass Bucks good at any food concession, coupons for goodies, and 10 raffle tickets to win prizes such as lodging, lift tickets, massage and more.

The Waterville Valley Summer Unlimited package includes boating, mountain biking, tennis, golf, ice skating, access to the White Mountain Athletic Club, use of the Waterville Valley shuttle, a scenic chair lift ride up Snow's Mountain, and access to the Waterville Valley Recreation's open gym program. With all the activities included in the price, guests who take advantage of this package will save at least 50 percent on their family vacation.

Waterville Valley was designed and planned as a self-contained, four-season resort. Today, in addition to its world-class ski area, Waterville Valley Resort has award-winning tennis courts, golf, hiking, biking, lodging, cultural activities and summer theater, an indoor ice rink, boating, a skate park, and a host of outdoor activities. Dining options include both traditional favorites and elegant eateries. For more information, call 1-800-GO-VALLEY or visit http://www.visitwatervillevalley.com.

Mix Chocolate & Jazz at Waterville Valley

AskLisa — Tue, 21 Jul 2009 12:46:00 GMT

Waterville Valley Resort's 10th Annual Chocolate & Jazz event will be held Saturday, August 1 in the Town Square from 6 to 9 p.m. In the courtyard circled by shops and restaurants, an evening of palate pleasures is planned. Chocolate temptations offered by area merchants are sold by the piece under the lit outdoor canopy, while the Tom Robinson Trio puts on a jazz concert from the gazebo, free to the public. This year additional activities include chocolate hand murals, and (for the chocolate Diva!), a Name-That-Chocolate-Bar contest. This is a perfect event to reconnect with friends under the evening stars.

For those who want to pair their chocolate with beverage, a wine tasting will be held at Jugtown, a wine cellar and country store in Town Square, from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m. Cappuccino drinks at the Coffee Emporium will delight the coffee-lovers palate.

Take in the arts with Friday night's outdoor mainstage show "The 3-D Musketeers" by Shakespeare in the Valley at 6 pm, or the Rey Center Gallery Program from 8-9 pm which highlights local visual and performing artists. Curious George fans can stop in to the new Margret & H.A. Rey Visitor Center in Town Square. Visit http://www.reycenter.org for more information.

Special lodging packages include Friday and Saturday night stays, plus a chocolate welcome kit at arrival, vouchers for dessert at the Chocolate and Jazz event, and Summer Unlimited Activities. Prices start at $49 per person per night based on quad-occupancy.

The Waterville Valley Summer Unlimited package includes boating, mountain biking, tennis, golf, access to the White Mountain Athletic Club, use of the Waterville Valley shuttle, a scenic chair lift ride up Snow's Mountain, ice skating in the indoor arena, and access to the Waterville Valley Recreation's open gym program. An all-inclusive price for these activities provides guests an opportunity to save at least 50 percent on their family vacation through this package.

Waterville Valley was designed and planned specifically as a self-contained, four seasons resort. Today in addition to its world-class ski area, Waterville Valley Resort has award-winning tennis courts, golf, hiking, biking, lodging, cultural activities and summer theater, kids camps, an indoor ice rink, boating, a skate park, and a host of outdoor activities. It is home to the Margret and H.A. Rey Center and Curious George Cottage, and it hosts summer outdoor concerts, Children's Theatre, and numerous summer festivals. Dining options include traditional favorites and elegant dining. For more information, call 1-800-GO-VALLEY or visit http://www.visitwatervillevalley.com.

Meet Curious George! America's Favorite Monkey has a New Home in Waterville Valley

AskLisa — Mon, 13 Jul 2009 20:16:00 GMT

The Curious George Cottage, located in Waterville Valley Resort, New Hampshire, was once home to Margret and H.A Rey, creators of the world's most beloved monkey, Curious George and authors of the bestselling Curious George books. And, on July 25th the Curious George Cottage will dedicate their new visitor's center and program space in Waterville Valley's Town Square.

The Rey Center's new Visitor Center will let families can satisfy their curiosity by exploring a variety hands-on exhibits, try their hand at drawing in the style of H.A. Rey, pull up a beanbag chair to read their favorite Rey stories, or relax and watch episodes of the Curious George cartoon.

