What’s New in New Hampshire Summer 2015
ACTIVITIES/ATTRACTONS:
Alpine Adventures, Lincoln: Alpine Adventures has added a tree house gathering spot! The new tree house further differentiates Alpine Adventures in its aerial adventures. This 20x30 oasis in the trees will feature stunning views, a chance to capture unique photos with family and friends during a break from the zip line courses, and a warm fireplace during the winter and cooler days of autumn and spring. Alpine has expanded their off-road courses for the summer season to include better views, more challenging rides and new routes along Barron Mountain in the 6- wheel drive Pinzgauer Swiss army transport vehicles. www.alpinezipline.com
Bretton Woods Adventure Center, Bretton Woods: NH’s largest ski area has added several family-friendly activities to their adventure center for 2015. This summer try a tubing adventure on the Ammonoosuc River, mountain-top kite flying, new mountain biking trails at Fabyan Fields, or check out one of their guided moose watching tours. www.brettonwoods.com
Cranmore Mountain Resort: Cranmore Mountain Resort is adding a children’s ropes course to the Cranmore Adventure Park. The course is geared to younger kids, ages 3 -8, as it’s closer to the ground. The course includes bridges, zip lines and other fun obstacles. It’s the perfect introduction to Cranmore’s larger Aerial Adventure Park. www.cranmore.com
ELC Outdoors, Errol: ELC Outdoors has several new trips and activities for the 2015 season, including canoe and kayak rentals, an aerial adventure course, guided fishing trips and yurt camping, all based at its newly-acquired property in Errol, NH. ELC Outdoors' new, one-day, one-of-a-kind high ropes course features a series of ropes, wires, platforms and bridges suspended 12 to 40 feet off the ground with views of Mt. Washington and the White Mountains. In addition, ELC Outdoors offers two new wildlife trips providing visitors the opportunity to view majestic, native wildlife. www.elcoutdoors.com
Gunstock Mountain Resort: Gunstock Mountain Resort has added new adventures including summer tubing; a new stunt jump and Gunstock will host the Extreme Field Day for Kids on July 25th. www.gunstock.com
Morningside Flight Park, Claremont: Now under new ownership, Morningside has added zip- line canopy tours, kayak and paddleboard tours and rentals, and outdoor laser tag. www.flymorningside.kittyhawk.com
Whale’s Tale Waterpark, Lincoln: Whale Harbor children’s activity pool is renovated this summer with new kid-friendly features to inspire young imaginations while they have fun splashing in the water. Waterfalls and fountains are just some of the new features in this pool, allowing toddlers to experience Whale’s Tale water fun. www.whalestalewaterpark.net
ARTS, CULTURE & EDUCATION:
Children’s Museum of NH, Dover: New exhibits this season include a Yellow Submarine with dive simulator and 3D technology and programs focused on STEM subjects for elementary and middle school students. Open year round with expanded hours during summer and school vacations. www.childrens-museum.org
Mariposa Museum and World Culture Center, Peterborough: The Mariposa’s new exhibit, Renewing Energies: Fairy Tales, Heroes, and the Wisdom of Stories is now open. For visitors of all ages, this exhibit brings to life some of the world’s most cherished tales with a little help from the museum’s collection of puppets, costumes, and folk art artifacts.
