Still Time to Get All Your Ducks in a Row

Jackson’s Annual Wildquack Duck Festival made history last week when this Rain or Shine event was postponed due to SNOW, (that’s record-breaking news, too!).  The combination of torrential rains and ‘potential skiing’ not only made it unlikely that anyone would come … and that those who did would be mighty uncomfortable; it made it extremely dangerous for our young ‘Stuck-Duck Patrollers’ to do their jobs in the river.  As it turned out, it didn’t snow in Jackson, but it did on Mount Washington and Wildcat.  However it was cold and windy, and the Big Quacks who made the decision made the right call; having it that day on the wetter-than-wet field just wouldn’t have been fun. So …. we now have a second chance for fun! The new date is Saturday, June 8^th – an all-day event on the  town field. And speaking of ‘chances’ … we also have the opportunity to get in on the money, too. The stakes may not be as big as that last PowerBall, but the odds of winning (and winning substantial cash) are so much greater.  There will be more than $10,000 in cash and prizes.  Be sure to stop by our front desk to purchase your tickets!  Good old-fashioned family fun to be had by all. You need not be present the day of the race to collect your winnings.

 

 

 

The Kindness Capital of New England!

   In May of 2011, The Mount Washington Valley became known as the Kindness Capital of New England! Locals and visitors alike participated in random acts kindness throughout the community. The event began with a presentation by Michael at the Theater in the Woods. A special event following the lecture, was held in Schouler Park. It featured a candle-lit labyrinth (sponsored by Soyfire Candle) and circle of forgiveness where the public was invited to reflect on aspects of their lives that may be causing pain, anxiety, or suffering of any kind. The next day, everyone gathered in N. Conway Village for more inspiration and to collect the tools of the kindness trade before fanning out to the community to commit generous acts on unsuspecting people. The weekend then continued with a variety of activities and more opportunities to make North Conway radiate with kindhearted energy!

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Summer Starts Next Weekend!

Well, not OFFICIALLY …  but in our minds it does!!  Once Memorial Day weekend hits, it’s summer as far as we’re concerned!  Our pool is officially open, and with it so is Story Land, Santa’s Village and a myriad of other local attractions. Although our evenings are still chilly, the trees and flowers are in full leaf and bloom.  Our hummingbirds returned a week ago. Before you know it we’ll be serving up breakfast 7-days a week again (starting July 15^th) instead of just on weekends. So what are you waiting for?  Rates will never be lower, nor traffic as light as they are now. Hope to see you soon!

Happy Spring ... Happy Mother's Day!

Two weeks of ‘PERFECT 10’ weather, and yet everyone – even I --was hoping for some rain!  It has been a dry spring … until the last few days. Since then we’ve received lots of showers and the leaves and flowers are actually popping in front of our eyes. It’s only a slight exaggeration to say that I feel like we are living in a time-lapse photograph.  You can visibly see changes from hour to hour!  In the course of 24 hours the trees leafed out! Spring is an amazing time to experience the White Mountains.  Everything is shrouded in ‘greens’ of every possible hue. Waterfalls are roaring, moose are on the loose, peepers are singing their hearts out, and flowers are appearing everywhere. Consider playing hookey this week, and get some rejuvenation from the sparkling waters, warm sunshine and crisp nights. My daily sojourns to the river outside our door have given me a sense of peace I haven’t known all winter! Even the hummingbirds have returned to our Lodge feeders, and I found myself unexpectedly making a gallon of nectar for them after their long flight from points south.  Happy Spring … and to all you fellow moms: Happy Mother’s Day!

Wildquack Duck Festival on the Horizon!