The curious little monkey and his friend the Man in the Yellow Hat will visit Waterville Valley Resort from Friday through Sunday, August 7 to the 9, 2009, to attend the 3rd Annual Curious George Cottage Family Festival hosted by the non-profit Margret and H.A. Rey Center.

The Curious George Festival will feature a weekend full of fun, family-friendly activities including a banana pancake breakfast, family nature discovery walk, fireman's barbecue lunch, photo opportunities with Curious George and the Man in the Yellow Hat, a traveling barnyard, live music, face painting, games for kids, Curious George story hour and movie viewing, planetarium shows by Plymouth State University, an energy fair, family spaghetti dinner, and more.

While visiting Waterville Valley Resort families can also enjoy swimming and boating, walks on the many hiking trails in Waterville Valley, chairlift rides, and ice skating at Waterville Valley's indoor ice arena. The resort is also home to an award-winning tennis center and family-friendly 9-hole golf course.

New Hampshire's only outdoor Shakespeare theatre company, Shakespeare in the Valley, will perform on Friday and Saturday during the Festival. Theatre productions include the child friendly Sugar-Coated Shakespeare, and performances of The Tempest and 3-D Musketeers.

Purchase tickets or learn more about the Curious George Cottage Family Festival by visiting http://www.reycenter.org or call 603-236-3308 for additional information.

Curious George invites you to spend the weekend at Waterville Valley. The Curious George Cottage Family Festival lodging package starts at $56 per person per night (quad occupancy) and includes: Friday and Saturday night lodging, admission to a fireman's BBQ lunch, photo opportunity with Curious George, traveling barnyard, live music, face painting, kid's games, Curious George story time, movie viewing, planetarium show, energy fair, and nature walks, plus a Curious George souvenir. Additional fees charged for banana pancake breakfast and Curious George spaghetti dinner.

Waterville Valley Resort offers an "Unlimited" amount of family fun throughout the summer with the Summer Unlimited package. Stay at a participating Waterville Valley inn or lodge and your lodging plus an array of activities are included for just one low price. Summer Unlimited provides all the fun activities that people cherish in New England each summer: boating, mountain biking, tennis, golf, access to the White Mountain Athletic Club, resort-wide shuttle, a scenic chair lift ride up Snow's Mountain, and gym time at the Waterville Valley Recreation Department. In addition, families staying at Waterville Valley for at least three nights can send their children ages 6-12 to a day of Kids Camp. The all-inclusive Summer Unlimited lodging and recreation package provides guests an opportunity to save at least 50 percent on their family vacation.

Waterville Valley Resort hosts many events that provide families an opportunity to spend quality time together in a location that encourages the exploration of nature, fosters creativity, and welcomes curiosity.

Waterville Valley was designed and planned specifically as a self-contained, four season resort. In addition to its world-class ski area, Waterville Valley Resort has award-winning tennis courts, golf, hiking, biking, lodging, cultural activities and summer theater, an indoor ice arena, boating, a skate park, and a host of outdoor activities. Dining options include traditional favorites and elegant dining.

For lodging and resort information, call 1-800-GO-VALLEY or click online at http://www.visitwatervillevalley.com.

Eco Art Weeks for Kids at Waterville Valley's Curious George Cottage

AskLisa — Sat, 11 Jul 2009 01:33:00 GMT

The Margret and H.A. Rey Center in Waterville Valley is partnering with lo cal Eco Artist Cynthia Robinson to present a week of art and nature programs for youth at their Curious George Cottage Studio. Children between the ages of 4 and 9 will have the opportunity to create sculptures using natural materials, contributing to an art trail along the Curious George Cottage Nature Trail.

Art TrailWorks! is being offered for ages 7-9 on July 27-31 from 9:00 a.m. -12:00 p.m. each day. Participants will explore natural materials and build "eco art" along the Curious George Nature Trail. Children will explore patterns, colors, lines, and shapes, while working together and individually with bark, sticks, rocks, pinecones, leaves, and more, highlighting the trail's natural beauty. Participants will also create drawings, use digital photography, and then work together to design a group book that tells the story of the Art Trail. Every participant will receive a published copy of the group Art TrailWorks! book. The cost ifor this age group is $145.

