Summer is Waning, Leaves They are a-Changing

It has been picture perfect the last two weeks and today is no exception.  Warm, sunny, blue-sky days … cool and very crisp nights, but no frost yet, thank goodness.  My beautiful flowers (and I) are very happy for that!  Summer will officially be with us for another month, but once Labor Day hits we all start to shift gears mentally and anticipate fall … one of the absolute best and most beautiful seasons in our White mountains. How is it possible that Labor Day is NEXT weekend already?  To me it seems like the summer just started. Let’s enjoy the fruits of our labors and take a much-deserved and needed rest from usual duties.  Call to make a reservation while rooms last … they’re filling fast!

Sunset Soiree on Mount Washington

Consider supporting Mount Washington’s wonderful work in weather observation, research and education by attending their sunset soiree on September 7th!  At this event you can Eat Dessert First … along with a champagne toast at sunset at the summit of Mount Washington! Following this magical start to the evening, guests are transported back to the Glen View Café at the base of the Auto Road where they are served an elegant dinner catered by the Thompson House Eatery. All proceeds go to the Observatory. MWO’s “Sunset Soiree on the Summit”is one of New England’s truly unique fundraising events, combining the rugged beauty of Mount Washington with delectable cuisine and a stunning sunset, all to support a very worthy cause. Time: 4:45-9:00pm; Place: Great Glen Trails Outdoor Center

Cost: $125 per person for Observatory members,$150 per person for non-members.

 

 

 

Adventure Photography Tours with Ernie Mills

Picture this…being in just the right spot at just the right time, camera in hand, with one of nature’s most magnificent scenes laid out before you…sound like a photographer’s dream, right? Well, the Mt. Washington Auto Road can now make that dream come true! During our summer season an exclusive series of Guided Photography Tours, led by renowned photographer Ernie Mills, is now being offered on the slopes and summit of the Northeast’s highest Peak as well as other spectacular spots in Pinkham Notch.

Experience the ever changing weather and climactic conditions where every moment reveals a breathtaking and constantly evolving view of the Presidential Range and beyond. Whether you’re a professional photographer who needs fast and certain access to unforgettable images, or an amateur seeking instruction and a helping hand from those who know and love this mountain, these tours have been designed for your enjoyment!

Tours are 3 hours in length and are being offered every Friday. Choose from either a Sunrise, Day time or Sunset tour. Specific appointments on other days of the week are available upon request. The daytime tour typically involves optional hikes into the Alpine Garden about 3 miles round trip from the Auto Road. The Alpine Garden visit may not be suited to all guests due to the medium level of rocky hiking.

Price: 12-17 yrs old $100
18 and up $150
not recommended for children under 12 years old

Box lunches are included from the Glen View Café for daytime and evening tours. Or after your sunrise tour enjoy breakfast in the Glen View Café.

To book your tour call Ernie at (317) 691-7376 or call the Auto Road at (603) 466-3988.

To make your experience more enjoyable you may be more comfortable if you bring the items on the gear/clothing list here.

See Ernie article in the May issue of NH To Do!

Guided Photography trips to the secrets of Mt. Washington – Great article by the Boston Examiner

Review from a recent guest

Ernie Mills Facebook Page
Ernie Mills Photography Website

Come Celebrate the 60th Anniversary at the Shannon Door

The Shannon Door is an 'institution' in Jackson and now it is celebrating its historic 60th Anniversary Celebration from September 5th through September 15th! Join them -- and us -- on any of these days as they celebrate 60 years of the Mulkern family's operation of New Hampshire's #1 Irish Pub experience. Walk to and from the Lodge to get there (it's just across the street).  Come and get reaquainted with old friends and musicians.  Celebrations include give-aways, door prizes and celebrity bartenders.  Check out their website (www.shannondoor.com) or Facebook page for dates of musicians and celebrity bartenders.  Live entertainment nightly. They hope that every one of their old and new friends will stop by to share a pint, a laugh and a song on this very special occasion.  Bring or send a favorite story of Oak Lee Lodge/ Shannon Door.

Expanded Hours for a "Peak" Experience!

Did you know that the Mount Washington Auto Road has new summer hours? Their awesome guided tours are now TWO  hours in length, giving you one full hour up on the summit. When you check into The Lodge, ask for your complimentary guest passes which entitle you to discounted guided tours, or one free passenger when you drive yourself to the summit.  It also gets you free use of the Great Glen Trails system of biking, running or walking, and a 50% discount on bike rental packages. Beat the heat by coming to the mountains and stay cool in the dog days of summer.

Seek the Peak - and Stay Cool!

A magnificent day to “Seek The Peak”! Postponed due to severe weather on the high peaks yesterday, today’s ‘rain date’ was made to order: clear, cool and cloudless; it couldn’t be more perfect!  This is the Mount Washington Observatory’s biggest fundraiser of the year … hundreds climb with pledges from friends and associates to help this great organization meet their financial goals. Not a hiker? No problem … the weather’s great in Jackson Village, too!  Trying to beat the oppressive heat wave? The mountains of New Hampshire are THE place to be! Tonight is forecasted to be 49 degrees and tomorrow’s high is 69! My favorite place to be each afternoon is in the middle of our stretch of the Ellis River. Come join me!

Calling All Hobbits!!

Calling all Hobbits … (and their families!!).  Our brand new Hobbit Playhouse has just arrived from Middle Earth, and joins our swing set and sandbox out by the river for lots of continued fun after Story Land closes for the day. Be one of the first to enter through the round  green door for lots of imaginative fun. It is so lovely that we recently had a young couple ask if they could rent it for an evening of camping!  Alas … we had to tell them that it is reserved for our Wee Folk alone here at The Lodge.  Come check it out for yourself! It’s the only one in our part of The Shire!