Mt. Kearsarge Indian Museum, Warner: In addition to the ongoing rotation of exhibits, the museum is opening a new exhibit of fine art in the Contemporary Art Gallery called “Native American Tattoos.” Abenaki artist Liz Charlebois is guest curator. The exhibit will be open through July 22, 2015. www.indianmuseum.org
The New Hampshire Telephone Museum, Warner: The new exhibit, “Oracles and Dragons and Apples! Oh My! The Digital Wizardry of Early Computing” is open for summer 2015. Follow the progression of the computer as you explore the transformation of technology from machines to computers to devices. The exhibit runs through October. www.nhtelephonemuseum.org
Palace Theatre, Manchester: This historic theatre is celebrating its centennial anniversary this year. Opened in 1915, the theatre has survived the advent of movies and television, a flood, and a fire and continues to celebrate the performing arts. www.palacetheatre.org
Performing arts on stage and on screen in Portsmouth Summer 2015: From professional theater to innovative performances, from nationally known to home grown talent. Live music every night at the Press Room (www.pressroomnh.com); concerts, comics, cinema and celebrated authors at The Music Hall (www.themusichall.org); looking ahead to live music and theater (Peter Pan – The Musical) each summer outdoors at Prescott Park Arts Festival (www.prescottpark.org) and theatrical productions at Seacoast Repertory Theatre www.seacoastrep.org, Players Ring, and West End Studio Theater featuring local companies like
Pontine Theater, Darwin’s Waiting Room, and NH Theater Project. Check out the newest 3S Artspace www.3sarts.org
Strawbery Banke Museum, Portsmouth: Game on! In the Pursuit of Play on Puddle Dock has opened at Strawbery Banke. The exhibit explores the lighter side of life in the Puddle Dock neighborhood. Showcasing from 18th century whist card competitions, to the expansion of post- industrialparlorgames,totoday’stechnologicaloptions. www.strawberybanke.org
CULINARY:
Franklin Oyster House, Portsmouth: Franklin Oyster House is a newly opened ‘neighborhood oyster bar’ on Fleet Street in Portsmouth. The menu showcases oysters from the East and West, including some harvested just six miles away at Great Bay. Also on the menu are dishes that have local flavor and history. The restaurant is a collaboration between beard nominated Chef Matt Louis and Seacoast restaurateur Jay McSharry. www.franklinoysterhouse.com
Polly’s Pancake Parlor, Sugar Hill: Polly’s has expanded their award-winning restaurant to accommodate more guests. Polly’s is now open year round! www.pollyspancakeparlor.com
The Silver Fountain Inn & Tea Parlor, Dover: Now offering a daily luncheon and high tea, from lighter fare to a fancy 3-tiered “Duchess” menu. www.silverfountain.com
Thompson Tavern, Dover: Recently opened, the tavern is located on Central Ave in historic downtown Dover. The menu features locally sourced food and New England area beers, wine and spirits. www.thompsontavern.com
Woodstock Inn Brewery, North Woodstock: Celebrating 20 years of craft brewing, and still brewing! This 30 barrel brewing facility and restaurant, also offers brew tours. www.woodstockinnnh.com
LODGING:
Cabins at Lopstick, Pittsburg: The Cabins at Lopstick added two new cabins for the 2015 season. Harry’s Cabin is a two-bedroom log cabin on 11 acres with incredible views of First Connecticut Lake, a private trout pond and a wood burning stone fireplace. The cabin is located adjacent to the Lopstick property, enticingly close to the Trophy Stretch of the Upper Connecticut River for world-class fishing and just a short walk to the lake.
The Savard Cabin, which was formerly the owners’ quarters, features three bedrooms, two baths, a huge farmer's porch with a hot tub situated in a private setting. The cabin boasts breathtaking views of First Connecticut Lake and surrounding mountains, as well as a spacious kitchen with granite counter tops and comfortable furniture from Lavita Furniture.
NASWA Resort, Laconia: Celebrating 80 years this year. The NASWA will be hosting a weekend long celebration in honor of their anniversary. www.naswa.com
Riverside Hotel, West Chesterfield: 2015 winner of Choice Hotels 2015 Platinum Award and ranked #1 of all Ascend Hotels worldwide. The Platinum Award is reserved for those properties in the top 3% in service, cleanliness, and likely to recommend. Riverside Hotel is located on the banks of the Connecticut River featuring all King Sleep Number Beds, hardwood floors and a view from every room. www.riversidehotelnh.com
MISC:
North Conway Village, North Conway: Celebrating 250 years. In 1765, Colonial Governor Benning Wentworth established “Conway”, named for Henry Seymour Conway, Commander in Chief of the British Army. Events and activities planned year-round for this huge celebration. For complete information visit: www.mtwashingtonvalley.org. Contact: Mary Carey Seavey, [email protected] P: 603-356-5701 x 105 www.mtwashingtonvalley.org
NH Division of Travel & Tourism, Concord: VisitNH.gov has launched a new look for summer. The Vacation Inspiration website has tips and suggestions on how to get the most out of summer. Some of the highlights include unique garden tours, unexpected concert venues, kid- friendly hikes,top amusements and natural attractions and much more. www.visitnh.gov