Exploring Nature and Art is being offered for ages 4-6 on July 27-31 from 1:00 - 3:00 p.m. each day. Participants will base explorations on questions such as "Who lives in our woods?" and "What kinds of creatures walk on the Curious George Nature Trail?". Using natural materials, children will build shelters, webs, and nests for the local creatures along the Nature Trail. The sculptures will become part of a growing Art and Nature Trail. Participants will also be working on drawing, painting, and printmaking that will become part of the Art Trail Book. Every child will receive a published copy of the group Exploring Nature and Art book. The cost for this age group is $120.

Cynthia Robinson is a Visual Artist with over twenty years experience designing, teaching, and directing learning and arts programs. Cynthia's business, Eco Art a la carte is based on her work as an "Eco Artist" (a new form of environmental artist) and her passion for teaching. She believes that visual art can provide a simple gateway to understanding and exploring the natural environment. Cynthia explains, "Developing this relationship between students and the places in which they live is, in my opinion, essential to educating socially and environmentally conscious future adults. My approach to teaching is based on creating a learning space where students can apply their natural creative ability to new materials and concepts."

Margret and H.A. Rey, authors of the Curious George children's book series and former summer residents of Waterville Valley, NH, were artists and adventurers, historians and naturalists, gardeners and stewards. Today their spirit lives on in the Margret and H.A. Rey Center , a non-profit organization dedicated to honoring the Reys' legacy through art, science, and adventure programs for all ages. To register for this program or for more information please contact the Margret and H.A. Rey Center at http://www.reycenter.org or 603-236-3308.

Art Naturally at the Curious George Cottage

AskLisa — Tue, 07 Jul 2009 01:08:00 GMT

The Margret and H.A. Rey Center in Waterville Valley is partnering with local Eco Artist Cynthia Robinson to present two week-long art and nature programs for youth. Children will have the opportunity to create sculptures using natural materials, contributing to an art trail along the Curious George Cottage Nature Trail.

Art TrailWorks! is being offered for ages 7-9 on July 27-31 from 9:00 a.m. -12:00 p.m. each day. Participants will explore natural materials and build "eco art" along the Curious George Nature Trail for all to enjoy. Children will think about patterns, colors, lines, and shapes, while working together and individually with bark, sticks, rocks, pinecones, leaves, and more, highlighting the trail's smallest details and natural beauty. Participants will also create drawings, use digital photography, and then work together to design a group book that tells the story of our Art Trail. Every participant will receive a professionally published copy of the group Art TrailWorks! book.

Exploring Nature and Art is being offered for ages 4-6 on July 27-31 from 1:00 – 3:00 p.m. each day. Participants will base explorations on questions such as "Who lives in our woods?" and "What kinds of creatures walk on the Curious George Nature Trail?". Using natural materials, children will build shelters, webs, and nests for the local creatures along the Nature Trail. The sculptures will become part of a growing Art and Nature Trail. Participants will also be working on drawing, painting, and printmaking that will become part of the Art Trail Book. Every child will receive a professionally published copy of the group Exploring Nature and Art book.

Cynthia Robinson is a Visual Artist with over twenty years experience designing, teaching, and directing learning and arts programs. As a working visual artist, making art is a regular part of Cynthia's life, which compliments and inspires her various teaching/presentation events. When asked about the inspiration for her work, Cynthia responded, "I find that my students inspire my own artwork and vice-versa. The processes and concepts may be different, but the energy and creative spirit cross back and forth." Cynthia's business, Eco Art a la carte is based on her work as an "Eco Artist" (a new form of environmental artist) and her passion for teaching. She believes that visual art can provide a simple gateway to understanding and exploring the natural environment. Cynthia explains, "Developing this relationship between students and the places in which they live is, in my opinion, essential to educating socially and environmentally conscious future adults. My approach to teaching is based on creating a learning space where students can apply their natural creative ability to new materials and concepts."

Margret and H.A. Rey, authors of the Curious George children's book series and former summer residents of Waterville Valley, NH, were artists and adventurers, historians and naturalists, gardeners and stewards. Today their spirit lives on in the Margret and H.A. Rey Center, a non-profit organization dedicated to honoring the Reys' legacy through art, science, and adventure programs for all ages. To register for this program or for more information please contact the Margret and H.A. Rey Center at http://www.reycenter.org or 603-236-3308.