A PERFECT stretch of weather this past week extends into the foreseeable future! Daffodils are up and hiking abounds. Looking ahead, the Wildquack Duck Festival is on the horizon for its annual Memorial Day return! (http://www.jacksonnh.com/event/119/Wildquack-Duck-River-Festival) . Come see this wild and zany event that has been a favorite for more than 20 years. Families, friends, singles, writers, photographers… You really need to see this one for yourself. Watching more than 3,500 yellow rubber ducks make their way down the Wildcat River to the finish line will excite the child in all of us. There is No Admissions Fee … anyone can pick a spot on the side of the river where you will share the excitement as the ducks pass!

The prizes are incredible offering more than $2,500 in cash and 50 other prizes including vacation stays, dining certificates, spa treatments, gift baskets, attractions tickets and so much more. Black Bear Realty to sponsor "Last Prize" again this year by providing us with an incredible Mountain Bike. You won't want to miss the incredible Silent Auction that offers more than $5,000 in choice stays, dining opportunities, gift baskets, art work, photos and so much more. 

Everyone should come hungry and be sure to check out all the fabulous barbeque foods offered by local and visiting chefs.  Try the kettle corn, ice cream, lobster sandwiches and more. Watch the “ever growing” parade starting from the Covered Bridge at 1:30 PM, have your picture taken with “Wildquack” the Jackson Area Chamber of Commerce Duck, visit local businesses and really enjoy this “ole” fashioned “Day in the Park”. Watch for a chance to become this year's Wildquack Duck River Festival King or Queen where some lucky person will be treated like the royalty they are! 

Find out who will be this year’s “Jackson’s Cake Boss” (Winner will receive a $200 purse!) just be sure to enter early by calling the office today (603) 383-9356. Judging will be done by three local chefs and announced at the event. All visitors can taste the entries for a $1 donation. Be sure to stop by the “Jackson Cake Boss Competition Tent area and try out all the yummy cakes. Do you think you’ve got talent? If you have any talent and would like to show it off... be sure to register for your “5 Minutes of Fame” contest. Winner will be selected by our M/C's and the winner will receive a prize package valued over $200. Entries must fill out an application and there is a $15 entry fee per act. Acts will be given 5 minutes on stage. 

Stay two nights at The Lodge this weekend, ask for the Memorial Day Special, and get a free duck ticket, putting you in the running for the Grand Prize of $1000 cash!  Third night stays are at a discount.

Local Maple Syrup on Sale at The Lodge at Jackson Village!

They’ve done it again!  Visiting the Believe in Books Literacy Foundation  is always full of sweet surprises.  The maple trees  in their ‘Hundred Acre Wood’ have finished being tapped this season, and the sap boiled down in the sugar house.  The result?  A bumper crop of liquid gold, also known as New Hampshire Maple Syrup! Wow … is it good!  Ask any farmer and you will find that some years are good for syrup production, others not so much.  It all depends on the local conditions, such as the temperature, number of sunny days, amount of rain or snowfall, the combination of warm days and cold nights, and even the individual tree itself. Conditions this year were a perfect storm of the ideal in all categories, and resulted in a great crop of maple syrup, sugar, candy and maple butter. We are selling various quantities of their syrup again this year at The Lodge.  The profits go to the Believe in Books Literacy Foundation, a really “sweet” cause! http://www.believeinbooks.org/

Winter Skiing Ends Today ... Spring Skiing Takes its Place!!

Today may be the last day of winter skiing at Wildcat Mountain, but the Spring ski season at Tuckerman Ravine is just gearing up!! What a fantastic winter it has been. With a total annual snowfall of 214” and counting at Wildcat so far, it has been a fabulous season to say the least. Part of me is sad to see it go; the other half need only step out the front door today at The Lodge to see the bulbs poking their heads through the newly exposed soil, and the sights, smells and sounds of spring abounding everywhere. I am hooked!  Several guests are at Tuck skiing today, and it couldn’t be more perfect. We’ll get ‘the scoop’ firsthand tonight when they return. What a blessing it is to live and work here at the base of Mount Washington. After 9 years and counting, I still pinch myself to make sure that my good fortune is for real!!